Field Bus Network Adapter Single-Cable Subscriber Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Field bus networks with line or ring topologies require complex cabling when adding new subscribers, as multiple cables are needed to maintain physical line or ring structures, making it difficult to integrate new devices without altering the underlying transmission technology.
Innovation Solution
A field bus network adapter with multiple connections allows a new subscriber to be connected via a single cable, using internal connections to loop the third subscriber into the existing network, maintaining logical topology and enabling expansion with reduced cabling complexity, particularly in Ethernet-based systems like Sercos III.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical line or ring topology is used in field bus networks, then operational reliability and redundancy are improved, but cabling complexity increases when adding new subscribers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a field bus network adapter as an intermediary device between the existing network subscribers and the new subscriber. This adapter has multiple field bus connections that can be connected to existing subscribers, allowing the new subscriber to be integrated without requiring multiple cables to be routed through the existing network. The adapter acts as a mediator that absorbs the cabling complexity internally while presenting a simplified interface to the new subscriber.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the field bus network into existing subscriber segments and a new subscriber segment. By using the adapter with multiple connections, the new subscriber can be connected to the existing network at a specific segment without requiring physical reconfiguration of the entire line or ring topology. This segmentation allows the network to maintain its reliability features while simplifying the addition of new subscribers.
2Reliability
If multiple cables are used to maintain physical line or ring topology, then network reliability is ensured, but ease of operation deteriorates when inserting new subscribers
Solution Approach 1:
The field bus network adapter serves as an intermediary that simplifies the operation of inserting new subscribers. Instead of requiring operators to route multiple cables through the existing network to maintain line or ring topology, the adapter provides pre-configured multiple connections that can be simply connected to existing subscribers. This makes the insertion process much easier while the adapter internally maintains the necessary topology for network reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is pre-configured with multiple field bus connections before being installed in the network. This preliminary preparation of connection interfaces allows for rapid insertion of new subscribers without requiring complex on-site cabling operations. The adapter is ready to accept connections from multiple existing subscribers and connect the new subscriber immediately.
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional field bus connections are used, then transmission technology remains unchanged, but adaptability deteriorates when adding new subscribers
Solution Approach 1:
The field bus network adapter is designed with universal functionality to work with existing field bus connections while providing the adaptability needed for network expansion. It maintains compatibility with conventional field bus protocols and connection types, ensuring that the transmission technology remains stable. Simultaneously, its multi-connection capability provides versatility for integrating new subscribers into the existing network without requiring changes to the underlying transmission technology.
Data Source
AI summary
A field bus network adapter includes a first field bus connection configured to connect a first field bus cable, a second field bus connection configured to connect a second field bus cable, and N number of third field bus connections configured to connect a third cable each. The first field bus connection and the second field bus connection are connected to the N number of third field bus connections such that (i) data received at the first field bus connection are output at a first of the N number of third field bus connections, (ii) data received at an nth of the N number of third field bus connections are output at an (n+1)th of the N number of third field bus connections, and (iii) data received at an Nth of the N number of third field bus connections are output at the second field bus connection.