Bus Network Electrical Deterioration Detection via Attenuation Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting electrical deteriorations in bus networks require equipment removal and reinstallation, or are limited by transformer coupling and bandwidth in Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) measurements, making them inefficient and inaccurate, especially for transformer-coupled buses like MIL-STD-1553B.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a reference measurement under undisturbed conditions, using a variable attenuator to apply a test signal and compare attenuation differences over time, allowing for the identification of distorted data paths and localization of electrical deteriorations without equipment removal, by analyzing common and unique elements in the wiring structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) is used to detect electrical deteriorations, then the position and source of distortion can be identified, but the wiring has to be opened to connect TDR equipment and transformer coupling significantly reduces measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a signal generator and oscilloscope as intermediary devices to measure attenuation differences without directly connecting to the bus network. The measurement is performed through existing connections, avoiding the need to open wiring or connect specialized TDR equipment directly to the bus. This intermediary approach enables indirect measurement of electrical deteriorations while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/TDR-based reflection measurement system with an electrical attenuation measurement system. Instead of using impulse signals and echo measurement (mechanical/electrical reflection principle), the invention uses continuous signal transmission and attenuation comparison (electrical property measurement principle). This substitution eliminates the need to open wiring connections while providing accurate measurement through existing electrical connections.
2Measurement precision
If TDR measurement is performed on transformer-coupled buses, then distortion position can be located, but transformer bandwidth limitation reduces the informational value of measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from impulse signal reflection (TDR) to attenuation measurement at different signal levels. By measuring attenuation differences at multiple points and comparing them with reference values, the system can identify electrical deteriorations without being limited by transformer bandwidth. This parameter change enables accurate measurement while avoiding the information loss caused by transformer coupling in TDR measurements.
3Measurement precision
If all connected bus users are de-installed for measurement, then accurate attenuation measurement can be performed, but additional time is required for de-installation, installation and re-testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of attenuation differences under normal operating conditions before any deterioration occurs. By continuously monitoring and comparing current attenuation values with stored reference values, the system can detect changes in real-time without requiring de-installation of bus users. This preliminary action approach enables early detection while avoiding the time-consuming process of complete system disassembly and reassembly.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stub couplers are used in MIL-STD-1553B topology, then the bus can support multiple devices, but TDR cannot resolve which stub caused the echo
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process by measuring attenuation at different locations along the bus network and comparing the differences. Instead of using a single TDR measurement that cannot resolve multiple stubs, the system performs multiple targeted attenuation measurements at different points. By analyzing which segments show attenuation changes, the system can identify which specific stub or location caused the problem, thereby resolving the echo source while maintaining support for multiple devices.
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 in-situ detection of electrical deteriorations during build-in test routines, reducing maintenance time and error risk, and providing accurate localization of issues within the bus network without disrupting the existing equipment setup.
Implementation Method 1
measuring and comparing the attenuation of the at least one data path between the source device and the at least one sink device at a time later than t0 with a reference measurement of the attenuation of the same data path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2d
Figure 3a~3d
AI summary
The invention relates to a Method for detecting electrical deteriorations in a bus network (BN), whereby the bus network (BN) comprises at least one data path (BC1-D1, BC1-D2, BC1-D3, ... BCm-Dn) to at least one sink device (D1, ...,Dn), whereby a source device (BC1,...,BCm) comprises a variable attenuator (VA) and a terminal unit (TU) applies a test signal to the at least one data path (BC1-D1, BC1-D2, BC1-D3, or BCm-Dn) of the bus network (BN) under test, a sink device (D) comprises a terminal unit (TU), the attenuation of the at least one data path (BC1-D1, BC1-D2, BC1-D3, ... BCm-Dn) between the source device (BC1,...,BCm) and the at least one sink device (D1,...,Dn) is measured and compared with an reference measurement of the attenuation of the same data path (BC1-D1, BC1-D2, BC1-D3, ... BCm-Dn) between the source device (BC1,...,BCm) and the same sink device (D1,...Dn), if the absolute difference between the reference measurement and the measurement is above a given threshold the position of the electrical deteriorations within a bus network is derived by using the wiring structure of the bus network (BN), whereby the reference measurement is performed in a first non-recurring step of the method under undisturbed conditions on the at least one data path (BC1-D1, BC1-D2, BC1-D3, ... BCm-Dn) between the source device (BC1,...,BCm) and the at least one sink device (D1,...Dn).