Intelligent sensor and sensor chain

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an intelligent sensor and a sensor chain. A power supply control unit in the intelligent sensor is separately connected to a processing unit and a signal acquisition unit, and when a first end or a second end of the power supply control unit is connected to an external power supply, the power supply control unit supplies energy to the processing unit and the signal acquisition unit. The processing unit controls the power supply control unit to perform state switching, so as to adjust a connection relationship between a power supply input end and a power supply output end of the power supply control unit. Both the first end and the second end of the power supply control unit can be used as the power supply input end of the intelligent sensor, so that the power supply control unit has the characteristic of bidirectional power supply. When a power supply circuit corresponding to the first end of the power supply control unit has a fault, it is still possible to switch so that the second end of the power supply control unit serves as the power supply input end of the intelligent sensor, thereby ensuring that the intelligent sensor works normally, and energy is supplied to a sensor connected to a first end of the intelligent sensor on the sensor chain, so that the sensor can work normally.

Description

A smart sensor and sensor chain

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This disclosure claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 2024109117014, filed on July 9, 2024, entitled “A Smart Sensor and Sensor Chain”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to the field of sensor chains, and more specifically, to a smart sensor and a sensor chain. Background Technology

[0004] In certain specialized scenarios, it is necessary to monitor long objects using sensor chains, such as conveyor belts or overhead cranes on production lines. A sensor chain consists of multiple sensors of the same or different types. The number of sensors in a single sensor chain can reach hundreds or even thousands.

[0005] Because there are many sensors in the sensor chain, it is inevitable that some sensors will fail at some point. When one sensor fails, it will affect the entire sensor chain.

[0006] Therefore, how to reduce the impact of sensor damage on the entire sensor chain has become a difficult problem of concern to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0007] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide a smart sensor and sensor chain to improve the above-mentioned problems.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solutions adopted in the embodiments of this disclosure are as follows:

[0009] In a first aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide an intelligent sensor, which includes a processing unit, a signal acquisition unit, and a power control unit. The power control unit is connected to the processing unit and the signal acquisition unit, respectively. The processing unit is connected to the signal acquisition unit. The power control unit is provided with a first terminal and a second terminal.

[0010] When an external power source is connected to the first or second terminal of the power control unit, the power control unit is configured to supply power to the processing unit and the signal acquisition unit.

[0011] The signal acquisition unit is configured to acquire information after power-on and transmit the acquired target information to the processing unit;

[0012] The processing unit is configured to control the power control unit to switch states in order to adjust the continuity between the power input terminal and the power output terminal of the power control unit.

[0013] Wherein, when the first end of the power control unit is the power input end, the second end of the power control unit is the power output end; when the second end of the power control unit is the power input end, the first end of the power control unit is the power output end.

[0014] Optionally, the power control unit includes a first diode, a second diode, a power converter, and a switching assembly; a first terminal of the power control unit is connected to the anode of the first diode, a second terminal of the power control unit is connected to the anode of the second diode, the cathodes of the first diode and the second diode are connected to the input terminal of the power converter, and the output terminal of the power converter is connected to the processing unit and the signal acquisition unit; a first terminal of the switching assembly is connected to the first terminal of the power control unit, a second terminal of the switching assembly is connected to the second terminal of the power control unit, and a control terminal of the switching assembly is connected to the processing unit; the processing unit is configured to control the switching assembly to switch states to adjust the conduction relationship between the power input terminal and the power output terminal of the power control unit.

[0015] Optionally, the switching assembly includes a first switch, a second switch, a first protection unit, and a second protection unit; one end of the first switch is connected to the second end of the second protection unit, and a terminal is led out at the connection point as the first end of the switching assembly; one end of the second switch is connected to the second end of the first protection unit, and a terminal is led out at the connection point as the second end of the switching assembly; the other end of the first switch is connected to the first end of the first protection unit, and the other end of the second switch is connected to the first end of the second protection unit; the control terminal of the switching assembly includes the control terminal of the first switch and the control terminal of the second switch, and the processing unit is connected to the control terminals of the first switch and the second switch respectively; the processing unit is configured to control the first switch and the second switch to switch states to adjust the conduction relationship between the power input terminal and the power output terminal of the power control unit; wherein, the current flow direction of the first protection unit is from the first end of the first protection unit to the second end of the first protection unit, and the current flow direction of the second protection unit is from the first end of the second protection unit to the second end of the second protection unit.

[0016] Optionally, both the first protection unit and the second protection unit are connected to the processing unit; the first protection unit is configured to switch to an abnormal protection state when the first switch current is greater than a first threshold, wherein the first switch current is the current flowing through the first switch; the second protection unit is configured to switch to an abnormal protection state when the second switch current is greater than a second threshold, wherein the second switch current is the current flowing through the second switch; the processing unit is further configured to monitor the state of the first protection unit and the state of the second protection unit; the processing unit is further configured to control the first switch to open when the first switch is closed and if it is detected that the first protection unit has switched to an abnormal protection state; the processing unit is further configured to control the second switch to open when it is closed and if it is detected that the second protection unit has switched to an abnormal protection state.

[0017] Optionally, both the first protection unit and the second protection unit are connected to the processing unit; the first protection unit is configured to monitor a first switch current and transmit the first switch current to the processing unit, wherein the first switch current is the current flowing through the first switch; the second protection unit is configured to monitor a second switch current and transmit the second switch current to the processing unit, wherein the second switch current is the current flowing through the second switch; the processing unit is configured to combine the first switch current and the second switch current to control the first switch and the second switch to switch states.

[0018] Optionally, the processing unit is configured to control the first switch to open when the first switch current exceeds a first preset range; the processing unit is configured to control the second switch to open when the second switch current exceeds a second preset range.

[0019] Optionally, the power control unit further includes a voltage measurement unit; a first terminal of the voltage measurement unit is connected to a first terminal of the power control unit, a second terminal of the voltage measurement unit is connected to a second terminal of the power control unit, and an output terminal of the voltage measurement unit is connected to the processing unit; the voltage measurement unit is configured to monitor a first voltage and a second voltage, and transmit the first voltage and the second voltage to the processing unit, wherein the first voltage is the voltage at the first terminal of the power control unit, and the second voltage is the voltage at the second terminal of the power control unit; the processing unit is configured to combine the first voltage and the second voltage to control the switching assembly to perform state switching.

[0020] Optionally, the processing unit is configured to determine whether a downstream device has failed based on the first voltage and the second voltage, and if the downstream device fails, to control the target switch to open; wherein the downstream device is a device connected to the power output terminal of the power control unit, and the target switch is a switch connecting the power input terminal and the power output terminal.

[0021] Optionally, the processing unit is configured to determine whether the signal acquisition unit needs to be started based on a pre-configured instruction or an instruction transmitted by the host. If so, it sends a power supply instruction to the power control unit to control the power control unit to supply power to the signal acquisition unit.

