Backplane Near Field Coupling for PLC Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional backplane systems for industrial programmable logic controllers (PLCs) face issues with costly and unreliable connectors for data and power transmission, which can lead to corrosion, contamination, and wear-out, as well as electromagnetic interference due to random wave propagation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of Near Field Communication (NFC) technology for contactless data and power transfer between modules and a backplane, using NFC couplers to eliminate the need for physical connectors and reduce electromagnetic emissions, enabling high-speed data transfer up to 10-30 Gbps and providing voltage isolation between line cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional connectors are used for data and power transmission, then physical connection is established, but reliability deteriorates due to corrosion, contamination, and wear-out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical connectors with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology for contactless data and power transmission. This eliminates physical contact between components, thereby removing the sources of corrosion, contamination, and wear-out that plague traditional connector systems. The NFC couplers transmit signals and power through electromagnetic fields without requiring physical mating connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces NFC couplers as intermediary devices that enable communication and power transfer between the backplane and line cards without direct physical contact. These couplers act as mediators that transfer energy and information through near-field electromagnetic coupling, eliminating the need for traditional electrical connectors while maintaining functional connectivity.
2Reliability
If conventional connectors are used for data transmission, then data connection is established, but cost increases due to expensive high-speed connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive high-speed mechanical connectors with NFC-based contactless transmission systems. This substitution eliminates the need for costly precision-machined connectors while maintaining high-speed data transmission capabilities through electromagnetic field coupling, thereby significantly reducing component costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses NFC technology to create a wireless copy of the traditional connector function, allowing data and power transmission without physical contact. This approach replicates the essential functionality of expensive connectors using more economical NFC coupler components.
3Reliability
If conventional connectors are used for power transmission, then power delivery is established, but reliability deteriorates due to intermittent operation and wearing out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical power connectors with NFC-based contactless power transmission. This eliminates the mechanical wear and intermittent connections inherent in traditional connector systems, providing stable and reliable power delivery without the degradation associated with physical contact and movement.
4Reliability
If conventional connectors are used, then physical connection is established, but electromagnetic interference increases due to random wave propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional electromagnetic signal transmission through connectors with NFC near-field coupling. This near-field approach confines electromagnetic energy to a localized region between the couplers, preventing random wave propagation and reducing electromagnetic interference with other system components.
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
This solution reduces the cost and reliability issues associated with traditional connectors, enhances data transfer bandwidth, and provides high voltage isolation, improving the operational efficiency and reliability of PLC systems by using NFC for power and data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
Near Field Communication (NFC) is a wireless technology, allowing two devices to communicate over a short distance of approximately 10 cm or less
Implementation Method 2
a second NFC coupler to supply operating voltage to the circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
A removable module includes circuitry, a near field communication (NFC) coupler to provide a data signal to the circuitry, and a second NFC coupler to supply operating voltage to the circuitry.