Ring Network Real-Time Data Exchange Without Packetization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing real-time data communication systems in electric energy conversion systems face challenges with packet-based network technologies, including complex hardware requirements, concurrent access issues, and inefficient data transfer due to packetization and depacketization, especially when dealing with multiple stations and varying network link speeds.
Innovation Solution
A real-time data communication system using a ring network with physical links operating at a base symbol rate, where logical links are defined with symbol rate divisors as powers of 2, allowing for efficient data transmission and synchronization without packetization, and integrating data exchange protocols within power semiconductor switches or ruggedized sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If packet-based network technology is used for data transmission, then data transfer flexibility is improved, but hardware complexity and access protocol complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the data stream into fixed-size blocks rather than using variable-length packets. Each block is assigned to a specific logical link identified by a link index, eliminating the need for complex packet headers, addresses, and routing information while maintaining structured data transmission
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex packet-based protocols with intelligent hubs for routing, the invention inverts the approach by using simple fixed-rate block transmission where each station operates as a passive repeater that blindly forwards blocks to the next station in the ring, eliminating the need for intelligent routing hardware
2Productivity
If packet-based network technology is used for data transmission, then data transfer capability is improved, but concurrent access issues and software scheduling requirements arise
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements periodic action by transmitting data in fixed-rate blocks with regular timing intervals. Each logical link operates at a deterministic rate that is a power-of-2 divisor of the base symbol rate, eliminating the need for software scheduling and concurrent access management while ensuring predictable data transfer
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes each station universal by designing it to perform the same function for all logical links - receiving blocks, extracting the link index, and forwarding to the next station. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for station-specific software scheduling logic while maintaining data transfer capability across multiple logical links
3Adaptability or versatility
If packetization and depacketization are used for data transmission, then data routing capability is improved, but data transfer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential routing information (link index) from each block and uses it to identify the destination logical link. By removing the need for complete packetization with headers, footers, and control information, the system achieves efficient data transfer while maintaining routing capability through the compact link index field
4Adaptability or versatility
If intelligent hubs with temporary packet storage are used for routing, then packet routing capability is improved, but hardware requirements and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements self-service by designing the ring network where each station automatically performs the forwarding function without requiring intelligent hubs. The deterministic block structure and link index identification enable each station to autonomously route blocks to the correct logical link without temporary storage or complex routing logic
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to communication among stations interconnected by a ring of physical links, operating at a base symbol rate. Each station has an upstream and a downstream link and relays messages originating from the upstream link to its downstream link. Logical links are provided on the ring, each associated with a symbol rate divisor and a link index. Each station transmits messages composed of a strings of symbols on a selected logical link by transmitting the message on its downstream link at the base symbol rate divided by the symbol rate divisor associated with the selected logical link, and offset by the link index of the selected logical link. A station generates a first synchronizing sequence on its downstream link at the base symbol rate divided by the symbol rate divisor associated with a first logical link not used for data, and offset by the link index of the first logical link, and a second synchronizing sequence at the base symbol rate divided by the symbol rate divisor associated with a second logical link not used for data, and offset by the link index of the second logical link.