Programmable Channel Circuit for Industrial Signal Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional interface circuits for industrial settings require multiple channel circuit paths for different types of signals, leading to increased complexity and user error due to the need for rewiring, and storage of various components for different I/O types.
Innovation Solution
A programmable channel circuit with a control circuit and interface circuit that can automatically select communication modes via a programming signal, allowing a single connection configuration to manage various signal types, including digital and analog I/O, by using bidirectional I/O terminals and processing elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate interface circuits are used for different signal types, then each signal type can be handled with dedicated circuit paths, but the device complexity and storage requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a single interface circuit that can handle multiple signal types (analog input, analog output, digital input, digital output) through programmable configuration. The circuit uses a microcontroller to dynamically configure the functionality of I/O pins, allowing one physical interface to perform multiple functions that previously required separate dedicated circuits for each signal type.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface circuit employs dynamic reconfiguration capability where the circuit's functionality can be changed at runtime through software control. The microcontroller can programmatically switch between different signal modes and routing configurations, making the circuit adaptable to different operational requirements without physical reconfiguration or additional hardware.
2Adaptability or versatility
If exchangeable components are used for different I/O types, then various signal types can be supported, but rewiring is required which increases the likelihood of error and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal interface circuit that can accommodate multiple I/O types through software configuration rather than physical component exchange. The same physical pins can be programmed to serve different functions (analog/digital, input/output), eliminating the need for rewiring when changing signal types while maintaining full adaptability to various I/O requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physical component exchange and rewiring with an electronic/software-based configuration system. The microcontroller programmatically configures the circuit behavior through register settings and control software, substituting mechanical reconfiguration with electronic reprogramming to achieve the same adaptability without wiring errors.
3Ease of repair
If pluggable modules with identical connection legs are used, then replacement is simplified, but the circuit still requires rewiring to support different I/O signal modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic software-based configuration that allows the interface circuit to be reprogrammed for different signal modes without any physical reconfiguration. This eliminates the rewiring step entirely while maintaining the ease of replacement benefit, as the entire functionality is contained in a single integrated circuit that can be software-configured.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple separate interface modules into a single integrated circuit that handles all signal types. By combining analog/digital I/O, input/output functions, and configuration capabilities into one unit with unified connection legs, the system eliminates the need for rewiring between different module types while maintaining ease of replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A programmable channel circuit can include a control circuit having at least one bidirectional I/O terminal, at least one programming terminal, and one or more processing elements, and an interface circuit having first and second field terminals. The interface circuit is coupled to the control circuit via the processing elements. The control circuit can be operable to respond to a programming signal on the programming terminal for automatically selecting one of a plurality of communications modes. The selection couples the bidirectional I/O terminal to the first terminal via one of the processing elements associated with the selected communications mode.