Single-pair ethernet network, actuating drive pertaining to automation technology, and assembly
The solution of using data signal conditioning devices and transmit/receive circuits in single-pair Ethernet networks addresses the cable length limitation, enabling reliable data transmission over several kilometers by correcting signal levels and extending the network range.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- AUMA RIESTER GMBH & CO KG
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-11
AI Technical Summary
Single-pair Ethernet networks are limited to approximately one kilometer in cable length due to signal degradation, necessitating fiber optic connections for longer distances, which are costly.
A single-pair Ethernet network with data signal conditioning devices and transmit/receive circuits that process and correct signal levels, allowing data transmission beyond typical line lengths by converting analog signals to digital and back, and using DC voltage for energy supply.
Extends data line length to several kilometers, effectively overcoming the application limitations of single-pair Ethernet networks, enabling reliable data transmission over extended distances.
Smart Images
Figure EP2025085602_11062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Single-pair Ethernet network, actuator for automation technology and assembly
[0002] The invention relates to a single-pair Ethernet network, an automation actuator configured for communication within the single-pair Ethernet network, and an assembly comprising such an actuator and a data signal conditioning device. The invention further relates to the use of a data signal conditioning device in a single-pair Ethernet network.
[0003] Single-pair Ethernet technology in connection with actuators in automation technology is known, for example, from patent CN116255492A and provides a simple and robust way to supply such actuators with energy and to enable communication between such an actuator and other electrical devices.
[0004] A disadvantage is that signal degradation during typical operation limits cable lengths to approximately one kilometer. Therefore, single-pair Ethernet networks have limited applicability in actuator applications. For applications requiring significantly longer distances, fiber optic connections are used, for example. However, this is associated with considerably higher costs.
[0005] The object of the invention is to propose a single-pair Ethernet network, an actuator and an assembly in which the application limitations of such single-pair Ethernet networks in the actuator field are lifted.
[0006] The problem is solved by a single-pair Ethernet network according to claim 1, by an actuator of the automation technology according to claim 11.
[0007] A single-pair Ethernet network (SPE) according to the invention, configured for data exchange between an actuator of automation technology and an electronic device such as another actuator of automation technology or an edge device or a central control center, comprises at least two SPE transmit / receive circuits which are connected via an SPE data line, wherein the SPE data line comprises SPE data cables for data transmission, wherein the SPE data line has at least one data signal conditioning device, wherein the data signal conditioning device is configured to condition data signals running between the SPE transmit / receive circuits.
[0008] In this way, the length of an SPE data line can be extended over several kilometers, thus removing the original application limitation.
[0009] During the processing of data signals, signal levels of incoming data signals are interpreted and assigned to corresponding target signal levels or signal states, and corresponding processed data signals are created based on the assigned target signal levels or signal states.
[0010] In SPE (Single-Line Express), data is typically transmitted analogously using pulse-amplitude modulation (PAM). SPE data lines distort PAM data signals due to inherent inductances, capacitances, and ohmic resistances. Signal levels deviate increasingly from the target levels with increasing line length, so that at line lengths exceeding one kilometer, a given data level can no longer be reliably correlated with a target signal level. By conditioning the SPE data signal through early correction of the deviation or restoration of target signal levels, data transmission via SPE can occur significantly beyond typical line lengths.
[0011] In one embodiment, the data signal processing device has two transmit / receive circuits, wherein the transmit / receive circuits are each configured to receive data signals arriving via one of the SPE data cables and convert them into digital signals, as well as to convert the digital signals back into corresponding SPE data signals and feed them into the respective SPE data cable.
[0012] The data signals are processed by converting them into digital signals and then back into SPE data signals. Within the digitization device, the digital signals travel between the two transmit / receive circuits of the data signal processing device. In one embodiment, the data signal processing device includes an analysis circuit configured to evaluate the digital signals or signal parameters stored in the transmit / receive circuits of the data signal processing device to determine the SPE data signals. This evaluation considers, for example, the characteristics of the SPE data line or cable, such as resistance and length, or SPE signal characteristics, such as signal quality.The transmit / receive circuits of the data processing device are then configured to capture signal parameters of the PAM data signals that go beyond information content and to store them in a readable electronic memory.
