Multiwire Data Line Fault Detection via Error Rate Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network topologies with multi-core data lines face challenges in reliably detecting wire breaks and other faults, leading to incomplete or incorrect data transfer due to the limitations of current error detection methods, which fail to accurately identify core breakages and react accordingly.
Innovation Solution
The method involves calculating an error rate based on the number of CRC errors and transmitted data packets within a predetermined time interval, using a specific formula to determine a fault rate, and activating redundancy mechanisms when the error rate exceeds a threshold, ensuring reliable detection of wire breaks and switching to alternative data paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If test telegrams are sent to check data line connectivity, then complete interruptions can be detected, but partial interruptions and wire breaks in multi-core data lines cannot be reliably detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical test telegram method with an electrical measurement method. Instead of sending data packets to check connectivity, the system measures electrical parameters (impedance, signal integrity) directly on the data line to detect wire breaks and partial interruptions in multi-core data lines, achieving more precise fault detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from binary connectivity (test telegram success/failure) to continuous electrical parameters (impedance values, signal quality metrics). This allows detection of partial interruptions and wire breaks by measuring changes in electrical characteristics along the data line.
2Productivity
If multi-core data lines are used for data transmission, then data capacity is increased, but wire breaks in individual cores cannot be detected by conventional methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by treating each core in the multi-core data line as an independent measurement target. By injecting test signals into individual cores and measuring their electrical characteristics separately, the system can identify which specific core has a wire break while maintaining data transmission through intact cores.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement device that couples to the data line to perform electrical measurements without disrupting normal data transmission. This intermediary device acts as a mediator between the data line and the detection system, allowing simultaneous data transmission and fault detection.
3Reliability
If redundancy mechanisms are activated based on incomplete fault detection, then network reliability is reduced, but if not activated, then data transmission errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary electrical measurements on data lines to detect potential wire breaks before they cause data transmission errors. By detecting faults in advance through impedance measurements and signal integrity tests, the system can activate redundancy mechanisms proactively rather than reactively, preventing data loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous feedback by repeatedly measuring electrical parameters on data lines and comparing them against threshold values. When measurements indicate a wire break or partial interruption, the feedback loop triggers activation of redundancy mechanisms, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains network reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
Method for operating a network having a prescribable topology, wherein the topology contains a plurality of network devices which are connected to one another and interchange data via multiwire data lines connected to their data ports, wherein test messages are also sent to the data lines in order to check whether or not two data ports on two network devices have the connection between them via the interposed data line, characterized in that, in a prescribable time interval, the number of CRC errors which have occurred and the number of data items transmitted in this time interval are ascertained on a data line between two data ports, and at least these two values are used to calculate an error rate which is a measure of the operability of the multiwire data line.