Segmented Control Arrangement for Fault-Tolerant Execution Unit Networks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for controlling execution units, such as CAN and LIN bus architectures, face challenges in providing automatic addressing, high fault tolerance, and electromagnetic compatibility, especially in large-scale applications and automotive environments.
Innovation Solution
A system arrangement with segmented execution units in serial sub-chains, where each sub-chain is communicatively coupled with a line driver unit, and the line driver units are connected in series to a command unit, allowing for automatic addressability and enhanced fault tolerance through differential signal modulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CAN bus architecture is used for controlling execution units, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the network into multiple independent sub-chains, each managed by a line driver unit. This segmentation allows simpler communication protocols within each sub-chain while maintaining overall system reliability through distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Line driver units act as intermediary devices between the master control unit and execution units. These intermediaries simplify the communication protocol by handling low-level signal modulation and addressing, allowing the master unit to use a simpler high-level protocol.
2Ease of operation
If execution units are connected in series with daisy chaining, then automatic addressing is enabled, but fault tolerance deteriorates as failures can cut off communication to subsequent units
Solution Approach 1:
The series connection is divided into multiple sub-chains, each with its own line driver unit. This segmentation ensures that a failure in one sub-chain does not affect communication in other sub-chains, maintaining fault tolerance while preserving automatic addressing within each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundant communication paths through the segmented architecture. If one path fails, alternative paths through other line driver units can maintain communication, providing beforehand cushioning against potential failures.
3Productivity
If more execution units are deployed to increase system capability, then productivity is improved, but susceptibility to electromagnetic interference and common-mode errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into multiple sub-chains with dedicated line driver units, the patent reduces the number of units on each communication bus. This segmentation decreases the overall electromagnetic susceptibility of the system while maintaining high productivity through scalable deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
Each line driver unit and sub-chain can be optimized with local shielding and grounding strategies appropriate to its specific electromagnetic environment. This local quality approach allows tailored protection against electromagnetic interference for each segment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If generic control protocols are used for execution units, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision and error susceptibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
Line driver units serve as intermediaries that implement precise low-level communication protocols and signal modulation. This allows generic high-level control protocols to be used for adaptability, while the intermediary line driver units ensure manufacturing precision and low error susceptibility in the physical layer communication.
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
The proposed system achieves high fault tolerance and automatic addressability, reducing complexity and susceptibility to errors, while allowing for scalable implementation in various applications, including automotive systems.
Implementation Method 1
the system arrangement is configured to modulate signals on the second data line with an amplitude 10 times greater than signals on the first data line
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system arrangement for the fault-tolerant control of a plurality of execution units. Advantageously, the present invention allows execution units to be controlled in such a way that both high common-mode robustness and high reliability are achieved, even with a large number of execution units. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for operating and/or manufacturing the proposed system arrangement. In addition, a computer program product with control commands is proposed that executes the method and/or operates the device.