Redundant Frame Reception via Length-Based Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication networks in critical applications like vehicle control and substation automation face challenges in handling redundant frames, especially when third-party or mobile devices connect to only one line, leading to misinterpretation of sequence counters and potential frame truncation issues due to lack of redundancy protocol knowledge.
Innovation Solution
A receiving device differentiates between non-redundant and redundant frames by using a redundancy identifier calculated based on frame length, allowing for seamless communication with devices that do or do not follow a specific redundancy protocol, and eliminates second frames without relying on time windows or extensive configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a receiver uses sequence counters to filter duplicate frames in a redundant communication network, then frame duplication is prevented, but compatibility with third-party devices that do not implement the redundancy protocol is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a receiver-side mechanism that acts as an intermediary between the redundant communication protocol and third-party devices. The receiver identifies frames marked with sequence counters (indicating redundant protocol usage) and processes them differently from unmarked frames, allowing simultaneous compatibility with both protocol-conpliant and third-party devices without requiring configuration changes
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having senders adapt their frames to match all possible receivers (complex configuration requirements), the invention inverts the approach by having receivers adapt their processing logic to handle both frame types. The receiver uses the presence or absence of sequence counter markings to determine the appropriate processing path, eliminating the need for sender configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If a receiver accepts frames without verifying redundancy protocol compliance, then compatibility with third-party devices is maintained, but frame errors and truncation issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by treating different frame types differently at the receiver level. Frames with sequence counter markings (indicating redundant protocol usage) are processed with strict validation to ensure protocol compliance and detect errors, while frames without markings (from third-party devices) are processed with basic validation only. This localized differentiation maintains compatibility without compromising error detection where needed
3Manufacturing precision
If extensive network configuration is performed to determine protocol compliance for each device, then frame handling accuracy is improved, but system complexity and setup time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables self-service by allowing devices to automatically identify their own protocol compliance status through the presence or absence of sequence counter markings in received frames. Receivers automatically adapt their processing behavior based on the frame markings without requiring manual configuration or network-wide protocol enforcement. Each device independently determines how to handle incoming frames based on their structural characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to highly available communication networks, e.g., for industrial or utility applications such as substation automation. The devices are connected to two redundant lines through two independent transceivers and bus controllers, i.e. the physical layer and the link layer of the corresponding protocol stack is duplicated. For seamless operation, a sender sends frames simultaneously over both lines and a receiver accepts whichever frame of a pair comes first and ignores the late frame. An exemplary method is disclosed for discarding duplicate frames at the link layer without considering the higher protocol layers, based on a counter inserted in the frame and an algorithm for rejection, with a corresponding means to detect which frames operate according to the redundancy protocol.