Automation Coupler Filtering Ethernet Control Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplers for automation systems face challenges in efficiently converting Ethernet telegrams between different transmission physics, particularly when connecting Ethernet-based networks to local buses with distinct protocols and transmission modes, which limits flexibility and bandwidth utilization.
Innovation Solution
A coupler with a network interface for Ethernet and a local bus interface, featuring an arithmetic circuit for retrieving process data and a data filter circuit to separate and filter control data, allowing for the generation of local bus telegrams that insert process data and filtered control data, enabling flexible data transmission and conversion between Ethernet and local bus protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a processing unit converts Ethernet telegrams to local bus telegrams by removing headers and transmitting only payload data, then bandwidth utilization is improved, but flexibility in handling control data is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The Ethernet telegram is segmented into control data (header) and payload data. The processing unit selectively handles these segments differently: control data is filtered out unless specifically required, while payload data is always transmitted. This segmentation enables bandwidth optimization without completely losing control data capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler dynamically decides whether to transmit control data or only payload data based on the specific requirements of the local bus users and the type of Ethernet telegram received. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt between high bandwidth utilization mode and full control data transmission mode as needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If all control data from Ethernet headers is transmitted to local bus users, then flexibility and control capability are improved, but bandwidth usage is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit extracts only the necessary control data from Ethernet headers that is actually required by local bus users, rather than transmitting all control data. This extraction process removes redundant control information while preserving essential control functionality, thereby reducing bandwidth consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
Control data that is not needed by local bus users is discarded (filtered out), while essential control data is recovered and transmitted. This selective discarding and recovering mechanism optimizes bandwidth usage by eliminating redundant data transmission while maintaining necessary control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupler for an automation system for controlling a process having a network interface for connection to an Ethernet-based network for receiving an Ethernet telegram having process data of the process and having control data. A local bus interface connects to a local bus for transmitting a local bus telegram. A circuit is formed between the network interface and the local bus interface. The circuit includes an arithmetic circuit for retrieving the process data from a payload data area of the Ethernet telegram. The circuit includes a first data filter circuit, which differs from the arithmetic circuit, for filtering out a predetermined subset of the control data from a header of the Ethernet telegram preceding the payload data area. The circuit is configured to generate the local bus telegram and to insert the process data and the predetermined subset of the control data into the local bus telegram.