Analog Measurement Logging Module With Field-Configurable Sensor Memory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analog measurement value logging modules are limited to predefined types of measurement transducers, requiring firmware adaptation and re-validation for new sensor types, and lack flexibility in adapting to new sensor types in the field.
Innovation Solution
A module for analog measurement value logging with dedicated memory areas for each port, allowing specifications for processing sensor data to be updated without changing firmware, enabling adaptation to new sensor types by storing specifications in memory rather than firmware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If measurement transducers are connected to the module, then measurement values can be logged, but the module is limited to predefined sensor types requiring firmware adaptation for new sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor interface into two independent parts: a fixed firmware layer that handles basic communication protocols, and a configurable memory layer that stores sensor-specific parameters. This segmentation allows new sensor types to be added by simply updating memory contents rather than modifying firmware, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining firmware simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a specification memory as an intermediary between the firmware and diverse sensor types. This intermediary layer contains configurable parameters that act as a translation buffer, allowing the fixed firmware to communicate with various sensor types through standardized interfaces without requiring firmware adaptation for each new sensor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If firmware is adapted for new sensor types, then compatibility improves, but re-validation requirements increase time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into fixed firmware and configurable memory components, the patent eliminates the need for firmware re-validation when adding new sensor types. Only memory contents need to be updated, which does not require time-consuming re-validation processes, thus reducing time loss while maintaining compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary configuration of sensor parameters in the memory before actual sensor integration. Sensor-specific specifications are pre-configured in the memory, allowing new sensors to be immediately compatible without requiring time-consuming firmware adaptation and validation processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated memory areas are assigned to each port, then sensor specifications can be updated without firmware changes, but memory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning dedicated memory areas to specific ports based on their individual requirements. Each port receives only the memory capacity needed for its specific sensor type, optimizing memory utilization while enabling field updates. This localized allocation provides adaptability without requiring excessive total memory capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A module for analog measurement value logging comprises two ports, wherein, for each port, a measuring transducer, optionally a temperature sensor, can be connected to the module for analog measurement value logging; and a memory, optionally a non-volatile memory. In the memory, for each of the two ports, a dedicated memory area is provided which is permanently assigned to the associated port.