Multifrequency Downhole Sensor Bus Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Legacy sensors communicating on a single wire bus using the MIL-STD-1553 protocol experience congestion and loss of communication precision due to congested transmissions, and are not compatible with sensors using different data transmission standards, leading to interference and inaccurate readings during drilling and survey operations.

Innovation Solution

Implementing multiple bus masters for multifrequency communication along the same physical wire path, using high frequency sensors that operate in designated zones with rejection and bandpass filters to prevent interference with legacy sensors, allowing for accurate position tracking and formation characterization without disrupting legacy sensor operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If multiple sensors communicate on the same single wire bus using the same protocol, then device complexity is reduced, but communication precision deteriorates due to congested transmissions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle wire bus architectureVSAvoidcommunication precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The single wire bus communication is segmented into multiple frequency channels, allowing different sensor groups to communicate simultaneously on the same physical bus without interference. Legacy sensors use one frequency while new sensors use another, dividing the communication resource to eliminate congestion and maintain precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If legacy sensors continue to operate on the single wire bus, then adaptability is maintained, but harmful factors increase due to interference with new sensor communications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelegacy sensor compatibilityVSAvoidcommunication interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Frequency-selective filters act as intermediaries between legacy sensors and new sensors on the same bus. These filters selectively pass or block specific frequency ranges, allowing legacy sensors to operate without interfering with new sensors and vice versa, thus eliminating harmful interference while maintaining compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If different data transmission standards are used by different sensors, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases due to multiple protocols

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor compatibilityVSAvoidcommunication protocol complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using different communication protocols, the system changes the frequency parameter of transmission on a single protocol. New sensors communicate using a different frequency than legacy sensors, allowing multiple standards to coexist on the same bus without requiring complex multi-protocol handling, thus maintaining adaptability while avoiding increased complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 accurate communication and power distribution for both legacy and high-frequency sensors on the same single wire bus, preventing interference and ensuring precise data transmission and power supply, thereby improving drilling accuracy and formation analysis.

Implementation Method 1

each sensor in the first tool sensor zone and the second tool sensor zone include bandpass filters configured to allow passage of tones of interest to the respective sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

legacy sensors positioned along the single wire bus may first be coupled to a low pass filter to block tones of interest to deep reading resistivity tool transmitters and receivers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency blocking: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS11248461B2Multiple downhole systems using multifrequency

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 HALLIBURTON ENERGY SERVICES INC

AI summary

A method for downhole communication between multiple sets of sensors along a single wire bus includes communicating between a first set of sensors through the single wire bus. The first set of sensors include legacy sensors communicating at a legacy communication frequency. The method also includes communicating between a second set of sensors through the single wire bus. The second set of sensors communicates at a second communication frequency an order of magnitude greater than the legacy communication frequency. Further, the method includes communicating between a third set of sensors through the single wire bus. The third set of sensors communicates at a third communication frequency an order of magnitude greater than the legacy communication frequency.