[0022] Optionally, the smart sensor further includes a communication link unit connected to the processing unit. The communication link unit has a first end and a second end. The first end of the communication link unit corresponds to the first end of the power control unit, and the second end of the communication link unit corresponds to the second end of the power control unit. The processing unit is further configured to receive a first configuration instruction transmitted by an upstream device through the communication link unit after power-on, and to perform address configuration according to the first configuration instruction. The upstream device is a device connected to the power input terminal of the power control unit, and the first configuration instruction includes the address information of the smart sensor. The processing unit is further configured to, after configuration, control the power input terminal of the power control unit to connect to the power output terminal of the power control unit to supply power to downstream devices. The downstream device is a device connected to the power output terminal of the power control unit. The processing unit is further configured to, after the downstream device is powered on, send a second configuration instruction to the downstream device through the communication link unit. The second configuration instruction includes the address information of the downstream device.

[0023] Optionally, the processing unit is further configured to provide feedback on the target information through the communication link unit after the configuration is completed.

[0024] Optionally, the processing unit is further configured to send a configuration success message to the upper-level device after the configuration is completed.

[0025] Optionally, the processing unit is further configured to control the communication link unit to switch to a cascaded communication state after power-on, wherein the cascaded communication state refers to the first end and the second end of the communication link unit being connected through the processing unit; the processing unit is further configured to control the communication link unit to switch to a pass-through state when it is determined that the downstream device is successfully configured, wherein the pass-through state refers to the first end and the second end of the communication link unit being directly connected.

[0026] Optionally, the processing unit is further configured to determine that the downstream device has failed if it does not receive configuration success information from the downstream device within a preset time range, and to control the power input terminal of the power control unit to disconnect from the power output terminal of the power control unit; the processing unit is further configured to send configuration failure information to the upstream device, wherein the configuration failure information indicates that the downstream device has failed to configure.

[0027] Optionally, the communication link unit includes a first transceiver, a second transceiver, a third switch, a fourth switch, a fifth switch, and a sixth switch; a first end of the first transceiver is connected to a first communication input terminal of the processing unit; one end of the third switch is connected to the first end of the first transceiver, and the other end of the third switch is connected to the first end of the second transceiver; one end of the fourth switch is connected to a first communication output terminal of the processing unit, and the other end of the fourth switch is connected to the first end of the second transceiver; a second end of the second transceiver is connected to a second communication input terminal of the processing unit; one end of the fifth switch is connected to the second end of the second transceiver, and the other end of the fifth switch is connected to the second end of the second transceiver; one end of the sixth switch is connected to the second communication output terminal of the processing unit, and the other end of the sixth switch is connected to the second end of the first transceiver; the third end of the first transceiver serves as the first end of the communication link unit, and the third end of the second transceiver serves as the second end of the communication link unit; the processing unit is connected to the control terminals of the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch, respectively.

[0028] Optionally, when the communication link unit needs to switch to cascaded communication mode, the processing unit is further configured to control the fourth and sixth switches to close and control the third and fifth switches to open, so that the communication link unit switches to cascaded communication mode; when the communication link unit needs to switch to direct mode, the processing unit is further configured to control the fourth and sixth switches to open and control the third and fifth switches to close, so that the communication link unit switches to direct mode.

[0029] Optionally, the first transceiver is a first differential bus transceiver, and the second transceiver is a second differential bus transceiver; the third terminal of the first transceiver is a differential port of the first differential bus transceiver, and the third terminal of the second transceiver is a differential port of the second differential bus transceiver; the differential ports of the first and second differential bus transceivers are configured to connect to a differential communication line.

[0030] Optionally, the communication link unit includes a first transceiver, a second transceiver, a seventh switch, and an eighth switch; a first terminal of the first transceiver is connected to a first communication input terminal of the processing unit; a first terminal of the seventh switch is connected to a first terminal of the first transceiver; a second terminal of the seventh switch is connected to a first communication output terminal of the processing unit; a third terminal of the seventh switch is connected to a first terminal of the second transceiver; a second terminal of the second transceiver is connected to a second communication input terminal of the processing unit; a first terminal of the eighth switch is connected to a second terminal of the second transceiver; a second terminal of the eighth switch is connected to a second communication output terminal of the processing unit; a third terminal of the eighth switch is connected to a second terminal of the first transceiver; the third terminal of the first transceiver serves as the first terminal of the communication link unit, and the third terminal of the second transceiver serves as the second terminal of the communication link unit; the processing unit is connected to the control terminal of the seventh switch and the control terminal of the eighth switch, respectively.

[0031] Optionally, when the communication link unit needs to switch to cascaded communication mode, the processing unit is further configured to control the third terminal of the seventh switch to be connected to the second terminal, and control the third terminal of the eighth switch to be connected to the second terminal, so that the communication link unit switches to cascaded communication mode; when the communication link unit needs to switch to direct mode, the processing unit is further configured to control the third terminal of the seventh switch to be connected to the first terminal, and control the third terminal of the eighth switch to be connected to the first terminal, so that the communication link unit switches to direct mode.

[0032] In a second aspect, embodiments of this disclosure provide a sensor chain, the sensor chain comprising N smart sensors as described in the first aspect;

[0033] The second terminal of the power control unit of the i-th smart sensor is connected to the first terminal of the power control unit of the (i+1)-th smart sensor, where 1≤i≤N-1;

[0034] The second end of the communication link unit of the i-th smart sensor is connected to the first end of the communication link unit of the (i+1)-th smart sensor;

[0035] The first terminal of the power control unit of the first intelligent sensor is configured to connect to the power output terminal of the host, and the second terminal of the power control unit of the Nth intelligent sensor is configured to connect to the power output terminal of the slave.

[0036] The first end of the communication link unit of the first intelligent sensor is configured to connect to the communication end of the host, and the second end of the communication link unit of the Nth intelligent sensor is configured to connect to the communication end of the slave.

[0037] Compared to existing technologies, this disclosure provides an intelligent sensor and sensor chain. The intelligent sensor includes a processing unit, a signal acquisition unit, and a power control unit. The power control unit is connected to both the processing unit and the signal acquisition unit, and the processing unit is also connected to the signal acquisition unit. The power control unit has a first terminal and a second terminal. When an external power source is connected to either the first or second terminal of the power control unit, the power control unit is configured to supply power to both the processing unit and the signal acquisition unit. The signal acquisition unit is configured to acquire information after power-on and transmit the acquired target information to the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to control the power control unit to switch states to adjust the continuity between the power input and power output terminals of the power control unit. Specifically, when the first terminal of the power control unit is the power input terminal, the second terminal is the power output terminal; conversely, when the second terminal is the power input terminal, the first terminal is the power output terminal. Both the first and second terminals of the power control unit can serve as power input terminals for the intelligent sensor, providing bidirectional power supply. When the power supply circuit corresponding to the first end of the power control unit fails, the second end of the power control unit can be switched to be used as the power input end of the smart sensor, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the smart sensor and supplying power to the sensors connected to the first end of the smart sensor in the sensor chain so that they can work normally.

