Communications Module Interface Serial Parallel Mode
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field bus systems require multiple interfaces for different protocols, making it costly and cumbersome to connect PLCs to various field bus networks, and there is a need to determine whether a communications module should operate in serial or parallel mode for optimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A communications module with an electrical interface that uses one or more pins to determine the communication mode through signal values, enabling either serial or parallel data communication, and includes a control unit connected to the connectors to adapt the communication mode based on signal values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a communications module provides multiple interfaces for different field bus protocols, then compatibility with various field bus systems is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal electrical interface that can operate in both serial and parallel communication modes. The interface uses a standardized connector with pins that can be configured for different communication protocols, allowing a single interface design to serve multiple field bus systems without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The communications module dynamically determines the appropriate communication mode (serial or parallel) based on signal values detected on the electrical interface. The control unit automatically adapts the interface configuration by detecting signals on specific pins and switching between communication modes accordingly, eliminating the need for manual configuration or multiple fixed interfaces.
2Speed
If the communications module uses parallel interface for data transfer, then processing speed is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects between serial and parallel communication modes based on the specific application requirements. The control unit detects signal values on the electrical interface pins and automatically configures the appropriate communication mode, allowing the device to achieve high-speed parallel transfer when needed while maintaining compact size by using serial mode for applications where it suffices.
3Ease of operation
If the communications module automatically determines communication mode, then ease of operation is improved, but the complexity of determining the correct mode increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communications module performs self-configuration by automatically detecting the presence and state of signals on specific pins of the electrical interface. The control unit reads the signal values directly from the connector pins and autonomously determines the appropriate communication mode without requiring external configuration or complex decision-making logic, thereby maintaining ease of operation while limiting the increase in control unit complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A communications module including an electrical interface for operatively connecting the communications module to an electric device is disclosed. The electric interface enables data communication between the communications module and the electric device in either a serial mode or parallel mode. The communications module includes: one or more electrical connectors arranged in the electric interface, a Dual Port RAM is connected to the electrical interface for providing parallel transfer of data through the electrical interface, and a control unit connected to at least one of the one or more electrical connectors, wherein the control unit is adapted to determine the value of one or more signals applied on the at least one of the one or more electrical connectors and enable either serial or parallel data communication through the electrical interface depending on the value of the one or more signals.