Exchangeable IoT Modules With Firmware Stored in the Application Unit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional field devices in IoT and IIoT systems face difficulties in detaching and replacing communication and application units without requiring the entire device to be updated, as firmware is typically stored outside the application unit, necessitating changes to the entire device even for minor sensor or actuator updates.
Innovation Solution
A modular design where a communication module with a processor and a detachable application module, which includes a functional unit and firmware memory, allows for independent firmware updates and version management, enabling easy replacement and upgrading of application modules without affecting the communication module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the communication unit and application unit are integrated into one module, then the device structure is simplified, but it becomes difficult to detach and replace individual units
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two detachable modules: a communication module containing the communication unit and an application module containing the application unit. This segmentation allows each module to be independently replaced while maintaining overall device functionality, resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and ease of replacement.
2Reliability
If firmware is stored outside the application unit, then the communication module can operate independently, but the entire device must be changed even for minor sensor or actuator updates
Solution Approach 1:
Firmware is segmented and stored separately in the communication module, while the application unit remains in the application module. This allows the application module to be replaced or updated independently without affecting the communication module's operation, enabling partial updates for sensors or actuators without changing the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The firmware related to communication functions is extracted from the application module and stored in the communication module. This extraction allows the application module to be modified or replaced independently, providing flexibility for partial updates while maintaining communication functionality.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the entire device is updated for minor component changes, then system consistency is maintained, but development time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into independently replaceable modules, allowing updates to be confined to specific modules rather than the entire device. This maintains system consistency within each module while significantly reducing development time and costs for minor component changes.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus including a communication module including a processor and a communication unit; and an application module detachably coupled to the communication module, wherein the application module includes a functional unit including at least one of a sensor, an actuator, or a communication port that is to be connected to at least one of an external sensor or an external actuator, and an application module memory for storing firmware that is executed by the processor.