Master-Slave Communication System with Single Processing Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fault-tolerant master-slave communication systems with dual-ring structures are complex and costly due to the need for two processing units in each slave unit, which complicates hardware and switching, and requires the master unit to respond separately to link faults, limiting high data transmission rates.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with a dual-ring structure where each slave unit has only one processing unit, using a coupling device with 2-1 multiplexers to switch between communication paths in case of faults, ensuring operability without the need for dual processing units, and maintaining message processing behavior similar to normal mode during reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dual-ring structures with two processing units per slave unit are used to achieve fault tolerance, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two processing units into a single processing unit by implementing dynamic role assignment where one unit handles both master and slave functions. The single processing unit alternates between master mode (controlling the bus) and slave mode (responding to master commands), eliminating the need for dual processing units while maintaining fault tolerance through the redundant communication paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The single processing unit in each slave device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate as a slave unit responding to master commands, or switch to master mode to control the bus when needed for fault recovery. This multi-functional design allows one unit to replace what previously required two specialized units, reducing hardware complexity while preserving reliability.
2Reliability
If dual-ring structures with two processing units per slave unit are used to achieve fault tolerance, then reliability is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of two processing units into a single processing unit by implementing dynamic role assignment where one unit handles both master and slave functions. The single processing unit alternates between master mode (controlling the bus) and slave mode (responding to master commands), eliminating the need for dual processing units while maintaining fault tolerance through the redundant communication paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs software-based fault recovery mechanisms that can restore communication without requiring expensive hardware redundancy. The system uses software-controlled switching and reconfiguration capabilities to handle faults, replacing the need for costly dual processing units with more economical software solutions that provide equivalent fault tolerance.
3Reliability
If master unit responds separately to link faults with reconfiguration, then reliability is improved, but data transmission rate is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration where all slave devices are pre-capable of operating in both master and slave modes, with the necessary processing logic and communication protocols already in place. When a fault occurs, the system can immediately switch roles without extensive reconfiguration, maintaining high data transmission rates while achieving fault tolerance through pre-prepared operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic role assignment where the master and slave functions are not fixed but can switch between devices based on operational needs and fault conditions. This dynamic flexibility allows the system to maintain optimal data transmission rates by assigning master control to the most suitable device at any given moment, while preserving fault tolerance through the ability to reassign roles as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system comprises a multiplicity of slave units and a master unit. The slave units are coupled to one another via a first communication path and a second communication path, the first communication path and the second communication path operating in opposite directions to one another, and a master unit, the master unit being coupled to the multiplicity of slave units via the first communication path and the second communication path. The master unit comprises a transmit control unit, the transmit control unit separately transmitting an information signal with a data field which has for each slave unit an associated data area, on the first communication path as a first information signal and on the second communication path as a second information signal. The master unit further comprises a receive control unit, the receive control unit superimposing the data field of the first information signal circulated on the first communication path and the data field of the second information signal circulated on the second communication path.