Interleaved Protocol Data Exchange in Master-Slave Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multiplexing both first and second cyclic Ethernet protocols by reserving time slots exclusively dedicated to each protocol causes the cycles of the second protocol to be dependent on the link scan duration of the first protocol, limiting control loop performance.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where entities configured for both protocols interleave data exchanges by processing and transmitting frames according to their respective protocols, allowing the second protocol cycles to be integrated within the first protocol's link scan, without requiring separate time slots, and using IEEE 802.1Qbv scheduling to manage traffic classes for efficient communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If time slots are reserved exclusively for each protocol, then protocol isolation and stability are improved, but the cycle duration of the second protocol becomes dependent on the first protocol's link scan duration, limiting control loop performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmission of first protocol frames and second protocol frames into a single integrated transmission process. The master entity interleaves frames from both protocols in alternating order, allowing both protocols to share the same transmission medium without requiring separate time slots, thus decoupling the second protocol's cycle duration from the first protocol's link scan duration while maintaining protocol stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic transmission of frames from both protocols in an interleaved sequence. The master entity transmits first protocol frames and second protocol frames in alternating periodic intervals, ensuring both protocols receive regular transmission opportunities without one protocol's cycle being constrained by the other's link scan duration
2Reliability
If separate time slots are allocated for each protocol, then protocol interference is reduced, but resource utilization decreases due to idle time when one protocol has no data to transmit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous useful action by interleaving frames from both protocols in an alternating sequence. When the master entity has data to transmit, it alternates between first protocol frames and second protocol frames, eliminating idle time slots and ensuring the transmission medium is continuously utilized for productive data transmission, thereby improving resource utilization while maintaining protocol separation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by allowing the master entity to flexibly interleave frames from both protocols based on current data availability and transmission needs. The interleaving sequence can be dynamically adjusted to optimize resource utilization while maintaining protocol interference reduction, making the system adaptable to varying traffic conditions
Data Source
AI summary
A communicating entities include one master entity, configured for communicating according to a first protocol at least, and a plurality of slave entities. The slave entities include a first group of slave entities able to support communications according to said first protocol and unable to support communications according to a second protocol, and a second group of slave entities able to support communications according to at least said second protocol. The first protocol is implemented by a token passing with communication data from the master entity to successively each neighbour slave entity, until the token reaches again the master entity, defining thus a first cycle according to the first protocol. The second protocol is implemented by passing a data frame including data intended to entities of said second group, one current entity of said second group, when receiving said data frame.