Bus Node Power-Link Switching for Reliable Address Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bus systems face a high risk of initialization process stalling due to improper transmission of acknowledgement or command signals during automatic address allocation, requiring additional control lines and manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A bus system and method where control nodes send an address-request-signal upon power application, receive an address-allocation-signal via data lines, and immediately interconnect power supply terminals upon signal receipt, using diodes and bypass switches for seamless power distribution and address allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automatic address allocation is implemented using existing methods with acknowledgement signals and switching elements, then address allocation can be performed automatically, but the initialization process may stall due to disturbed or lost acknowledgement/command signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switching function from the data communication path and places it in the power supply path. The switching element is controlled by voltage changes rather than communication signals, separating the address allocation control from the data communication layer. This eliminates the risk of initialization stalling due to disturbed acknowledgement signals while maintaining automatic address allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces voltage as an intermediary medium to control the switching element. Instead of using communication signals (acknowledgement/command signals) to control the switch, the system uses voltage presence/absence as a mediator. This intermediary approach provides a more reliable control mechanism that is less susceptible to communication disturbances.
2Reliability
If manual address setting is used with dip switches, then address allocation is simple and reliable, but the process requires manual intervention and is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The control node automatically performs address allocation without manual intervention. When power is supplied, the control node autonomously generates a random number, transmits it to the control device, receives the assigned address, and configures itself. This self-service approach eliminates the need for manual dip switch settings while maintaining reliability through the automated process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control node prepares a random number in advance before actual address allocation occurs. This preliminary action of having a ready random number allows the address allocation process to proceed quickly once power is supplied, improving initialization speed while maintaining the reliability of unique address assignment.
3Extent of automation
If additional control lines are added for address allocation, then address allocation can be performed automatically, but the system complexity and number of required lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing power supply line serve multiple functions: it provides power to the control node and simultaneously carries control information (voltage changes) to operate the switching element. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate control lines while enabling automatic address allocation. The power line becomes a universal medium for both energy and control signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power supply function and the address allocation control function into a single integrated system. The power supply line and control signals are combined, allowing the same physical infrastructure to handle both electrical power delivery and initialization control without requiring additional dedicated control lines.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a control node (3) for a bus system (1), wherein the control node (3) is adapted to control a number of devices (6); comprising: - a control unit (31) configured to send an address-request-signal as soon as supply power is applied onto the control node (3) via at least one power supply line (7) at a first or second power supply terminal (33, 34) and to receive an address-allocation-signal including a unique address via at least one data line (8); - a switching unit (32) which is configured to electrically interconnect the first and second power supply terminal (33, 34) immediately and directly after control unit detects that the address-allocation-signal has been received.