Programmable Communication ALU for Open Automation Bus Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automation systems lack flexible and cost-effective communication solutions that allow for interactive communication between bus users and enable easy exchangeability of components without requiring additional hardware or costly adaptations, especially in real-time applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a freely-programmable communication Arithmetic and Logic Unit (ALU) with a command code optimized for communication functions, allowing for parallel execution of commands and flexible configuration, which forms a "quasi firm" communication controller that can operate across various networks and field bus systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard field bus systems with specified protocols are used, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring special protocol chips and system connection units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal communication processor that can execute multiple field bus protocols (CAN, LIN, MOST, FlexRay, Ethernet) through a single programmable platform. The communication processor includes a configurable protocol stack and instruction set that can be programmed to handle different protocol requirements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated protocol chips for each field bus system.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication processor features configurable parameters including programmable message identifiers, adjustable message rates, and flexible data formats that can be modified through software to adapt to different field bus protocol requirements. This allows a single hardware platform to dynamically change its communication behavior to match various protocol specifications without requiring hardware reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If dedicated protocol chips are implemented for each field bus system, then protocol compliance is improved, but adaptability and ease of exchangeability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The communication processor employs dynamic software-based protocol implementation where the protocol handling capabilities are determined by loaded firmware rather than fixed hardware. This allows the system to dynamically adapt to different protocol requirements by loading appropriate protocol stacks, enabling hot-swapping of communication protocols without hardware changes and facilitating easy component exchangeability.
3Ease of operation
If system connection units with function objects are used, then ease of operation and plug-and-play capability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communication processor implements self-configuration capabilities where devices can automatically discover and negotiate communication parameters through the protocol stack. The system includes automatic device enumeration, dynamic address assignment, and self-diagnostic functions that eliminate the need for manual configuration or complex system connection units, allowing true plug-and-play operation through software-based self-service mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for data communication of bus users of an open automation system such that any bus user with an individual and interactive communication may be connected provides for a communication controller (KC) made up of at least one freely-programmable communication-ALU (RPA, TPA, PEA), with several commands being encoded on a command code for the communication-ALU optimized for particular communication functions, and logic function blocks (FI, Z, V, CRC) are arranged in parallel in the communication ALU (RPA, TPA), which carry out particular communication functions, the communication functions not being definitively defined but rather being formed on the basis of the freely-programmable and communication function optimized communication ALUs (RPA, TPA, PEA), wherein several commands are carried out in a system cycle and transitions between various networks can be carried out.