Converter Multiplexer for Serial Bus Signal Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of electronic control systems in industries such as automotive and manufacturing requires a solution to reduce the number of connecting cables between sensors, actuators, and processors, while also mitigating electromagnetic interference and the fragility of large connectors, especially in harsh environments.
Innovation Solution
A converter/multiplexer device that transforms multiple parallel inputs, including analog, digital, frequency, GPS, and modem signals, into a single serial bus standard, such as CAN-bus, for transmission over LAN or PAN, using transceivers and stored configurations to enable self-monitoring and self-cabling, reducing the need for physical cables and enhancing system flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple parallel cables are used to connect sensors and actuators to the processor, then data transmission reliability is improved, but cable complexity and electromagnetic interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple parallel data transmission channels into a single serial bus system. Instead of using separate cables for each sensor and actuator connection, the invention implements a serial communication protocol that multiplexes multiple data streams over a single communication channel, thereby reducing cable complexity while maintaining data transmission reliability through protocol-level error handling and acknowledgment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The serial bus system provides a universal communication interface that can handle multiple types of data transmission (sensor readings, actuator commands, status information) through a single standardized protocol. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for specialized cables for different device types, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable communication across diverse components.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple parallel cables are used for connecting control devices, then data transmission capacity is improved, but electromagnetic interference and cable fragility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple data transmission functions into a single shielded serial bus cable, reducing the surface area exposed to electromagnetic interference. The protocol includes error detection and correction mechanisms that compensate for any interference affecting the single cable, thereby maintaining data transmission capacity while minimizing exposure to harmful electromagnetic factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical parallel cable system with an optical or differential serial communication system that is inherently more resistant to electromagnetic interference. The use of differential signaling or optical transmission substitutes the vulnerable parallel electrical connections with a more robust single-channel system that maintains high data transmission capacity while being immune to electromagnetic interference.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration of input devices is required, then system adaptability is improved, but installation time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The serial bus system incorporates automatic device recognition and configuration capabilities. When a device is connected, the system automatically detects the device type, retrieves its identification data through the serial protocol, and configures the appropriate input handling parameters without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach maintains full system adaptability to various device types while dramatically simplifying installation and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a feedback mechanism where connected devices automatically transmit their identification and capability data through the serial bus. The system uses this feedback information to automatically configure the appropriate input handling, ensuring full adaptability to different device types while eliminating manual configuration steps. The continuous feedback loop allows the system to adapt to newly connected devices dynamically.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a converter/multiplexer and associated method of use therefor or converting and multiplexing parallel inputs, a modem, a GPS, or even modem information into a single multimaster broadcast serial bus standard for connecting electronic control units, and more specifically, to a multiplexer for transforming analog, digital, frequency, GPS, or modem inputs into a CAN bus data transmittal over LAN and/or PAN and interrelation with a similarly equipped receiving module. Further, the converter/multiplexer is used alone or in a group as part of a larger system for multiplexing and demultiplexing signals for serial bus processing and also for guidance when the converters are cabled by operators using stored configurations.