Serial Network Device Ordering via Voltage Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing serial networks lack an efficient method to determine the physical order of node devices on a network cable without the need for a select line, which increases costs.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus and method configure each node device on a serial network for order measurement by measuring an order parameter, such as node voltage or time-of-flight, to determine an order number for each device, allowing for the assignment of unique device addresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a select line is added to determine device order, then device addressing becomes possible, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the device ordering function from a dedicated select line and implements it through measurement of existing electrical parameters (voltage, current, impedance) already present on the serial network. This removes the need for additional hardware while preserving the addressing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing serial network infrastructure multi-functional by using it both for data communication and for device ordering determination. The same communication lines carry both data signals and measurement signals, eliminating the need for separate select lines.
2Device complexity
If device order determination is implemented without select line, then cost is reduced, but measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where devices report their measured order parameters back to a central controller. The controller uses this feedback to determine device order, allowing for error correction and verification to maintain precision without requiring overly sensitive measurement hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent measures multiple different order parameters (voltage, current, impedance, time-of-flight) and allows switching between them based on the specific network configuration. This provides flexibility in selecting the most suitable measurement approach for achieving required precision in different scenarios.
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
This approach enables the identification of the physical order of node devices on the network cable, reducing costs by eliminating the need for a select line and allowing for efficient device addressing.
Implementation Method 1
measures an order parameter, such as node voltage or time-of-flight, to determine an order number for each device
Data Source
AI summary
For automatic device addressing, a processor configures each node device on a serial network for an order measurement. The processor further measures an order parameter for each of the node devices. The processor determines an order number of each of the node devices based on the order parameter for the node device.