Serial Protocol Data Block Comparison for MODBUS Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional MODBUS enabled systems are limited by the bandwidth of the serial bus, restricting data transfer rates and allowing only single read or write requests at a time, necessitating an improved serial communication protocol for increased data transfer efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The method involves comparing data blocks between devices, identifying changed data values, and writing only those changes to the second device, thereby reducing unnecessary write operations and optimizing data transfer by grouping contiguous memory locations for writing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional MODBUS protocol is used for data transfer, then compatibility with existing industrial equipment is maintained, but data transfer rate is limited by serial bus bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the changed data values from the complete data block and transmits only these differences between devices. By separating the unchanged data (which remains in memory) from the changed data (which needs transmission), the system reduces the amount of data sent over the serial bus, thereby improving data transfer rate and efficiency without changing the underlying MODBUS protocol.
2Productivity
If single read or write requests are processed sequentially, then protocol simplicity is maintained, but number of transactions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary comparison of data blocks before transmission to identify which data values have changed. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare the data in advance, determining exactly what needs to be transmitted. By doing this comparison beforehand, the system avoids unnecessary transactions and reduces overall processing time while maintaining protocol simplicity.
3Reliability
If complete data blocks are transmitted in every write operation, then data integrity is ensured, but redundant data transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the changed data values from the complete data block and transmits only these differences between devices. By separating the unchanged data (which remains in memory) from the changed data (which needs transmission), the system reduces the amount of data sent over the serial bus, thereby improving data transfer rate and efficiency without changing the underlying MODBUS protocol.
4Productivity
If all data values are written to memory locations, then data completeness is maintained, but write operations become inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data block into changed values and unchanged values. Instead of treating the entire data block as a single unit, the system divides it based on what has actually changed. This segmentation allows the system to transmit and process only the necessary changed portions, improving write operation efficiency while managing complexity through structured data comparison and identification of differences.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system (200) for communicating between a first and second serial communications protocol (SCP) enabled device (202, . . . , 212, 224). The method includes the step of comparing a data block comprising a plurality of data values from the first SCP enabled device to a plurality of reference data values. The method also includes the step of determining which of the data values has changed and which of the data values has not changed. This determination is made based on the comparing step. The method further involves writing substantially only the data values that have changed to a memory of the second SCP enabled device.