Self-Healing Network Bus with Dual Port Parent Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building automation and control networks are vulnerable to damage, which can render environmental or security systems inoperable, necessitating continuous maintenance and control, especially in temperature-sensitive or secure facilities.
Innovation Solution
A self-healing communications network with a network bus that connects field controllers, utilizing a parent controller with dual receiver/transmitter ports and end-of-line resistors to detect and repair breaks in the network, enabling the network to function as a single, uninterrupted bus through reconfiguration of field controllers and resistors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional building automation networks are used, then the system structure is simple, but the network reliability deteriorates when damage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The network bus is segmented into multiple communication paths through the parent controller's dual ports. When a break occurs, the network automatically segments into separate communication segments that can operate independently, maintaining reliability without requiring complex manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The network topology dynamically adapts when damage occurs. The parent controller detects the break and dynamically reconfigures communication paths by enabling end-of-line resistors in alternative field controllers, transforming the static network into a dynamic self-healing system.
2Ease of repair
If the network operates without self-healing capability, then the device complexity is low, but the ease of repair deteriorates when breaks occur
Solution Approach 1:
The network implements self-service repair through automated break detection and healing. The parent controller automatically detects breaks by monitoring communication failures and executes healing procedures by reconfiguring end-of-line resistors in field controllers, eliminating the need for manual intervention and complex repair procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
End-of-line resistors are pre-configured in field controllers but remain inactive during normal operation. When a break is detected, these pre-positioned resistors are activated to provide immediate healing, preparing the system in advance for potential failures without adding permanent complexity.
3Reliability
If continuous monitoring is implemented to detect breaks, then the reliability improves, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The parent controller performs break detection through periodic communication attempts with field controllers rather than continuous monitoring. This periodic polling approach maintains reliable break detection while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous real-time monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-healing communications network including a network bus that connects a plurality of field controllers. Each field controller is configured to operate an element of a system installed in a building or similarly large structure, and each is connected to the network bus. An end-of-line resistor can be automatically enabled in any field controller to designate that field controller as a terminal device on the network bus. In an embodiment, a parent controller detects each field controller on the network bus, and monitors and controls operation of the plurality of field controllers via commands transmitted over the network bus. The parent controller has first and second receiver/transmitter ports, both connected to the network bus. The parent controller is configured to automatically repair a break in the network bus by enabling at least one end-of-line resistor in one of the plurality of field controllers in order to properly terminate the network.