[0013] In one embodiment, the data signal processing device has at least one analog transmit / receive circuit, wherein the analog transmit / receive circuit is configured to pull signal levels of SPE data signals to corresponding target signal levels and then feed them into the respective SPE data cable.
[0014] In one embodiment, the SPE transmit / receive circuits are configured to generate data signals with a signal component and a power component, wherein the power component is configured to supply energy to the data signal conditioning device, or wherein at least one of the transmit / receive circuits is configured to apply a DC voltage to the SPE data line, wherein the data signal is modulated onto the DC voltage, and wherein the DC voltage is configured to supply energy to the at least one data signal conditioning device of the SPE data line.
[0015] The number of usable data signal conditioning devices in an SPE data line is therefore limited by the maximum electrical power that can be transmitted over the SPE data line and by the power consumption of the data signal conditioning devices. For example, at the time of filing, depending on the power class according to IEEE 802.3bu or IEEE 802.3cg from November 2019, up to 200 data signal conditioning devices can be powered via an SPE data line.
[0016] In one embodiment, a line length-based distance between an SPE transmit / receive circuit and a data signal processing device or between two data signal processing devices is a maximum distance limit.
[0017] This ensures that the data signal conditioning device does not assign incoming signal levels to incorrect digital signal states.
[0018] In one embodiment, the maximum distance is, for example, at a transmission rate of 10 Mbit / s, at least 600 meters, and in particular at least 800 meters and preferably at least 900 meters, and / or wherein the maximum distance is at most 4000 meters, and in particular at most 3000 meters and preferably at most 2500 meters.
[0019] In this way, an SPE data line length of several kilometers can easily be set up.
[0020] In one embodiment, the SPE transmit / receive circuits are configured to inject electrical power with a power limit into the SPE data line, wherein the maximum energy consumption of one of the at least one data signal processing device is at most 50 percent, and in particular at most 30 percent and preferably at most 10 percent of the power limit.
[0021] In this way, at least three data signal processing devices can be set up in the worst case. In one embodiment, one of the SPE transmit / receive circuits and an adjacent data signal processing device are configured to exchange information regarding a performance class of data transmission, for example, based on a data protocol.
[0022] This can reduce the likelihood of incorrect use of the data signal processing device.
[0023] In one embodiment, the data signal processing device includes a power supply device, wherein the power supply device is configured to provide energy for the processing of the data signals, and wherein the power supply device includes a battery and / or a mains connection for the power supply.
[0024] In this way, a limitation regarding the number of data signal processing devices can be mitigated.
[0025] An actuator according to the invention for automation technology for actuating a valve in a channel such as a canal or a pipeline comprises: a motor for generating a force or torque, such as a fluid motor or an electric motor; an electronic operating circuit for operating or controlling the motor; an output for actuating the valve; a gearbox for transmitting motor power to the output; a communication device for transmitting data, wherein the communication device comprises an SPE transmit / receive circuit and / or a data signal conditioning device of an SPE network according to one of the preceding claims.
[0026] The transmission of engine power can involve converting between two torque values or converting torque into force.
[0027] In one embodiment, the actuator includes a
[0028] Data signal conditioning device of an SPE network according to the invention. An inventive use of a data signal conditioning device in an SPE network, comprising an actuator, in particular the one described, and an electronic device, in particular the electronic device described, serves to condition SPE data signals. The SPE network can be configured in particular according to the present description.
[0029] The invention will be described below using exemplary embodiments.
[0030] Figs. 1 a) and 1 b) each show an exemplary sketch of a single-pair Ethernet network according to the invention with an assembly according to the invention;
[0031] Figs. 2 a) and 2 b) each show an exemplary sketch of a data signal processing device according to the invention;
[0032] Figs. 3 a) and 3 b) each show an exemplary sketch of an actuator according to the invention.
[0033] Fig. 1 a) shows a sketch of an exemplary single-pair Ethernet network 10 (SPE network) according to the invention, comprising three actuators 1, which can be connected to an electronic device 2 via a distributor 12.3 and an SPE data line 12. The electronic device 2 can, for example, be another actuator of the automation technology 2.1, an edge device 2.2, or a control center 2.3. Such an SPE data line has several SPE data cables 12.1, which are configured to transmit data signals or communication mediated via the data signals between network participants, wherein the network participants feed the data signals into the data line 12 or receive them from the data line 12 by means of SPE transceiver circuits 11.
