High Priority Module for Deterministic Latency in Downhole Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In time-sensitive applications like downhole networks in oil and gas exploration, existing systems face inaccuracies due to variable interruptions and delays, making it difficult to determine latency and set clocks reliably.
Innovation Solution
A high priority module with hardware or software components, integrated into a downhole network, ensures fixed computational latency by operating within a deterministic region, using a network interface modem and deterministic peripheral devices like clocks or actuators, to perform operations without interruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standard interrupt-driven processor systems are used, then system versatility and processing capability are improved, but latency becomes variable and unpredictable due to interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two distinct regions: a deterministic region for time-critical operations and a non-deterministic region for general processing. This segmentation allows the deterministic region to operate with fixed latency while the non-deterministic region handles versatile processing tasks, resolving the contradiction between versatility and latency predictability
Solution Approach 2:
A boundary mechanism acts as an intermediary between the deterministic and non-deterministic regions. This boundary controls access and ensures that time-sensitive operations in the deterministic region are protected from interruptions by the non-deterministic region, maintaining fixed latency while allowing system versatility
2Reliability
If specialized hardware for fixed latency operations is implemented, then latency predictability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire system deterministic, only the specific region handling time-sensitive operations is made deterministic. This localized approach provides latency predictability where needed while keeping the rest of the system simpler and less complex
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically manages the boundary between deterministic and non-deterministic regions, allowing flexible allocation of operations to appropriate regions based on their timing requirements, thus achieving reliability without excessive complexity
3Measurement precision
If a deterministic region is created for time-sensitive operations, then measurement precision for latency is improved, but system complexity increases due to boundary management
Solution Approach 1:
The deterministic region is designed to be self-contained with its own clock and operation handling, requiring minimal external management. This self-service approach ensures precise latency measurement for time-sensitive operations while reducing the complexity of boundary management
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for fixing computational latency within a deterministic region on a network comprises a network interface modem, a high priority module and at least one deterministic peripheral device. The network interface modem is in communication with the network. The high priority module is in communication with the network interface modem. The at least one deterministic peripheral device is connected to the high priority module. The high priority module comprises a packet assembler/disassembler, and hardware for performing at least one operation. Also disclosed is an apparatus for executing at least one instruction on a downhole device within a deterministic region, the apparatus comprising a control device, a downhole network, and a downhole device. The control device is near the surface of a downhole tool string. The downhole network is integrated into the tool string. The downhole device is in communication with the downhole network.