Multi-Protocol Adapter for Automotive and Industrial Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-vehicle and industrial communication networks lack the ability to provide seamless access, monitoring, control, and modification of functions across various devices using different communication protocols, limiting diagnostic and analytical capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A hardware/software system acting as a programmable gateway between automotive/industrial serial multiplex networks and Ethernet-connected computers, enabling control, transmission, and reception of operations using TCP/IP protocol, supporting multiple protocols and allowing remote access and interaction with target devices through daughtercard interface modules and a standardized communication protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols are supported through separate interface modules, then protocol compatibility and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate interface modules (daughtercards), each dedicated to a specific communication protocol. This segmentation allows the system to support multiple protocols without requiring a single complex module to handle all protocols, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The device achieves universal compatibility across multiple communication protocols by implementing a framework that can accommodate various protocol-specific interface modules. The standardized interface and control logic provide multi-functional capability, allowing the same device to work with different protocols through module interchangeability.
2Area of stationary object
If daughtercard interface modules use small connectors instead of standard ISA board-edge interconnections, then space utilization and compactness are improved, but manufacturing and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface connection is segmented from the traditional board-edge configuration to discrete daughtercard modules with dedicated connectors. This segmentation enables more efficient space utilization within the device chassis while isolating the manufacturing complexity to standardized module interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical connection parameters are changed from large board-edge connectors to smaller dedicated connectors. This parameter change reduces the space required for interface connections while the modular design maintains ease of assembly through standardized connection procedures.
3Ease of operation
If the device functions as a stand-alone network interface without keyboard or monitor, then portability and ease of deployment are improved, but user interaction and configuration capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a host computer as an intermediary for user interaction and configuration. The host computer provides the necessary display, keyboard, and advanced processing capabilities, while the stand-alone device focuses on its core network interface function. This mediator approach enables easy deployment while maintaining full interaction capability through the host system.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter device for providing the user a remote access point for supporting interaction between the device and one or more target devices supporting one or more of several communication protocols for automotive and industrial automation applications employing user-selectable protocols, such as multiplexed communication networks.