Backplane VLAN Architecture for Direct Rail Module Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automation systems for rail vehicle control and management require a central master module for all communication, leading to overload and potential failure if the master fails, and do not allow direct communication between modules or external systems without routing through the master.
Innovation Solution
An automation system utilizing a backplane bus with network switches configured for Ethernet protocol and VLAN tagging (IEEE 802.1Q and IEEE 802.1ad) enables direct communication between modules and external systems, reducing the workload on the central master by establishing single-tagged and double-tagged VLANs, allowing modules to communicate independently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a central master module is used to control all communication between assemblies, then communication can be sealed off between different assemblies for security, but the master module becomes overloaded and the system fails if the master fails
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication network into multiple VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) that segment traffic between different assemblies. Each assembly can communicate directly with others in its VLAN without requiring master module intervention, distributing the communication load and eliminating the single point of failure while maintaining security boundaries between VLANs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces network switches as intermediary devices that handle communication between assemblies. These switches operate at the data link layer and can forward frames between VLANs based on VLAN tags, relieving the master module from direct communication control while maintaining network security and isolation.
2Productivity
If all assemblies communicate through a single backplane bus, then direct communication between assemblies is enabled, but transmission faults or damage can affect all connected modules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the backplane bus communication into multiple VLANs, where each VLAN represents a separate logical network. This segmentation ensures that transmission faults or security issues in one VLAN do not propagate to other VLANs, isolating harmful effects while maintaining efficient direct communication within each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different communication characteristics to different parts of the network by creating VLANs with specific security and routing properties. Each VLAN can have its own access control lists, security policies, and routing rules, allowing localized quality control while using the shared physical backplane bus infrastructure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an automation system, an operating method for an automation system, and a computer program product, and in particular to an automation system, a method, and a computer program product for communication between modules of an automation system connected to each other via a backplane bus, wherein the modules can exchange data directly with each other without sending the data via a master. An automation system (1) is disclosed, comprising: a backplane bus (62); a first module (2), wherein the first module (2) comprises: a first control unit (22) configured to control and monitor the first module (2) and to assume the function of a higher-level control unit for the automation system (1); and a first communication interface (42) connectable to a first segment of a train control and management system network (14).a second communication interface (45) connected to the backplane bus (62), a first network switch (32) connecting the first communication interface (42), the second communication interface (45) and the control unit (22) so that data communication can take place according to the Ethernet protocol, a second assembly (4) wherein the second assembly (4) comprises: a second control unit (24) configured to control and monitor the second assembly (4), a third communication interface (46) connected to a second segment of the train control and management system network (14), a fourth communication interface (47) connected to the backplane bus (62), a second network switch (34) connecting the third communication interface (46), the fourth communication interface (47) and the second control unit (24) so that data communication can take place according to the Ethernet protocol,wherein the first network switch (32) and the second network switch (34) are configured to establish and process a single-labeled VLAN according to IEEE 802.1Q and to form and process a dual-labeled VLAN according to IEEE 802.1ad, the train control and management network (14) forms a first single-labeled VLAN (V1) according to IEEE 802.1Q, to which the control unit (22) is connected as the end device of the train control and management network (14), a single-labeled VLAN (V3) according to IEEE 802.1Q is established between the first control unit (22) and the second control unit (24) via the backplane bus 62, via which the control unit (22) can communicate with and control the control unit (24), and a first dual-labeled VLAN according to IEEE 802.1ad is established between the first network switch (32) and the second network switch (34) via the backplane bus (62). VLAN (T1) is established.