Extending Deterministic Fieldbus Over Wide Area Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deterministic fieldbus networks lose their deterministic nature when data frames are routed over traditional wide area networks using UDP or TCP protocols, preventing the extension of deterministic communication over wide geographical areas.
Innovation Solution
A multiplexing synchronized optical network, such as SONET or SDH, is used to encapsulate and transmit data frames from a local deterministic fieldbus, preserving determinism by connecting it to a remote deterministic fieldbus, utilizing SFP transceivers to maintain real-time communication across wide areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If data frames are routed over traditional wide area networks using UDP or TCP protocols, then the network can extend over wide geographical areas, but the deterministic nature of the data frames is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized network device or gateway that acts as an intermediary between the deterministic fieldbus network and the wide area network. This intermediary encapsulates deterministic data frames within standard network packets, translating between the two protocols while preserving timing information. The intermediary maintains synchronization and determinism by using precise timestamping and synchronization protocols, allowing deterministic communication to extend over wide geographical areas through the WAON infrastructure.
2Ease of operation
If deterministic fieldbus networks are extended over wide areas, then real-time monitoring and control can be achieved across distant locations, but the deterministic nature cannot be preserved
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization and timestamping of data frames before transmission over the wide area network. By pre-establishing synchronization references and embedding precise timing information in advance, the system can reconstruct deterministic timing relationships at the remote end. This preliminary action ensures that when data frames traverse the wide geographical distance, their temporal relationships are preserved, enabling real-time monitoring and control across distant locations without losing determinism.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides systems and methods for extending a deterministic network over a wide geographical area. According to one embodiment, an IED may transmit data frames using a deterministic frame-based communication protocol, such as EtherCAT, via a local deterministic fieldbus. A first transceiver may encapsulate the data frames for transmission over a multiplexing synchronized optical network, such as a SONET network. A second transceiver may de-encapsulate the encapsulated data frames and transmit them via a remote deterministic fieldbus, such that communication between the local and remote deterministic fieldbuses is deterministic. Accordingly, an IED may communicate with a high level of determinism and/or in real-time with various components in a power delivery system across a wide geographical area including multiple deterministic fieldbuses.