IO-Link Data Adapter for Cyclic Format Conversion and Low-Latency Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IO-Link systems face challenges such as limited master ports, compatibility issues with devices having different cyclic data structures, high latency in sensor-to-actuator feedback, and the need for specific data formats that are not provided by connected IO-Link devices.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a distributor block for converting data-elements into input scalar signals or bool signals, a combiner block for combining input scalar signals, a merger block for reconverting signals into data-elements, and a logic block for performing logic operations, allowing for flexible and reliable processing of data elements. This apparatus acts as a configurable logic adapter, enabling efficient data processing and communication between IO-Link devices and a master device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional sensors or actuators are added to extend functionality, then the system functionality is improved, but the number of available master ports is exhausted
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a master device and multiple slave devices, where each slave device can function as an independent IO-Link device. This allows the master to manage multiple functional units without requiring proportional increases in master port complexity, as each slave handles its own data processing independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Slave devices are designed with universal functionality to perform multiple roles: they can act as IO-Link devices, process data elements, generate events, and communicate with the master. This multi-functionality allows the system to extend capabilities without adding dedicated specialized components for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a device is replaced with a similar one having different cyclic data structure, then device compatibility is improved, but data structure compatibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The slave device includes a configurable data structure that can be adjusted to match different cyclic data formats from various IO-Link devices. By changing parameters such as data element arrangement, scaling factors, and unit configurations, the slave adapts to different device types without requiring hardware changes or complex translation layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The data processing architecture is designed to be dynamic and reconfigurable. The slave device can dynamically adjust its data interpretation and processing logic based on the connected IO-Link device type, allowing seamless device replacement while maintaining data structure compatibility through software configuration rather than fixed hardware constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If data processing is performed at the master level, then data format flexibility is improved, but feedback latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system moves data processing from a centralized master-level operation to a distributed architecture where slave devices perform local data processing. This dimensional shift in processing location enables parallel operation, where multiple slaves independently process their respective data streams simultaneously, reducing overall system latency while maintaining format flexibility through individual slave configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The slave device acts as an intermediary between the IO-Link device and the master, performing data processing and format conversion locally before transmitting results to the master. This intermediary function eliminates the need for the master to process raw data from multiple devices, significantly reducing feedback latency while maintaining data format flexibility through the slave's configurable processing capabilities.
4Productivity
If multiple IO-Link devices are connected to a single master port, then port utilization is improved, but communication protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The slave device creates a simplified copy or representation of the IO-Link device's data output, processing and converting it to a standardized format before transmission to the master. This copying approach allows multiple different IO-Link devices to be connected to a single master port without increasing protocol complexity, as the slave handles device-specific protocol variations locally and presents a uniform interface to the master.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (200) for processing incoming and/or outgoing data-elements (11) cyclically, the data-elements (11) representing numerical and/or logical values that are linked to an upper-layer application.