Cartridge Controller Data Routing Logic for Industrial Measurement Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement systems are costly and inefficient due to redundant interface circuitry, particularly in PXI-based systems, which increases expense and size when multiple modules are used, and are prone to damage from high common-mode voltages and ground loops.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a controller with timing and data routing logic, plurality of cartridge controllers, and cartridges that provide mass storage, communication, data-acquisition, and measurement functionalities, with integrated conditioning logic, allowing for adaptive I/O signal formatting and synchronization across multiple cartridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard interface circuitry (PCI/PXI) is included on each measurement module, then each module can operate independently, but cost and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
A single host interface circuitry in the processing system performs multiple functions by serving multiple measurement modules sequentially through time-division multiplexing. The host interface can communicate with different modules at different times, eliminating the need for each module to have its own dedicated interface circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple measurement modules are merged into a single communication bus system. Instead of each module having separate interface circuitry, all modules share a common host interface through the backplane, combining multiple functions into a single interface resource.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication interfaces are added to measurement modules, then communication versatility improves, but expense and size increase dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The host interface circuitry provides multiple communication capabilities through a single interface. The processing system can configure the host interface to support different communication protocols and modes as needed, providing versatility without requiring separate physical interfaces for each communication type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically configures communication interfaces based on which measurement modules are present and what communication capabilities are needed. The host interface can adapt its behavior and supported protocols based on real-time system configuration rather than providing all possible interfaces statically.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PXI interface circuitry is included on each sensor module, then modules can be used individually, but redundancy occurs when multiple modules are used together
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple measurement modules share a common host interface circuitry through the backplane connection. When multiple modules are installed, they collectively use the single host interface resource, eliminating the redundancy of having separate interface circuitry on each module while maintaining the ability to use modules individually or in combination.
Data Source
AI summary
System and method for controlling cartridges to perform industrial operation(s). The system may include cartridge controllers coupled to the cartridges, timing and data routing logic coupled to the cartridge controllers, and controlling software coupled to the timing and data routing logic. Each of the cartridge controllers may be operable to detect and establish communications with a respective cartridge based on information retrieved from the cartridge, and adapt input/output signals of the respective cartridge according to instructions specified by the timing and data routing logic. The timing and data routing logic may be operable to synthesize data stream(s) from the adapted input/output signals, wherein each of the data stream(s) includes a respective subset of the adapted input/output signals received from a corresponding subset of the cartridges, and transmit the data stream(s) to the controlling software. The synthesized data stream(s) may appear as corresponding device(s) to the controlling software.