[0038] To make the above-described objects, features and advantages of this disclosure more apparent and understandable, optional embodiments are described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0039] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly described below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this disclosure and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0040] Figure 1 is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the smart sensor provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0041] Figure 2 is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the power control unit provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0042] Figure 3 is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the switching assembly provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0043] Figure 4 is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the switching assembly provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 5 is a third schematic diagram of the structure of the switching assembly provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0045] Figure 6 is a second schematic diagram of the power control unit provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0046] Figure 7 is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the smart sensor provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0047] Figure 8 is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the communication link unit provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0048] Figure 9 is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the communication link unit provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0049] Figure 10 is a third schematic diagram of the structure of the communication link unit provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0050] Figure 11 is a fourth schematic diagram of the structure of the communication link unit provided in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0051] Figure 12 is a schematic diagram of the connection between the power control units of adjacent smart sensors provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0052] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram of the connection between communication link units of adjacent smart sensors provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0053] In the diagram: 100 - Processing unit; 110 - Signal acquisition unit; 120 - Power control unit; 121 - Power converter; 122 - Switch assembly; 122_1 - First protection unit; 122_2 - Second protection unit; 123 - Voltage measurement unit; 130 - Communication link unit; 131 - First transceiver; 132 - Second transceiver. Detailed Implementation

[0054] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this disclosure clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this disclosure will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this disclosure, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this disclosure described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0055] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of this disclosure provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed disclosure, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the disclosure. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this disclosure without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0056] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0057] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0058] In the description of this disclosure, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "setup" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this disclosure based on the specific circumstances.

[0059] The following detailed description of some embodiments of this disclosure is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Unless otherwise specified, the following embodiments and features can be combined with each other.

[0060] A sensor chain consists of multiple sensors of the same or different types. In a sensor chain, the upstream and downstream sensors of each sensor are fixed. The upstream sensor can supply power to the downstream sensor, driving all sensors sequentially; that is, the sensor chain transmits electrical energy in a unidirectional manner. When one sensor fails, the entire sensor chain will be affected.

[0061] To overcome this problem, this disclosure provides an intelligent sensor. Please refer to Figure 1, which is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the intelligent sensor provided in this disclosure.

[0062] The smart sensor includes a processing unit 100, a signal acquisition unit 110, and a power control unit 120. The power control unit 120 is connected to the processing unit 100 and the signal acquisition unit 110, respectively. The processing unit 100 is connected to the signal acquisition unit 110. The power control unit 120 is provided with a first terminal (PA) and a second terminal (PB).

[0063] The processing unit 100 may be, but is not limited to, a microcontroller unit (MCU), and the signal acquisition unit 110 may be, but is not limited to, a temperature acquisition unit, a humidity acquisition unit, a speed acquisition unit, an acceleration acquisition unit, and an attitude acquisition unit, etc.

[0064] It should be noted that both the first terminal (PA) and the second terminal (PB) of the power control unit 120 can be configured to connect to other devices, such as other smart sensors, master or slave devices. Both the first terminal (PA) and the second terminal (PB) of the power control unit 120 can serve as power input terminals for the smart sensor, configured to connect to an external power source.

[0065] When an external power source is connected to the first terminal (PA) or the second terminal (PB) of the power control unit 120, the power control unit 120 is configured to supply power to the processing unit 100 and the signal acquisition unit 110.

[0066] In one optional implementation, the power control unit 120 directly supplies power to the processing unit 100. The processing unit 100 can determine whether the signal acquisition unit 110 needs to be activated based on pre-configured settings or instructions transmitted from the host. If so, the processing unit 100 can send a power supply command to the power control unit 120 to control the power control unit 120 to supply power to the signal acquisition unit 110. When the power control unit 120 does not receive the power supply command, it stops supplying power to the signal acquisition unit 110. This method allows for flexible control of the signal acquisition unit 110, preventing it from malfunctioning and reducing energy consumption.

[0067] The signal acquisition unit 110 is configured to acquire information after power-on and transmit the acquired target information to the processing unit 100.

[0068] Optionally, when the processing unit 100 receives the target information transmitted by the signal acquisition unit 110, it can forward the target information through wired or wireless communication, including but not limited to sending it to the corresponding host or slave.

[0069] The processing unit 100 is configured to control the power control unit 120 to switch states in order to adjust the conduction relationship between the power input terminal and the power output terminal of the power control unit 120.

[0070] Specifically, when the first terminal of the power control unit 120 is the power input terminal, the second terminal of the power control unit 120 is the power output terminal; when the second terminal of the power control unit 120 is the power input terminal, the first terminal of the power control unit 120 is the power output terminal.

[0071] It should be noted that when the power input and power output terminals of the power control unit 120 are connected, the internal current of the power control unit 120 flows from the power input terminal to the power output terminal. At this time, the intelligent sensor can supply power to its corresponding downstream device. The downstream device is the device connected to the power output terminal of the power control unit 120.

[0072] In the smart sensor provided in this embodiment, both the first and second terminals of the power control unit can serve as power input terminals for the smart sensor, providing bidirectional power supply. When the power supply circuit corresponding to the first terminal of the power control unit fails, the second terminal of the power control unit can be switched to serve as the power input terminal for the smart sensor, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the smart sensor and supplying power to sensors connected to the first terminal of the smart sensor in the sensor chain, enabling them to operate normally.

[0073] Based on Figure 1, regarding the structure of the power control unit, this disclosure also provides an optional implementation method. Please refer to Figure 2, which is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the power control unit provided in this disclosure. For ease of illustration, ① represents the first end of the corresponding device, ② represents the second end of the corresponding device, and ③ represents the third end of the corresponding device, and will not be described again hereafter.

[0074] The power control unit 120 includes a first diode D1, a second diode D2, a power converter 121, and a switching assembly 122.

[0075] Among them, the power converter 121 can be, but is not limited to, a DC-DC converter, or simply DC-DC.

[0076] The first terminal (PA) of the power control unit 120 is connected to the positive terminal of the first diode D1, the second terminal (PB) of the power control unit 120 is connected to the positive terminal of the second diode D2, the negative terminals of the first diode D1 and the second diode D2 are connected to the input terminal (VIN) of the power converter 121, and the output terminal (VOUT) of the power converter 121 is connected to the processing unit 100 and the signal acquisition unit 110.

[0077] It should be noted that the output terminal (VOUT) of the power converter 121 can be configured with multiple sub-ports. The current and voltage output by different sub-ports can be the same or different, and this is not limited here. The power converter 121 can supply power to the processing unit 100 and the signal acquisition unit 110 through the output terminal (VOUT). Of course, it can also supply power to other components inside the smart sensor.

[0078] In one optional embodiment, a power supply switch (not shown) is provided between the output terminal (VOUT) of the power converter 121 and the signal acquisition unit 110, and this power supply switch is also connected to the processing unit 100. When it is necessary to start the signal acquisition unit 110, the processing unit 100 controls the power supply switch to close, and the power converter 121 supplies power to the signal acquisition unit 110. When it is not necessary to start the signal acquisition unit 110, the processing unit 100 controls the power supply switch to open, and the power converter 121 stops supplying power to the signal acquisition unit 110.

[0079] The first end of the switch assembly 122 is connected to the first end (PA) of the power control unit 120, the second end of the switch assembly 122 is connected to the second end (PB) of the power control unit 120, and the control end of the switch assembly 122 is connected to the processing unit 100.

[0080] The processing unit 100 is configured to control the switch assembly 122 to switch states in order to adjust the conduction relationship between the power input terminal and the power output terminal of the power control unit 120.

