Programmable Backplane Cards for Flexible Subsea Electronics Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of subsea electronics module design and assembly is exacerbated by the proliferation of hardware variants required to interface with different equipment types from various manufacturers, leading to cumbersome design and assembly processes and inconsistent supply chain delivery timescales.
Innovation Solution
A generic physical card type with an identical electronic assembly, featuring a programmable logic module and memory, is configured to perform multiple card roles through program instructions, allowing it to interface with various wellhead equipment from different manufacturers by emulating proprietary card functions based on slot position or configuration selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If specific electronic assemblies (cards) are dedicated to control a certain type of instrument or equipment from different manufacturers, then the SEM can interface with various equipment types, but the number of card variants proliferates and design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal card architecture where a single card design can perform multiple different card roles through software configuration. The card includes a microprocessor, memory, and communication interfaces that can be programmed to support different equipment types and protocols, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated card variants while maintaining the ability to interface with various equipment from different manufacturers
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different card types are required to interface with equipment from different manufacturers, then each equipment type can be properly controlled, but the design and assembly process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The universal card design allows a single standardized card to be manufactured and deployed for all equipment types. The card contains programmable logic and memory that can be configured through software to support different equipment protocols and communication standards, simplifying the manufacturing process to a single card type while maintaining broad equipment compatibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary cards from equipment manufacturers are used, then specific equipment can be controlled, but supply chain delivery timescales become inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The universal card eliminates dependency on multiple proprietary cards from different equipment manufacturers. A single standardized card design can be mass-produced and stocked in inventory, with software configuration enabling it to work with various equipment types. This standardization synchronizes supply chain delivery and reduces lead times compared to coordinating multiple proprietary card suppliers
4Device complexity
If a single generic card type is used to interface with various equipment, then the number of card variants is reduced, but the card must be configurable to perform different card roles
Solution Approach 1:
The card includes pre-loaded configuration data and software in its memory that enables it to be programmed for different card roles. The configuration can be set in advance during card manufacturing or programmed in the field through software, allowing the single generic card type to adapt to different equipment types without requiring physical hardware changes
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea electronics module for use in a subsea well installation, comprising: a backplane connecting a plurality of slots; a plurality of physical cards each supporting an electronic assembly having an identical architecture including a programmable logic module and a memory, the physical cards each being inserted into a respective slot of the backplane; and wherein the identical electronic assembly of each physical card is configured by program instructions stored in the memory thereon to be configured to perform in use a set of electronic functions of one of a plurality of different defined card roles in dependence on either one or both of: the position of the slot into which that card is inserted; an indication of a card role configuration selection for that card.