Daisy-Chained P2P Sensor Access Circuit for Shared Channel Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current industrial automation systems face challenges in efficiently communicating between point-to-point sensors via daisy chain networks due to shared communication channels, leading to potential interruptions and inefficiencies when multiple sensors are daisy chained.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of accessing circuitry, including flip-flop and switching circuitry, that coordinates access to a shared communication channel using a selection clock signal, allowing multiple point-to-point sensors to be daisy chained without interference, enabling efficient communication between sensors and a master controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple point-to-point sensors are daisy chained via shared communication channel, then device complexity and deployment cost are reduced, but communication reliability and transmission stability deteriorate due to potential interruptions and interference between sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shared communication channel access into segmented time slots using a time-division multiplexing scheme. Each sensor is assigned specific time windows for transmission, preventing simultaneous access conflicts. The controller segments the communication protocol into distinct phases: sensor selection phase, data transmission phase, and acknowledgment phase, ensuring orderly communication without interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic clock signals and cyclic sensor selection sequences to regulate communication. The controller uses periodic timing mechanisms to systematically cycle through daisy-chained sensors, providing each sensor with regular, predictable access windows. This periodic structure eliminates random interference and ensures stable, interruption-free transmissions across the daisy-chained network.
2Ease of manufacture
If daisy chain network is implemented to reduce deployment cost, then ease of manufacture and installation improve, but communication efficiency and productivity worsen due to potential transmission interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary sensor selection and addressing during system initialization and configuration phases. Sensors are pre-configured with unique identifiers and communication parameters before deployment. The controller pre-establishes the communication sequence and time slot allocations, so that during actual operation, data transmission can proceed efficiently without selection delays or configuration interruptions.
3Device complexity
If multiple sensors share a communication channel, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of information increases due to potential signal interference and transmission conflicts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the controller as an intermediary that mediates all communications between daisy-chained sensors and the central system. The controller acts as a master device that selectively connects to individual sensors through the daisy-chain topology, managing signal flow and preventing interference. This intermediary structure allows multiple sensors to share the communication medium without direct sensor-to-sensor interference, preserving data integrity while maintaining a simple physical topology.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this present disclosure may include an industrial control system that uses a daisy chain communication network to couple point-to-point sensors (P2P sensors) for communication of data between respective P2P sensors and a controller. Each P2P sensor may couple to the daisy chain communication network via accessing circuitry. The accessing circuitry may include switching circuitry and flip-flop circuitry to control when each P2P sensors may communicate with the controller via the daisy chain communication network.