Built-in Ethernet Switch for RTU Redundant System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial remote terminal unit (RTU) systems face challenges with high power consumption, spatial footprint, and cost due to the use of external Ethernet switches, as well as complex and error-prone wiring in redundant communication architectures.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a built-in 3-port Ethernet switch chip on the RTU carrier board, which reduces power consumption, spatial requirements, and costs by eliminating the need for external switches and simplifying wiring through on-board connections and redundant communication paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If external Ethernet switches are used in RTU systems, then network communication capability is provided, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the Ethernet switch functionality directly into the RTU controller board by incorporating a switch chip and associated circuitry onto the same printed circuit board. This merging of the Ethernet switch with the RTU controller eliminates the need for separate external switches, thereby reducing power consumption while maintaining network communication capabilities.
2Area of stationary object
If external Ethernet switches are used in RTU systems, then network communication capability is provided, but spatial footprint increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Ethernet switch chip, MAC layers, PHY layer circuitry, and antenna elements are all integrated onto a single RTU controller printed circuit board. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate external switch devices and reduces the overall spatial footprint of the RTU system while maintaining full Ethernet networking functionality.
3Ease of manufacture
If external Ethernet switches are used in RTU systems, then network communication capability is provided, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple network communication components including the Ethernet switch chip, MAC layers, PHY layer circuitry, and antenna elements onto a single integrated circuit board. This integration reduces the total component count, eliminates the need for external switches, and simplifies assembly processes, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
4Reliability
If redundant communication architecture is implemented, then reliability is improved, but wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated Ethernet switch architecture provides redundant communication paths through on-board routing between multiple antenna elements and the switch chip. This integration simplifies the wiring by eliminating external cables and connectors while maintaining reliability through multiple internal communication paths managed by the switch fabric.
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A system includes a remote terminal unit (RTU) controller module (202a). Each RTU controller module comprises a controller board (614a) configured to couple to a carrier board (602) that includes first and second Ethernet ports (628a-628b). Each controller module comprises computer processing circuitry (518a) including the first and second MACs (532-534) and configured to select to transmit a packet to the first Ethernet port through the first MAC and to alternatively select to transmit the packet to the second Ethernet port through the second MAC. Each controller module comprises an Ethernet switch (504a) configured to receive the packet from the first media access control (MAC) and transmit the packet to the first Ethernet port. Each controller module comprises a physical Ethernet interface (PHY) (522a) configured to receive the packet from the second MAC and transmit the packet to the second Ethernet port. The computer processing circuitry, the Ethernet switch, and the PHY are mounted on the controller board.