Modular I/O Control Block with Point-to-Point Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compact I/O control modules have a fixed number of inputs and outputs, limiting their expandability and making additional I/O channel expansions costly and requiring data bus usage, which is inefficient for complex automation applications.
Innovation Solution
A modular input/output channel control block with a master module and expansion slave modules, each equipped with processing logic and signal ports, allowing for easy and individual expansion of terminals through point-to-point communication, eliminating the need for specific addressing and enabling efficient, space-saving, and economical solutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed number of I/O channels is provided in compact control modules, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability and expandability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control module is divided into a master control module and multiple expandable slave modules. Each slave module can be independently connected via point-to-point communication, allowing the system to be segmented and expanded according to specific application needs without increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The slave modules are designed with universal interfaces and standardized signal port connections that can be used across different expansion configurations. The same slave module design can serve multiple I/O functions (digital input, digital output, analog input, analog output) depending on configuration, enhancing adaptability without requiring multiple specialized module types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional I/O channels are expanded using data bus or additional data buses, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional data bus-based communication mechanism with a point-to-point communication system. This substitution eliminates the need for complex addressing protocols and data bus arbitration, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to expand I/O channels. The direct connection between master and slave modules simplifies the communication infrastructure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed physical interfaces are assigned to I/O channels, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the adaptability to different signal types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The slave modules are designed with standardized signal port configurations where specific ports are designated for specific signal types (e.g., certain ports for digital signals, others for analog signals). This local differentiation within a standardized module design allows manufacturers to produce uniform modules while still providing signal type flexibility through configuration and connection selection.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an input/output channel control block that comprises a number of successive input/output modules. The first is a control master module and the subsequent ones are expansion slave modules. Each expansion slave module comprises a processing logic unit as well as respective first signal port and a respective equal number of second signal ports and an equal number of third signal ports which are arranged at identical positions of each expansion slave module. The first signal port is connected to the processing logic unit, to which at least one fourth signal port for connecting an input/output bus terminal subscriber belongs, and a respective second signal port is connected to a third signal port. The control master module likewise possesses a number of third signal ports and a control logic unit for data exchange with a data bus and for targeted driving of the signal ports.