Controller Sensor Bus with Optical Fiber and GEM Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current machine automation networks face challenges such as high latency, low bandwidth, complex cabling, significant electromagnetic interference, high costs, and unsecured data, which hinder efficient communication of sensor data and control messages across systems, particularly in applications like self-driving cars and factory automation.
Innovation Solution
A machine automation system featuring a controller and sensor bus with a central processing core and multi-medium transmission intranet that implements a dynamic burst-to-broadcast transmission scheme, using a generic encapsulation mode (GEM) format for message transmission, enabling efficient handling of diverse data types and reducing complexity through a unified software image.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If copper cabling systems are used for network transmission, then electrical connectivity is achieved, but electromagnetic interference increases and shielding costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces copper-based electrical cabling systems with optical fiber transmission media. This substitution eliminates electromagnetic interference inherent in copper systems while maintaining high-speed data transmission capabilities. The optical fiber infrastructure allows data to be transmitted as light signals rather than electrical signals, fundamentally resolving the EMI problem while preserving speed requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission medium parameter from electrical conductors (copper) to optical waveguides (fiber). This parameter change transforms the physical nature of signal transmission from electrical to optical domain, thereby eliminating electromagnetic interference while maintaining or improving transmission speed and bandwidth.
2Reliability
If multiple specialized networks are used to handle different data types, then specific performance requirements are met, but system complexity and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified optical network infrastructure that can handle multiple data types (sensor data, control messages, video, audio) through a single transmission medium. The system uses protocol encapsulation and quality of service mechanisms to ensure reliable transmission of different data types over the same physical network, eliminating the need for separate specialized networks while maintaining reliability requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple previously separate networks (sensor networks, control networks, media networks) into a single unified optical network. By combining these functions into one infrastructure with intelligent protocol handling, the system reduces integration complexity while maintaining the reliability needed for different data types through protocol-specific processing.
3Productivity
If high-bandwidth transmission is implemented, then data throughput increases, but latency may increase due to processing overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through protocol encapsulation at the source device, where data is packaged with necessary control information before transmission. This pre-processing allows receiving devices to efficiently extract and process data without excessive overhead, maintaining high throughput while minimizing latency through optimized packet structures and pre-configured transmission parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A machine automation system for controlling and operating an automated machine. The system includes a controller and sensor bus including a central processing core and a multi-medium transmission intranet for implementing a dynamic burst to broadcast transmission scheme where messages are burst from nodes to the central processing core and broadcast from the central processing core to all of the nodes.


