MLVDS Backplane Bus for Real-Time I/O Module Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial control systems face challenges in achieving efficient and cost-effective real-time communication between I/O modules and cluster managers, especially in scenarios with high numbers of I/O modules, where external switches become cumbersome and costly, and fail to meet performance and reliability requirements.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a multipoint low voltage differential signaling (MLVDS) bus with passive base plates and Time Sensitive Networking switches, which enables full duplex communication without an external switch, ensuring real-time data transmission and reliability while minimizing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external switch is used to enable communication between I/O modules and cluster manager, then communication capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication functions of multiple I/O modules directly into the cluster manager through a shared backplane bus, eliminating the need for an external switch. The cluster manager integrates multiple communication interfaces that can simultaneously communicate with multiple I/O modules, reducing system complexity while maintaining communication reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cluster manager is designed with multi-functional communication capabilities, allowing it to serve as both a processing unit and a communication hub. The backplane bus provides universal connectivity to all I/O modules, replacing the need for dedicated switch infrastructure while maintaining reliable communication paths.
2Adaptability or versatility
If an external switch is used to support high numbers of I/O modules, then communication coverage is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple communication interfaces within the cluster manager to handle high numbers of I/O modules without requiring additional external switches. The shared backplane bus architecture allows scalable connectivity, where the cluster manager's integrated interfaces provide cost-effective support for expanding I/O module configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication architecture employs dynamic interface allocation within the cluster manager, allowing the system to adapt to varying numbers of I/O modules. The backplane bus enables flexible connectivity configurations that can scale with system requirements without requiring proportional increases in external switching infrastructure.
3Productivity
If an external switch is used to achieve real-time communication, then data transmission capability is improved, but response time worsens due to additional hops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the switching function from external hardware and integrates it directly into the cluster manager's communication interfaces. This eliminates additional communication hops through external switches, reducing latency while maintaining high data transmission speeds. The direct backplane connection provides shorter signal paths and faster response times.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication architecture segments data transmission into direct paths between the cluster manager and individual I/O modules through the backplane bus. This segmentation allows parallel communication channels that reduce overall latency compared to sequential switching through external devices, improving real-time performance.
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
This solution provides high-speed, reliable, and cost-effective communication between I/O modules and cluster managers, meeting real-time constraints and reducing the risk of failure by eliminating the need for active components and external switches, with data transmission rates exceeding 100 Mb/s and deterministic latency.
Implementation Method 1
a multipoint low voltage differential signaling, MLVDS, bus through passive base plates (BP)
Data Source
AI summary
An industrial system for controlling backplane communication including a cluster manager linked to Input/Output modules via a multipoint low voltage differential signaling, MLVDS, bus through passive base plates. The MLVDS bus contains a transmission line and a reception line for the cluster manager. The transmission line of the MLVDS bus is shared by the Input/Output modules for receiving data transmitted by the cluster manager. The reception line of the MLVDS bus is shared by the Input/Output modules for transmitting data to the cluster manager. 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.