SPE I/O Module Addressing by Position Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for addressing and commissioning I/O-Modules in Building Automation Systems are costly, time-consuming, and inefficient, especially for detached groups connected by Single Pair Ethernet datalinks, requiring additional hardware and user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A method and arrangement that utilizes Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) datalinks to automatically discover and assign I/O-Module addresses based on position measurement, using Branch-Connection-Modules to determine logical addresses and delegate position measurement, allowing for efficient commissioning of detached I/O-Modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pluggable address keys are used for I/O-Module addressing, then unambiguous addressing is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to electromechanical address decoders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electromechanical address key system with a purely electronic addressing mechanism. The Building Automation Controller electronically assigns addresses to I/O-Modules through the SPE datalink, eliminating the need for physical address keys and electromechanical decoders. This is achieved by having the controller communicate address assignment commands to modules over the digital communication medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The I/O-Modules are equipped with unique identification information (such as serial numbers or MAC addresses) that allow them to be automatically identified and addressed by the controller. The modules themselves provide the necessary identification data without requiring external mechanical addressing components, enabling the system to self-configure addresses electronically.
2Ease of operation
If commissioning tools with Bluetooth/NFC/USB connections are used, then I/O-Module-Address can be configured, but device complexity and cost increase due to extra hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The SPE datalink serves multiple functions: it provides power delivery, data communication, and address configuration capabilities all through a single connection. This eliminates the need for separate commissioning tools with multiple connection technologies (Bluetooth, NFC, USB) by making the operational datalink sufficient for all commissioning tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the address configuration function from separate commissioning tools and integrates it directly into the operational SPE datalink between the controller and I/O-Modules. The addressing capability is taken out of the commissioning tool domain and embedded in the normal communication infrastructure.
3Reliability
If pre-engineered serial number information is used, then I/O-Module identification is possible, but productivity decreases due to extra work for installers
Solution Approach 1:
The I/O-Modules automatically provide their unique identification information (serial numbers, MAC addresses) to the controller through the SPE datalink during normal communication. The controller automatically reads and processes this identification data without requiring the installer to manually collect, record, or transfer any information, making the identification process truly self-service.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller initiates communication with I/O-Modules and receives automatic feedback containing their unique identification information. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to automatically build a mapping between physical modules and their addresses without human intervention in the information collection process.
4Ease of operation
If automatic address generation is used, then addressing is simplified, but reliability decreases for detached I/O-Modules due to lack of position information
Solution Approach 1:
The controller performs preliminary actions by electronically querying each I/O-Module's unique identification information and determining its position on the SPE datalink before finalizing address assignment. This preliminary gathering of identification and position data ensures that subsequent address assignment maintains reliable mapping between physical location and logical address, even for detached modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that receives unique identification information from I/O-Modules through the SPE datalink and uses this information as a mediator to establish reliable address-position mapping. The identification information serves as an intermediary key that links the physical module to its logical address in the system.
5Reliability
If manual commissioning with button pressing is used, then I/O-Module can be assigned to engineered logical I/O-Module, but productivity decreases due to extra user interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical button-pressing interaction with electronic communication through the SPE datalink. The controller electronically initiates and completes the assignment process by communicating with the I/O-Module's unique identification, eliminating the need for physical button presses and manual user actions while maintaining reliable module-to-logical-unit assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The I/O-Modules automatically respond to controller queries with their unique identification information, enabling the controller to automatically perform assignment to engineered logical I/O-Modules without requiring user actions such as button presses. The modules serve themselves by providing the necessary identification data that drives the entire assignment process.
Data Source
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AI summary
Method and arrangement for addressing and commissioning of detached I/O-Modules of devices of a Building Automation System connected by a Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) datalink, especially Multidrop Datalink, the Building Automation System comprising one or more Building Automation Controller.