Frequency Converter Call Table Software Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The incompatibility between standard frequency converters and surrounding systems due to differing signaling protocols leads to increased costs and limitations in production runs, as custom protocol converters or case-specific manufacturing are often required.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating application-specific software in frequency converters that uses a call table for indirect function calls between basic and application software, allowing for modular customization without altering existing software structures, and implementing an adaptation layer for standardized services and data modification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a protocol converter is implemented as a separate device or accessory card with processors, then protocol compatibility between frequency converter and surrounding system is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the protocol conversion functionality directly into the frequency converter's existing processor and memory structure. The application-specific software is integrated into the same processing unit that executes basic software, eliminating the need for separate protocol converter hardware or accessory cards. This consolidation maintains protocol compatibility while reducing device complexity and production costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The frequency converter's processor is designed to universally execute both basic software and application-specific software. The call table mechanism allows the single processor to dynamically switch between different software modules, enabling the device to handle multiple protocols and functions without requiring dedicated hardware for each protocol conversion task.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the frequency converter is manufactured case-specifically to match surrounding system protocols, then protocol compatibility is improved, but production efficiency and cost-effectiveness deteriorate due to loss of long production runs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic software loading where application-specific software can be loaded into the frequency converter's memory at runtime or during installation. This allows the hardware to remain standardized for mass production while the software configuration dynamically adapts to different protocol requirements. The call table structure enables flexible routing to different software modules based on the required protocol, maintaining both production efficiency and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the software parameters and configuration data within the frequency converter to adapt to different protocols, rather than changing the hardware configuration. By modifying executable code and data structures through loaded application software, the same mass-produced unit can be customized for different protocols, preserving production efficiency while achieving protocol compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If application-specific software is integrated into the frequency converter, then customization capability is improved, but software maintenance and update flexibility worsen due to interdependencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the software into distinct modules: basic software handling core frequency converter functions and application-specific software handling protocol conversion and customization. The call table acts as an interface between these segments, allowing independent development, testing, and maintenance of each module. This segmentation enables basic software to be updated without affecting application-specific functionality and vice versa, improving software maintainability while preserving customization capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A frequency converter (100) comprises a processor (102), memory (104) and basic software (106) in the memory, the execution of which software implements the basic functionality of the frequency converter. For application-specific customization, the memory of the frequency converter is arranged to include application software (108) that contains callable functions (210) and is installable separately from the basic software. The frequency converter is arranged to execute the basic software (106) and the application software (108) with the same processor (102). The basic software (106) calls a function of the application software and/or provides functions of its own to be called by the application software indirectly via a link (240k) in a call table (240), the location of the link in the call table being independent of the location of the function (210) corresponding to the link in the memory.