Expandable Machine-Implement Network With CAN-Ethernet Translation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing planters face bandwidth limitations in their controller area network (CAN) bus due to an increasing number of controllers and sensors, which hampers efficient communication during field operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an expandable network architecture with a first communication module and a second communication module, each having ports for multiple networks, including a protocol translator to convert between CAN and Ethernet protocols, enabling the integration of a switched power line communication channel (PoE) for enhanced bandwidth and speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single CAN bus is used for communication, then device complexity is reduced, but bandwidth and communication speed become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single CAN bus into multiple separate CAN buses (first CAN bus and second CAN bus), each handling specific communication tasks. This segmentation increases total communication bandwidth while keeping each individual bus simple and manageable, directly resolving the contradiction between complexity and bandwidth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional single-bus architecture to a multi-dimensional network architecture involving multiple CAN buses, Ethernet networks, and wireless communications operating in parallel. This dimensional expansion provides multiple communication pathways, dramatically increasing bandwidth without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple networks and protocol translators are added, then communication bandwidth increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements communication modules that can operate across multiple networks (CAN, Ethernet, wireless) and perform multiple functions including translation, routing, and data processing. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate dedicated components, increasing bandwidth capabilities while controlling overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces protocol translators and gateway devices as intermediaries between different network protocols. These intermediaries handle protocol conversion transparently, allowing multiple networks to operate simultaneously without requiring every device to understand every protocol, thus managing complexity while enabling high-bandwidth multi-network operation.
3Productivity
If more controllers and sensors are added to the planter, then functionality and productivity improve, but the single CAN bus cannot handle the increased communication load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments communication traffic from multiple controllers and sensors across different CAN buses and networks, allowing parallel communication channels to handle the increased data load from additional functionality without creating bottlenecks, thus supporting productivity improvements while maintaining adequate bandwidth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic communication architecture where data routing and protocol selection can adapt based on traffic demands. This dynamic capability allows the system to efficiently handle variable communication loads from expanding numbers of controllers and sensors, optimizing bandwidth utilization as productivity requirements grow.
Data Source
AI summary
Expandable network architectures with communication systems having multiple networks for communications between machines and implements for field operations. In one embodiment, a communication system includes a first communication module including at least one port of a first network, at least one input port and at least one output port of a second network, and a first network gateway to translate between a first protocol for the first network and a second protocol for the second network. A second communication module is communicatively coupled to the first communication module. The second communication module includes at least one port of the first network, and at least at least one input port and at least one output port of the second network. The second communication module is configurable to expand a network architecture of the communication system by being capable of communicatively coupling to at least one additional communication module.