Removable USB Memory for Intelligent Electronic Device Data Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power meter technologies face challenges in efficiently storing and managing data, particularly due to latency issues during data download using traditional serial protocols, and the limited lifespan of flash memory devices used in intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) for electrical power systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a removable memory device with a USB architecture in intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) allows for the storage and management of data, enabling users to download data from a removable memory device using USB master or slave configurations, which can operate independently of the IED's power source, thereby extending the device's lifespan and improving data accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional serial download schemes are used to download data from power meters, then data can be transferred using existing communication infrastructure, but the data download process experiences high latency and long transfer times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional serial communication protocol (mechanical/electrical system) with USB communication architecture. The power meter is configured to operate as a USB master or slave device, enabling significantly faster data transfer rates compared to serial protocols, thereby reducing data download time from minutes to seconds.
Solution Approach 2:
The power meter is designed with multi-functional communication capabilities, supporting both traditional serial communication and USB communication protocols. This allows the device to maintain compatibility with existing systems while utilizing USB for high-speed data transfers when available, optimizing productivity across different operational scenarios.
2Reliability
If flash memory devices are used for data storage in intelligent electronic devices, then data can be stored locally for later retrieval, but the limited lifespan of flash memory reduces the device's operational longevity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data storage function from the main power meter device by implementing a removable memory device. This allows the memory component to be independently replaced when it reaches the end of its lifespan, while the main meter continues to operate. The segmentation enables maintenance of data storage reliability without compromising overall device longevity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a discard-and-recover strategy for memory devices. When the flash memory reaches its write cycle limit or fails, it can be discarded (removed and replaced) while the main device is recovered and continues operation. This extends the operational lifespan of the power meter beyond the natural lifespan of any single memory component.
3Ease of operation
If data is stored in a removable memory device with USB architecture, then data accessibility and retrieval speed are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional interface requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The power meter automatically configures its USB interface based on the connected device type. It can autonomously determine whether to operate as a USB master or slave device, eliminating the need for manual configuration by the user. This self-service capability maintains ease of operation despite the added complexity of USB support.
Solution Approach 2:
The USB interface configuration is dynamic rather than static. The power meter can switch between master and slave modes depending on the connected device, providing flexibility and adaptability. This dynamic behavior simplifies user interaction as the system automatically adapts to different scenarios without requiring user intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent electronic device (IED), e.g., an electrical power meter, having at least one removable memory device for storing data sensed and generated by the intelligent electronic device is provided. The IED includes a housing; at least one sensor; at least one analog-to-digital converter; at least one processing unit coupled to the at least one analog-to-digital converter configured to receive the digital data and store the digital data in a removable memory; and at least one device controller coupled to the at least one processing unit, the at least one device controller including an interface disposed on the housing for interfacing with the removable memory, wherein the at least one device controller is operative as a USB master or USB slave device controller.