Bus Identifier Chaining for Multi-Device Communication Interfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems face challenges in setting identifiers for multiple communication devices connected to a communication bus in a simple and efficient manner, often requiring complex configurations and additional components like selection circuits or physical switches.

Innovation Solution

A communication device and system that utilize a signal generation circuit, communication interface, and processing circuit to generate and transmit control signals based on logic levels to set identifiers via a communication bus, allowing for daisy-chained communication devices to sequentially set unique identifiers through bus communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional selection circuits or physical switches are used to set identifiers for multiple communication devices, then identifier setting capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentifier setting operationVSAvoidselection circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical selection circuits and physical switches with electronic signal processing. The signal generation circuit generates control signals based on logic levels received from the communication bus, and the processing circuit electronically sets identifiers through signal interpretation and storage, eliminating the need for mechanical selection components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Each communication device autonomously sets its own identifier by receiving control signals through its communication interface, processing them locally, and storing the identifier in its own storage element. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external selection circuits to manually configure each device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If complex selection circuits are used to manage multiple communication devices, then identifier setting functionality is provided, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem configurationVSAvoidselection circuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication interface and processing circuit serve multiple functions: receiving communication signals, interpreting control signals, determining logic levels, and storing identifier data. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate selection circuits, simplifying manufacturing and system configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the functions of selection circuits, identifier generation, and storage into the existing communication interface and processing circuit. By combining these previously separate components into unified functional blocks, the system becomes easier to manufacture with fewer discrete parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If physical switches or selection circuits are implemented for identifier setting, then device identification is achieved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentifier setting speedVSAvoididentifier setting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical switching operations with automated electronic signal processing. The processing circuit automatically interprets control signals, determines the appropriate logic level, and sets the identifier through electronic storage operations, eliminating the time-consuming manual configuration process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The signal generation circuit prepares control signals in advance with proper logic levels before transmission. The processing circuit is pre-configured to interpret these signals and automatically set identifiers when received, enabling rapid identifier assignment without manual intervention during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS20250233591A1Communication device and communication system

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 TDK CORP

AI summary

A communication device includes a signal generation circuit, a communication interface, and a processing circuit. The signal generation circuit is configured to, based on a first control signal including a first logic level and a second logic level, generate a second control signal including the first logic level and the second logic level. The communication interface is coupled to a communication bus, and is configured to receive an identifier setting command. The processing circuit is configured to set the identifier when the first control signal is at the first logic level and the identifier has not yet been set. The signal generation circuit is configured to: set the second control signal to the second logic level when the processing circuit has not yet set the identifier; and set the second control signal to the first logic level after the processing circuit sets the identifier.