Automated Addressing Circuit for Series-Connected LIN Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In master-slave communication networks like LIN, addressing multiple unaddressed communication circuits efficiently is challenging, particularly in environments where unique addresses are needed for each device based on their physical position.
Innovation Solution
A communication circuit with a voltage source and a switch connected in parallel between data ports, allowing the circuit to automatically assign addresses by measuring voltages when the switch is in conductive and non-conductive states, forming a daisy-chain network where each slave circuit determines its address based on voltage differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual address assignment is used in LIN networks, then addressing accuracy is improved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-addressing where each slave circuit automatically determines its own address by detecting voltage levels on the LIN bus during initialization. The addressing circuit measures voltage at different switch states and autonomously assigns addresses without external intervention, eliminating manual configuration time while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary voltage measurements and address determination during the initialization phase before normal communication begins. By pre-establishing addresses through automated voltage detection and calculation during system startup, the network avoids time-consuming manual configuration while ensuring accurate address assignment
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple unaddressed communication circuits are connected in series, then network scalability is improved, but address assignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical address configuration with an automated electrical measurement system. The addressing circuit uses voltage detection and binary calculation to automatically assign addresses based on switch states, substituting complex manual configuration procedures with simple automated electrical measurements that scale seamlessly with network size
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes physical parameters (voltage levels) to encode address information. By measuring voltage at different switch states and converting these electrical parameters into address values through binary calculation, the system enables scalable address assignment without increasing operational complexity, as the same voltage measurement principle applies regardless of network size
3Productivity
If automated voltage-based addressing is implemented, then addressing speed is improved, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switch component serves multiple functions: it acts as a communication pathway during normal LIN bus operation and as an address configuration element during initialization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate address setting hardware, achieving fast automated addressing without proportionally increasing circuit complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The addressing circuit acts as an intermediary that translates simple voltage measurements into address values. By introducing this intermediate processing layer that performs automated voltage detection and binary calculation, the system achieves rapid addressing speed while keeping the overall circuit design manageable through functional decomposition
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient automated addressing of communication circuits in series-connected networks, ensuring unique addresses for each slave circuit, facilitating effective communication and control in applications like automotive and industrial systems.
Implementation Method 1
When the switch is in the non-conductive state, the voltage source creates a voltage potential between data ports
Implementation Method 2
When the switch is in the conductive state, the switch provides a low resistance path between the data ports and removes a voltage potential of the voltage source between the two data ports
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a communication circuit is configured for automated addressing in a network of series connected communication circuits. The communication circuit includes a voltage source and a switch connected in parallel between first and second data ports of the circuit. While operating in an addressing mode, a first voltage is sampled from a first data port while the switch is closed. The switch is opened to provide a voltage potential between the first and second data port and a second voltage is sampled from the second data port. An address of the communication circuit in the network is determined based on a difference of the first and second voltages.