Daisy-Chained I/O Unit Layout for Single-Station Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems have a limit on the number of I/O units that can be connected to a master unit, necessitating separate stations and cables when the number exceeds this limit, making it difficult to integrate all necessary units into one station.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of I/O units with specific terminals and processing circuits that allow daisy-chain connections between master units and I/O units, enabling excess units to be connected within a single station without additional cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the number of I/O units connected to a master unit exceeds the limit, then separate stations must be prepared and connected using cables, but this increases system complexity and requires additional cabling
Solution Approach 1:
The I/O unit is divided into multiple terminal types (preceding-stage main-line terminal, preceding-stage branch-line terminal, subsequent-stage main-line terminal, subsequent-stage branch-line terminal) that can be selectively connected. This segmentation allows flexible configuration where I/O units can be chained together directly without requiring separate stations and additional cables when the number of I/O units exceeds the master unit connection limit.
2Quantity of substance
If separate stations are prepared to connect additional I/O units, then the number of connectable I/O units increases, but additional cables and connection points are required
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple I/O units are merged into a single station through direct terminal-to-terminal connections. The preceding-stage terminals of one I/O unit connect to the subsequent-stage terminals of another I/O unit, creating a daisy-chain configuration that eliminates the need for separate stations and additional cabling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If I/O units are connected in a daisy-chain configuration, then integration within a single station is achieved, but the connection structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Each I/O unit is equipped with universal terminal types that can serve multiple connection purposes. The preceding-stage and subsequent-stage main-line and branch-line terminals can be selectively connected depending on the installation configuration, allowing the same I/O unit design to adapt to various connection scenarios without increasing structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An I/O unit comprises: a preceding stage-side mainstream terminal and a preceding stage-side branch terminal that are connected to preceding-stage master units; a next stage-side branch terminal that is connected to the preceding-stage branch terminal and connected to another I/O unit; a slave processing circuit that is connected to the preceding stage-side branch terminal and the next stage-side branch terminal; and a next stage-side mainstream terminal connected to the preceding stage-side mainstream terminal and a master unit in the next stage.