[0081] Optionally, the processing unit 100 can send a state switching command to the control terminal of the switching assembly 122 to control the switching assembly 122 to switch its state, thereby adjusting the continuity between the power input terminal and the power output terminal of the power control unit 120. This continuity includes one or more of the following: whether the first and second terminals of the switching assembly 122 are connected, whether current flows from the first terminal to the second terminal within the switching assembly 122, and whether current flows from the second terminal to the first terminal within the switching assembly 122. By adjusting the continuity between the power input terminal and the power output terminal of the power control unit 120, the processing unit 100 can flexibly control whether to supply power to downstream devices.

[0082] Based on Figure 2, this disclosure also provides an optional implementation method for the structure of the switch assembly. Please refer to Figure 3, which is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the switch assembly provided in this disclosure.

[0083] The switch assembly 122 includes a first switch K1, a second switch K2, a first protection unit 122_1, and a second protection unit 122_2.

[0084] In an optional embodiment, the output terminal (VOUT) of the power converter 121 is also connected to the first protection unit 122_1 and the second protection unit 122_2 (not shown in the figure), and the power converter 121 can also supply power to the first protection unit 122_1 and the second protection unit 122_2.

[0085] One end of the first switch K1 is connected to the second end of the second protection unit 122_2. A terminal is led out at the connection point of the two to serve as the first end of the switch assembly 122, which is connected to the first end (PA) of the power control unit 120.

[0086] One end of the second switch K2 is connected to the second end of the first protection unit 122_1, and a terminal is led out at the connection point of the two as the second end of the switch assembly 122, which is connected to the second end (PB) of the power control unit 120.

[0087] The other end of the first switch K1 is connected to the first end of the first protection unit 122_1, and the other end of the second switch K2 is connected to the first end of the second protection unit 122_2.

[0088] The control terminals of the switch assembly 122 include the control terminals of the first switch K1 and the second switch K2, and the processing unit 100 is connected to the control terminals of the first switch K1 and the second switch K2 respectively.

[0089] The processing unit 100 is configured to control the first switch K1 and the second switch K2 to switch states to adjust the conduction relationship between the power input terminal and the power output terminal of the power control unit 120.

[0090] The current flow direction of the first protection unit 122_1 is from the first end of the first protection unit 122_1 to the second end of the first protection unit 122_1, and the current flow direction of the second protection unit 122_2 is from the first end of the second protection unit 122_2 to the second end of the second protection unit 122_2.

[0091] It should be noted that at any given time, only one of the first switch K1 and the second switch K2 can be in a closed state.

[0092] Please refer to Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 is a second structural schematic diagram of the switch assembly provided in an embodiment of this disclosure, and Figure 5 is a third structural schematic diagram of the switch assembly provided in an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0093] In Figure 4, current flows into the power control unit 120 from the first terminal (PA), which serves as the power input terminal. After passing through the first switch K1 and the first protection unit 122_1, the current flows to the second terminal (PB) of the power control unit 120, which serves as the power output terminal.

[0094] In Figure 5, current flows in from the second terminal (PB) of the power control unit 120, which serves as the power input terminal. After passing through the second switch K2 and the second protection unit 122_2, the current flows to the first terminal (PA) of the power control unit 120, which serves as the power output terminal.

[0095] In one optional embodiment, the switch assembly 122 may include a first switch K1, one end of the first switch K1 serving as the first end of the switch assembly 122, the other end of the first switch K1 serving as the second end of the switch assembly 122, and the control end of the first switch K1 serving as the control end of the switch assembly 122.

[0096] Please continue to refer to Figure 3. In one optional embodiment, both the first protection unit 122_1 and the second protection unit 122_2 are connected to the processing unit 100.

[0097] The first protection unit 122_1 is configured to switch to an abnormal protection state when the first switch current is greater than the first threshold, wherein the first switch current is the current flowing through the first switch K1.

[0098] It should be noted that when the first switch K1 is closed, current may flow through it, meaning there may be a first switch current. If a fault occurs in downstream equipment, causing a short circuit, the excessive current may damage the relevant equipment. To solve this problem, a first protection unit 122_1 can be set up. When the first switch current exceeds a first threshold, the first protection unit 122_1 switches to an abnormal protection state (this abnormal protection state can be, but is not limited to, an open state), thereby providing protection.

[0099] The second protection unit 122_2 is configured to switch to an abnormal protection state when the current of the second switch K2 is greater than the second threshold, wherein the current of the second switch K2 is the current flowing through the second switch K2.

[0100] Similar to the first protection unit 122_1, the second protection unit 122_2 can also provide protection. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the first threshold and the second threshold can be the same or different, and this is not limited thereto.

[0101] The processing unit 100 is also configured to monitor the status of the first protection unit 122_1 and the status of the second protection unit 122_2.

[0102] The processing unit 100 is also configured to, when the first switch K1 is closed, if it detects that the first protection unit 122_1 has switched to an abnormal protection state, control the first switch K1 to open.

[0103] The processing unit 100 is also configured to control the second switch K2 to open if it detects that the second protection unit 122_2 has switched to an abnormal protection state when the second switch K2 is closed.

[0104] Please continue to refer to Figure 3. In one optional embodiment, both the first protection unit 122_1 and the second protection unit 122_2 are connected to the processing unit 100.

[0105] The first protection unit 122_1 is configured to monitor the first switch current and transmit the first switch current to the processing unit 100, wherein the first switch current is the current flowing through the first switch K1.

[0106] The second protection unit 122_2 is configured to monitor the second switch current and transmit the second switch current to the processing unit 100, wherein the second switch current is the current flowing through the second switch K2.

[0107] The processing unit 100 is configured to control the state switching of the first switch K1 and the second switch K2 by combining the first switch current and the second switch current.

[0108] Optionally, the processing unit 100 determines whether a fault has occurred in the downstream equipment by combining the first switch current and the second switch current. If a fault occurs, it controls the first switch K1 and the second switch K2 to switch states and stop supplying power to the downstream equipment.

[0109] In one alternative implementation, the processing unit 100 is configured to control the first switch K1 to open when the first switch current exceeds a first preset range.

[0110] The processing unit 100 is configured to control the second switch K2 to open when the second switch current exceeds the second preset range.

[0111] It should be noted that if the current exceeds the preset range, it indicates that the current is either too high or too low, which may cause a malfunction in downstream equipment. Therefore, it is necessary to disconnect the power supply to the downstream equipment, and thus the corresponding switch is turned off.

[0112] Based on Figure 2 and / or Figure 3, this disclosure also provides an optional implementation method to further improve safety. Please refer to Figure 6, which is a second schematic diagram of the power control unit provided in this disclosure.

[0113] The power control unit 120 also includes a voltage measurement unit 123. The output terminal (VOUT) of the power converter 121 can also be connected to the voltage measurement unit 123 (not shown in the figure), and the power converter 121 can also supply power to the voltage measurement unit 123.

[0114] The first terminal of the voltage measurement unit 123 is connected to the first terminal (PA) of the power control unit 120, the second terminal of the voltage measurement unit 123 is connected to the second terminal (PB) of the power control unit 120, and the output terminal of the voltage measurement unit 123 is connected to the processing unit 100.

