Master-Slave Communication System Automatic Failover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing master-slave communication systems in manufacturing and automation technology lack effective real-time reconfiguration capabilities to maintain data transmission when a master unit fails or the transmission path is interrupted, requiring minimal hardware and switching effort.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with a double-line structure featuring two master units and slave units, where a backup master unit automatically takes over data transmission by reconfiguring the data path when the primary master unit fails, using a master coupling device to separate and reconnect control units, transmitting, and receiving units in different operating modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single master unit is used in the communication system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates when the master unit fails or the transmission path is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
A second master unit is pre-configured in the communication system before any failure occurs. This backup master unit remains in standby mode with all necessary hardware components (transmitting unit, receiving unit, control unit) already in place and connected to the double-line structure, ready to immediately take over data transmission if the first master unit fails, thus ensuring system reliability without requiring complex real-time reconfiguration hardware
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a redundant master unit as a protective measure against potential failures. This backup component serves as a cushion or safety net that prevents system failure when the primary master unit or transmission path fails, allowing the system to maintain functionality through automatic failover to the second master unit
2Reliability
If a backup master unit is added to ensure continuous data transmission, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is divided into functionally independent master units that can operate autonomously. Each master unit has its own complete set of transmitting and receiving units, allowing them to function independently. This segmentation enables the second master unit to take over without requiring complex integration or reconfiguration hardware, as each unit is a self-contained functional module
Solution Approach 2:
The second master unit is designed with universal functionality to perform both backup and primary master operations. It possesses the same transmitting unit, receiving unit, and control unit capabilities as the first master unit, allowing it to seamlessly assume the primary master role when needed, thus ensuring data transmission continuity without adding specialized complex hardware
3Reliability
If real-time reconfiguration is implemented to maintain data transmission during failures, then the reliability is improved, but the switching effort and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system implements automatic failover capability where the second master unit can take over data transmission autonomously when the first master unit fails. The system self-detects the failure condition and self-reconfigures by switching to the backup master unit without requiring manual intervention or complex reconfiguration procedures, thus maintaining high reliability while keeping operations simple
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
In a communication system, a first and a second master unit and at least one slave unit are interconnected via a twin conductor structure, the second master unit having a master coupling device which is connected between a control unit, a receiver unit and a transmitter unit to separate on the twin conductor structure the control unit from the receiver unit and the transmitter unit in a first mode of operation when data signals of the first master unit are received and to connect on the twin conductor structure the control unit to the receiver unit and the transmitter unit in the second mode of operation when the reception of data signals of the first master unit is interrupted, thereby carrying out a data transmission on the twin conductor structure.