[0034] In typical operation, signal degradation limits cable lengths to approximately one kilometer. According to the invention, the SPE data line 12 has at least one data signal conditioning device 12.2, which is configured to condition data signals. In this way, the length of an SPE data line can be extended over several kilometers, thus overcoming the original application limitation of SPE networks 10 in the actuator sector. During data signal conditioning, signal levels of incoming data signals are interpreted, assigned to corresponding signal states or target signal levels, and associated conditioned data signals are generated based on the assigned target signal levels.
[0035] Signal states created.
[0036] Signal processing can be characterized, for example, by the fact that degradation caused by interference is at least partially reversed, particularly with regard to the requirements of a transmission protocol and / or with a constant useful content.
[0037] The network according to the invention shown here is exemplary in that such an SPE network 10 can also be configured, for example, between a single actuator 1 and a single electronic device 2 (see Fig. 1b). In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1b), two signal conditioning devices 12.2 are provided in the exemplary chain-shaped network. Each signal conditioning device 12.2 can increase the line distance between an actuator 1 and an electronic device 2 by an upper distance limit determined by signal degradation. Such a signal conditioning device 12.2 can also be part of an actuator or a communication device 1.5 of the actuator.
[0038] For example, in this case, distributor 12.3 can be omitted.
[0039] Alternatively, an actuator can also include the function of a distributor and have multiple data inputs and outputs for SPE data cables.
[0040] The number of actuators 1 on one network topological side of the distributor and the number of controllable electronic devices 2 on another network topological side of the distributor 12.3 are freely selectable.
[0041] In one embodiment, a line length-based distance between an SPE transmit / receive circuit 11 and a data signal processing device 12.2 or between two adjacent data signal processing devices 12.2 is a maximum distance limit.
[0042] For example, with a transmission rate of 10 Mbit / s, the following applies to this distance limit: the distance limit is at least 600 meters, and in particular at least 800 meters and preferably at least 900 meters, and / or the distance limit is at most 4000 meters, and in particular at most 3000 meters and preferably at most 2500 meters.
[0043] In this way, SPE networks can be set up in a simple and robust manner, where data line lengths or line length-based distances between two participants in the SPE network can span several kilometers.
[0044] An actuator 1 according to the invention for automation technology comprises an SPE transmit / receive circuit 11 to be assigned to the network according to the invention. Such an actuator and a data signal processing device 12.2 according to the invention form an assembly 100 according to the invention.
[0045] Fig. 2 a) shows a schematic exemplary sketch of a data signal conditioning device 12.2 according to the invention. This device has two transmit / receive circuits 12.21 configured to receive PAM data signals from associated SPE data cables 12.1 of the SPE data line 12 and to feed the processed data signals into the associated SPE data line. For this purpose, the transmit / receive circuits 12.21 can be configured to convert an incoming PAM data signal into a corresponding digital signal and to feed the corresponding digital signals into the associated SPE data line.
[0046] The data processing step takes place during the conversion of the potentially distorted PAM data signal into the corresponding data signal, which, within the data signal processing device, transports the information associated with the data signal from one transmit / receive circuit 12.21 of the data processing device to the other transmit / receive circuit 12.21 of the data processing device. The processing functions reliably provided that the line length along a data cable 12.1 of the data line 12 connected to the data processing device is short enough so that different target signal levels of a data signal are not mixed together. An analysis circuit 12.22, for example, arranged between the transmit / receive circuits 12.21 of the signal processing device, can be configured to analyze the digital data transmitted between the transmit / receive circuits 12.21.The data signals transmitted by the signal processing device 21 are analyzed and, for example, checked for consistency. The transmit / receive circuits 12.21 of the data processing device are then configured to capture signal parameters of the PAM data signals that go beyond the data information content of the PAM data signals and to store them in a readable electronic memory (not shown).
[0047] The evaluation can be carried out, for example, with regard to line characteristics of the SPE data line or SPE data cable, such as line resistance, line length, or with regard to SPE signal characteristics such as signal quality.
[0048] As shown here, the data signal conditioning device can have a battery 12.231 and / or a mains connection 12.232 to provide the energy required for data signal conditioning. The electrical power can then be distributed via a power distributor 12.233 to the analysis circuit 12.22 and / or the SPE transmit / receive circuits 12.21.
