Profibus Master Device Automatic Network Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing Profibus DP network configuration requires manual checking and input of network configuration information by users, which is cumbersome and dangerous, especially when slave devices are installed in hazardous locations, and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A master device that automatically collects and configures network information from slave devices via Profibus network, using a configuration tool communication module, slave information collector, and Profibus master state machine to perform communication and store necessary configuration data, allowing for automated network setup without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual checking and input of network configuration information is performed, then configuration accuracy can be ensured, but user safety is compromised and operation becomes cumbersome especially when slave devices are installed in hazardous locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The slave devices automatically provide their own configuration information to the master device through the Profibus network. The master device collects network configuration information directly from slave devices without requiring manual intervention, making the system self-configuring and eliminating the need for users to physically check hazardous locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The Profibus network acts as an intermediary that automatically transmits configuration information from slave devices to the master device. This automated communication channel replaces manual information gathering, maintaining configuration accuracy while eliminating the need for users to access hazardous locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If manual checking of slave devices is performed, then network configuration can be established, but user safety is compromised when slave devices are installed in hazardous locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenetwork setupVSAvoiduser safety risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Slave devices automatically transmit their identification and configuration information through the Profibus network without requiring manual inspection. This self-service mechanism allows network setup to proceed while keeping users away from hazardous locations where slave devices may be installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical process of checking slave devices is replaced by an automated electronic communication system (Profibus network). The master device electronically collects configuration information from slave devices, substituting the dangerous manual inspection process with a safe automated digital process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Extent of automation

If automated network configuration is implemented, then user convenience and safety are enhanced, but manual verification capability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration automationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements automated configuration where the master device automatically collects and processes configuration information from slave devices through Profibus communication. This self-service approach maximizes automation while keeping the system architecture relatively simple, as it utilizes the existing Profibus communication infrastructure without requiring complex additional verification mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2804063B1Master device of process field bus decentralized periphery
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 LSIS CO LTD
  • EP2804063B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2804063B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2804063B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The master device of Profibus DP according to the present disclosure automatically configures network by performing a communication with a plurality of slave devices connected through Profibus, the device including a Profibus communication module configured to perform a communication with a plurality of slave devices, an imaginary network configuration information storage configured to be stored in advance with imaginary network configuration information, a network configuration information storage configured to be stored with network configuration information, and a Profibus master state machine configured to obtain network configuration information by performing a communication with the plurality of slave devices in response to the imaginary network configuration information stored in the imaginary network configuration information storage, to store the obtained network configuration information in the network configuration information storage, and to perform a communication with the plurality of slave devices in response to the stored network configuration information.