Backplane Bus Automation with Direct Assembly Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automation systems for rail vehicle control and management require a central master assembly for communication, leading to overloading and potential system failure if the master fails, and restrict direct communication between assemblies and external systems.
Innovation Solution
An automation system utilizing a backplane bus with network switches configured for Ethernet protocol and VLANs (IEEE 802.1Q and IEEE 802.1ad) to enable direct communication between assemblies and external systems, reducing the workload on the central master and allowing assemblies to communicate without relying on a central location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a central master assembly is used for communication coordination, then communication management is simplified and centralized, but the master assembly becomes overloaded and the system reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the centralized communication management into distributed peer-to-peer communication between assemblies. Each assembly independently communicates with others directly through the backplane bus, eliminating the single point of failure (master assembly) while maintaining communication coordination. This segmentation of the communication architecture resolves the contradiction by distributing the communication load across multiple nodes rather than concentrating it in one master assembly.
2Device complexity
If all communication passes through a central master, then communication protocol management is simplified, but communication efficiency decreases and master assembly overload occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring assemblies with their own communication interfaces and protocols. Each assembly is prepared to communicate directly with others without requiring real-time master intervention. This allows assemblies to independently establish and manage communication sessions, improving communication efficiency while maintaining protocol standardization through pre-defined communication rules and interfaces.
3Reliability
If direct communication between assemblies is enabled, then system reliability and communication efficiency improve, but communication protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by implementing a standardized backplane bus interface that all assemblies use for communication. This universal communication infrastructure allows different assemblies to communicate directly using the same protocol and interface standards, enabling peer-to-peer communication without requiring complex assembly-specific protocols. The standardized interface simplifies the communication protocol while supporting direct assembly-to-assembly communication.
Data Source
AI summary
An automation system, an operating method for an automation system, and a computer program product enable communication between assemblies of an automation system connected to each other via a back panel bus, wherein the assemblies can exchange data with each other directly, without sending the data via a master.