Interface Module Identification via Resistance Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing signal processing apparatuses in process control systems face challenges in identifying interface modules without increasing costs or the number of wirings, and often fail to notify issues such as misalignment of field devices.

Innovation Solution

A signal processing apparatus that includes an interface module with an identification resistance and a signal processing module with a detector to identify the interface module, allowing for type recognition and abnormality notification through voltage or current changes, without significantly increasing costs or wiring complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If identification memory or CPU or port is provided to the interface module, then the interface module can be identified, but the cost increases or the number of wirings increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface module identificationVSAvoidcost and wiring

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the identification function from complex components (memory, CPU, port) and implements it using a simple resistance element. The interface module type is identified by detecting the resistance value between specific terminals, eliminating the need for additional identification components while maintaining accurate module identification capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a simple resistance element instead of expensive identification components like memory or CPU. This resistance-based identification method provides a cost-effective solution that achieves the same identification purpose without requiring complex or expensive components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Adaptability or versatility

If various types of interface modules are used to support different field devices, then the system adaptability increases, but the difficulty of identifying module types increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield device compatibilityVSAvoidmodule type identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning distinct resistance values to different interface module types. Each module type has a unique resistance characteristic between specific terminals, allowing the control device to easily distinguish between different module types by measuring the resistance, thereby simplifying identification while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses parameter changes by varying the resistance value as an identification parameter for different interface module types. Instead of using complex identification mechanisms, the system changes the electrical resistance parameter to encode module type information, making it easy for the control device to identify the correct module type through simple resistance measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If pull-up resistors or pull-down resistors are provided for port output, then the port can output bit strings for identification, but the cost and wiring complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodule identification capabilityVSAvoidresistor and wiring

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the identification function with the existing terminal structure of the interface module. The resistance element is integrated between terminals that are already part of the module's basic structure, eliminating the need for separate identification ports or additional pull-up/pull-down resistor configurations, thus reducing wiring complexity while maintaining identification capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables efficient identification of interface modules and notification of abnormalities, such as misalignment, without increasing costs or wiring complexity, facilitating effective maintenance and operation in process control systems.

Implementation Method 1

an identification resistance for identifying the interface module

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

a detector configured to detect any one of voltage and electrical current at the first connection terminal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage detection:

Data Source

PatentUS9846422B2Signal processing apparatus

Publication Date: 2017.12.19 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A signal processing apparatus includes an interface module and a signal processing module. The interface module includes an identification resistance for identifying the interface module, the interface module being connectable to a device configured to perform at least one of measuring of a measuring target and operating of an operation target. The signal processing module includes a first connection terminal connected to one end of the identification resistance, a first power source connected to the identification resistance via the first connection terminal, a detector configured to detect any one of voltage and electrical current at the first connection terminal, and a signal processor configured to process signals received from and transmitted to the device.