Electronic Module Auto-Configuration via Power Line Current Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for identifying electronic modules on a data bus require complex circuitry to handle both data communications and current measurements, and lack efficient methods for automatic configuration or self-configuration.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a data bus, main power line, slave electronic modules with resistors and current measurement circuits, and a master module with a current measurement circuit to determine the position and assign unique identifiers to slave modules based on current measurements, allowing for automatic configuration without complex circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current measurements are performed on the data bus for module identification, then module identification capability is achieved, but circuit complexity increases due to need for complex circuitry to handle both data communications and current measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a separate power supply line as an intermediary carrier for current measurements. Instead of measuring current directly on the data bus, the system uses a dedicated power supply line where current measurements can be performed without interfering with data communications. This mediator approach allows the master module to determine module identifiers by measuring current draw on the power supply line while keeping the data bus intact for its primary communication function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the identification function from the data communication function by using different lines: the data bus for communication and the power supply line for current measurements. This segmentation allows each function to operate independently without requiring complex combined circuitry, simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving both data communication and module identification capabilities.
2Reliability
If manual configuration methods are used such as DIP switches or pre-programmed EEPROM, then unique identifier assignment is achieved, but configuration time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic configuration where each module self-determines its identifier through current measurements performed by the master module on the power supply line. The system automatically detects the number of modules, assigns unique identifiers sequentially, and configures communication parameters without requiring manual intervention through DIP switches or pre-programming. This self-service approach eliminates configuration time and reduces complexity while ensuring reliable unique identifier assignment.
3Measurement precision
If self-identifying devices use current measurements on the data bus, then module position determination is achieved, but circuit complexity increases due to complex circuitry requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the power supply line as an intermediary for current measurements to determine module positions. Instead of measuring current directly on the data bus which would require complex isolation and measurement circuitry, the system measures current draw on the separate power supply line. This approach maintains measurement precision for position determination while avoiding the need for complex combined data/ power circuitry.
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 efficient and automatic identification and configuration of electronic modules on a data bus, simplifying the process and reducing the need for complex circuitry, while supporting communication and addressing of individual modules for collective or group communications.
Implementation Method 1
a first current measurement circuit in the first slave electronic module, the first current measurement circuit capable of measuring a first node current flowing from the first slave electronic module through the first linking power line to the second slave electronic module
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A first slave electronic module and a second slave electronic module are adapted for communicating over the data bus. The first slave electronic module has a first resistor coupled in series with a main power line. The second electronic module has a second resistor coupled in series with the main power line. A master electronic module has a master current measurement circuit for determining an aggregate current level indicative of the total number of slave electronic modules on the main power line. A first current measurement circuits is capable of measuring a node current indicative of a number of other active slaves connected to the main power line and data bus. A master data processor in the master electronic module is arranged to assign a unique module identifier to a first slave electronic module based on the first node current and the aggregate current level, the unique module identifier indicating a respective position of the first slave electronic module on the data bus.