[0049] Alternatively, the SPE transmit / receive circuits 11 can be configured to generate data signals, each with a signal component and a power component, wherein the power component is configured to supply energy to the data signal conditioning device, or wherein at least one of the transmit / receive circuits is configured to apply a DC voltage to the SPE data line, wherein the data signal is modulated onto the DC voltage, and the DC voltage is configured to supply energy to the at least one data signal conditioning device of the SPE data line. In this case, no accumulator, mains connection, or power distributor is required.
[0050] For example, the SPE transmit / receive circuits 11 can be configured to inject electrical power with a power limit into the SPE data line, wherein the maximum energy consumption of one of the at least one data signal conditioning device is at most 30 percent, and in particular at most 20 percent and preferably at most 10 percent of the power limit.
[0051] For example, one of the SPE transmit / receive circuits 11 and an adjacent data signal conditioning device 12.2 can be configured to exchange information regarding a performance class of the data transmission. In this way, the probability of faulty use of the data signal conditioning device can be reduced.
[0052] Topologically, the transmit / receive circuits 11 of the actuator or the electronic device differ from the transmit / receive circuits 12.21 of the data signal processing device 12.2 in that the transmit / receive circuits 11 are arranged at the beginning or end of an SPE data line 12 and are thus the sender and / or receiver of data signals or the information or communication transmitted therein. They are therefore configured to exchange data with each other.
[0053] The transmit / receive circuits 12.21 of the data processing device 12.2 are topologically arranged between the transmit / receive circuits 11 and thus perform the function of a communication transmitter or a relay.
[0054] As an alternative to the embodiment shown in Fig. 2 a), the data signal conditioning device 12.2 can be based on analog technology and have at least one analog transmit / receive circuit 12.31 (Fig. 2b) which is configured to pull signal levels of SPE data signals received via one of the data cables 12.1 to a target level and to output the processed SPE data signal via the other data cable 12.1.
[0055] The data signal conditioning devices 12.2 shown in Fig. 2 a) and Fig. 2 b) are used according to the invention in an SPE network comprising an actuator 1 and an electronic device 2 for conditioning SPE data signals. The SPE network can be configured according to the embodiments described herein.
[0056] Fig. 3 a) shows a sketch of an exemplary actuator 1 according to the invention in operative connection with a valve 20 for adjusting the flow cross-section of a channel 30, such as a pipeline. The actuator comprises a motor 1.1 for generating a force or torque, such as a fluid motor or an electric motor; an electronic operating circuit 1.2 for operating or controlling the motor; an output 1.3 for actuating the valve; a gearbox 1.4 for transmitting the motor power to the output; and a communication device 1.5 for transmitting data, wherein the communication device comprises an SPE transmit / receive circuit 11 of an SPE network according to one of the preceding claims.
[0057] The output 1.3 is configured by means of an output shaft 1.31 to actuate an actuator 21 of the fitting 20. The actuator 21 can comprise a slide valve or a valve actuating element.
[0058] The embodiments shown here are not to be interpreted restrictively, but serve to illustrate the inventive aspects.
[0059] Alternatively, as shown in Fig. 3 b), or in addition to the SPE transmit / receive circuit 11, the communication device 1.5 of the actuator 1 can also include a data processing device 12.2, which can function as a communication transmitter or relay as described above. In this case, the transmit / receive circuits 12.2 of the data processing device can also act as transmit / receive circuits 11 as transmitters or receivers of data signals and be connected to the electronic operating circuit.
[0060] Reference symbol list
[0061] 1 actuator
[0062] 1.1 Engine
[0063] 1.2 electronic operating circuit
[0064] 1.3 Downforce
[0065] 1.31 Output shaft
[0066] 1.4 gearbox
[0067] 1.5 Communication device
[0068] 2 electronic devices
[0069] 2.1 Actuator
[0070] 2.2 Edge Device
[0071] 2.3 Control Center
[0072] 10 SPE network
[0073] 11 transceivers
[0074] 12 SPE data lines
[0075] 12.1 SPE data cable
[0076] 12.2 Data signal conditioning device
[0077] 12.21 Transceiver circuit
[0078] 12.22 Analysis circuit
[0079] 12.23 Power supply device
[0080] 12,231 accumulator
[0081] 12,232 network connection
[0082] 12,233 power distributors
[0083] 12.3 Distributor
[0084] 13.21 analog transmit / receive circuit armature
[0085] actuator
[0086] Channels
[0087] module
Claims
Patent claims 1. Single-pair Ethernet network (SPE) (10) configured for data exchange between an actuator (1) of the automation technology and an electronic device (2) such as another actuator (2.1) of the automation technology or an edge device (2.2) or a central control station (2.3), comprising: at least two SPE transceiver circuits (11) which are connected via an SPE data line (12) and configured to exchange data with each other, wherein the SPE data line (12) comprises SPE data cables (12.1) for data transmission, characterized in that the SPE data line (12) has at least one data signal conditioning device (12.2), wherein the data signal conditioning device is configured to condition SPE data signals passing between the SPE transceiver circuits (11).
