Automation Bus Reply Timing for Combined Sensor Data Packets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing field-bus systems in automation networks are overly complex and costly for less complex applications, such as controlling simple sensors, due to high protocol overhead and complex cabling and hardware configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method for data communication in automation systems that allows multiple passive subscribers to be addressed by an active subscriber via a joint write request, with reply messages from passive subscribers combined into a shared data element and interpreted as a coherent data packet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If complex field-bus systems (e.g., EtherCAT) are used for data communication, then communication speed and effectiveness are improved, but device complexity and protocol overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication protocol into essential and non-essential parts. Only the minimal necessary protocol elements are implemented for simple sensor applications, while complex features of standard field-bus systems are omitted. This segmentation allows achieving adequate communication functionality without the full overhead of complex protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simplified, lightweight communication protocol that can be discarded or replaced more easily than complex standardized protocols. This approach uses minimal protocol overhead suitable for simple applications, avoiding the burden of implementing and maintaining complex field-bus protocols when full functionality is not required.
2Reliability
If complex field-bus systems with point-to-point connections are used, then communication reliability is improved, but cabling complexity and hardware configuration increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication functions into a simplified party-line bus configuration. Instead of requiring separate point-to-point connections for each device, the system combines all subscribers onto a single bus where messages are broadcast to all participants. This merging reduces cabling complexity while maintaining communication reliability through the robustness of the party-line architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal bus interface that can handle multiple communication tasks through a single standardized connection. The party-line bus serves multiple functions including data transmission, addressing, and coordination without requiring different cabling configurations for different application scenarios, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Device complexity
If party-line bus configuration is used for simple sensor applications, then device complexity is reduced, but individual data transmission from multiple sensors requires separate data telegrams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual data transmissions from multiple sensors into a single combined data telegram. Instead of sending separate telegrams from each sensor, the system consolidates data from multiple passive subscribers into one unified message structure that can be processed efficiently by the active subscriber, thereby improving transmission efficiency while maintaining protocol simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having passive subscribers prepare their data for transmission in advance according to predefined timing rules. Each passive subscriber determines its transmission time based on the number of data units received, allowing coordinated transmission without complex arbitration. This preliminary preparation enables efficient batch transmission of data from multiple sensors in a single telegram exchange.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for data communication between subscribers of an automation system includes a first passive subscriber and a second passive subscriber receiving a write request sent by an active subscriber, determining a first transmission time point for transmitting a first reply message by the first passive subscriber, transmitting the first reply message at the first transmission time, and receiving the first reply message. The method also includes determining a second transmission time for transmitting a second reply message by the second passive subscriber, transmitting the second reply message at the second transmission time, receiving the second reply message, and interpreting the first reply message and the second reply message as segments of a data packet.