Master Arbitration via Bus Signal Coherence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power systems face challenges in quickly establishing a new master module after the removal of the existing master and backup modules, often relying on external controllers that are single points of failure and result in prolonged identification times due to timing schemes.
Innovation Solution
A power system with a communications bus where modules continuously monitor the bus, transmit modulated signals at a predetermined frequency to declare intent to become the master, and cease transmission when a coherent signal is detected, allowing for rapid identification and synchronization of a new master module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external controller designates a master module, then the system can establish a master module, but the external controller becomes a single point of failure and system operation may be impacted if the external controller is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the external controller from the master module designation process. Instead of relying on an external controller to assign master status, the system extracts this function and implements it within the modules themselves through peer-to-peer communication on the communications bus, eliminating the single point of failure
Solution Approach 2:
The modules autonomously determine master status without external intervention. Each module monitors the communications bus and independently evaluates conditions to become master, allowing the system to self-organize and eliminate dependency on external control hardware
2Reliability
If a timing scheme is implemented in which modules attempt to take control after predefined intervals, then modules can establish master status, but a relatively long period of time passes before a master module is ultimately identified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary monitoring of the communications bus before master designation. Modules continuously monitor for coherent signals and incoherent conditions, preparing to become master immediately when conditions are met, rather than waiting for predefined time intervals to expire
Solution Approach 2:
The system skips the delayed timing scheme approach and rushes through the master establishment process by allowing immediate master designation when a module detects incoherent signals, eliminating unnecessary waiting periods and accelerating system initialization
3Productivity
If modules continuously monitor the communications bus and transmit modulated signals to declare intent to become master, then rapid identification of a new master module is achieved, but the system requires complex signal monitoring and transmission mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The communications bus serves multiple functions: it carries normal system communications and simultaneously serves as the medium for master module designation through modulated signals. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated signaling hardware, reducing overall system complexity while enabling rapid master establishment
Data Source
AI summary
A power system is provided. The power system includes a communications bus and a plurality of modules communicatively coupled to the communications bus. Each of the plurality of modules is configured to continuously monitor the communications bus, transmit a modulated signal at a predetermined frequency when the module detects an incoherent signal on the communications bus, become a master module when the module detects a coherent signal at the predetermined frequency on the communications bus, and cease transmitting the modulated signal when the coherent signal is not detected after a period of time.