2. SPE network according to claim 1, wherein the data signal processing device (12.2) comprises two transmit / receive circuits (12.21), wherein the transmit / receive circuits are configured to receive data signals arriving via one of the SPE data cables (12.1) and convert them into digital signals, and to convert the digital signals back into corresponding SPE data signals and feed them into the respective SPE data cable (12.1).
3. SPE network according to claim 2, wherein the data signal conditioning device (12.2) has an analysis circuit (12.22) which is configured to evaluate the digital signals or signal parameters stored in the transmit / receive circuits (12.21) of the data signal conditioning device to the SPE data signals, The evaluation is carried out, for example, with regard to line characteristics of the SPE data line or SPE data cable, such as line resistance, line length, or with regard to SPE signal characteristics such as signal quality.
4. SPE network according to claim 1, wherein the data signal conditioning device (12.2) has at least one analog transmit / receive circuit (13.21), wherein the analog transmit / receive circuit is configured to pull signal levels of SPE data signals to corresponding target signal levels and then feed them into the respective SPE data cable.
5. SPE network according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the SPE transmit / receive circuits (11) are configured to generate data signals with a signal component and a power component, wherein the power component is configured to supply energy to the data signal conditioning device (12.2), or wherein at least one of the SPE transmit / receive circuits (11) is configured to apply a DC voltage to the SPE data line, wherein the data signal is modulated onto the DC voltage, wherein the DC voltage is configured to supply energy to the at least one data signal conditioning device (12.2) of the SPE data line (12).
6. SPE network according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a line length-based distance between an SPE transmit / receive circuit (11) and a data signal conditioning device (12.2) or between two adjacent data signal conditioning devices (12.2) is a maximum distance limit.
7. SPE network according to claim 6, wherein the distance limit is, for example, at a transmission rate of 10 Mbit / s 16 at least 300 meters, and in particular at least 500 meters and preferably at least 800 meters, and / or wherein the maximum distance is at most 4000 meters, and in particular at most 3000 meters and preferably at most 2000 meters.
8. SPE network according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the SPE transmit / receive circuits (11) are configured to inject electrical power with a power limit into the SPE data line, wherein a maximum energy consumption of one of the at least one data signal conditioning device is at most 30 percent, and in particular at most 20 percent and preferably at most 10 percent of the power limit.
9. SPE network according to one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the SPE transmit / receive circuits (11) and an adjacent data signal conditioning device (12.2) are configured to exchange information regarding a performance class of data transmission.
10. SPE network according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data signal conditioning device comprises a power supply device (12.23), wherein the power supply device is configured to provide energy for the conditioning of the data signals, and wherein the power supply device comprises a battery (12.231) and / or a mains connection (12.231) for the power supply.
11. Actuator (1) of automation technology for actuating a valve (20) in a channel (30) such as a canal or a pipeline, comprising: a motor (1.1) for generating a force or torque, such as a fluid motor or an electric motor; an electronic operating circuit (1.2) for operating or controlling the motor; an output (1.3) for actuating the valve; a gearbox (1.4) for transmitting motor power to the output; a communication device (1.5) for transmitting data, wherein the communication device comprises an SPE transmit / receive circuit (11) and / or a data signal conditioning device (12.2) of an SPE network according to one of the preceding claims.
12. Actuator (1) according to claim 11, wherein the actuator is a data signal conditioning device (12.2) of an SPE- network according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
13. Use of a data signal conditioning device (12.2) in an SPE network, in particular according to one of claims 1 to 10, comprising a Actuator (1) and an electronic device (2) for processing SPE data signals.