Communication Device Path Selection Switches Reduce Transfer Delay
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication systems where devices are connected in series, the transfer delay times caused by propagation and relay delays result in significant lag, leading to longer communication cycles and reduced performance in synchronized communication, especially in industrial applications like motion control systems.
Innovation Solution
A communication device with a built-in in-device reference timer and path selection switches that measure and correct transmission path delays, allowing each device to synchronize its reference time accurately and reduce transfer delays by forming relay and return paths dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If devices are connected in series to a transmission path, then wiring complexity is reduced, but transfer delay time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures the transmission path delay time in advance before synchronized communication begins, and notifies each communication device of its specific delay time. This preliminary measurement and notification allows devices to pre-calculate compensation values, eliminating the need for real-time delay adjustment during communication operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The master communication device measures round-trip delay times to each slave device and calculates one-way transmission path delay times. This feedback mechanism provides each slave device with accurate delay information, enabling them to compensate for propagation delays and achieve synchronized operation despite being connected in series.
2Reliability
If Store & Forward transfer mode is used, then data integrity is ensured through error checking, but transfer delay time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs transmission path delay time measurements and notifications before synchronized communication begins. By establishing the delay characteristics in advance, the system can compensate for delays without requiring extended error checking procedures during active communication, thus maintaining both reliability and timing precision.
3Productivity
If communication cycle is shortened to improve motion control performance, then responsiveness increases, but synchronization accuracy becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures and notifies transmission path delay times before synchronized communication starts, allowing each device to pre-calculate the exact timing compensation needed. This preliminary setup enables extremely short communication cycles while maintaining synchronization accuracy, as devices can adjust their timing based on pre-known delay characteristics rather than requiring longer measurement intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical timing synchronization methods with electronic delay measurement and compensation. By using digital delay time notifications and in-device reference timers, the system achieves precise synchronization even at very short communication cycles, substituting physical timing mechanisms with computationally-based timing adjustment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A communication device and method are provided in which even when communication devices are connected in series to a transmission path, devices connected to the individual communication devices are synchronized so that a communication cycle can be reduced. A second communication device (2) includes a relay path (260) and a return path (261) which do not pass through a storage device, and a path selection switch (250) therefor. A first communication device (1) instructs switching of the return path (261) from a transmission path (5), measures a transmission path delay time, notifies the second communication device (2) of it, and sends a reference time of the first communication device for each communication cycle. The second communication device corrects its reference time using the transmission path delay time and the reference time. Also when a new second communication device (2) is found during synchronized communication, the first communication device (1) performs transmission path delay measurement using the remaining time in the communication cycle. Furthermore, the first communication device and the second communication device include means for detecting a frame start signal and reducing transfer delay.