Linear Network Autoconfiguration Using Current Direction Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic systems with numerous connected devices face challenges in efficiently transmitting control signals and managing complex network topologies, particularly in applications requiring precise device layout information.
Innovation Solution
A method of autoconfiguration that allows electronic devices in a linear network to automatically determine their unique identifiers and relative positions by transmitting current direction information through the network, reducing the need for complex wiring and pre-programmed addresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a master node assigns unique addresses to each node in the network, then device identification is achieved, but the number of connections or pins per node increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each node in the network autonomously determines its own unique address by analyzing the direction of current flow through itself during a systematic excitation process, eliminating the need for a master node to assign addresses and reducing connection requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection-based identification system with an electrical measurement system that uses current direction detection to uniquely identify each node's position in the network
2Reliability
If slave nodes connect with unique available addresses and the master node collects addresses by arbitration, then device identification is achieved, but the configuration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary excitation of each node in sequence, allowing each node to pre-determine its address by measuring current direction during its excitation phase, thereby eliminating the need for time-consuming arbitration processes later
3Loss of information
If additional information regarding the layout of devices is required, then device positioning capability is improved, but the network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The current direction measurement system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides unique address identification for each node and determines the physical layout/positioning information of devices in the network, eliminating the need for separate positioning systems
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
This method enables efficient autoconfiguration of electronic devices in networks with a high number of connected devices, reducing the time required for configuration and minimizing the number of connection pins needed, while ensuring reliable device control and accurate positioning.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting a current in the network from the chosen node. This allows reading the direction of the current flowing through at least the nodes not chosen in previous iteration cycles
Data Source
AI summary
A method for autoconfiguration of a plurality of nodes in a linear network allows extracting the address and position of each node. The nodes are identified by a unique identifier. The method comprises choosing a node in a network and extracting its identifier, and for the first node to the last but one node, transmitting a current in the network from the chosen node, and reading the direction of the current flowing through at least the nodes not chosen in previous iteration cycles. The identifier is linked with the direction of the current for said not chosen nodes, obtaining the position of said not chosen nodes relative to the chosen node. These steps are repeated by choosing a different node not chosen before. Autoconfiguration is finished when the identifier of each node is extracted, and the physical position of each node is determined.