Asymmetric CAN Bus Layout for Fault-Tolerant Flight Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) lack robust and reliable communication networks that can maintain normal operation even when components fail, leading to potential system crashes or damage.
Innovation Solution
A CAN-based communication system with redundant CAN controllers, flight modules, and buses that allow asymmetric interactions, enabling the system to continue functioning even if one component fails by rerouting signals and tasks between primary and secondary modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If redundant CAN controllers, flight modules, and buses are implemented, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent CAN controllers (first and second CAN controllers), flight modules (primary and secondary), and CAN buses. Each segment operates independently, allowing the system to maintain functionality even when one segment fails. This segmentation enables redundancy without creating a monolithic complex system that would be difficult to manage.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the system have differentiated roles and properties. The primary flight module and secondary flight module have distinct identification codes and operate on different CAN buses during normal conditions. This local differentiation allows the system to maintain clarity and manageability while implementing redundancy, as each component has a specific designated function rather than all components being identical.
2Reliability
If asymmetric CAN bus connections are used between controllers and modules, then communication reliability is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The CAN bus network is configured asymmetrically where the first CAN bus connects the first CAN controller to both flight modules, and the second CAN bus connects the second CAN controller to both flight modules. This asymmetric topology ensures that control signals from different controllers reach different modules through dedicated paths, improving communication reliability by preventing signal conflicts while maintaining a manageable network structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-configured with established communication paths and protocols before operation. The asymmetric CAN bus connections are set up in advance with defined signal routing rules, allowing the system to maintain reliable communication without requiring complex real-time decision-making about signal routing. This preliminary configuration simplifies the operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An example embodiment includes a plurality of flight modules including a primary flight module and a secondary flight module. The embodiment includes a CAN controller, a second CAN controller, a first CAN bus configured to transmit primary control signals from the first CAN controller to the primary flight module and to the secondary flight module, and a second CAN bus configured to transmit secondary control signals from the second CAN controller to the primary flight module and the secondary flight module. The primary flight module is configured to perform functions responsive to receiving the primary control signals, and not in response to receiving the secondary control signals and the secondary flight module is configured to perform functions responsive to receiving the secondary control signals, and not in response to receiving the primary control signals.