Ethernet Communication Device Echo Cancellation for Extended Cable Lengths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automotive Ethernet networks with single twisted pair cables are limited to 15 m transmission length, requiring additional active components that increase costs, complexity, and latency, while alternative solutions like shielded cables are stiff and prone to failure under cyclic loads.

Innovation Solution

An Ethernet communication device with echo compensation units having memories that store data signals for longer than 150 ns, using unshielded single twisted pair Ethernet cables, allowing data transmission beyond 15 m without active components, and utilizing a segmented data line for flexible installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If single twisted pair Ethernet cables are used for data transmission beyond 15 m, then transmission distance is extended, but signal integrity deteriorates due to echo and interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidsignal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful echo effect into a useful signal for calibration. By intentionally generating test signals and measuring their echoes, the system calibrates the echo cancellation filter to compensate for signal reflections in extended cable runs, transforming the harmful interference into a calibration opportunity that enables reliable communication beyond 15 m

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where transmitted test signals are monitored after traveling through the cable. The received echo signals are fed back to adjust and calibrate the echo cancellation filters, creating a closed-loop system that adapts to the specific cable characteristics and maintains signal integrity over extended distances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Length of stationary object

If active network components like repeaters are added to extend transmission distance, then data transmission beyond 15 m is enabled, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidnetwork component complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the active signal regeneration function from separate repeater devices and integrates it into the endpoint network devices. By implementing echo cancellation and signal compensation algorithms directly in the network cards at the endpoints, the system eliminates the need for intermediate active components while maintaining extended transmission capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the endpoint network devices multi-functional by combining standard Ethernet transmission with integrated echo cancellation and signal calibration capabilities. This universal design allows the same device to handle both normal data communication and extended-distance transmission without requiring specialized intermediate equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If shielded cables with multiple twisted pairs are used instead of single twisted pair, then transmission reliability improves, but cable flexibility and ease of installation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoidcable flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potential interference in single twisted pair cables into a calibration opportunity. By measuring and canceling echoes specific to the cable installation, the system compensates for the lack of shielding and maintains reliable transmission using flexible, easy-to-install single pair cables

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

4Length of stationary object

If echo cancellation with extended memory duration is implemented, then data transmission beyond 15 m is enabled, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of existing memory resources by extending the echo cancellation filter's memory duration to accommodate longer cable propagation delays. Instead of adding more physical memory components, the system adjusts the filter's time window and processing parameters to handle extended transmission distances, avoiding additional manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3890194B1Industrial truck with an ethernet communication device and method for operating the same

Publication Date: 2023.10.11 JUNGHEINRICH AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a forklift truck (22) with an Ethernet communication device (2) and a method for operating the same. The Ethernet communication device (2) comprises at least a first network device (4) and a second network device (8) connected to it via a data line (6), wherein the data line (6) is an STPE cable. The first and the second network devices (4, 8) each comprise a first transceiver unit (10) with a first echo cancellation unit (EC1) which includes a first memory (14) configured to store a first data signal of the data transmitted by a first transceiver unit (TX1) to a second receiver (RX2) for the purpose of echo cancellation for longer than the duration of an echo interval, wherein the echo interval is greater than 150 ns.