Controller Module Initialization for Sequential Identity Assignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical systems with multiple controller modules face challenges in efficiently programming and assigning unique identities to each module within a communication sequence, particularly in large-scale systems where manual procedures are time-consuming and error-prone.

Innovation Solution

A control module circuit with a communication input port and output port, featuring a programming controller module that generates a programming data signal to sequentially identify each controllable unit with a permanent identity, allowing for automated identification and addressing of modules within a daisy-chained sequence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual programming procedures are used to assign unique identities to each controller module, then each module can be identified with a permanent identity, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone in large-scale systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidprogramming time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Each controller module automatically determines its own permanent identity by detecting its position in the daisy-chained communication sequence. The modules self-identify through sequential communication without requiring external manual programming, eliminating time-consuming manual operations while maintaining accurate identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary communication sequence establishment during system initialization or power-up, automatically assigning permanent identities to modules before operational use. This preliminary automated action prevents the need for subsequent manual programming operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual programming procedures are used to assign unique identities to each controller module, then each module can be identified with a permanent identity, but manual intervention increases the potential for errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentification reliabilityVSAvoidprogramming operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The controller modules perform self-identification through automated detection of their communication sequence position. This eliminates manual intervention entirely, removing the source of human error while maintaining reliable permanent identity assignment through deterministic sequential communication protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical programming operations with electronic communication-based automatic identification. The programming controller sends electronic signals through the daisy-chained communication path, and modules automatically process these signals to establish their identities, substituting human操作 with electronic automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If a programming controller module generates programming data signals to sequentially identify each controllable unit, then automated identification is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming automationVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The programming controller module utilizes the existing communication bus infrastructure for both normal operational communication and programming/identification functions. This multi-functional use of the communication path achieves automated identification without requiring separate dedicated programming circuits, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the programming function with the operational communication function by using the same daisy-chained communication path for both purposes. The communication input/output ports serve dual roles: normal system operation and automated identity assignment, consolidating functions rather than adding separate complex programming hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11762357B2Method and apparatus for initializing a controller module

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 GE AVIATION SYST LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a control module circuit having a circuit communication input port, a circuit communication output port, a first controllable unit that has a first controller module, and a second controllable unit having a second controller module. The first controller module has a first communication input port connected with the circuit communication input port and a first communication output port. The second controller module has a second communication input port connected with the first communication output port and a second communication output port connected with the circuit communication output port. The first and second controllable units are adapted to be identified with a permanent identity by way of a transmittable data signal receivable at the communication input port and sequentially received by the first and second controllable units.