Metering Adapter for DNP 3.0 to Ethernet TCP/IP Protocol Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing metering systems in the power utility field face inefficiencies and reliability issues due to the need for human intervention and the limitations of serial communication protocols, leading to high costs, time consumption, and data integrity problems when managing large numbers of meters.

Innovation Solution

A metering apparatus equipped with an IED COM processor and a Network Adapter that converts DNP 3.0 serial data into Ethernet TCP/IP format, allowing communication through open sockets, eliminating the need for dedicated serial channels and enabling simultaneous data transmission across multiple channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated serial channels are used for communication between meters and central station, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by enabling IED devices to communicate through a common Ethernet infrastructure rather than requiring dedicated serial channels for each device. The Ethernet network serves multiple functions: data transmission, protocol conversion, and network management, replacing the need for separate physical communication paths for each meter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary Ethernet network layer that mediates between the DNP 3.0 serial protocol and the TCP/IP network. The IED device acts as a mediator, containing both DNP 3.0 protocol capabilities and Ethernet TCP/IP stack, translating and forwarding messages between the two protocols to enable reliable communication without dedicated serial channels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If serial daisy chain configuration is used for meter connections, then infrastructure requirements are reduced, but communication latency and data degradation increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrastructure requirementsVSAvoidcommunication latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a one-dimensional serial daisy chain topology to a two-dimensional Ethernet network topology. Instead of linear progression through each meter in the chain, multiple IED devices can communicate simultaneously through the network infrastructure, enabling parallel data transmission and reducing overall communication latency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical serial communication system with an electronic Ethernet-based system. The physical serial connection mechanism is substituted with electronic network communication, leveraging the higher bandwidth and lower latency characteristics of Ethernet TCP/IP infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If multiple meters transmit data simultaneously over shared network, then productivity increases, but packet collisions and data integrity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata collection efficiencyVSAvoiddata integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the TCP/IP protocol stack, which provides automatic error detection, retransmission requests, and data integrity verification. When packet collisions or transmission errors occur, the TCP protocol detects them and requests retransmission, ensuring reliable data delivery while maintaining high productivity through simultaneous transmissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing error checking and correction protocols before data transmission issues manifest as problems. The TCP/IP stack performs preliminary validation, error detection, and prepares retransmission buffers in advance, cushioning against potential packet collisions and data corruption that may occur during simultaneous transmissions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS7616656B2System and method for providing communication between intelligent electronic devices via an open channel

Publication Date: 2009.11.10 ELECTRO INDUSTRIES GAUGE TECH

AI summary

An intelligent electronic device is configured to receive and generate data formatted in accordance with Distributed Network Protocol 3.0 (DNP 3.0) through an Ethernet TCP/IP medium. The intelligent electronic metering device for communicating over a network via an open channel includes an adapter to couple the electronic metering device to the network and to receive a message in a protocol of the network, wherein the adapter formats the message in a serial protocol; and a processor to receive the message from the adapter, generate a response to the message and transit the response to the adapter, wherein the adapter formats the response in the protocol of the network and transmits the response over the network via an open channel.