CAN Bus Terminating Resistor Arrangement for Portable Generators
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Solution Overview
Problem
In portable power generation systems, coordinating the operation of multiple generators to efficiently provide power in remote locations is challenging due to the need for effective communication and termination of CAN bus connections, which existing systems do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A power generation system utilizing a CAN bus with user-activated switches and resistors to terminate the bus ends, allowing for flexible configuration of communication between multiple power sources by connecting and disconnecting resistors as needed, enabling efficient coordination and operation of generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple generators are connected to coordinate operation, then power generation efficiency is improved, but communication coordination between generators becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a CAN bus as an intermediary communication medium between multiple generators. Each generator connects to the CAN bus through standardized communication protocols, allowing coordinated operation without direct complex point-to-point communication between each generator pair. The bus architecture simplifies the communication topology and reduces coordination complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs user-activated switches that change the electrical state (resistance values) of the CAN bus dynamically. By switching between different resistance states (terminating or non-terminating), the system adapts communication parameters based on the number and configuration of connected generators, optimizing coordination efficiency for different system configurations.
2Reliability
If CAN bus terminating resistors are fixed, then communication stability is improved, but adaptability to different generator configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static terminating resistor configuration into a dynamic one by introducing user-activated switches. These switches allow the terminating resistance to be changed dynamically based on the actual CAN bus configuration and number of connected generators, maintaining communication stability across varying system configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the terminating resistor function into separate controllable segments at each generator end. Each generator has its own switchable terminating resistor, allowing independent control of termination at each end of the CAN bus. This segmentation enables flexible adaptation to different configurations while maintaining stable communication.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If terminating resistors are always connected, then signal reflection is reduced, but flexibility in system configuration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the terminating resistor connection dynamic through user-activated switches. The resistors are connected only when needed (when generators are at the physical ends of the CAN bus), and disconnected when not needed (when generators are in intermediate positions). This dynamic approach eliminates signal reflection only when necessary, while providing flexibility for different system configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile power source includes an electrical generator, a controller, a resistor, and a user-activated switch positioned on a control panel of the electrical generator, the user-activated switch is configured to move between at least a first position and a second position. In response to the user-activated switch being in the first position, the resistor is configured to act as a terminating resistor at one end of a controller area network (CAN) bus of a power generation system, and in response to the user-activated switch being in the second position, the resistor is configured to be prevented from acting as the terminating resistor of the CAN bus.