HVAC Controller Wireless Chip Integration Without SA Bus Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building automation and control networks require additional hardware and complexity due to the use of sensor actuator (SA) buses for communication, and adding wireless connectivity often involves separate devices that increase costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a wireless network processor chip within a controller that includes a wireless radio, processor, and memory, enabling wireless data communications without the need for additional processing or communication components, and supporting various communication protocols like BACnet and JSON.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sensor actuator (SA) bus is used for communication between BMS devices, then reliable data exchange is achieved, but hardware complexity and configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/wired SA bus communication system with a wireless communication system. The controller includes a wireless communication interface that enables wireless data exchange with BMS devices, eliminating the need for physical SA bus connections, level shifting hardware, wiring connectors, and other mechanical communication components while maintaining reliable data exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality by integrating both wired communication interfaces (for SA bus compatibility) and wireless communication interfaces within the same device. This allows the controller to perform multiple communication functions simultaneously, providing both reliable wired communication and wireless connectivity options without requiring separate dedicated devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If wireless connectivity is added to existing network architecture using additional wireless communications devices, then wireless communication capability is achieved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wireless communication functionality directly into the existing controller device. The wireless communication interface is integrated within the same housing and control circuitry as the wired communication interfaces, eliminating the need for separate wireless communication devices and reducing overall system complexity while adding wireless adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional wireless communications device is added to provide wireless connectivity, then wireless communication is enabled, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is designed as a universal device that performs multiple communication functions through integrated interfaces. It provides both wired SA bus communication and wireless communication capabilities within a single device, eliminating the need for separate dedicated wireless communication devices and reducing the total number of components required in the BMS.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller in a building management system (BMS) includes an integrated wireless network processor chip. The integrated wireless network processor chip includes a wireless radio, a processor, and memory. The wireless radio is configured to exchange data communications with one or more BMS devices controlled by the controller. Both the processor and memory are in communication with the wireless radio and located on the same chip as the wireless radio. The memory includes communication stacks configured to facilitate communications using a building automation and control network communications protocol and a Wi-Fi communications protocol. The integrated wireless network processor chip receives data from the BMS devices via the wireless radio, formats the data using the processor, stores the data in the memory, and sends the data via the wireless radio without requiring any additional processing or communications components outside the integrated wireless network processor chip.