Automated Profibus DP Network Configuration via Slave Device Self-Service

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Profibus DP network configuration methods require manual input and verification of network configuration information by users, which is cumbersome and dangerous, and prone to errors due to the need for direct access to slave devices.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus with a configuration tool that automatically collects and processes information from slave devices to generate network configuration information, which is then provided to the master device, including an automatic configuration module, slave information collector, GDS comparator, network configuration module, and master communication module to facilitate automated network setup and communication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual input and verification of network configuration information is performed, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but operation complexity and time consumption increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The slave devices automatically provide their own configuration information (device type, I/O data, communication parameters) to the master device without requiring manual input or verification by operators. This self-service mechanism eliminates time-consuming manual configuration while maintaining accuracy through automated information exchange via GSD files and device identifiers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Configuration information is pre-prepared in GSD (Generic Station Description) files that contain all necessary device parameters, I/O data, and communication settings. These preliminary configurations are stored in the slave devices and automatically retrieved during network setup, eliminating the need for manual configuration input and verification during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If manual access to slave devices is required for configuration, then configuration information can be verified, but operator safety is compromised in hazardous environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration verificationVSAvoidoperator safety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The master device serves as an intermediary that automatically collects configuration information from slave devices through the Profibus DP network. Operators interact only with the master device via configuration software, eliminating the need to physically access hazardous slave device locations while maintaining configuration verification through automated information exchange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Manual physical access and verification methods are replaced with automated electronic communication protocols. The configuration verification is performed through digital data exchange between master and slave devices via the Profibus network, eliminating the need for operators to physically access hazardous environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If detailed network configuration information is manually input, then communication accuracy is improved, but the complexity of the configuration process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple configuration parameters (device type, I/O data length, communication speed, protocol settings) are merged into integrated GSD files that are automatically exchanged between master and slave devices. This consolidation reduces configuration complexity by eliminating the need for separate manual input of each parameter while maintaining communication accuracy through comprehensive automated configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Standardized configuration templates and GSD files are copied from pre-configured libraries to slave devices and master devices. This copying mechanism ensures accurate communication parameters are replicated without manual input, reducing configuration complexity while maintaining precision through proven template designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS9600437B2Apparatus for setting network of process field bus decentralized periphery

Publication Date: 2017.03.21 LSIS CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure includes a master device, a plurality of slave devices performing a communication through Profibus and a configuration tool providing network configuration information of Profibus DP by generating the network configuration information, wherein the configuration tool includes an automatic configuration module configured to request the master device of information relative to the plurality of slave devices in response to an automatic configuration command inputted through a user communication module, to receive the information and provide profiles of relevant types by determining the types of the plurality of slave devices using the received information, and a network configuration information configured to generate the network configuration information in response to the types and profiles determined by the automatic configuration module and to provide the network configuration information to the master device.