Shared Bus Diagnosis Using Amplitude Threshold Vectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hardware test systems and methods are unable to effectively diagnose all corner cases in multi-node or MultiDrop Networks, particularly in very large 10Base-T1S network configurations with transceiver PVT variations, leading to inconsistent results and incorrect fault diagnoses.
Innovation Solution
A shared bus diagnosis system and method that transmit a pulse signal over a shared bus, capture and compare the observed signal's amplitude to multiple threshold values, create a vector indicating the given threshold at which the amplitude exceeds, apply an indicator to the vector, and diagnose the shared bus based on the indicator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If hardware test systems are used for cable diagnosis in multi-node networks, then basic cable faults can be detected, but the systems give incorrect results in extreme configurations and corner cases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the continuous observed signal into discrete amplitude levels by comparing against multiple threshold values. This creates a vector of discrete measurements that can be systematically analyzed, allowing the system to handle various fault conditions and network configurations more reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the single-dimensional signal amplitude measurement into a multi-dimensional vector space by creating vectors from multiple threshold comparisons. This dimensional expansion allows for more nuanced fault detection and better differentiation between various fault types and network conditions.
2Reliability
If traditional TDR methods are used to measure signal reflections, then discontinuities can be detected, but the methods fail to account for PVT variations and produce inconsistent results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by using multiple threshold values instead of a single reference level. This creates a more robust measurement system that can accommodate PVT variations, as the multi-threshold approach provides a range of reference points rather than a single sensitive reference that may be affected by process, voltage, and temperature variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the observed signal is continuously compared against multiple thresholds, and the resulting vector is analyzed to determine fault conditions. This feedback loop allows the system to adapt its diagnosis based on the actual signal characteristics, improving reliability across varying operating conditions.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple amplitude comparison is used for fault detection, then the system is easy to implement, but it cannot distinguish between different fault types in complex network configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the amplitude comparison into multiple discrete threshold levels, creating a vector that preserves more information about the signal characteristics. This segmented approach maintains relative simplicity while enabling better fault type differentiation through the pattern of threshold exceedances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vector as an intermediary data structure between the raw signal measurement and the fault diagnosis. This vector acts as a mediator that preserves detailed amplitude information across multiple threshold levels, enabling sophisticated fault analysis without requiring direct complex processing of the raw signal.
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
The solution enables accurate detection of faults such as discontinuities, mechanical damage, and incorrect terminations in multi-node or MultiDrop Networks, even in complex configurations with PVT variations, thereby improving diagnostic reliability and consistency.
Implementation Method 1
Time-domain reflectometers (TDR) measure reflections along a conductor by transmitting an incident signal onto the conductor and listening for its reflections. A cable having impedance variations at discontinuities will produce reflections of the incident signal back to the source
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for diagnosing a shared bus based on an indicator applied to a vector of amplitudes of signals transmitted over the bus. An aspect provides a method comprising: transmitting a pulse signal over a shared bus; capturing an observed signal, wherein the observed signal is a superimposition of the pulse signal and a reflection signal; comparing an amplitude of the observed signal to a plurality of threshold values; creating a vector indicating a given threshold at which the amplitude of the observed signal first exceeds one of the plurality of threshold values at a plurality of sampling times; applying an indicator to the vector; and diagnosing the shared bus based on the indicator.