Dual-Channel Radio Module for Industrial Measurement Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless communication methods in industrial process automation often face reliability issues and latency in data transmission, particularly in complex and distributed industrial environments, where reliable and efficient transmission of measurement data is crucial for process automation.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device equipped with a radio module featuring two redundant radio channels, one using LPWAN technology (such as LoRa) and the other using cellular technology, allows for simultaneous and unidirectional transmission of measurement data, increasing reliability and reducing latency by eliminating the need for a return channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single wireless communication channel is used for data transmission, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of data transmission deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication system is segmented into two independent radio channels (first and second radio channels) that operate in parallel. Each channel is configured to transmit measurement data independently, so that if one channel fails or experiences interference, the other can still deliver the data, thereby improving transmission reliability without requiring a single complex redundant system
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of communication diversity by utilizing two different radio channels with potentially different frequency bands, modulation schemes, or physical characteristics. This parameter diversification allows the system to overcome channel-specific interference and improve overall transmission reliability
2Loss of time
If a return channel is implemented for data transmission, then the measurement precision or data accuracy is improved, but the latency of data transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by transmitting measurement data immediately through the first radio channel without waiting for any return signal or acknowledgment. The control unit is configured to always instruct the first radio channel to send measurement data regardless of data received, eliminating the need for return channel communication and reducing latency
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a copy of the measurement data transmission path by using two independent radio channels. The first radio channel transmits data unidirectionally without requiring a return channel, while the second radio channel serves as a redundant copy that can compensate if the first channel fails, thus maintaining data accuracy without increasing latency
3Reliability
If redundant data transmission is implemented, then the reliability of data transmission is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically manages the two radio channels based on transmission needs. The control unit can selectively activate or deactivate channels, and the measuring device can switch to sleep mode when not transmitting, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining reliability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The system discards the second radio channel activation when the first channel successfully transmits data, and only recovers (activates) the second channel when redundancy is actually needed, thus avoiding continuous energy consumption from both channels operating simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device and method for process automation in an industrial environment. The measuring device includes a radio module having a first radio channel that transmits measurement data, a second radio channel that transmits the measurement data, and control circuitry that controls the first radio channel and the second radio channel in such a way that identical measurement data is transmitted by the two radio channels.