Microcontroller FSK Demodulation for Automation Device Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automation devices using ASICs for FSK interfaces lack flexibility to adapt to changing requirements, as they have a permanently fixed range of functions, which restricts their ability to handle evolving communication protocols effectively.

Innovation Solution

An automation device with a microcontroller-based system that includes a digital-to-analog converter, a filter, and a demodulation device comprising a monoflop, sampling device, low-pass filter, and comparator to convert FSK signals into a data bit-stream, providing high interference immunity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ASICs are used for FSK interfaces, then the device has a permanently fixed range of functions, but this results in lack of flexibility to adapt to changing requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to changing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces static ASIC circuits with a dynamic microcontroller-based system that can be reprogrammed via UART interface. The microcontroller executes software routines that can be updated to support different FSK protocols and requirements, transforming the fixed-functionality system into an adaptable one while maintaining reliable operation through structured demodulation processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a microcontroller-based demodulation device is implemented, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to adapt to changing requirementsVSAvoidcomplexity of processing unit

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microcontroller serves multiple functions: it performs FSK demodulation, executes application-specific automation tasks, and can be reprogrammed for different protocols. By consolidating these functions into a single universal processing unit rather than separate dedicated circuits, the patent reduces overall system complexity while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If FSK signals are demodulated using a cascade circuit with monoflop and sampling device, then interference immunity is improved, but the circuit structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterference immunityVSAvoidcomplexity of demodulation circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces intermediate processing stages (monoflop for pulse generation, sampling device for signal capture, low-pass filter for noise reduction) between the FSK signal input and the final data output. These intermediary components progressively condition the signal to reject interference while maintaining a modular structure that manages complexity through functional decomposition.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables flexible data processing and reconstruction of FSK signals within the automation device's processing unit without impairing its primary automation task, enhancing adaptability to changing communication protocols and improving interference resistance.

Implementation Method 1

Connected to this processing unit is a digital-to-analog converter whose output is connected to a filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDigital-to-analog conversion:

Implementation Method 2

whose output is connected to a filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 3

provision is made of a demodulation device having a cascade circuit comprising a monoflop, a sampling device, a low-pass filter and a comparator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFSK demodulation:

Implementation Method 4

The output signal from the monoflop is sampled periodically

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeriodic sampling:

Implementation Method 5

The resultant bit stream is led via the low-pass filter and the comparator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLow-pass filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 6

The resultant bit stream is led via the low-pass filter and the comparator. The reconstructed data bit-stream is then output

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal comparison:

Data Source

PatentUS8782311B2Automation device

Publication Date: 2014.07.15 ABB PATENT GMBH

AI summary

The invention relates to an automation device, with which a multiplicity of physically distributed functional units communicate with each other by means of a common transmission protocol. The device has a microcontroller (110), which is assigned at least one clock generator (120) and one memory unit (150), and which is connected at least to one data source (140), which is designed to output a data bit-stream to be transmitted.