MLVDS Backplane Bus for Deterministic Multipoint Ethernet I/O
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial control systems face challenges with high-cost and cumbersome external switches in I/O modules, especially in space-constrained environments with many modules, leading to real-time communication inefficiencies and reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A multipoint Ethernet bus system using low voltage differential signaling (MLVDS) with passive base plates and Time Sensitive Networking switches, enabling direct communication between I/O modules and a cluster manager without external switches, ensuring real-time constraints and low-cost solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external switches are used to connect I/O modules to cluster manager, then communication capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the switching function directly into the cluster manager and I/O modules, eliminating the need for separate external switches. The cluster manager includes a switch configured to communicate with multiple I/O modules via a shared backplane bus, merging the communication control function into the existing system components rather than requiring additional standalone switching devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The backplane bus serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides communication pathways between the cluster manager and multiple I/O modules, supports both request and response traffic, and enables time-division multiplexing for deterministic communication. This multi-functional use of a single bus structure replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated communication channels and external switching hardware.
2Ease of operation
If external switches are used in space-constrained environments with many I/O modules, then communication is enabled, but space constraints and cost become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates the communication infrastructure by integrating switching functionality into the cluster manager and I/O modules themselves, eliminating the need for separate external switches. This reduces component count, lowers system cost, and simplifies the physical layout within space-constrained industrial control environments.
3Productivity
If external switches are used for real-time communication, then data transmission is enabled, but real-time performance and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements time-division multiplexing where the cluster manager switch and I/O module switches operate in synchronized time slots. Requests are transmitted in dedicated request time slots, and responses are transmitted in dedicated response time slots. This periodic, time-structured communication pattern ensures deterministic latency and reliable real-time performance by eliminating contention and collisions that would occur with traditional shared-medium approaches.
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
The system provides reliable, high-speed, and cost-effective communication between I/O modules and cluster managers, maintaining real-time performance and minimizing failure risks through deterministic latency and best-effort data handling.
Implementation Method 1
a multipoint low voltage differential signaling, MLVDS, bus through passive base plates (BP)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an industrial system for controlling backplane communication, comprising: a cluster manager (CM) linked to Input/Output modules (IOM) via a multipoint low voltage differential signaling, MLVDS, bus through passive base plates (BP), wherein the MLVDS bus contains a transmission line and a reception line for the cluster manager (CM), wherein the transmission line of the MLVDS bus is shared by the Input/Output modules (IOM) for receiving data transmitted by the cluster manager (CM), wherein the reception line of the MLVDS bus is shared by the Input/Output modules (IOM) for transmitting data to the cluster manager (CM), wherein the Input/Output modules are synchronized in time with the cluster manager and configured to send data on the reception line of the MLVDS bus at respective scheduled time windows