Data Routing System Using FPGA Logic for Protocol Adaptation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In real-time data exchange environments, the integration of dedicated processors for protocol adaptation between heterogeneous computers increases system volume, cost, and thermal power, while limiting data transmission rates due to significant processing times.

Innovation Solution

A data routing system utilizing a main computer with logic circuits and an interconnection matrix to control routers, which perform protocol adaptation and data transfer independently of the main computer's processor, eliminating the need for additional software and cooling systems, and enabling high-speed serial communication links for remote control and analysis.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dedicated processor is integrated into a computer for protocol adaptation, then data exchange capability between heterogeneous computers is improved, but system volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata exchange capabilityVSAvoidsystem volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the dedicated processor functionality directly into the logic circuits of the main computer. The router uses a portion of the logic circuits of the main computer to perform protocol adaptation, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated processor and reducing system volume while maintaining data exchange capability between heterogeneous computers

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The logic circuits of the main computer are designed to serve multiple functions: controlling the industrial process, performing protocol adaptation, and managing data routing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated processors, reducing system volume while maintaining versatility in data exchange

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a dedicated processor is integrated into a computer for protocol adaptation, then data exchange capability between heterogeneous computers is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata exchange capabilityVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines protocol adaptation functionality with the existing logic circuits of the main computer, eliminating the need for separate dedicated processors and their associated software development costs. This reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining data exchange capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The logic circuits are designed to perform multiple functions including protocol adaptation, reducing the need for additional hardware components and software development, thereby lowering overall system cost while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a dedicated processor is integrated into a computer for protocol adaptation, then data exchange capability between heterogeneous computers is improved, but thermal power increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata exchange capabilityVSAvoidthermal power
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges protocol adaptation into the existing logic circuits of the main computer, eliminating the need for additional dedicated processors that would generate extra heat. This reduces thermal power while maintaining data exchange capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If a software application is used for protocol adaptation, then adaptability to different protocols is improved, but data processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol adaptabilityVSAvoiddata processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces software-based protocol adaptation with hardware-based logic circuit implementation. The router comprises communication ports interconnected via at least one interconnection matrix that utilizes logic circuits to perform protocol adaptation, eliminating software processing delays and significantly reducing data processing time while maintaining protocol adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The logic circuits are pre-configured with the necessary protocol adaptation logic, allowing immediate hardware-level protocol conversion without software interpretation delays. This preliminary hardware configuration enables fast data processing while maintaining adaptability to different protocols

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2101259B8Data routing system
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 MBDA FRANCE

AI summary

The system (l) has transmission assemblies (l1, l2, l3) including routers (5) piloted by a main computer (2). The router comprises wired logic functions using a part of field-programmable gate arraytype logic circuits of the main computer. The router includes an adaptation unit for adapting a data exchange protocol so as to carry out transfer and adaptation of data between the main computer and a secondary computer (3) when communication links e.g. secondary bus (L2), are heterogeneous nature. The secondary computer is coupled to the main computer.