Automation Device ASIC Network Analysis Cloud Connectivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of maintenance, fault analysis, and installation of wired sensors in industrial automation systems increases with the rise in sensors and actuators, particularly due to the need for additional gateways and network components, which incur extra costs and require expert intervention, and existing solutions for network analysis and cloud connection are separate devices that complicate retrofitting and data transmission.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a single analysis and cloud unit as an independent module within the automation device's ASIC, featuring an Ethernet network controller with interfaces for loss-free data reading and connection to all Ethernet ports, allowing for network analysis and cloud connection without a dedicated gateway, enabling remote implementation and reducing system downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated gateway is used for network analysis and cloud connectivity, then data transmission and network monitoring capabilities are improved, but device complexity and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines network analysis functions and cloud connectivity capabilities directly into the automation device's ASIC, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated gateway. The Ethernet network controller within the ASIC provides both industrial automation network access and cloud communication capabilities through integrated interfaces, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable data transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The ASIC in the automation device is designed with multi-functional capabilities, serving both traditional automation control functions and modern cloud connectivity requirements. The Ethernet network controller can handle multiple protocols and communication modes (industrial protocols like PROFINET/ETHERNET and standard TCP/IP for cloud), allowing a single device to perform diverse functions without requiring additional specialized components.
2Productivity
If separate network analysis and cloud connection devices are used, then network monitoring and data processing capabilities are improved, but installation effort and retrofitting complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates network analysis and cloud connection functionalities into the existing automation device structure, specifically within the ASIC. This integration eliminates the need for separate external devices and reduces installation complexity, as the enhanced capabilities are already embedded in the device being replaced or upgraded.
Solution Approach 2:
The automation device with integrated ASIC capabilities can perform network analysis and cloud communication autonomously without requiring external dedicated gateway devices. The device self-manages data processing, network monitoring, and cloud connectivity functions internally, reducing the overall system's installation and configuration effort.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data is transmitted through multiple intermediate devices, then network flexibility is improved, but transmission latency and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging cloud connectivity and network analysis functions into the automation device itself, the patent creates a direct communication path from the automation device to the cloud, eliminating intermediate gateway devices. This reduces the number of data transmission hops, thereby lowering latency while maintaining network flexibility through the ASIC's multi-protocol support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the cloud connectivity function from the traditional gateway architecture and embeds it directly into the automation device's ASIC. This extraction eliminates the need for data to traverse through separate gateway devices, directly connecting the automation device to cloud services and reducing transmission time and associated costs.
Data Source
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AI summary
1. Automation device with integrated network analysis and cloud connectivity. 2.1 Various interfaces/devices have been known for a long time, each designed for a specific application, particularly in the field of automation technology. However, in practice, there is no design that eliminates the need for a dedicated gateway. 2.2 To address this, a single analysis and cloud unit (1) is integrated as a standalone module (2) within an ASIC (3) of the network-connected automation device (5). The ASIC (3) features an Ethernet network controller (4) with a first interface (8) for lossless reading of all network data received from connected network components on the device's internal side of Ethernet transmitters (8). Furthermore, the Ethernet network controller (4) features a second interface (8).Interface (9) is provided, through which all available Ethernet ports are connected to the analysis and cloud unit (1), and the analysis and cloud unit (1) is connected to a cloud (C) via a third interface (10). In an alternative embodiment, a single analysis and cloud unit (1) is integrated as a standalone module (2) in the automation device (5) connected to a network. 2.3 The invention lies in the field of an automation system in conjunction with network analysis and cloud connectivity.