Automatic Network Node Addressing via Daisy-Chain Bus
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wired node networks, manual addressing of nodes during manufacture and installation is necessary, leading to inefficiencies and potential bus contention issues, and maintenance requires readdressing or replacing nodes with the same address, which is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A method where a host computer provides addresses to nodes over a communication bus, with each node acknowledging and storing the address, then connecting to the next node either upon successful receipt or after a timer threshold, allowing automatic addressing and eliminating the need for manual steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual addressing of nodes is performed during manufacture and installation, then each node can be properly identified on the communication bus, but the process is time-consuming and requires human intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The node automatically assigns itself an address by detecting its position on the daisy-chained communication bus. When a node is powered on, it detects whether the previous node is active, and if not, it assumes the next available address (e.g., Node 2 if Node 1 is absent). This self-addressing eliminates manual intervention and accelerates the deployment process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of node presence and communication capability before finalizing the addressing scheme. During initialization, each node tests communication with its predecessor to determine whether to adopt a default address or wait for manual assignment, ensuring proper bus configuration before full operation begins.
2Reliability
If node addresses are stored in non-volatile memory or hardware inputs, then addresses are retained and can be reliably used for communication, but manual programming or hardware configuration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The node automatically detects its position in the daisy-chain topology and assigns itself an address based on this detection. The assigned address is then stored in non-volatile memory or hardware registers, combining the reliability of persistent storage with the ease of automatic assignment. This eliminates manual programming while ensuring addresses are reliably retained for communication.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple nodes are connected to a shared communication bus, then network connectivity is achieved, but bus contention occurs if multiple nodes reply simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
Before allowing simultaneous communication, the system performs preliminary arbitration to determine which node has priority access to the bus. Nodes detect bus occupancy before transmitting, and only the node with the lowest address or highest priority is allowed to respond to a given message, preventing collisions and ensuring reliable communication while maintaining multi-node connectivity.
4Speed
If a terminating resistor is added to the communication bus, then signal reflections are reduced and communication speed improves, but the hardware complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication bus design integrates terminating resistance functionality into the node hardware itself rather than requiring separate external resistors. Each node incorporates impedance-matching circuitry that automatically provides proper termination when the node is active, eliminating the need for additional components and simplifying installation while maintaining high communication speeds and reducing reflections.
Data Source
AI summary
A network and method of addressing a network includes a host computer, a communication bus connected to the host computer, and a plurality of nodes connected to the communication bus. Each of the plurality of nodes includes a node controller, a timer, a communication input connected to the communication bus and a communication output connected to the communication bus. The node controller is configured to connect the communication input to the communication output upon successful receipt of an address from the host computer or upon the timer reaching a threshold.