[0115] The voltage measurement unit 123 is configured to monitor a first voltage and a second voltage, and transmit the first voltage and the second voltage to the processing unit 100, wherein the first voltage is the voltage of the first terminal (PA) of the power control unit 120, and the second voltage is the voltage of the second terminal (PB) of the power control unit 120.

[0116] The processing unit 100 is configured to control the switching assembly 122 to switch states by combining the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0117] Optionally, the processing unit 100 is configured to control the first switch K1 and the second switch K2 to switch states by combining the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0118] Regarding how to combine the first voltage and the second voltage to control the switching assembly 122, this disclosure also provides an optional implementation method, which is described below.

[0119] The processing unit 100 is configured to determine whether a fault has occurred in the downstream device based on the first voltage and the second voltage. If a fault has occurred in the downstream device, the target switch is controlled to open, thereby disconnecting the circuit of the switch assembly 122.

[0120] Among them, the downstream device is the device connected to the power output terminal of the power control unit 120. This downstream device can be other smart sensors, and the target switch is a switch that connects the power input terminal and the power output terminal.

[0121] Optionally, when the deviation between the first voltage and the second voltage is greater than a preset deviation, it can be determined whether a fault has occurred in the downstream equipment.

[0122] When the first terminal (PA) of the power control unit 120 is the power input terminal, the target switch is the first switch K1; when the second terminal (PB) of the power control unit 120 is the power input terminal, the target switch is the second switch K2.

[0123] In one alternative implementation, the power line in the power control unit 120 can be reused as a communication line, through which carrier communication can be performed to complete address configuration and information exchange.

[0124] Based on the foregoing, this disclosure also provides an optional implementation method for how the smart sensor completes communication. Please refer to Figure 7, which is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the smart sensor provided in this disclosure.

[0125] The smart sensor also includes a communication link unit 130, which is connected to the processing unit 100. The communication link unit 130 has a first terminal (CA) and a second terminal (CB). The first terminal (CA) of the communication link unit 130 corresponds to the first terminal (PA) of the power control unit 120, meaning they are configured to connect to the same device. The second terminal (CB) of the communication link unit 130 corresponds to the second terminal (PB) of the power control unit 120, meaning they are configured to connect to the same device.

[0126] The processing unit 100 is also configured to receive a first configuration instruction transmitted by the upper-level device through the communication link unit 130 after power-on, and to perform address configuration according to the first configuration instruction.

[0127] The upstream device is the device connected to the power input terminal of the power control unit 120, and the first configuration instruction includes the address information of the smart sensor. This upstream device can be a master or slave device in a sensor chain, or it can be another sensor connected to the power input terminal of the power control unit 120 in the smart sensor.

[0128] In one optional implementation, if the processing unit 100 receives a configuration command after power-on, the processing unit 100 is configured to verify whether the device sending the configuration command is consistent with the device connected to the power input terminal of the power control unit 120. If they are consistent, the configuration continues; if they are inconsistent, it indicates that there may be a fault and the configuration command does not need to be executed.

[0129] The processing unit 100 is also configured to, after configuration, connect the power input terminal of the power control unit 120 to the power output terminal of the power control unit 120 to supply power to downstream devices.

[0130] The downstream device is the device connected to the power output terminal of the power control unit 120.

[0131] The power input terminal of the power control unit 120 is connected to the power output terminal of the power control unit 120, as shown in Figure 4 and / or Figure 5.

[0132] The processing unit 100 is also configured to send a second configuration command to the downstream device via the communication link unit 130 after the downstream device has been powered on.

[0133] The second configuration instruction includes the address information of the downstream device.

[0134] It should be noted that by configuring smart sensors step by step, the configuration of all normally functioning smart sensors in the sensor chain can be completed.

[0135] In an optional implementation, the processing unit 100 is further configured to provide feedback on the target information via the communication link unit 130 after the configuration is completed.

[0136] In one optional implementation, the processing unit 100 can feed back target information to the target device according to a preset cycle, or, upon receiving a data acquisition command transmitted by the target device, feed back target information to the target device. The target information is the information acquired by the signal acquisition unit 110. When the first terminal (PA) of the power control unit 120 is a power input terminal, the target device is the master of the sensor chain; when the second terminal (PB) of the power control unit 120 is a power input terminal, the target device is a slave of the sensor chain.

[0137] In an optional implementation, the processing unit 100 is further configured to send configuration success information to the superior device after the configuration is completed.

[0138] To ensure the accuracy of the configuration results, each smart sensor in the sensor chain needs to be configured during the configuration process. To achieve this, this disclosure also provides an optional implementation method, which is described below.

[0139] The processing unit 100 is also configured to control the communication link unit 130 to switch to cascaded communication state after power-on, wherein the cascaded communication state means that the first end of the communication link unit 130 and the second end of the communication link unit 130 are connected through the processing unit 100.

[0140] Because it is in cascaded communication mode, during the configuration process, the downstream devices can only receive instructions sent by the processing unit 100, ensuring that the smart sensors on the sensor chain complete the configuration in an orderly manner.

[0141] Optionally, after the communication link unit 130 switches to the cascaded communication state, if it is determined that the downstream device has been powered on, a second configuration command is sent to the downstream device through the communication link unit 130.

[0142] The processing unit 100 is also configured to control the communication link unit 130 to switch to a pass-through state when it is determined that the subsequent device is successfully configured. The pass-through state means that the first end of the communication link unit 130 and the second end of the communication link unit 130 are directly connected in communication.

[0143] It should be noted that when communication link unit 130 is in cascaded communication mode, if a downstream device needs to provide feedback, it must go through processing unit 100. If communication link unit 130 switches to pass-through mode, the downstream device can directly transmit information to the upstream device without going through processing unit 100. If all configured smart sensors in the sensor chain are in pass-through mode, the sensor chain is essentially a parallel bus, and the downstream device can directly provide feedback to the host or slave (target device), improving communication efficiency.

[0144] To further enhance the security of smart sensors and / or sensor chains, this disclosure also provides an optional implementation method, which is described below.

[0145] The processing unit 100 is also configured to determine that a fault has occurred in the downstream device if it does not receive configuration success information from the downstream device within a preset time range, and to disconnect the power input terminal of the power control unit 120 from the power output terminal of the power control unit 120 to stop supplying power to the downstream device.

[0146] The processing unit 100 is also configured to send configuration failure information to the superior device, wherein the configuration failure information indicates that the superior device has failed to configure.

[0147] Optionally, the configuration failure information includes the identification information of the smart sensors. When the target device receives the configuration failure information, it can determine the node that has failed based on the identification information.

[0148] Based on the foregoing, regarding the structure of the communication link unit, this disclosure also provides an optional implementation method. Please refer to Figures 8 and 9. Figure 8 is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the communication link unit provided in this disclosure, and Figure 9 is another structural schematic diagram of the communication link unit provided in this disclosure.

[0149] The communication link unit 130 includes a first transceiver 131, a second transceiver 132, a third switch K3, a fourth switch K4, a fifth switch K5, and a sixth switch K6.

[0150] The first terminal of the first transceiver 131 is connected to the first communication input terminal (UART_A_RX) of the processing unit 100. One end of the third switch K3 is connected to the first terminal of the first transceiver 131, and the other end of the third switch K3 is connected to the first terminal of the second transceiver 132.

