Ethernet Switching Unit With Redundant Power Supplies
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing Ethernet-based network technologies face challenges in maintaining high availability and bandwidth over long distances, particularly in industrial and rail vehicle networks, where previous bus systems and Ethernet limitations lead to reduced data rates and increased failure probabilities.
Innovation Solution
A switching function unit with multiple active components is powered by three independent power sources: a local power supply and two unidirectional Power over Ethernet supplies from adjacent units, ensuring continuous operation even if one or two power sources fail, thus maintaining network availability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If Ethernet cable length is extended to cover long spatial distances, then network coverage area is improved, but data rate decreases due to signal attenuation and collision resolution delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the long Ethernet network into multiple segments, each不超过100m, connected through active components (switches) that regenerate signals. This segmentation allows the network to extend over long distances while maintaining high data rates within each segment, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and data rate.
2Length of stationary object
If active components are added to extend Ethernet beyond 100m, then network extension capability is improved, but failure probability increases and availability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements redundant power supply mechanisms where each active component can be powered by multiple power sources. This beforehand cushioning ensures that if one power source fails, the component remains operational, thereby maintaining network availability while enabling long-distance extension through active components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply parameter from single-source to multi-source configuration. By providing alternative power paths and redundant supplies, the system maintains operational parameters (availability) even when extension components are added, resolving the contradiction between length and reliability.
3Device complexity
If bus system is used for long cable lengths, then network simplicity is maintained, but bandwidth is insufficient for increasing number of devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive bus system with an active switched Ethernet system. Instead of relying on signal propagation through a shared bus, the system uses active components that regenerate and manage data traffic, providing sufficient bandwidth for multiple devices while maintaining relatively simple network structure through standard Ethernet topology.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An arrangement for a switching function unit for Ethernet has: a number of active components (32) of the Ethernet which are combined by means of the switching function unit (34) to form a functional unit; and at least three mutually independent power supplies (40, 41, 42) for supplying power to the active components (32), wherein a first of the at least three power supplies (40, 41, 42) is in the form of a local power supply (40) for the switching function unit (34), a second of the at least three power supplies (40, 41, 42) is in the form of a first extraneous power supply via Ethernet (42) for the switching function unit (34), and a third of the at least three power supplies is in the form of a second extraneous power supply via Ethernet (41) for the switching function unit (34). (Figure 3)