Bus Network Fault Isolation via Switch Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bus network systems, such as DALI lighting control networks, face challenges in efficiently identifying faults and determining topology, particularly in large installations with many nodes or long wires, making fault location tedious and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A system with a bus interface and a switch that alternates between open and closed states to connect or disconnect from the bus, allowing for fault isolation and topology determination, including the use of fault isolation switches and monitoring circuitry to identify open and short circuits, and a method to temporarily disconnect nodes for topology mapping without disrupting the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional fault detection methods are used in bus networks with many nodes or long wires, then the system can operate, but fault location becomes tedious and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The bus network is segmented into sections by systematically isolating nodes using switches. Each node can be individually disconnected to determine which section contains the fault, dividing the large network into manageable segments for efficient fault localization.
Solution Approach 2:
Switches are pre-configured at each node to enable rapid connection and disconnection from the bus. This preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly isolate sections when a fault is detected, eliminating the need for manual troubleshooting procedures.
2Loss of information
If nodes are disconnected for topology determination, then topology mapping becomes possible, but network operation is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
Topology determination is performed periodically or during scheduled maintenance windows rather than continuously. The switches are activated temporarily to map the topology, then returned to their operational state, allowing the network to maintain continuous operation while still enabling topology mapping.
Solution Approach 2:
A control system acts as an intermediary to coordinate switch activation and deactivation. The control system manages the temporary disconnection of nodes for topology mapping while ensuring network operation continuity by orchestrating the timing and sequence of switch operations.
3Measurement precision
If switches are added to each node for fault isolation, then fault location improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fault isolation functionality is extracted from the main node processing unit and implemented as separate switches. This allows the core node functionality to remain simple while adding fault isolation capability through dedicated switching components that can be independently controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
The switches serve multiple functions: they enable fault isolation, facilitate topology determination, and support systematic troubleshooting procedures. By making the switches multi-functional, the added complexity is justified by the multiple benefits they provide to the bus network system.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems for helping identify faults on a bus, as well as to determine the topology of a bus network, are disclosed. A system according to one embodiment includes a bus interface for connecting to a bus and a switch coupled to the bus interface, the switch configured to alternate between an open state and a closed state. The system is connected to the bus via the bus interface when the switch is in the closed state, and the system is disconnected from the bus via the bus interface when the switch is in the open state.