Embedded Digital Identification Cable for Automatic Configuration Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining the active configuration of networked electronic assemblies is time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies due to convoluted electronic cable configurations, requiring manual inspection and trial-and-error analysis, and some data cannot be obtained through manual inspection or electronic analysis.
Innovation Solution
An electronic cable with an embedded digital identification module that includes a processing element, memory element, and ports, allowing for automatic retrieval of configuration data and programmable parameters by communicating with a cable identification terminal and other modules using VDC power lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection and trial-and-error analysis are used to determine cable configuration, then no additional electronic components are required, but the process is time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The cable assembly performs self-identification through the embedded digital identification module that automatically provides configuration data when queried, eliminating the need for manual inspection and trial-and-error analysis by external technicians
Solution Approach 2:
A digital identification module serves as an intermediary between the cable assembly and the querying device, storing and transmitting configuration data to enable automatic retrieval without manual intervention
2Loss of information
If manual inspection methods are used, then the cable structure remains simple, but configuration data cannot be obtained for some cables and modifications require entirely new assessment
Solution Approach 1:
The digital identification module is embedded within the cable assembly, with the module nested inside the cable structure. This allows the cable to contain its own identification data without significantly altering its external form or requiring separate standalone devices
Solution Approach 2:
The embedded digital identification module provides universal configuration data retrieval capability that works across different cable types and configurations, allowing the same mechanism to serve multiple cable identification needs rather than requiring type-specific identification methods
3Extent of automation
If the cable assembly is modified to add identification capabilities, then automatic data retrieval is enabled, but the cable structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The digital identification module is embedded within the cable assembly, with the module nested inside the cable structure. This allows the cable to contain its own identification data without significantly altering its external form or requiring separate standalone devices
Solution Approach 2:
The cable assembly performs self-identification through the embedded digital identification module that automatically provides configuration data when queried, eliminating the need for manual inspection and trial-and-error analysis by external technicians
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic cable configured to communicatively link first and second electronic components together, the electronic cable broadly comprising opposing first and second ends and a digital identification module embedded between the first and second ends. The digital identification module broadly comprises a processing element and a memory element. The processing element is configured to receive a first query signal. The memory element is communicatively coupled to the processing element and configured to store data corresponding to the electronic cable. The processing element is configured to generate a first data signal representative of at least some of the data in response to the first query signal.