Daisy-Chained P2P Sensor Access Circuitry for Shared Channel Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current daisy chain network topologies for industrial automation systems face challenges in efficiently communicating between multiple point-to-point sensors due to shared communication channels, leading to potential interruptions and reduced efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of accessing circuitry with timers, flip-flop circuitry, and switching circuitry allows for coordinated access to a shared communication channel, enabling multiple point-to-point sensors to be daisy chained without interference, using clock pulses and logical signals to manage communication and ensure efficient data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple point-to-point sensors are daisy chained using a shared communication channel, then device complexity and deployment costs are reduced, but communication interruptions and interference occur leading to reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic time-sliced communication slots for each sensor in the daisy chain. Each sensor is assigned specific time windows during which it can transmit data, creating a periodic communication pattern that eliminates conflicts while maintaining the simple shared channel structure. This resolves the contradiction by introducing time-based periodicity to prevent interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes communication schedules and timing parameters in advance before actual data transmission begins. The controller pre-configures time slots, slot durations, and sensor activation sequences, ensuring that communication interruptions are prevented before they can occur. This preliminary configuration maintains reliability without adding complex real-time arbitration mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional daisy chain topology is used to connect multiple sensors, then deployment costs and installation simplicity are improved, but communication efficiency deteriorates due to potential interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic time-sliced communication where each sensor's access to the shared channel is dynamically controlled based on pre-assigned time slots. The communication pattern adapts periodically, allowing multiple sensors to share the channel efficiently without physical reconfiguration. This maintains the simple daisy chain topology while dramatically improving communication efficiency through dynamic time-based arbitration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of communication by introducing variable time slot durations and intervals for different sensors. By adjusting these time parameters, the system optimizes communication efficiency for each sensor's data transmission needs while maintaining the simple shared channel infrastructure. This parameter-based control improves productivity without complicating the physical deployment.
3Device complexity
If a shared communication channel is used for daisy chained sensors, then the number of communication channels and device complexity are reduced, but communication interruptions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the shared communication channel into distinct time slots assigned to different sensors. Instead of dividing the physical channel, the time dimension is segmented to create virtual dedicated channels for each sensor. This temporal segmentation eliminates interruptions and conflicts while maintaining the simplicity of a single physical communication channel, resolving the contradiction between channel simplicity and communication continuity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this present disclosure may include an industrial control system that uses a daisy chain communication network to couple point-to-point sensors (P2P sensors) for communication of data between respective P2P sensors and a controller. Each P2P sensor may couple to the daisy chain communication network via accessing circuitry. The accessing circuitry may include switching circuitry and flip-flop circuitry to control when each P2P sensors may communicate with the controller via the daisy chain communication network.