Network Node Distance Measurement Using Controllable Capacitor Reflections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the distance between nodes in a network are not robust and lack flexibility, particularly in networks with impedance variations or physical defects.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a primary node that identifies secondary nodes through unique logical IDs, activates controllable capacitors, and measures reflected signal characteristics to determine relative physical distances using a separate communication channel, enabling robust distance calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional TDR methods are used to determine distance in networks, then distance measurement is possible, but the method lacks robustness when impedance variations or physical defects occur in the cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces controllable capacitors as intermediary elements at known network nodes. These capacitors serve as deliberate reflection points that mediate between the measurement signal and the cable imperfections. By creating controlled reflections at known locations, the system can distinguish between reflections caused by intentional capacitors and those caused by unwanted impedance variations or defects, thereby maintaining measurement robustness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the network by introducing controllable capacitors that can be activated or deactivated. By varying the capacitance parameter at known nodes, the system creates distinguishable reflection patterns that enable reliable distance measurement even in the presence of cable imperfections. The controllable nature of these capacitors allows for multiple measurement configurations
2Ease of operation
If a separate communication channel is used for node identification and capacitor activation, then identification and measurement can be performed independently, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement process into distinct phases: identification phase and measurement phase. Each phase operates independently using the separate communication channel, allowing for clearer operational procedures. The identification phase establishes node identities and capacitor locations, while the measurement phase performs distance determination, reducing operational confusion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary identification of nodes and their controllable capacitors before conducting distance measurements. This preliminary action populates lookup tables with node identities and capacitor locations, enabling the measurement phase to proceed independently without real-time identification complexity
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 and flexible determination of node distances in various network types, including wire-based, optical, and Ethernet networks, facilitating maintenance and monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
one of the involved nodes serving as a master for instance starts by first transmitting an incident signal onto the cable which is subsequently followed by a second, receiving phase, where the TDR enabled master node listens for its reflections
Implementation Method 2
One method to determine said line characteristics is the time-domain reflectometry (TDR) on the basis of reflected waveforms on the interconnecting lines
Implementation Method 3
The time leg between the transmitted signal and the receiving of the reflected signal allows calculation of the physical distance between the signal source and the element causing the reflection
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
A method for determining a physical distance between nodes in a wire-based network is disclosed. The method comprises providing a primary node within the network. Next identification of at least two connected secondary nodes within the network by means of the primary node is performed, wherein each secondary node comprises a remotely controllable capacitor. Subsequently the primary node requests the at least one identified secondary node to activate its corresponding controllable capacitor and generates and transmits a measurement signal within the network. The primary node performs next measuring, processing and recording reflected signal characteristics within the network. Finally determining the physical distance, that is relative physical distance, between the primary node and the at least two secondary nodes based on recorded reflected signal characteristics within the wire-based network is carried out. The method according to the present invention ensures robust measuring of cable, wire and/or electrical lines length based of a measurement signal broadcasted in a network by a master or primary node respectively.