Subsea SEM Communication Architecture for Legacy-to-Ethernet Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing subsea communication systems face limitations in bandwidth and are difficult to upgrade, as all units must operate with the same data transmission performance and protocol, leading to low data transmission capabilities and the need for replacing all units for faster technologies.
Innovation Solution
A subsea control system utilizing a connecting Subsea Electronic Module (SEM) with high-speed communications conduits, allowing for the transmission and reception of subsea related data in compliance with the IEEE 802.3cg standard, and incorporating a subsea communication adapter to convert between legacy and new communication schemes, enabling flexible interconnections and upgrades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a multidrop bus topology is used for subsea communication, then all units can communicate with a single topside unit, but the data transmission bandwidth is limited by the oldest or slowest unit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication system into two separate networks: a legacy multidrop network for backward compatibility and a new high-speed Ethernet network for enhanced bandwidth. The subsea communication adapter acts as a gateway between these two networks, allowing each network to operate independently at its optimal speed without being constrained by the limitations of the other network.
Solution Approach 2:
The subsea communication adapter serves as an intermediary device that bridges the legacy multidrop network and the new Ethernet network. It receives data from the legacy network, converts it to Ethernet protocol, and transmits it over the high-speed Ethernet network, and vice versa. This mediator enables bandwidth improvement without sacrificing compatibility with existing units.
2Reliability
If all subsea units use the same communication protocol and speed, then system compatibility is maintained, but upgrading to faster transmission technology requires replacing all units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication infrastructure into two independent layers: the legacy multidrop layer that maintains protocol compatibility across all units, and the new Ethernet layer that enables high-speed transmission. This segmentation allows selective upgrading where only the subsea communication adapters need to be replaced to achieve faster transmission, while the existing subsea units can remain unchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
The subsea communication adapter is designed with multi-functionality, supporting both legacy multidrop communication and new Ethernet communication simultaneously. It can interface with any subsea unit regardless of its native protocol while providing access to high-speed Ethernet networks, making it a universal bridge that facilitates easy system upgrading without requiring changes to the diverse subsea unit population.
3Productivity
If high-speed Ethernet communication is implemented, then data transmission bandwidth is improved, but compatibility with legacy subsea units using older protocols is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The subsea communication adapter functions as a protocol translation intermediary. It accepts data from legacy subsea units using older protocols like multidrop, converts the data into Ethernet protocol format, and transmits it over the high-speed Ethernet network. The reverse conversion is also performed for downlink traffic. This intermediary function preserves protocol compatibility while enabling high-speed transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameter layer by introducing a protocol translation layer in the subsea communication adapter. The adapter transforms data packets from legacy protocols into Ethernet packets, effectively changing the protocol parameter without altering the physical subsea units. This parameter transformation enables high-speed Ethernet communication while maintaining compatibility with legacy units that continue to operate at their original protocol level.
Data Source
AI summary
A subsea control system for transmitting and receiving subsea related data to and from a surface control system includes a connecting Subsea Electronic Module (SEM) in connection with a high-speed communications conduit. The connecting SEM receives and transmits the subsea related data to and from the surface control system via the high-speed communications conduit. A plurality of processing SEMs for which each is connected to the connecting SEM to receive and transmit the subsea related data. A portion of the connection between each processing SEM and the connecting SEM includes a high-speed connection, wherein the receiving and transmitting of subsea related data between the connecting SEM and the processing SEMs on the high-speed connection is in compliance with the IEEE 802.3cg standard as of the effective date of filing of this patent.