Engine Control Monitoring Expansion via Ring-Connected IC Nodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Engine Control and Monitoring Systems (ECaMS) lack adaptability and versatility, particularly in complex engines where continuous performance without unscheduled interruptions is critical, as they often require substantial software changes and rewiring for additional processing or I/O capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The method involves connecting expansion units with additional Integrated Circuits (ICs) to existing ECaMS processor nodes via a ring network, allowing for direct connections between ICs rather than processors, enabling the addition of new nodes for enhanced processing and I/O capabilities without significant software updates, and segregating control and protection functions to prevent errors from impacting critical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If substantial software changes and rewiring are implemented to add processing or I/O capabilities, then the ECaMS can achieve additional functionality, but the system complexity and modification difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular processor nodes, each with integrated acquisition and output ICs. These nodes can be independently added or removed from the ring network without affecting the entire system, enabling flexible adaptation while maintaining manageable complexity through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Each processor node is designed with universal interfaces and standardized communication protocols that allow it to perform multiple functions. The same node architecture can handle different I/O capabilities and processing requirements, reducing the need for specialized components and simplifying system expansion.
2Reliability
If processor nodes are directly connected via ring network, then communication speed and reliability improve, but the system becomes more vulnerable to error propagation
Solution Approach 1:
The ring network is segmented into independent processor nodes with defined communication protocols. Each node operates semi-independently, allowing error containment within specific nodes while maintaining overall system communication through the ring structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized communication protocols and interfaces act as intermediaries between processor nodes. These protocols include error detection, validation, and handling mechanisms that prevent error propagation while maintaining reliable communication across the ring network.
3Reliability
If control and protection functions are segregated into separate processor portions, then system safety improves by preventing error propagation, but the system architecture becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Processor nodes are segmented into distinct control and protection function portions, each operating with dedicated resources and communication channels. This functional segmentation enhances safety by isolating critical protection functions from control functions, preventing error propagation while maintaining clear architectural boundaries through standardized interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for modifying an Engine Control and Monitoring System (ECaMS) for an engine. A method comprises identifying a provisioning deficit in the ECaMS, wherein the ECaMS comprises a first processor node and a second processor node. The first processor node comprises a first acquisition integrated circuit (IC), a first output IC, and a first processor. The second processor node comprises a second acquisition IC, a second output IC, and a second processor. The first acquisition IC is connected directly to the second acquisition IC. The method comprises connecting an expansion unit to the ECaMS. The expansion unit comprises one or more expansion unit ICs, said one or more expansion unit ICs being connected to one or more ICs of the ECaMS.