I/O Terminal Selection Circuit for Multi-Master Daisy-Chain Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems limit the connection of multiple slave processing circuits to master processing circuits due to the arrangement of master units and I/O units, restricting the scalability and efficiency of signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
The I/O unit is designed with multiple terminals and a selection circuit that allows flexible connection states, enabling multiple slave processing circuits to connect to multiple master processing circuits without the need for additional stations or cables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the master unit and I/O units are arranged in a linear daisy-chain configuration, then the connection structure is simplified and cable requirements are reduced, but only one I/O unit can be connected to the master unit even if multiple master processing circuits are provided
Solution Approach 1:
The I/O unit is divided into multiple terminal sections (first preceding-stage terminal, second preceding-stage terminal, first subsequent-stage terminal, second subsequent-stage terminal) that can be independently connected. This segmentation allows the single I/O unit to establish multiple independent connection paths to different master processing circuits, resolving the contradiction between simplified structure and enhanced connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The I/O unit is designed with multi-functional terminals that can serve different connection purposes. Each terminal can be selectively connected to different master or I/O units depending on the configuration mode, enabling the same hardware structure to support both simple linear daisy-chain connections and multiple master circuit connections without requiring additional components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional stations or cables are provided to enable multiple slave processing circuits to connect to multiple master processing circuits, then connection flexibility is improved, but device complexity and installation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The I/O unit's own terminal structure provides the necessary connection capability without requiring external additions. The multiple terminals within the single I/O unit serve the function that would otherwise require additional stations or cables, allowing the system to achieve multiple master circuit connections using only the existing I/O unit hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple connection functions are merged into a single I/O unit through its multiple terminals. Instead of requiring separate I/O units or additional stations for each connection path, the invention combines multiple connection capabilities within one unit, reducing system complexity while maintaining connection flexibility.
3Ease of operation
If redundant devices are connected without selective connection capability, then connection simplicity is maintained, but erroneous connections may occur reducing system reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The selection circuit acts as an intermediary between the multiple terminals and the slave processing circuit. It provides a controlled interface that enables selective connection to different master processing circuits, preventing erroneous connections while maintaining ease of operation through structured connection options.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection configuration is made dynamic through the selection circuit, which can selectively establish different connection states. This allows the system to adapt the connection topology as needed, enabling reliable selective connection to specific master processing circuits while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized terminal interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
An I/O unit comprises: two front-stage terminals; a slave processing circuit; two rear-stage terminals; and a selection circuit for selecting whether to connect the front-stage terminal and the rear-stage terminal, and the front-stage terminal and the rear-stage terminal, or to connect the front-stage terminal and the rear-stage terminal, and the front-stage terminal and the rear-stage terminal. The selection circuit connects to the rear-stage terminal via the slave processing circuit.