Dynamic Impedance Matching for KNX Bus Signal Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for connecting input/output modules to EIB or KNX TP type buses face inefficiencies due to high energy consumption and signal distortion, particularly as the number of modules increases, leading to increased overall consumption and potential disruptions in communication.

Innovation Solution

A connection device with a dynamic impedance matching stage, high-efficiency power supply, transmitter, receiver, and bus voltage control stages, utilizing an electronic inductor and Buck converter to manage current consumption and maintain signal integrity, while optimizing power usage and reducing static impedance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If modules draw higher current to meet increasing energy requirements, then power consumption increases, but dynamic impedance decreases causing signal distortion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidsignal integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic impedance matching stage that automatically adjusts the impedance of the module according to the signal state on the bus. During active communication phases, the impedance is dynamically increased to prevent signal distortion, while during idle periods it remains low to allow adequate power draw. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between power consumption and signal integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameter (impedance) of the module based on operational conditions. By switching between different impedance states (high during communication, low during idle), the system optimizes both power consumption and signal quality. This parameter change approach allows the module to adapt to different operational requirements without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the number of modules on the bus increases, then system functionality improves, but overall power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule configurationVSAvoidoverall consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic action by keeping modules in a low-power idle state with high impedance during non-communication periods. When communication is needed, the module briefly switches to active state with low impedance to draw power. This periodic switching allows multiple modules to share the bus efficiently, improving system functionality while minimizing overall energy consumption across the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Power

If modules maintain low static impedance to draw adequate current, then power availability improves, but signal distortion increases due to reduced dynamic impedance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurrent drawVSAvoidsignal fidelity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a dynamic impedance matching circuit that automatically adjusts impedance based on the signal phase detected on the bus. During active communication phases, the circuit switches to high impedance mode to maintain signal fidelity. During idle phases, it switches to low impedance mode to ensure adequate current draw. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between power availability and signal fidelity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the module continuously monitors the bus signal state and adjusts its impedance accordingly. The receiver stage detects signal phases and provides feedback to the impedance matching stage, which then adjusts the impedance to maintain optimal signal quality while allowing sufficient power consumption during idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The solution ensures high-efficiency communication by maintaining correct dynamic impedance, reducing overall consumption, and preventing signal distortion, allowing for increased module configurations without significant impact on static impedance or communication quality.

Implementation Method 1

a dynamic impedance matching stage able to generate a high dynamic impedance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectronic inductor: Inductor

Implementation Method 2

a high efficiency power supply generating a predetermined output voltage

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuck converter:

Data Source

PatentEP2372564B1Device for connecting input/output modules to an EIB or KNX TP bus.
Publication Date: 2012.12.19 HAGER CONTROLS
  • EP2372564B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2372564B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2372564B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6

AI summary

The device has a protection stage (FP1) directly connected to a Konnex (KNX)or European installation bus (EIB)type bus. A dynamic impedance adaptation stage (FP2) and a control stage (FP7) are arranged in parallel and in downstream of the protection stage. The adaptation stage generates high dynamic impedance, and is connected to a high output power supply that generates preset output voltage. The control stage controls the voltage of the bus. The stages are connected to a microcontroller to control the signals from one of input/output modules.