[0151] One end of the fourth switch K4 is connected to the first communication output terminal (UART_B_TX) of the processing unit 100, and the other end of the fourth switch K4 is connected to the first terminal of the second transceiver 132.

[0152] The second terminal of the second transceiver 132 is connected to the second communication input terminal (UART_B_RX) of the processing unit 100. One end of the fifth switch K5 is connected to the second terminal of the second transceiver 132, and the other end of the fifth switch K5 is connected to the second terminal of the second transceiver 132.

[0153] One end of the sixth switch K6 is connected to the second communication output terminal (UART_A_TX) of the processing unit 100, and the other end of the sixth switch K6 is connected to the second terminal of the first transceiver 131.

[0154] The third terminal of the first transceiver 131 serves as the first terminal (CA) of the communication link unit 130, and the third terminal of the second transceiver 132 serves as the second terminal (CB) of the communication link unit 130.

[0155] It should be noted that when the first end (CA) of the communication link unit 130 is connected to the upper-level device, the second end (CB) of the communication link unit 130 can be configured to connect to the lower-level device. When the second end (CB) of the communication link unit 130 is connected to the upper-level device, the first end (CA) of the communication link unit 130 can be configured to connect to the lower-level device.

[0156] The processing unit 100 is connected to the control terminals of the third switch K3, the fourth switch K4, the fifth switch K5, and the sixth switch K6, respectively.

[0157] Optionally, the output terminal (VOUT) of the power converter 121 is connected to the first transceiver 131 and the second transceiver 132 (not shown in the figure), and the power converter 121 is also configured to supply power to the first transceiver 131 and the second transceiver 132.

[0158] In some scenarios, a single communication bus can have dozens or even hundreds of nodes, which can be understood as smart sensors in the embodiments of this disclosure. Each node sending data drives the entire bus (from beginning to end). The more nodes, the longer the bus, the heavier the load, the greater the attenuation, the higher the likelihood of interference, and the higher the requirements for the wiring (impedance matching is necessary). For these reasons, if the bus length is fixed and cannot be shortened, the only way to ensure bus communication is to reduce the communication rate and the number of nodes.

[0159] To address the aforementioned problems, this disclosure provides a solution by incorporating a first transceiver 131 and a second transceiver 132 within the smart sensor. These transceivers 131 and 132 only drive the wires between the sensor and adjacent devices (adjacent smart sensors, host, or slave). Compared to driving the entire bus, this significantly reduces the load, attenuation, and the likelihood of interference. The speed of the entire communication link is unaffected by the overall length of the sensor chain, enabling high-speed communication. By segmenting and driving over short distances, the requirements for wiring are reduced, achieving high-speed transmission.

[0160] The first transceiver 131 and the second transceiver 132 are configured to drive the communication line between the smart sensor and the adjacent device. By setting the first transceiver 131 and the second transceiver 132, segmented driving can be achieved, thereby ensuring the communication effect of the sensor chain.

[0161] When the communication link unit 130 needs to switch to the cascaded communication state, the processing unit 100 is also configured to control the fourth switch K4 and the sixth switch K6 to close, and control the third switch K3 and the fifth switch K5 to open, so that the communication link unit 130 switches to the cascaded communication state, as shown in Figure 8.

[0162] When the communication link unit 130 needs to be switched to the pass-through state, the processing unit 100 is also configured to control the fourth switch K4 and the sixth switch K6 to open, and control the third switch K3 and the fifth switch K5 to close, so that the communication link unit 130 is switched to the pass-through state, as shown in Figure 9.

[0163] In one optional implementation, when the processing unit 100 receives a communication link switching instruction sent by the host or slave, it determines whether the communication link unit 130 needs to be switched to a pass-through state based on the communication link switching instruction.

[0164] When processing unit 100 needs to send information (including but not limited to feedback information), it can control communication link unit 130 to switch to cascaded communication mode. At this time, the sixth switch K6 connected to the second communication output terminal (UART_A_TX) of processing unit 100 and the fourth switch K4 connected to the first communication output terminal (UART_B_TX) of processing unit 100 are closed, allowing information to be sent externally. Alternatively, depending on the direction of information transmission, either the sixth switch K6 or the fourth switch K4 can be controlled to be closed, allowing information to be sent externally.

[0165] In one alternative implementation, the first transceiver 131 is a first differential bus transceiver, and the second transceiver 132 is a second differential bus transceiver.

[0166] The third terminal of the first transceiver 131 is the differential port of the first differential bus transceiver, and the third terminal of the second transceiver 132 is the differential port of the second differential bus transceiver.

[0167] The differential ports of the first differential bus transceiver and the second differential bus transceiver are configured to connect to a differential communication line.

[0168] The first and second differential bus transceivers can also be configured to perform differential signal conversion.

[0169] Based on the foregoing, regarding the structure of the communication link unit, this disclosure also provides an optional implementation method. Please refer to Figures 10 and 11. Figure 10 is a third schematic diagram of the structure of the communication link unit provided in this disclosure, and Figure 11 is a fourth schematic diagram of the structure of the communication link unit provided in this disclosure.

[0170] The communication link unit 130 includes a first transceiver 131, a second transceiver 132, a seventh switch K7, and an eighth switch K8.

[0171] The first terminal of the first transceiver 131 is connected to the first communication input terminal (UART_A_RX) of the processing unit 100, the first terminal of the seventh switch K7 is connected to the first terminal of the first transceiver 131, the second terminal of the seventh switch K7 is connected to the first communication output terminal (UART_B_TX) of the processing unit 100, and the third terminal of the seventh switch K7 is connected to the first terminal of the second transceiver 132.

[0172] The second terminal of the second transceiver 132 is connected to the second communication input terminal (UART_B_RX) of the processing unit 100, the first terminal of the eighth switch K8 is connected to the second terminal of the second transceiver 132, the second terminal of the eighth switch K8 is connected to the second communication output terminal (UART_A_TX) of the processing unit 100, and the third terminal of the eighth switch K8 is connected to the second terminal of the first transceiver 131.

[0173] The third terminal of the first transceiver 131 serves as the first terminal of the communication link unit 130, and the third terminal of the second transceiver 132 serves as the second terminal of the communication link unit 130.

[0174] The processing unit 100 is connected to the control terminal of the seventh switch K7 and the control terminal of the eighth switch K8, respectively.

[0175] When the communication link unit 130 needs to switch to the cascaded communication state, the processing unit 100 is also configured to control the third terminal of the seventh switch K7 to be connected to the second terminal, and control the third terminal of the eighth switch K8 to be connected to the second terminal, so that the communication link unit 130 switches to the cascaded communication state, as shown in Figure 10.

[0176] When the communication link unit 130 needs to be switched to the direct state, the processing unit 100 is also configured to control the third terminal of the seventh switch K7 to be connected to the first terminal, and control the third terminal of the eighth switch K8 to be connected to the first terminal, so that the communication link unit 130 is switched to the direct state, as shown in Figure 11.

