Asynchronous Bus Arbitration for Large Multi-Device Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks, such as KNX systems, face challenges in upgrading and expanding due to complex programming and hardware installation, and existing bus architectures do not effectively address signal degradation and transmission reliability, especially in long bus lines with many devices.
Innovation Solution
A serial asynchronous digital communications bus with a simplified topology that allows for easy installation and upgrade, supports up to 65,536 devices, and maintains accurate and reliable message transmission over long distances using a unique idle time assignment and verification protocol, minimizing electromagnetic interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If KNX bus architecture with line repeaters and couplers is used to expand the network, then the number of devices can be increased, but the installation complexity and programming difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the message transmission into multiple packets with sequential numbering, allowing the communication system to handle large numbers of devices without requiring complex physical network segmentation. This logical segmentation replaces the need for physical line repeaters and couplers, enabling network expansion while maintaining installation simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The simplified bus architecture allows the same bus infrastructure to support both small and large scale networks without requiring different hardware configurations. The system can accommodate any number of devices (up to 65,536) using the same basic bus topology, making the system universally applicable regardless of network size.
2Quantity of substance
If more devices are connected to the bus, then network functionality increases, but signal degradation and transmission reliability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Messages are divided into multiple packets that are transmitted sequentially, with each packet containing error detection codes. This segmentation allows for individual packet verification and retransmission if errors occur, maintaining high reliability even when many devices are connected to the bus.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements acknowledgment mechanisms where receiving devices send feedback to confirm successful message reception. This feedback loop ensures that messages are reliably delivered even in networks with many devices, as transmission errors can be detected and corrected through retransmission.
3Productivity
If traditional message transmission protocols are used, then compatibility with existing systems is maintained, but transmission speed and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts message transmission by dividing messages into packets and transmitting them sequentially, allowing for optimized bus utilization. This dynamic approach enables faster transmission speeds while maintaining compatibility with existing devices through standardized packet formats and protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus maintains continuous operation by allowing multiple devices to transmit packets in sequence without requiring the bus to idle between messages. This continuous transmission approach increases overall system productivity while maintaining protocol compatibility through structured packet formats.
Data Source
AI summary
A serial asynchronous communications network to allow a number of electronic devices, controllers and/or monitors to be communicably connected to one another. Embodiments of the invention provide for an easily expandable network to be realized and allow for an efficient method for transmitting and receiving messages over the network. Embodiments of the invention may be deployed in a network having a communications bus which may be realised as a single wire, track or cable. Other embodiments are suitable for a communications bus realised as a pair of wires operating in differential mode. The pair of wires may have a twisted pair configuration according to some embodiments. Embodiments of the invention also include provision for bus arbitration, thus avoiding collisions on the bus when a plurality of actors attempt to communicate over the bus simultaneously.