Serial Communication Address Assignment via Unique Identifier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems require manual intervention for address assignment, which is inefficient and costly, especially when replacing slave communication devices, as they often need identical devices with different addresses, and existing automatic methods require additional hardware or signal lines.
Innovation Solution
A communication system where a master device reads a unique identifier of slave devices via a signal line to automatically assign addresses, eliminating the need for manual intervention and additional hardware, using methods like Slave Node Position Detection without requiring extra circuits or signal lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual address assignment is used (e.g., DIP switch, hard wiring, OTP), then address assignment can be implemented, but manual intervention is required and replacement of slave devices requires identical devices with different addresses
Solution Approach 1:
The slave communication device automatically assigns its own address by reading its unique identifier and transmitting it to the master device, eliminating the need for manual address assignment. The device serves itself by using its built-in unique identifier (e.g., serial number, MAC address) as the basis for address assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The unique identifier is pre-stored in the slave communication device during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures that when the device is installed or replaced, the address assignment can be automatically performed without manual intervention, as the unique identifier is already available in the device.
2Extent of automation
If existing automatic address assignment methods are used (e.g., BSM, XWDC), then automatic address assignment is achieved, but additional hardware expenditure and signal lines are required
Solution Approach 1:
The existing signal line used for communication between master and slave devices is also used for address assignment. This multi-functional use of the signal line eliminates the need for additional hardware or dedicated address assignment lines, reducing system complexity while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The address assignment function is merged with the existing communication function. The same signal line that carries communication data also carries the address assignment information, combining multiple functions into a single communication channel and avoiding additional hardware expenditure.
3Reliability
If manual address assignment is used, then address uniqueness can be ensured, but replacement of slave devices requires identical devices with different addresses, increasing manufacturing and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
Each slave communication device automatically assigns its own unique address using its pre-stored unique identifier, eliminating the need for manual configuration. This self-service approach ensures address uniqueness while allowing any slave device to be replaced with a different model or manufacturer, as long as it has a unique identifier.
Solution Approach 2:
The address assignment is based on the unique identifier parameter of the slave device, which can vary between devices. By using this variable parameter instead of fixed manual assignment, the system allows flexibility in device replacement while maintaining address uniqueness through the inherent variability of the unique identifier.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a communication system for serial communication. The communication system may include a master communication device; and at least one slave communication device comprising a unique identifier, wherein the master communication device is connected to the at least one slave communication device via a signal line configured for communications, wherein the master communication device is configured to read at least a part of the unique identifier via the signal line, and assign an address to the at least one slave communication device based at least in part on the unique identifier, and transmit the address to the at least one slave communication device via the signal line.