RC Configuration Switch for Single-Line Bus Setup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing configuration switches require multiple lines and additional hardware or processors to set specific configurations, leading to increased space and cost, especially when I2C ports are limited.
Innovation Solution
A bus subscriber with a configuration switch utilizing multiple resistance-capacitance (RC) combinations, where each combination has a unique characteristic variable, allowing a specific configuration to be set using a single line by selecting an RC combination that generates a distinct output signal, such as a frequency or duty cycle, and is integrated with an arithmetic unit for determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional configuration switches with multiple lines and additional processors are used, then multiple configurations can be set, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the RC circuit (resistance or capacitance value) to encode configuration information. By selecting different RC combinations with distinct time constants, multiple configurations can be represented on a single line without requiring additional processors or multiple signal lines. The microcontroller reads the configuration by measuring the time constant of the selected RC circuit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the configuration selection function from complex hardware (multiple lines, I2C expanders, additional processors) and implements it using simple RC time constant measurement. This extraction reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to set multiple configurations.
2Ease of operation
If I2C - I/O expanders or additional processors are used to select configurations, then configuration selection is possible, but the space on the electronic circuit board and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for I2C - I/O expanders and additional processors by implementing configuration selection through passive RC circuits. The microcontroller's existing capabilities are sufficient to read the configuration by measuring the time constant, eliminating the need for extra components that would consume circuit board space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive RC components (resistors and capacitors) instead of expensive I2C expanders or additional processors. These passive components are cheap and require minimal space on the circuit board while providing the necessary configuration selection functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables setting of multiple configurations using a single line, reducing hardware requirements and costs, while allowing determination of the specific configuration through characteristic variables like frequency or time constants, supporting applications like Profibus and Modbus.
Implementation Method 1
a specifically selected RC combination is determined or read out with just a single line... each RC combination has at least one specific characteristic variable that is associated with an adjustable configuration... the characteristic variable comprises at least one frequency of the self-oscillating RC combination... the characteristic variable also includes a duty cycle of the self-oscillating RC combination... the characteristic variable comprising the specific time constant of the specifically selected RC combination
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a configuration switch (1) for setting a specific configuration of a plurality of configurations that can be set. The configuration switch (1) has at least a plurality of different selectable RC combinations (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d), and each RC combination (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) has at least one specific characteristic variable which is assigned to a configuration that can be set. In order to set the specific configuration, a specific RC combination (2c) is selected/can be selected such that the specific configuration to be set is determined using the specific characteristic variable via an output signal (3) at an output (4) of the configuration switch (1), said output signal (3) comprising the specific characteristic variable of the selected RC combination (2c).