Common Adaptor Serial Interface for Auto-Reconfigurable Instrumentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instrumentation systems lack flexibility in reconfiguration and require complex software or hardware to transfer configuration data between interface modules and a control module, limiting their adaptability and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A configurable common adaptor module that automatically identifies and configures with selectable interface modules using unique identification information, transferring minimal data to a host computer for system configuration, eliminating the need for extensive software or hardware support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a backplane-based instrumentation system is used, then system infrastructure support is provided, but reconfiguration flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent functional modules (sensor interface modules) that can be individually configured and connected via serial communication, eliminating the need for a complex centralized backplane infrastructure while maintaining modular functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor interface modules are designed with universal serial communication capabilities that allow them to function independently without requiring specific backplane infrastructure, enabling the same modules to be used in different system configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration software is used, then system control is achieved, but reconfiguration flexibility is significantly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor interface modules contain embedded self-description data that automatically identifies module capabilities and configuration requirements, enabling the system to self-configure without manual intervention or complex configuration software
Solution Approach 2:
The modules provide feedback through their self-description data about their identity and capabilities, allowing the system to automatically adapt its configuration based on the actual modules present in the system
3Adaptability or versatility
If extensive driver software is used, then interface control is achieved, but hardware reconfiguration flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration information is extracted from the physical hardware modules themselves (embedded in their self-description data) rather than being stored in external software databases, eliminating the need for extensive driver software while maintaining hardware reconfiguration flexibility
Data Source
AI summary
A unique system for the implementation of an instrumentation serial interface system configured by a common adaptor module for interface with selectable interface modules each providing an instrumentation function/feature is described. More specifically, the invention provides automatic hardware/software reconfigurable implementations by simple connection of the adaptor module to an application specific interface module. Serial interface electrical signaling required to support each type of interface module electrical requirements (power and communications) are provided by the properly configured common adaptor module. Different interface modules are identified through unique identification information retrieved by the adaptor module and transferred to a host computer. The host computer retrieves configuration information from a database based on the identification information. This configuration information is loaded into the common adaptor module to provide the control/timing interface matching interface module configuration. Examples of application specific interface modules could provide functions for: Data Acquisition, Waveform Generation or Sensor interface.