Relay Device Echo Cancellation for Cable Disconnection Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems lack the capability to detect disconnection in communication cables, which can lead to communication failures and require post-disconnection recovery, rather than proactive path switching.
Innovation Solution
A relay device with echo canceller units that monitor filter coefficients and instantaneous disconnection frequencies to predict cable disconnections, allowing for timely path switching and improving system reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If communication systems use full duplex communication through one signal line, then communication efficiency is improved, but the ability to detect cable disconnection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The echo canceller, which is already necessary for full duplex communication, performs self-service by simultaneously detecting cable disconnection signs through monitoring filter coefficient changes. The existing computational resources are utilized to detect transmission line abnormalities without requiring separate detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The echo canceller is given multiple functions: it both cancels echo for full duplex communication and detects cable disconnection signs by monitoring filter coefficient variations. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same component serve both communication and detection purposes.
2Reliability
If additional detection circuits are added to detect cable disconnection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The echo canceller performs self-diagnosis by monitoring its own filter coefficient changes. When the filter coefficient stops changing or changes abnormally, it indicates cable disconnection. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate detection circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the filter coefficient monitoring to detect cable disconnection. The echo canceller continuously monitors its own operational parameters and uses this feedback to determine transmission line status, avoiding additional hardware complexity.
3Device complexity
If post-disconnection recovery methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of cable disconnection signs by monitoring filter coefficient changes before complete disconnection occurs. This allows for early warning and proactive measures, preventing communication interruptions rather than recovering after they happen.
Solution Approach 2:
Continuous monitoring of filter coefficient changes provides real-time feedback on transmission line health. When abnormalities are detected, the system can take corrective action before communication fails, reducing time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
A relay device for data between communication cables having a signal line in full duplex communication, includes: communication units connected to the communication cables; and a main controller executing a relay process of the data. Each communication unit includes: an input/output unit of an analog signal; an analog/digital converter converting the analog signal into a digital signal; a generator generating another digital signal based on another analog signal input to another communication unit; and an echo canceller calculating a filter coefficient based on the other digital signal and the digital signal, and executing a cancellation process of removing a component derived from the other digital signal from the digital signal according to the filter coefficient. The communication unit or the main control unit includes a sign determination unit determining based on a time change of the filter coefficient whether a sign of disconnection exists in the signal line.