Dual Board Boot Configuration Using DC Voltage Comparison
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for configuring master and slave boards during initial booting of dual boards are time-consuming and prone to errors, particularly when using external dip switches or clock synchronization, which can lead to delays in critical control systems.
Innovation Solution
The method involves applying an AC voltage to each board during initial booting, converting it to a DC voltage, and using a controller to compare the DC voltage values between boards to determine and set one as the master and the other as the slave, allowing for quick and error-free configuration through simple communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dip switches or external information reading methods are used to configure master/slave boards, then the configuration can be achieved, but it requires a certain amount of time and is prone to operator errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines master/slave configuration by comparing voltage magnitudes detected from power supply lines, eliminating the need for manual dip switch operations. Each board independently detects the voltage magnitude and autonomously configures its role, achieving both high reliability and fast initialization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical dip switch operations with electrical voltage magnitude detection. By using the inherent voltage characteristics of power supply lines during booting, the system eliminates manual mechanical configuration and achieves automatic, error-free master/slave determination
2Reliability
If clock synchronization between boards is used to determine master/slave, then configuration can be achieved, but it is difficult to implement with modern FPGA-based CPU boards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from clock synchronization to voltage magnitude. By detecting the magnitude of voltage on power supply lines during booting, the system achieves universal compatibility with modern FPGA-based boards while maintaining reliable automatic configuration, as voltage detection is independent of processor architecture
3Reliability
If counterpart boards read information with each other during initial booting, then master/slave can be determined, but it causes time delay in boards requiring fast control
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage magnitude detection and master/slave configuration occur during the initial booting phase before control operations begin. By completing the configuration determination in advance during power-up, the system ensures both accurate configuration and fast subsequent control response without delays
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 approach enables rapid and accurate configuration of master and slave boards based on voltage magnitude, reducing the risk of operator errors and time delays, thereby enhancing the productivity and reliability of critical control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage converter for converting the applied AC voltage into a DC voltage
Data Source
AI summary
A method for configuring a master/slave board during initial booting of dual boards, and dual boards thereof are proposed. Each of the dual boards includes: a voltage input part to which an AC voltage is applied by initial booting; a voltage converter for converting the applied AC voltage into a DC voltage; a communication part for transmitting a DC voltage value corresponding to the converted DC voltage to a counterpart board and receiving a DC voltage value of the counterpart board from the counterpart board; and a controller for initializing the voltage converter when an initial boot signal and the AC voltage are applied from outside, converting the DC voltage converted by the voltage converter into the DC voltage value, and comparing the DC voltage values of each board transmitted and received through the communication part, so as to configure each board as a master or slave board.