Ring Network Communication Modules Preventing Signal Oscillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial control systems face communication failures due to harsh environments and interference, leading to potential safety risks and production issues, especially in ring-configured networks where signal oscillation and message storms can occur, making it difficult to detect and manage breaks in communication paths.
Innovation Solution
A communication ring system with modules that operate in a dual-path configuration, using block and heal signals to manage data streams, prevent duplicate messages, and create virtual links to maintain communication even with breaks, by shifting break and heal codes between data packets and using shift registers to insert fault detection patterns into data streams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closed ring configuration is used to provide redundant communication paths, then communication reliability is improved, but signal oscillation occurs which interferes with communications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the problematic signal oscillation from the closed ring by introducing a virtual break that opens the ring topology. This prevents signals from circulating indefinitely while maintaining the redundant path capability through the break detection and routing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary elements including break detection signals and virtual link mechanisms that mediate between the physical ring structure and the logical communication paths. These intermediaries prevent signal oscillation by controlling when and how signals propagate around the ring.
2Reliability
If multiple communication paths are provided to ensure communication during failures, then communication reliability is improved, but message storms occur due to uncontrolled duplicate messages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing a virtual break in the ring topology before failures occur. This preliminary configuration prevents duplicate messages from circulating indefinitely by ensuring that messages are blocked at the virtual break point, eliminating the conditions necessary for message storms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through break detection signals that monitor the communication paths and control message propagation. When breaks are detected, the feedback system activates alternative paths while preventing duplicate message circulation through controlled blocking at virtual link points.
3Adaptability or versatility
If communication lines traverse harsh environments to connect control system devices, then system coverage and functionality are improved, but communication lines are vulnerable to damage and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing redundant communication paths and break detection mechanisms in advance. When environmental damage occurs to communication lines, the pre-configured virtual breaks and alternative routing paths cushion the system against complete failure, maintaining communication through protected logical paths.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single break in the ring is allowed to maintain communication paths, then communication flexibility is improved, but it becomes difficult to detect and distinguish breaks from data gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes mechanical/physical break detection with electronic signal-based detection methods. Instead of physically detecting cable breaks, the system uses electrical break detection signals and communication patterns to identify and locate breaks, making detection more reliable and distinguishable from normal data gaps.
Data Source
AI summary
Communication modules are coupled in a communication ring and are operable to send and receive data from peripheral devices. The modules are operable to send and receive data streams on paths of the ring, and each module is operable, responsive to receiving a predetermined initialization signal, to operate as a master for initially blocking data in the first path and initially sending a block signal to a neighboring module downstream in the second path. The modules are operable, responsive to receiving the block signal in one of the paths, to block data in that one of the paths, so that responsive to initialization of one of the modules as a master, the master and the neighboring module create an inactive virtual link therebetween in order to prevent data from propagating around the ring more than once.