Network Subscriber Receiving Logic for Multi-Protocol Telegram Handling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automation networks typically operate with either passing telegrams using a first addressing technique, such as EtherCAT, or individual telegrams using a second addressing technique, like Ethernet, but not both simultaneously, limiting their flexibility and efficiency in data communication.

Innovation Solution

A network subscriber capable of processing both passing telegrams with a first addressing technique and individual telegrams with a second addressing technique, equipped with separate processing units and logic for each, allowing for flexible filtering and forwarding of telegrams based on different addressing techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If automation networks use only one addressing technique (either passing telegrams or individual telegrams), then the system is simpler to implement, but the flexibility and efficiency of data communication is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility of data communicationVSAvoidcomplexity of processing units

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The network subscriber is divided into multiple processing units, each dedicated to handling a specific addressing technique. The receiving logic includes separate processing paths: one for passing telegrams (first addressing technique) and another for individual telegrams (second addressing technique). This segmentation allows the system to support multiple addressing techniques simultaneously while keeping each processing unit relatively simple and specialized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The network subscriber is designed with multi-functional capability to handle both passing telegrams and individual telegrams through different processing units. The receiving logic can identify and route different telegram types appropriately, enabling a single network subscriber to perform multiple functions that would otherwise require separate specialized devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If separate processing units are used for different addressing techniques, then the efficiency of processing each telegram type is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of telegram processingVSAvoidnumber of processing units

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving logic is segmented into specialized processing units that handle specific telegram types. Each processing unit is optimized for its designated addressing technique, improving processing efficiency through specialization while maintaining a manageable system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving logic automatically identifies the addressing technique used in incoming telegrams and routes them to the appropriate processing unit without requiring external intervention or complex coordination. Each processing unit independently handles its assigned telegram type, reducing the need for complex inter-unit communication and control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the receiving logic forwards all telegrams to all processing units, then no telegrams are lost, but the loss of time due to unnecessary processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of telegram deliveryVSAvoidtime for unnecessary processing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving logic is divided into specialized processing units that handle specific telegram types. This segmentation enables targeted processing where each unit only handles telegrams relevant to its function, eliminating wasted processing time while ensuring all telegrams are delivered to appropriate units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving logic performs preliminary identification of the addressing technique before forwarding telegrams to processing units. By recognizing the telegram type in advance, the system can route telegrams directly to the appropriate processing unit, preventing unnecessary processing and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11765124B2Receiving logic hardware for network subscribers, network subscriber, and automation network

Publication Date: 2023.09.19 BECKHOFF AUTOMATION GMBH

AI summary

A receiving logic of a network subscriber can be configured in a first filter setting to forward telegrams having first and second addressing techniques to first and second processing units, with a transmitting logic configured to forward the telegrams to a transmitting port. In a second filter setting, the receiving logic can be configured to duplicate the telegrams and forward to the first and second processing units, with the first processing unit configured to discard telegrams using the second addressing technique and the second processing unit configured to discard telegrams using the first addressing technique. The receiving logic of a third filter setting can be configured to duplicate telegrams and forward to the first and second processing units, with the transmitting logic configured to forward only telegrams using the first addressing technique from the first processing unit, and only telegrams using the second addressing technique from the second processing unit.