Interface Assembly Modulating DC Signals for Protocol Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for energy industry operations, such as hydrocarbon exploration, face challenges in efficiently transmitting power and communication signals between surface processing units and downhole or subsea tools, particularly in subsea environments, where legacy equipment is difficult to upgrade and requires multiple interface cards for different protocols.
Innovation Solution
A communication and processing system with an integrated interface assembly that includes a variable output power supply and a processor, capable of modulating direct current (DC) signals using pulse width modulation to transmit data and communications over a power line, allowing for multiple modulation protocols and reducing the need for separate power supplies and interface cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate interface cards are used to support different communication protocols, then protocol compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple interface card functions into a single integrated interface assembly that can handle multiple communication protocols simultaneously. The assembly includes a processor that can execute different protocol stacks and a power supply that can modulate output according to various protocols, eliminating the need for multiple separate interface cards while maintaining protocol compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface assembly is designed as a universal device that can support multiple communication protocols through software configuration rather than requiring hardware changes. The processor can be programmed with different protocol stacks, and the power supply can be controlled to output signals compatible with various protocols, making the device adaptable to different communication standards without adding complexity.
2Reliability
If legacy equipment is used in subsea environments, then system reliability is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in upgrading
Solution Approach 1:
The interface assembly incorporates a processor with programmable protocol stacks that can be dynamically updated and reconfigured. This allows the system to adapt to new communication protocols and standards through software updates rather than hardware replacement, making legacy equipment easier to upgrade while maintaining system reliability in subsea environments.
3Reliability
If separate power supplies and interface cards are used, then power transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the power supply and interface card functions into a single unified interface assembly. The power supply is controlled by a processor that can modulate the output according to communication protocols, combining power delivery and data communication functions in one device. This reduces the number of separate components while maintaining reliable power transmission through the same interface used for communication.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables efficient power transmission and communication over a single power line, supporting multiple protocols and reducing the complexity and size of interface devices, while allowing for easier integration with existing systems and minimizing the need for frequent equipment changes in subsea applications.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a control signal to the power supply, the control signal including a series of pulses having a duty cycle that is varied to cause the power supply to generate a modulated direct current (DC) output signal having at least one of a frequency and an amplitude that is modulated according to a communication protocol
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of a method of communicating between a surface processing unit and an energy industry tool includes: receiving a power signal from a power source at an integrated interface device of a communication and processing system, the communication and processing system located between a surface processing unit and an energy industry tool, the interface device including a processor and a variable output power supply; receiving a communication at the processor from a surface processing unit; transmitting a control signal from the processor to the variable output power supply, the control signal including a series of pulses having a duty cycle that is varied to cause the power supply to generate a modulated direct current (DC) output signal having at least one of a frequency and an amplitude that is modulated according to a communication protocol to represent the communication; and transmitting the modulated output signal to a tool.