RFID Transponder for Electrical Control Unit Parameterization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrical control units, such as frequency inverters and servo inverters, require complex parameterization and code loading during commissioning, which is challenging without opening the unit or supplying power, especially when they have metal housings that interfere with data communication.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a passive RFID transponder with non-volatile memory and a microprocessor that allows parameter value and code storage and transfer via an RFID read/write device, enabling communication through Near Field Communication (NFC) and power generation from the RFID device, even without operating voltage, using a dual-port memory for shared access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a metal housing is used for the control unit, then shielding against interference emissions and immissions is improved, but data communication via RFID is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two functional zones: a sealed metal housing for shielding and protection, and a separate parameterization opening that provides RF access. This segmentation allows the metal housing to maintain its shielding function while the opening enables RFID communication without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The parameterization opening acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the metal housing's shielding function and the RFID communication requirement. It allows RF signals to pass through while maintaining the overall shielding integrity of the housing structure.
2Ease of operation
If the control unit is not supplied with operating voltage during parameterization, then safety and operational flexibility are improved, but power supply for the transponder becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The passive RFID transponder is designed to harvest energy from the RF field generated by the read/write device during communication. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external power supply during parameterization, allowing the control unit to remain unpowered while still enabling data transfer and parameter setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The RF field from the read/write device serves as an intermediary energy source, transferring power to the passive transponder without requiring the control unit's power supply system to be active. This intermediary energy transfer enables communication and parameterization in the unpowered state.
3Reliability
If the control unit remains closed during parameterization, then protection and reliability are improved, but access for parameter setting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The parameterization function is extracted from the internal control unit architecture and implemented via an external passive RFID transponder that communicates through the housing's parameterization opening. This extraction allows parameter setting to occur without opening the control unit, maintaining protection while enabling easy access.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical access method (opening the housing to reach internal components) is replaced by wireless RFID communication through the parameterization opening. This substitution eliminates the need to open the housing while still providing full parameter setting capability.
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
Facilitates simple and reliable parameter setting and code loading without opening the control unit or supplying power, ensuring effective data transfer and interference shielding, even with metal housings, enhancing commissioning and development processes for drive types.
Implementation Method 1
A passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) transponder... is designed to store operating parameter values transferred from an RFID read/write device and/or program code transferred from the RFID read/write device in the memory... The passive radio-frequency identification (RFID) transponder is designed to store the operating parameter values transferred from the RFID read/write device... if the control unit is not supplied with the operating voltage
Implementation Method 2
The RFID transponder and the RFID read/write device may, for example, communicate with one another via Near Field Communication (NFC)
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical control unit which is supplied in operation with an operating voltage, has: a non-volatile memory for storing operating parameter values and/or program code of the control unit, a control device which is coupled to the memory and controls an operation of the control unit depending on the stored operating parameter values and/or the stored program code as long as the control unit is supplied with the operating voltage, and a passive radio-frequency identification transponder, which is coupled to the memory and, regardless of whether the control unit is or is not supplied with the operating voltage, is designed to store operating parameter values transferred from an RFID read/write device and/or program code transferred from the RFID read/write device in the memory and/or to transfer operating parameter values stored in the memory and/or program code stored in the memory to the RFID read/write device.