Modular Building Controller Architecture for Site-Specific I/O Mix
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building management systems (BMS) face challenges with fixed point counts and types in field controllers and input output modules (IOMs), leading to increased costs and redundant circuitry when adapting to different system configurations or applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular controller device with a base processor and interface, allowing for the installation and removal of modules that provide flexible input/output interfaces, enabling dynamic configuration of point counts and types based on specific application needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed point counts and types are provided on controllers or IOMs, then the system can support standard building management functions, but the cost of the controller or IOM increases and redundant circuitry is added
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is divided into a base unit and separate modular I/O modules. The base unit contains the processor and communication interfaces, while I/O modules can be selectively attached to provide only the specific point counts and types needed for each application, eliminating redundant circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The base controller unit is designed with a universal interface that can work with multiple different types of I/O modules. This allows a single base unit to support various building management functions by simply changing the attached I/O module, rather than requiring multiple specialized controllers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controllers or IOMs are purchased to obtain the right fixed point count, type and/or mix, then the appropriate I/O configuration is achieved, but the cost increases and redundant circuitry including power supply and communication interfaces is added
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple I/O module functions are merged into a single base controller unit. The base unit contains one power supply and communication interface that serves all attached I/O modules, eliminating the redundancy of having separate power supplies and communication interfaces in each individual controller or IOM.
Solution Approach 2:
The redundant power supply and communication interface components are extracted from individual I/O modules and consolidated into the base controller unit. This allows I/O modules to be simpler devices that attach to the base unit, which provides the shared power and communication infrastructure.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed point counts and types are provided on controllers or IOMs, then the system can operate with standardized hardware, but flexibility for different system configurations or applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable architecture. I/O modules can be added or removed from the base controller to adapt to different system configurations and applications, allowing the hardware setup to change dynamically based on needs while maintaining standardized connection interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for use in a building management system (BMS) is a controller device. The device includes a base comprising a first processor and a base interface, the first processor being configure to provide control operations for a device in the building system, and a first module installable on and removable from the base. The first module includes a first module interface for receiving power from and communicating with the base via the base interface. In some embodiments, the device includes an optional a second module installable on and removable from the base, the second module comprising a second module interface for receiving power from and communicating with the base via the base interface.