Modular Power Supply Communication Unit for Remote I/O
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices in industrial systems, particularly power supply devices, lack flexibility and adaptability to different communication protocols and physical layers, and do not provide sufficient security and remote I/O functionality without requiring additional hardware.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with modular communication modules that support bidirectional conversion between internal and external communication protocols and physical layers, allowing easy adaptation to different communication standards, and includes software-based remote I/O functionality and overcurrent protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If communication modules are built-in and fixed for different protocols, then the electronic device can support multiple communication standards, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication unit is divided into separate, exchangeable communication modules that can be independently selected and replaced. Each module is designed as a discrete component that interfaces with the control electronics through standardized connections, allowing the same base device to support multiple protocols by simply changing the module rather than integrating all protocols into a single complex system
Solution Approach 2:
The communication module is designed with universal functionality to interface with the control electronics regardless of which specific protocol is implemented. The module structure, connection interface, and basic communication handling remain consistent across different protocol modules, while only the protocol-specific implementation varies, allowing one module design pattern to serve multiple protocol purposes
2Adaptability or versatility
If communication modules are built-in and fixed, then the electronic device can support multiple communication standards, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the communication functionality into separate modules, the manufacturing process can be optimized for each module type independently. Mass production of identical modules for specific protocols achieves economies of scale, and the modular design allows parallel manufacturing of different module types rather than requiring complex multi-protocol integration in each unit
Solution Approach 2:
The same communication module design can be replicated and reused across different electronic device models and applications. Once a module design is validated for a specific protocol, it can be copied and deployed in multiple devices without redesign, reducing development and manufacturing costs through standardization and reuse
3Device complexity
If communication modules are non-exchangeable, then the device structure is simpler, but the adaptability to different protocols is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module is designed to be dynamically exchangeable during the device lifecycle. The module can be removed and replaced without affecting the core device structure or requiring complex reconfiguration, enabling the system to adapt to different communication requirements over time while maintaining a simple and stable base device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The communication module serves as an intermediary component between the stable control electronics and the variable communication protocols. This intermediary layer isolates the core device from protocol-specific complexities, allowing protocol changes to occur at the module level without disturbing the underlying device structure or control logic
4Adaptability or versatility
If remote I/O functionality is implemented with additional hardware, then the I/O capability is enhanced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication module is designed to provide multiple functions including data communication, parameter exchange, and remote I/O control through software implementation. The same communication infrastructure and processing resources are used for both communication and I/O functions, eliminating the need for separate dedicated hardware and allowing one component to serve multiple purposes
5Ease of operation
If password protection is not implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication requirement is implemented as a configurable parameter rather than a fixed structural element. The password protection function can be enabled or disabled, and password requirements can be adjusted through software settings, allowing the system to adapt security levels to match operational needs without requiring different hardware configurations
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical power supply device (1) for supplying electrical power to electrical components from a power source, wherein the power supply device (1) has at least one communication unit (3) by which the power supply device (1) is equipped for data communication with an external computer device (8), wherein the power supply device (1) has connections (9) for supplying electrical energy to power the electrical components, and wherein the power supply device (1) has as a further connection at least one controllable digital or analog output connection (4) and/or at least one digital or analog input connection (5).wherein, in the case of a controllable digital or analog output port (4), this can be controlled by the external computer device (8) via the communication unit (3), and in the case of a digital or analog input port (5), an input value from this input port can be read by the external computer device (8) via the communication unit (3).