[0177] When processing unit 100 needs to send information (including but not limited to feedback information), processing unit 100 can control communication link unit 130 to switch to cascaded communication state. At this time, the third terminal of the seventh switch K7 is connected to the second terminal, and the third terminal of the eighth switch K8 is connected to the second terminal, so that information can be sent out. Alternatively, depending on the direction of information transmission, the third terminal of the seventh switch K7 or the third terminal of the eighth switch K8 can be connected to the second terminal, so that information can be sent out.

[0178] This disclosure also provides a sensor chain, which includes N of the above-described smart sensors, where 2 ≤ N.

[0179] Please refer to Figure 12, which is a schematic diagram of the connection between the power control units of adjacent smart sensors provided in this embodiment of the present disclosure. The second terminal (PB) of the power control unit 120 of the i-th smart sensor is connected to the first terminal (PA) of the power control unit 120 of the (i+1)-th smart sensor, where 1≤i≤N-1.

[0180] Please refer to Figure 13, which is a schematic diagram of the connection between communication link units of adjacent smart sensors provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. The second end (CB) of the communication link unit 130 of the i-th smart sensor is connected to the first end (CA) of the communication link unit 130 of the (i+1)-th smart sensor.

[0181] The first terminal (PA) of the power control unit 120 of the first smart sensor is configured to connect to the power output terminal of the host, and the second terminal (PB) of the power control unit 120 of the Nth smart sensor is configured to connect to the power output terminal of the slave.

[0182] The first end (CA) of the communication link unit 130 of the first smart sensor is configured to connect to the communication end of the host, and the second end (CB) of the communication link unit 130 of the Nth smart sensor is configured to connect to the communication end of the slave.

[0183] The above description is merely an optional embodiment of this disclosure and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Various modifications and variations can be made to this disclosure by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this disclosure should be included within the scope of protection of this disclosure.

[0184] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this disclosure is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that this disclosure can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this disclosure. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims. Industrial applicability

[0185] This disclosure provides an intelligent sensor and sensor chain. The intelligent sensor includes a processing unit, a signal acquisition unit, and a power control unit. The power control unit is connected to both the processing unit and the signal acquisition unit, and the processing unit is also connected to the signal acquisition unit. The power control unit has a first terminal and a second terminal. When an external power source is connected to either the first or second terminal of the power control unit, the power control unit is configured to supply power to both the processing unit and the signal acquisition unit. The signal acquisition unit is configured to acquire information after power-on and transmit the acquired target information to the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to control the power control unit to switch states to adjust the continuity between the power input and power output terminals of the power control unit. Specifically, when the first terminal of the power control unit is the power input terminal, the second terminal of the power control unit is the power output terminal; conversely, when the second terminal of the power control unit is the power input terminal, the first terminal of the power control unit is the power output terminal. Both the first and second terminals of the power control unit can serve as power input terminals for the intelligent sensor, providing bidirectional power supply. When the power supply circuit corresponding to the first end of the power control unit fails, the second end of the power control unit can be switched to be used as the power input end of the smart sensor, thereby ensuring the normal operation of the smart sensor and supplying power to the sensors connected to the first end of the smart sensor in the sensor chain so that they can work normally.

Claims

1. A smart sensor, characterized in that, The intelligent sensor includes a processing unit, a signal acquisition unit, and a power control unit. The power control unit is connected to the processing unit and the signal acquisition unit, respectively. The processing unit is connected to the signal acquisition unit. The power control unit is provided with a first terminal and a second terminal. When an external power source is connected to the first or second terminal of the power control unit, the power control unit is configured to supply power to the processing unit and the signal acquisition unit. The signal acquisition unit is configured to acquire information after power-on and transmit the acquired target information to the processing unit; The processing unit is configured to control the power control unit to switch states in order to adjust the continuity between the power input terminal and the power output terminal of the power control unit. Wherein, when the first end of the power control unit is the power input end, the second end of the power control unit is the power output end; when the second end of the power control unit is the power input end, the first end of the power control unit is the power output end.

2. The intelligent sensor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The power control unit includes a first diode, a second diode, a power converter, and a switching assembly; The first terminal of the power control unit is connected to the positive terminal of the first diode, the second terminal of the power control unit is connected to the positive terminal of the second diode, the negative terminals of the first diode and the second diode are connected to the input terminal of the power converter, and the output terminal of the power converter is connected to the processing unit and the signal acquisition unit. The first end of the switching assembly is connected to the first end of the power control unit, the second end of the switching assembly is connected to the second end of the power control unit, and the control end of the switching assembly is connected to the processing unit. The processing unit is configured to control the switching assembly to switch states in order to adjust the continuity between the power input terminal and the power output terminal of the power control unit.

3. The intelligent sensor as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The switching assembly includes a first switch, a second switch, a first protection unit, and a second protection unit; One end of the first switch is connected to the second end of the second protection unit, and a terminal is led out from the connection point of the two as the first end of the switch assembly; One end of the second switch is connected to the second end of the first protection unit, and a terminal is led out from the connection point of the two to serve as the second end of the switch assembly; The other end of the first switch is connected to the first end of the first protection unit, and the other end of the second switch is connected to the first end of the second protection unit; The control terminal of the switch assembly includes the control terminal of the first switch and the control terminal of the second switch, and the processing unit is connected to the control terminal of the first switch and the control terminal of the second switch respectively. The processing unit is configured to control the first switch and the second switch to switch states to adjust the conduction relationship between the power input terminal and the power output terminal of the power control unit. Wherein, the current flow direction of the first protection unit is from the first end of the first protection unit to the second end of the first protection unit, and the current flow direction of the second protection unit is from the first end of the second protection unit to the second end of the second protection unit.

4. The intelligent sensor as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Both the first protection unit and the second protection unit are connected to the processing unit; The first protection unit is configured to switch to an abnormal protection state when the first switch current is greater than a first threshold, wherein the first switch current is the current flowing through the first switch; The second protection unit is configured to switch to an abnormal protection state when the second switch current is greater than the second threshold, wherein the second switch current is the current flowing through the second switch; The processing unit is also configured to monitor the status of the first protection unit and the status of the second protection unit; The processing unit is further configured to control the first switch to open if it detects that the first protection unit has switched to an abnormal protection state when the first switch is closed. The processing unit is further configured to, when the second switch is closed, if it detects that the second protection unit has switched to an abnormal protection state, control the second switch to open.

5. The intelligent sensor as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Both the first protection unit and the second protection unit are connected to the processing unit; The first protection unit is configured to monitor the first switch current and transmit the first switch current to the processing unit, wherein the first switch current is the current flowing through the first switch; The second protection unit is configured to monitor the second switch current and transmit the second switch current to the processing unit, wherein the second switch current is the current flowing through the second switch; The processing unit is configured to combine the first switch current and the second switch current to control the first switch and the second switch to switch states.

6. The intelligent sensor as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The processing unit is configured to control the first switch to open when the first switch current exceeds a first preset range; The processing unit is configured to control the second switch to open when the second switch current exceeds a second preset range.

7. The intelligent sensor as described in any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, The power control unit also includes a voltage measurement unit; The first end of the voltage measurement unit is connected to the first end of the power control unit, the second end of the voltage measurement unit is connected to the second end of the power control unit, and the output end of the voltage measurement unit is connected to the processing unit. The voltage measurement unit is configured to monitor a first voltage and a second voltage, and transmit the first voltage and the second voltage to the processing unit, wherein the first voltage is the voltage at a first terminal of the power control unit, and the second voltage is the voltage at a second terminal of the power control unit; The processing unit is configured to control the switching assembly to switch states by combining the first voltage and the second voltage.

