BACnet MSTP Baud Rate Auto-Selection via Iterative Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing BACnet communication systems using Master-Slave Token-Passing (MS/TP) protocols require manual selection and adjustment of baud rates, which is time-consuming and expensive, as engineers must manually set and monitor baud rates for all connected building automation components to ensure reliable communication, and there is no automated method to optimize baud rates for optimal system performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a server or router connected to the MS/TP BACnet iteratively selects and adjusts baud rates by broadcasting frames indicating baud rate changes to all connected components, monitoring communication reliability, and automatically settling on the highest reliable baud rate for optimal system operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual baud rate selection and monitoring is performed by engineers, then communication reliability can be ensured, but time consumption and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated baud rate selection and monitoring through the server or router, eliminating the need for manual engineer intervention. The server/router automatically selects optimal baud rates and monitors communication reliability, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring external manual configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous monitoring of communication reliability with automated feedback mechanisms. When communication difficulties are detected (such as flickering communications), the system automatically responds by adjusting baud rates, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains reliability without manual intervention.
2Productivity
If baud rate is increased for faster communication, then productivity improves, but communication reliability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts baud rates based on real-time communication conditions rather than using fixed rates. The server or router can change baud rates adaptively, increasing speed when conditions permit and reducing speed when reliability issues arise, making the communication system flexible and responsive to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the baud rate parameter automatically based on monitored communication conditions. By adjusting this critical communication parameter dynamically, the system optimizes the balance between communication speed and reliability according to actual network conditions.
3Loss of time
If automated baud rate selection is implemented, then time and cost are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The server or router performs multiple functions including baud rate selection, communication monitoring, and automatic adjustment within a single integrated system. This multi-functionality avoids the need for separate dedicated automation devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while achieving automated baud rate selection.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and associated methods relate to selection of an operating baud rate for a building automation system that communicates over a Master-Slave Token-Passing (MS/TP) BACnet. A server (or router or gateway) connected to the MS/TP BACnet is programmed to iteratively select operating baud rates from a series of available operating baud rates. Each iteration, the server broadcasts a frame indicating baud rate selection to a plurality of building automation devices connected to a MS/TP BACnet. Each of the plurality of building automation devices connected to the MS/TP BACnet then iteratively sets its baud rate so as to match the baud rate selected by the server. The server monitors communications conducted over the MS/TP BACnet so as to determine reliability or unreliability of the communications conducted over the MS/TP BACnet using the baud rates iteratively selected. A highest reliable baud rate is then used by the building automation system.