Dual-Standard Sensor Interface Switching by Voltage-Level Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor arrangements face compatibility issues when using different communication standards for primary and secondary functions, leading to increased electrical effort, cost, and space requirements due to the need for additional interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A sensor arrangement that can switch between two communication standards using a single signal interface, detecting switching signals based on electrical voltage levels rather than short-circuit current, and incorporating a voltage converter and monitoring unit to adapt supply voltage and recognize switching signals, allowing for bidirectional communication without additional interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a sensor arrangement uses separate interfaces for different communication standards, then compatibility with multiple standards is achieved, but device complexity, cost, and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with multiple communication standardsVSAvoidnumber of interfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a single signal interface that can operate with multiple communication standards (e.g., IO-Link and Profinet) by dynamically switching between different communication modes. The control unit detects which communication standard is being used and configures the interface accordingly, allowing one interface to serve multiple functions and support different protocols without requiring separate dedicated interfaces for each standard.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a sensor arrangement uses separate interfaces for different communication standards, then compatibility with multiple standards is achieved, but cost and material requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with multiple communication standardsVSAvoidmaterial and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a sensor arrangement uses separate interfaces for different communication standards, then compatibility with multiple standards is achieved, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with multiple communication standardsVSAvoidspace for interfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Use of energy by moving object

If electrical voltage detection is used instead of short-circuit current detection, then switching signal recognition is achieved with low electrical effort, but detection precision may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical effortVSAvoidswitching signal detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the detection parameter from short-circuit current to electrical voltage for detecting switching signals. The control unit monitors voltage levels at the signal interface to detect switching signals, which reduces electrical effort compared to current-based detection methods while maintaining sufficient detection accuracy through appropriate voltage threshold monitoring and evaluation logic.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4016206B1Sensor arrangement, control device, automation system and method for transmitting signals according to two communication standards

Publication Date: 2023.08.30 BAUMER ELECTRIC AG

Figure 1~2
Figure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a sensor arrangement (1) comprising a sensor (8) and a signal interface (14) for transmitting signals (28, 44) according to two communication standards that are not directly compatible with each other. For this purpose, the sensor arrangement (1) is configured to output sensor output signals (28) of the sensor (8) with electrical logic levels (34) according to a first communication standard via the signal interface (14) in a first operating state (30) and to receive an electrical switching signal (42) that does not correspond to the first communication standard. Depending on the reception of the switching signal (42), the sensor arrangement (1) is configured to switch to a second operating state (32), and in the second operating state (32), the sensor arrangement (1) is configured to receive communication signals (44) with logic levels according to a second communication standard via the signal interface (14).wherein the logic levels (43) of the first communication standard differ from the logic levels of the second communication standard, and wherein the sensor arrangement (1) is configured to detect the switching signal (42) based on an electrical voltage (46, 48) applied to the sensor arrangement (1) that does not correspond to the logic levels (34) of the first communication standard. The sensor arrangement (1) according to the invention is cost-, material-, and/or space-saving, since the signals (28, 44) can be transmitted via one and the same signal interface (14) despite the incompatibility of the communication standards. Furthermore, the invention relates to a control unit (2) for such a sensor arrangement (1), an automation system (4) with at least one sensor arrangement (1) and at least one control unit (2), and a corresponding method.