Ring Network Data Repetition Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial control systems face challenges in maintaining robust communication, particularly in harsh environments where link failures can lead to data repetition and make fault detection difficult, especially in systems with infrequent data communication.
Innovation Solution
A communication system with a multi-node ring configuration that includes two pathways for data transmission, where base units can detect link breaks and adjust virtual links to prevent data repetition, allowing continuous data propagation around the ring even in the event of a link failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closed ring configuration is used for data communication, then communication reliability is improved (single link break does not cause loss of data transfer), but data repetition occurs continuously around the ring which interferes with new data transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The system preemptively blocks data transmission at a designated blocking node before data repetition can occur. When a link break is detected, the blocking node is reconfigured to allow data flow through the previously blocked path, preventing data repetition while maintaining communication continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking node configuration is dynamically adjusted based on network conditions. The system transitions from a static ring configuration to a dynamic one where the blocking node can be repositioned or reconfigured in response to link failures, allowing the system to adapt and prevent data repetition while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If two communication pathways are provided between nodes, then communication reliability is improved (backup pathway available), but system complexity increases and data repetition control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A designated blocking node acts as an intermediary that controls data flow between the two pathways. This single control point simplifies the management of complex multi-pathway networks by centralizing the decision-making for when to block or allow data flow, preventing data repetition without requiring complex coordination across all nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of implementing complex control logic at every node, the system applies a specialized function (blocking) at a specific local node. This concentrates the complexity management at one location while keeping other nodes simpler, making the overall system easier to manage despite having multiple pathways.
3Use of energy by moving object
If data communication is infrequent, then energy consumption is reduced, but fault detection becomes difficult (communication failures may be mistaken for data gaps)
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic test transmissions or status messages that occur at regular intervals regardless of normal data traffic frequency. These periodic signals provide a reliable mechanism for detecting communication failures, as their absence or anomaly clearly indicates a fault rather than normal infrequent data communication patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where nodes acknowledge receipt of data and report their status. This feedback loop allows the system to distinguish between intentional data gaps (no data to send) and communication failures (data sent but not acknowledged), enabling reliable fault detection even with infrequent communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for operating a communication system includes determining whether a specific node of the communication system is a start node. In response to determining the specific node is the start node, transmission of a header over a communication link of the communication system for each frame period is initiated. The frame period also includes a plurality of address segments each of which has an associated data number. In response to determining the specific node is the start node, data numbers for address segments are compared with associated I/O module address settings to determine if a data number is equal to one of the associated I/O module address settings. In response to determining the data number is equal to one of the associated I/O module address settings, transmission of node configuration and data from an input module (included in associated I/O modules) or zeroes for an output module (included in the associated I/O modules) is initiated.