Material Tester Sync Circuit Using Multiplexed Signal Wiring

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing synchronous circuits in material testing machines require multiple communication paths for different synchronization signals, leading to complex wiring and the need for time-consuming redesigns when the number of synchronization signals changes.

Innovation Solution

A synchronous circuit that multiplexes multiple synchronization signals into a single communication path, with extraction means on the receiving units to recognize and separate individual signals, allowing for simplified wiring and flexible configuration without requiring changes to the circuit design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple communication paths are provided for different synchronization signals, then each synchronization signal can be transmitted independently, but the number of communication wiring increases and handling becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronization signal transmissionVSAvoidcommunication wiring
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple synchronization signals with different frequencies are merged into a single communication path. The transmitting unit combines multiple signals and transmits them through one shared communication path, eliminating the need for separate wiring for each signal while maintaining independent signal integrity through frequency differentiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A single communication path is designed to handle multiple synchronization signals simultaneously. The communication path serves multiple functions by transmitting different frequency signals for different purposes (AD converter synchronization, DA converter synchronization, etc.) through the same physical medium.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If the number of communication paths is determined during circuit design, then the circuit structure is fixed, but any increase or decrease in synchronization signals requires time-consuming redesign

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit designVSAvoidnumber of synchronization signals
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from a static fixed circuit design to a dynamic configurable system. The transmitting unit can dynamically adjust the number and frequencies of synchronization signals based on operational requirements without requiring physical circuit redesign, as the single communication path accommodates variable signal configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows changes in synchronization signal parameters (number of signals, frequencies) without altering the physical circuit structure. By varying signal frequencies and multiplexing them on a single path, the system adapts to different operational modes while maintaining the same hardware configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If separate communication paths are used for each synchronization signal, then signal transmission is straightforward, but the wiring becomes complicated and handling is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmissionVSAvoidwiring handling
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple synchronization signals are combined into a single communication path, reducing the number of wiring connections from multiple separate paths to one unified path. This merging simplifies physical wiring handling while the receiving unit separates signals by frequency to maintain transmission clarity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3421965B1Synchronization circuit for material tester and material tester
Publication Date: 2021.03.31 SHIMADZU CORP
  • EP3421965B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3421965B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3421965B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A synchronous controller 49 is connected to each of boards 51, 52, and 53 by one communication wire, and one communication path is formed between the synchronous controller 49 and each of the boards 51, 52, and 53. A multiple synchronization signal S in which a plurality of synchronization signals are multiplexed is transmitted from the synchronous controller 49 to each of the boards 51, 52, and 53. Signal extraction units 61a, 61b, and 61c as extraction means for recognizing synchronization signals included in the multiple synchronization signal S and extracting the individual synchronization signals are provided in the boards 51, 52, and 53, respectively. The individual synchronization signals are extracted from the multiple synchronization signal S input to the boards 51, 52, and 53 by the signal extraction units 61a, 61b, and 61c, respectively.