Ethernet Packet Error Codes Using SUID for SIL3 Data Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial control systems face challenges in maintaining data integrity due to issues like corruption, repetition, sequence errors, loss, delay, insertion, masquerade, and incorrect addressing, which current Ethernet frame structures struggle to address effectively, particularly in meeting the stringent error probability requirements set by standards like IEC 61508.
Innovation Solution
A communication method and device that calculates and transmits data error detection codes using a safety unique identifier (SUID) generated from MAC addresses and device identifiers, allowing for error detection and ensuring data integrity by generating and verifying error detection codes in packets, thereby ensuring reliable data transmission and error detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current Ethernet frame structures are used for data transmission, then device complexity and ease of operation are maintained, but data integrity and reliability cannot satisfy the stringent error probability requirements (SIL3 >= 10^-9) of industrial control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the error detection mechanism by introducing separate data error detection codes for different data fields (header, payload, etc.) within the Ethernet frame. Each field has its own dedicated error detection code, allowing independent verification and improving overall reliability without requiring a complete protocol overhaul.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary safety unique identifier (SUID) that combines source MAC address, source device identifier, destination MAC address, and destination device identifier. This SUID serves as a mediator in calculating error detection codes, enabling enhanced integrity verification while maintaining compatibility with existing Ethernet infrastructure.
2Reliability
If multiple data error detection codes are calculated and transmitted for each packet, then error detection capability and reliability are improved, but communication overhead and transmission time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple error detection functions into a unified error detection code calculation mechanism that operates on combined data fields. By calculating error detection codes for multiple fields simultaneously using the same algorithm and SUID, the patent reduces redundant calculations and minimizes transmission overhead while maintaining high error detection probability.
3Reliability
If comprehensive error detection mechanisms are implemented to address all integrity problems (corruption, repetition, sequence errors, loss, delay, insertion, masquerade, addressing), then data integrity is improved, but device complexity and implementation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal error detection mechanism that handles multiple integrity problems through a single unified approach. The data error detection codes, calculated using the SUID, serve multiple functions: detecting corruption, verifying addressing, preventing masquerade attacks, and ensuring data authenticity. This multi-functional approach improves integrity without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A first communication device calculates a plurality of data error codes for detecting an error in a plurality of data fields by using the plurality of data fields. The first communication device generates a packet comprising the plurality of data fields and the plurality of data error codes, and then transmits the packet which is generated to a second communication device.