Automation Device Microcontroller FSK Interface Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automation devices lack flexibility in adapting to changing requirements due to permanently fixed function ASICs for implementing the FSK interface according to the HART protocol, which restricts their ability to handle dynamic data transfer and parameterization effectively.

Innovation Solution

An automation device with a microcontroller-based system that converts a data bit-stream into an FSK signal using a digital-to-analog converter, clock generators, and a memory unit storing a sinusoidal time profile, allowing for flexible frequency modulation between logic 'one' and 'zero' states, thereby replicating the FSK interface without impairing the automation task.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If permanently fixed function ASICs are used to implement the FSK interface according to the HART protocol, then the FSK interface function is achieved, but the adaptability to changing requirements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveFSK interface functionVSAvoidadaptability to changing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the fixed mechanical/electronic ASIC circuit implementation with a software-based FSK interface in the microcontroller. This allows the FSK functionality to be changed through software updates rather than requiring hardware changes, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining reliable FSK communication according to the HART protocol

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention makes the FSK interface dynamic by implementing it as software that can be configured and modified to meet changing requirements. The microcontroller can adapt its FSK communication parameters and behavior through software programming, unlike the static ASIC implementation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a microcontroller-based FSK interface is implemented, then the adaptability to changing requirements is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to changing requirementsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the FSK interface functionality directly into the microcontroller unit, eliminating the need for separate dedicated FSK interface hardware. This integration reduces overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability, as the microcontroller handles both the automation control tasks and the configurable FSK communication functions within a single processor

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If FSK modulation is superimposed on the 20 mA current loop, then data transfer capability is improved, but the harmful factors in the transmission path increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer capabilityVSAvoidharmful factors in transmission path

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the existing 20 mA current loop as an intermediary transmission medium for both power supply and data communication. By modulating FSK signals onto this established infrastructure, the invention enables data transfer without requiring separate communication wiring, while the microcontroller's software-based approach allows for optimized modulation schemes that minimize interference and harmful effects on the shared transmission path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 flexible and efficient data transfer by maintaining low phase errors and power requirements, allowing the automation device to adapt to changing communication needs while maintaining the integrity of the automation task.

Implementation Method 1

Connected to this processing unit is a digital-to-analog converter whose output is connected to a filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDigital-to-analog conversion:

Implementation Method 2

Connected to this processing unit is a digital-to-analog converter whose output is connected to a filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

The clock frequency of the first clock generator indicates a logic 'one' of the data bit-stream and the clock frequency of the second clock generator indicates a logic 'zero' of the data bit-stream

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentUS7358781B2Automation device with stored profile

Publication Date: 2008.04.15 ABB PATENT GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to an automation device, in which a multiplicity of physically distributed functional units communicate with each other by means of a common transmission protocol. The device has a microcontroller (110), which is assigned at least one clock generator (120) and one memory unit (150), and which is connected at least to one data source (140), which is designed to output a data bit-stream to be transmitted. A sequential sequence of equidistant samples of a sinusoidal time profile is stored in the memory unit (150), such that it can be called up, in such a manner that the samples can be output using either the clock of the first clock generator or the clock of the second clock generator, depending on the data bit-stream.