Differential Bus Network Node Termination via Integrated Resistor
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Solution Overview
Problem
In differential bus networks, particularly those with complex topologies like CAN, identifying optimal locations for termination resistors is challenging due to the need for special nodes at ends, leading to design restrictions and increased costs, and single faults can drastically impact communication.
Innovation Solution
A common transceiver design with a resistor between bus terminals in each node, acting as a dynamic termination resistor, allows for differential signaling without dedicated termination nodes, using a suppression element to actively manage voltage differences and reduce signal reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated termination nodes are used at the ends of the bus, then signal reflections are reduced and communication reliability is improved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing costs increase due to requiring special nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the termination function with every standard node in the network by equipping each node with a resistor between its bus terminals. This merges the previously separate termination function (requiring special end nodes) into the standard node design, eliminating the need for dedicated termination nodes while maintaining signal reflection suppression.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes every node universal by giving each node the same standard design with integrated resistor functionality. Each node can serve both as a communication node and as a termination element, eliminating the need for special-purpose termination nodes and simplifying the overall network design.
2Reliability
If dedicated termination nodes are used at the ends of the bus, then signal reflections are reduced, but manufacturing costs increase due to requiring special nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The termination function is merged into the standard node design, so every node contributes to signal reflection suppression. This eliminates the need to manufacture special termination nodes separately, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates homogeneous node designs where all nodes have the same structure and functionality, including the integrated resistor. This homogeneity simplifies manufacturing processes and reduces costs by eliminating the need to produce and inventory different types of nodes (standard vs. termination nodes).
3Reliability
If a single fault in termination nodes drastically impacts communication, then communication reliability is compromised, but adding redundant termination nodes increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the termination function locally at every node throughout the network rather than concentrating it at end nodes. This distributed approach ensures that if one node fails, other nodes continue to provide termination functionality, improving fault tolerance without requiring complex redundant configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The termination function is segmented and distributed across multiple independent nodes rather than being concentrated in single dedicated termination nodes. This segmentation provides redundancy, as the failure of one node does not eliminate the termination function entirely, thereby improving fault tolerance.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies node design, reduces costs by eliminating special nodes, and enhances communication reliability by actively managing voltage transitions, thereby maintaining signal integrity across the network.
Implementation Method 1
each of said at least three nodes comprise a common transceiver design in terms of comprising bus terminals for coupling, respectively, to the at least two wires of the bus; and a resistor coupled between the bus terminals
Data Source
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AI summary
A differential bus network comprising: a bus comprising two bus wires; at least three nodes each comprising: a transceiver comprising: bus terminals for coupling, respectively, to the two wires of the bus; a receiver arrangement configured to receive differential signalling from the bus terminals and determine a digital receive signal based on said differential signalling; and a transmitter arrangement configured to apply differential signalling to the bus terminals based on a digital transmit signal, the transmitter arrangement comprising a first transmitter configured to increase the potential difference between the wires of the bus to a first differential voltage state and maintain the first differential state and a suppression element configured to decrease the potential difference between the two wires of the bus towards a second differential voltage state, the transmitter arrangement further comprising a resistor coupled between the bus terminals configured to at least maintain the second differential voltage state.