Communication Bus Fault Detection via Pulse Width Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fault detection methods in communication buses are costly and unreliable, especially in low-cost applications, due to the need for prior knowledge of time delays across devices, which distorts triangulation results and renders fault location identification inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
A method that constructs a database of device information, including transmission rates and locations, to identify faults by comparing actual transmission rates and pulse widths, allowing for fault detection without prior knowledge of time delays, using a low-cost timer-counter and a receiver that monitors and processes signals to trigger alarms based on deviations from standard transmission patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triangulation method is used to identify fault location by measuring timing of signal tails, then fault location can be identified, but prior knowledge of time delays across devices is required which distorts results and reduces accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of the communication bus by measuring and storing the actual time delays and signal tail characteristics between devices during normal operation. This preliminary data is stored in a lookup table, allowing the fault location algorithm to use pre-characterized timing information rather than requiring theoretical time delay calculations, thereby improving accuracy without adding complexity during fault detection
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy or model of the communication bus timing characteristics by measuring and storing the actual signal propagation delays and signal tail patterns between devices. This digital twin allows the fault location algorithm to reference actual measured data rather than theoretical values, eliminating the need for prior knowledge of time delays while maintaining high measurement precision
2Reliability
If current fault detection methods are implemented, then fault detection capability is provided, but the cost is too high for low-cost applications such as in-car communications
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses inexpensive timer-counter components and standard microcontroller units that are already present in low-cost applications like automotive systems. Instead of requiring expensive dedicated fault detection hardware, the invention repurposes existing low-cost digital logic and timing resources to perform fault detection and location, making the technology economically viable for mass-market applications
Solution Approach 2:
The communication bus devices use their own existing timing resources and signal transmission capabilities to perform self-diagnosis. The timer-counter and microcontroller units that are already part of the normal communication infrastructure are utilized to detect and locate faults, eliminating the need for separate expensive detection systems and enabling cost-effective implementation in resource-constrained environments
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
Enables accurate and cost-effective fault detection and location identification in communication buses by analyzing transmission rates and pulse widths, improving reliability and reducing costs, even in complex analog signal environments.
Implementation Method 1
any situation in which there is a fault in the communication bus link, the fault and bus link would not be impedance matched and the result would be a reflected signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system for monitoring of integrity of a communication bus includes a communication bus cooperating with at least one transmitter configured to generate and transmit a signal on communication bus. At least one receiver is configured to receive a signal generated by the transmitter and transmitted on communication bus. The receiver is further configured to receive the transmitted signal as well as any reflected signals arising from non-impedance matched section in communication bus and wherein a time difference between transmitted pulse width and received pulse width indicates a distance between the non-impedance matched section and the transmitter on the communication bus.