Auto Addressing Devices on Common Power Bus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and configuration of control and monitoring systems are expensive and time-consuming due to the need for manual addressing and identification of each device, and existing network-based solutions like Ethernet or Zigbee are often more complex and costly than necessary.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for auto-addressing devices using a communication loop where a controller sends a pulse to devices connected via a conduit, which retransmit the pulse, allowing the controller to automatically assign a unique identifier to each device based on the number of pulses received, facilitating automated configuration and troubleshooting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual addressing and identification of each device is used, then device identification can be achieved, but installation and configuration become expensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables devices to automatically assign addresses to themselves through a self-service mechanism. When a device is powered on, it automatically receives an address from the controller without requiring manual configuration. The controller sends a pulse signal through the daisy-chain connection, and each device counts the pulses to determine its own address, eliminating the need for manual intervention in the addressing process.
2Ease of operation
If network-based systems like Ethernet or Zigbee are used for device addressing, then device identification can be achieved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the essential addressing function from complex network protocols and implements it through a simple pulse-counting mechanism. Instead of using sophisticated network-based addressing systems like Ethernet or Zigbee, the patent removes unnecessary complexity by using basic electrical pulses transmitted through the existing power/communication bus to establish device addresses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, inexpensive electrical pulses instead of complex network packets for device addressing. The pulse signals are basic electrical transitions that can be generated and detected using simple circuitry, making the system much cheaper and less complex than network-based alternatives while achieving the same device identification goal.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for auto-addressing a device in communication with a controller is disclosed. The method includes communicating a pulse from a first contact of a controller, receiving the pulse at a second contact of a device in communication with the controller, communicating a number of pulses from a first contact of the device, and receiving the number of pulses at a second contact of the controller, wherein the number of pulses indicates a number of devices in communication with the controller