Industrial Network Data Transfer via Segmented Protocols
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial process networks face challenges in efficiently transferring device descriptions and configuration data between field devices and host devices, particularly due to the connection-based nature of Fieldbus networks, which results in slow data transactions and increased time and expense during device commissioning and configuration.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a host device requests a field device to upload its device description and configuration data, utilizing a fast data transfer protocol that allows for connectionless communication without individual message acknowledgments, enabling efficient data transfer and configuration of field devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connection-based Fieldbus communication protocol is used for data transfer between field devices and host devices, then reliability and data integrity are improved, but data transfer speed and transaction efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data transfer process into two distinct phases: (1) a connection-based Fieldbus phase for reliable device description and configuration data transfer, and (2) a connectionless high-speed phase for bulk data transfer. This segmentation allows each phase to use the most appropriate communication mode for its specific needs, resolving the contradiction between reliability and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that manages two different communication protocols. The system uses Fieldbus connection-based communication as the primary interface for device description and configuration, while incorporating connectionless communication capabilities as a complementary high-speed pathway for bulk data transfer, thereby mediating between reliability and speed requirements.
2Reliability
If connection-based Fieldbus communication is used for device configuration and commissioning, then data reliability is improved, but commissioning time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the configuration and commissioning process into stages: initial device description acquisition using connection-based Fieldbus for reliability, followed by bulk configuration data transfer using connectionless high-speed communication. This segmentation reduces overall commissioning time while maintaining configuration accuracy through the initial reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary device description acquisition using connection-based Fieldbus communication before initiating bulk data transfer. This preliminary action ensures that the foundational device information is obtained reliably, allowing subsequent high-speed transfers to proceed without compromising configuration accuracy, thereby reducing total commissioning time.
3Reliability
If traditional sequential message acknowledgment protocol is used for data transfer, then data transmission reliability is improved, but transfer efficiency and speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the message acknowledgment process into two parts: connection-based Fieldbus messages that require individual acknowledgments for device descriptions and configurations, and connectionless bulk data transfers that use batch acknowledgment mechanisms. This segmentation maintains reliability for critical messages while improving efficiency for bulk transfers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hybrid messaging approach where connectionless communication protocols copy the reliability features of connection-based protocols for critical device description and configuration messages, while allowing faster transfer modes for less critical bulk data. This copying of reliability features enables high-speed transfer without completely sacrificing message delivery assurance.
Data Source
AI summary
Enhanced communication protocols can improve reliability and efficiency of data transfers between a host device and one or more field devices on an industrial process network. A field device can store a device description that includes a plurality of parameters descriptive of functional attributes of the field device. A host device can upload the device description for use in communications with the field device. The field device can further store a plurality of storable configurations, each storable configuration representing an entire configuration of the field device. The host device can upload the plurality of storable configurations from the field device, such as to transfer the storable configurations to a second field device on the same or different network. The host device can transmit a configuration activation request to cause a field device to operate in accordance with configuration data included in a selected one of the plurality of storable configurations.