Field Bus Bridging Module for Safe Cross-Protocol Message Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial automation systems face challenges in connecting field bus networks that use incompatible safety protocols, as direct communication between these networks is cumbersome and requires multiple modules, each handling one protocol, leading to inefficiencies and potential errors.
Innovation Solution
A bridging field bus module that converts safety-relevant messages between two field bus networks using different safety protocols, employing a coupling element and redundant data processing to ensure error-free transmission by comparing checksums and using the black channel principle to monitor transmission integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate modules are used to handle different safety protocols, then protocol compatibility is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple protocol conversion functions into a single bridging field bus module. This module can convert safety-relevant messages between different safety protocols (e.g., PROFINET Safety to Ethernet/IP Safety) within one integrated device, eliminating the need for multiple separate conversion modules and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining protocol compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridging field bus module is designed with universal functionality to handle multiple safety protocols simultaneously. It includes multiple conversion units that can process different protocol types through a single device, making it a multi-functional solution that replaces several specialized modules.
2Productivity
If direct communication between incompatible safety protocols is enabled, then productivity increases, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through checksum verification and message comparison. The conversion unit generates checksums for converted messages and compares them with original messages to verify transmission integrity. This feedback loop ensures that data exchange between incompatible protocols remains error-free while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary error detection and correction before message transmission between protocols. By calculating checksums and preparing conversion tables in advance, the system cushions against potential transmission errors, ensuring reliable data exchange without compromising speed.
3Reliability
If redundant data processing is implemented for error detection, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the error detection and verification functions into separate, dedicated components within the bridging module. The conversion unit includes specific error detection mechanisms that operate independently from the main conversion process, allowing reliable error detection without unnecessarily complicating the entire data processing system.
Data Source
AI summary
A bridging field bus module designed for connecting two field bus networks to each other, comprising a coupling element, which is designed to detect a safety-relevant message received from the first field bus network on the field bus bridging module, wherein the bridging field bus module is designed to receive the safety-relevant message corresponding to the first safety protocol from the first field bus network, convert the detected safety-relevant message received from the first field bus network into a first and a second safety-relevant message, each corresponding to the second safety protocol, compare the first and second safety-relevant messages with each other, and output the first and/or second safety-relevant message to the second field bus network depending on a result of the comparison.