8. The intelligent sensor as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The processing unit is configured to determine whether a downstream device has malfunctioned based on the first voltage and the second voltage; if the downstream device malfunctions, the target switch is controlled to disconnect. The downstream device is the device connected to the power output terminal of the power control unit, and the target switch is the switch that connects the power input terminal and the power output terminal.

9. The intelligent sensor as described in any one of claims 2-8, characterized in that, The processing unit is configured to determine whether the signal acquisition unit needs to be activated based on pre-configured instructions or instructions transmitted by the host. If so, it sends a power supply instruction to the power control unit to control the power control unit to supply power to the signal acquisition unit.

10. The intelligent sensor as described in any one of claims 2-9, characterized in that, The smart sensor also includes a communication link unit, which is connected to the processing unit. The communication link unit is provided with a first end and a second end. The first end of the communication link unit corresponds to the first end of the power control unit, and the second end of the communication link unit corresponds to the second end of the power control unit. The processing unit is also configured to receive a first configuration instruction transmitted by the upper-level device through the communication link unit after power-on, and to perform address configuration according to the first configuration instruction; The upstream device is the device connected to the power input terminal of the power control unit, and the first configuration instruction includes the address information of the smart sensor. The processing unit is also configured to, after configuration, control the power input terminal of the power control unit to be connected to the power output terminal of the power control unit in order to supply power to downstream devices. The downstream device is the device connected to the power output terminal of the power control unit; The processing unit is further configured to send a second configuration command to the downstream device via the communication link unit after the downstream device is powered on. The second configuration instruction includes the address information of the downstream device.

11. The intelligent sensor as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The processing unit is further configured to feed back the target information through the communication link unit after the configuration is completed.

12. The intelligent sensor as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The processing unit is also configured to send a configuration success message to the upper-level device after the configuration is completed.

13. The intelligent sensor as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The processing unit is further configured to control the communication link unit to switch to a cascaded communication state after power-on, wherein the cascaded communication state refers to the first end of the communication link unit and the second end of the communication link unit being connected through the processing unit. The processing unit is further configured to control the communication link unit to switch to a pass-through state when it is determined that the downstream device is successfully configured, wherein the pass-through state means that the first end of the communication link unit and the second end of the communication link unit are directly connected for communication.

14. The intelligent sensor as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The processing unit is also configured to determine that the downstream device has malfunctioned if it does not receive configuration success information from the downstream device within a preset time range, and to disconnect the power input terminal of the power control unit from the power output terminal of the power control unit. The processing unit is further configured to send configuration failure information back to the upstream device, wherein the configuration failure information indicates that the downstream device has failed to configure.

15. The intelligent sensor as described in any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, The communication link unit includes a first transceiver, a second transceiver, a third switch, a fourth switch, a fifth switch, and a sixth switch; The first end of the first transceiver is connected to the first communication input end of the processing unit, one end of the third switch is connected to the first end of the first transceiver, and the other end of the third switch is connected to the first end of the second transceiver. One end of the fourth switch is connected to the first communication output terminal of the processing unit, and the other end of the fourth switch is connected to the first terminal of the second transceiver. The second terminal of the second transceiver is connected to the second communication input terminal of the processing unit, one end of the fifth switch is connected to the second terminal of the second transceiver, and the other end of the fifth switch is connected to the second terminal of the second transceiver; One end of the sixth switch is connected to the second communication output terminal of the processing unit, and the other end of the sixth switch is connected to the second terminal of the first transceiver; The third terminal of the first transceiver serves as the first terminal of the communication link unit, and the third terminal of the second transceiver serves as the second terminal of the communication link unit. The processing unit is connected to the control terminals of the third switch, the fourth switch, the fifth switch, and the sixth switch, respectively.

16. The intelligent sensor as described in claim 15, characterized in that, When the communication link unit needs to be switched to cascaded communication state, the processing unit is further configured to control the fourth switch and the sixth switch to close, and control the third switch and the fifth switch to open, so that the communication link unit switches to cascaded communication state; When the communication link unit needs to be switched to a pass-through state, the processing unit is further configured to control the fourth switch and the sixth switch to open, and control the third switch and the fifth switch to close, so that the communication link unit is switched to a pass-through state.

17. The intelligent sensor as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The first transceiver is a first differential bus transceiver, and the second transceiver is a second differential bus transceiver; The third terminal of the first transceiver is the differential port of the first differential bus transceiver, and the third terminal of the second transceiver is the differential port of the second differential bus transceiver; The differential ports of the first differential bus transceiver and the second differential bus transceiver are configured to connect to a differential communication line.

18. The intelligent sensor as described in any one of claims 10 to 14, characterized in that, The communication link unit includes a first transceiver, a second transceiver, a seventh switch, and an eighth switch; The first terminal of the first transceiver is connected to the first communication input terminal of the processing unit, the first terminal of the seventh switch is connected to the first terminal of the first transceiver, the second terminal of the seventh switch is connected to the first communication output terminal of the processing unit, and the third terminal of the seventh switch is connected to the first terminal of the second transceiver. The second terminal of the second transceiver is connected to the second communication input terminal of the processing unit, the first terminal of the eighth switch is connected to the second terminal of the second transceiver, the second terminal of the eighth switch is connected to the second communication output terminal of the processing unit, and the third terminal of the eighth switch is connected to the second terminal of the first transceiver. The third terminal of the first transceiver serves as the first terminal of the communication link unit, and the third terminal of the second transceiver serves as the second terminal of the communication link unit. The processing unit is connected to the control terminal of the seventh switch and the control terminal of the eighth switch, respectively.

19. The intelligent sensor as described in claim 18, characterized in that, When the communication link unit needs to be switched to cascaded communication state, the processing unit is also configured to control the third terminal of the seventh switch to be connected to the second terminal, and control the third terminal of the eighth switch to be connected to the second terminal, so that the communication link unit is switched to cascaded communication state. When the communication link unit needs to be switched to a pass-through state, the processing unit is further configured to control the third terminal of the seventh switch to be connected to the first terminal, and control the third terminal of the eighth switch to be connected to the first terminal, so that the communication link unit is switched to a pass-through state.

20. A sensor chain, characterized in that, The sensor chain includes N smart sensors as described in any one of claims 1-19; The second terminal of the power control unit of the i-th smart sensor is connected to the first terminal of the power control unit of the (i+1)-th smart sensor, where 1≤i≤N-1; The second end of the communication link unit of the i-th smart sensor is connected to the first end of the communication link unit of the (i+1)-th smart sensor; The first terminal of the power control unit of the first intelligent sensor is configured to connect to the power output terminal of the host, and the second terminal of the power control unit of the Nth intelligent sensor is configured to connect to the power output terminal of the slave. The first end of the communication link unit of the first intelligent sensor is configured to connect to the communication end of the host, and the second end of the communication link unit of the Nth intelligent sensor is configured to connect to the communication end of the slave.

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