Interface Unit Double-Ring Communication Fault Tolerance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing master-slave communication systems with double-ring structures face high hardware and switching complexity, increased costs, and restricted data transmission rates due to the need for dual processing units and complex reconfiguration in case of link faults, which limits their fault tolerance and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with an interface unit that utilizes a double-ring structure with a first and second communication path, where the interface unit includes switching units to output and forward information signals in contra-sense directions, allowing for reconfiguration and processing with a single processing unit per slave unit, enabling fault-tolerant operation with reduced hardware complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual processing units are used in each slave unit for fault-tolerant operation in double-ring structures, then fault tolerance is improved, but hardware complexity and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the master unit from slave units, with only the master unit containing the processing unit. The slave units are segmented to contain only interface units with switching elements, eliminating the need for dual processing units in each slave unit while maintaining fault tolerance through the double-ring structure and intelligent switching at the master unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The master unit acts as an intermediary that receives signals from both communication paths, processes them, and determines which path is functional. The master unit's processing unit mediates the fault detection and switching decisions, eliminating the need for complex dual processing units in each slave unit.
2Reliability
If complex reconfiguration is implemented in each slave unit for link fault recovery, then fault tolerance is improved, but switching complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching functionality is segmented and centralized in the master unit rather than distributed across all slave units. Each slave unit contains only simple interface elements, while the master unit's processing unit handles all complex switching decisions and reconfiguration operations for both communication paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The master unit's processing unit serves as an intermediary that receives signals from both communication paths, detects faults, and controls the switching elements to route signals appropriately. This centralized mediation eliminates the need for complex switching logic in each slave unit.
3Reliability
If dual processing units are used in slave units, then fault tolerance is improved, but data transmission rate is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments processing functions to the master unit only, allowing slave units to operate as simple signal forwarders with minimal processing overhead. This enables higher data transmission rates through slave units while the master unit's single processing unit handles fault management and signal processing for both paths sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The single processing unit in the master unit continuously monitors both communication paths and dynamically switches between them to maintain continuous useful action. This ensures data transmission continues without interruption despite the simplified slave unit architecture, maintaining high transmission rates.
Data Source
AI summary
An interface unit is provided for a communication system comprising a master unit and a plurality of slave units serially connecting the master unit via a double ring structure comprising a first communication path and a second communication path. The interface unit comprises a first switching unit, which is configured to output information signals received by the master unit as a first information signal to the first communication path and as a second information signal to the second communication path; and a second switching unit, which is configured to forward the first information signal circulating on the first communication path and second information signal circulating on the second communication path to the master unit.