Serial Interface Motor Controller Configurable Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor control drives face challenges in efficiently routing and synchronizing signals across multiple components, particularly in ensuring timely signal processing and synchronization of multiple motors and sensors, which complicates hardware and software management.
Innovation Solution
A motor drive system featuring a control circuit and option boards connected via a backplane with a serial interface, where the option boards have a configurable data transfer rate and clock divider, enabling synchronized communication and data transfer through dedicated serial interfaces and an interrupt scheme.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional wiring harnesses and cables are used to interconnect components, then physical connections are established, but the routing and timing of signals becomes complex and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring harness system with an electrical backplane system. Components are interconnected through electrical contacts on the backplane rather than through physical wiring harnesses and cables. This substitution eliminates the complexity of manual wire routing while maintaining electrical connectivity, allowing for easier assembly and reconfiguration of motor control drive components.
2Ease of operation
If multiple components are interconnected via wiring harnesses, then signal routing is established, but synchronization of signals across multiple motors and sensors becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the signal routing function into a unified backplane structure. Multiple signal paths are integrated into a single electrical interconnection system where all components share common reference planes and ground paths. This consolidation ensures consistent signal timing and improves synchronization across motors and sensors by eliminating the variable path lengths and timing differences inherent in separate wiring harnesses.
3Reliability
If backplane with serial interface and configurable data transfer rate is used, then synchronized communication is enabled, but additional clock and clock divider components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The backplane is designed with universal electrical contacts that serve multiple functions: power distribution, data signaling, and clock synchronization. The same physical infrastructure supports both power delivery and high-speed serial communication, eliminating the need for separate dedicated clock distribution wiring. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliable synchronization.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a motor drive is provided that includes a control board and an option board coupled to the control board via a serial interface, wherein the option board includes a configurable data transfer rate. A method of operating a motor drive that includes configuring a transfer rate of an option board coupled to a control board via a serial interface. A tangible machine-readable medium implementing the method is also provided.