Multi-Protocol Control Adapter Modules With Automatic Protocol Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems require dedicated controllers for each bus system with different communication protocols, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A control and data transmission system with a control device capable of storing multiple communication protocols, using adapter modules with identification devices to recognize and execute the appropriate protocol for different bus systems, allowing simultaneous communication with multiple bus systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dedicated controllers are developed for each bus system with different communication protocols, then communication reliability with specific bus systems is improved, but device complexity and system cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcontroller quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple communication protocols (CAN bus, LIN bus, and other serial communication protocols) within a single controller. The controller can dynamically select and switch between different protocols based on the connected bus system, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated controllers while maintaining communication reliability across different protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple dedicated controllers are used to support different communication protocols, then protocol-specific communication performance is improved, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication performanceVSAvoidsystem cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control device integrates multiple communication protocol support into a single universal controller, reducing the total number of controllers needed and thereby lowering system cost. The controller includes protocol selection circuitry and switching mechanisms that enable it to adapt to different bus systems (CAN, LIN, serial protocols) without requiring separate dedicated controllers for each protocol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If a single control device supports multiple communication protocols, then device complexity increases, but the number of controllers required decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontroller quantityVSAvoidprotocol support capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control device employs dynamic protocol selection and switching capabilities. The controller can automatically detect the connected bus system type and dynamically switch between different communication protocols (CAN bus, LIN bus, serial protocols) based on real-time requirements. This dynamic adaptability allows a single controller to handle multiple protocols efficiently without requiring manual configuration or fixed protocol assignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of operation

If dedicated controllers are used for each bus system, then ease of operation for specific protocols is improved, but overall system adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotocol operation simplicityVSAvoidbus system compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control device features dynamic protocol detection and switching mechanisms that automatically adapt to the connected bus system. The controller can identify whether a CAN bus, LIN bus, or serial communication system is connected and automatically configure itself to operate with the appropriate protocol, maintaining ease of operation while achieving broad bus system compatibility without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3844627B1Control and data transfer system for supporting different communication protocols and an adapter module
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 PHOENIX CONTACT GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3844627B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3844627B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3844627B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a control and data transfer system (100) for supporting different communication protocols. The system comprises a control device (20; 120) in which multiple different communication protocols can be stored. The control device (20) is designed for loading and executing at least one of the stored communication protocols. In addition, a first adapter module (30) which that can be connected to the control device (20; 120) is provided. The first adapter module (30, 160) has an identification device (31, 31') which permits an identification of the first communication protocol relative to the control device (20, 120), a communications interface (33) for connecting at least one first device (40), designed for communication according to one of the stored communication protocols, with the first adapter module (30). The control and evaluation device (23) is designed to detect the first communication protocol to be used using the identification device (31, 31'), when the first adapter module (30) is connected to the control device (20), and designed to load the detected first communication protocol from the storage device (22) and execute same.