Terminal Device Data Integration Reduces Ethernet Switch Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
In communication systems for trains, the need to connect multiple terminal devices to Ethernet switches often requires an excessive number of switches, leading to increased costs and limited space utilization due to the one-to-one connection requirement between terminal devices and Ethernet switches.
Innovation Solution
A terminal device configuration that integrates data from multiple controllers into a single transmission format, allowing efficient data communication with a master device and reducing the need for additional Ethernet switches by optimizing data transmission through a data transmitter and communication interface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If one-to-one connection is required between terminal devices and Ethernet switches, then data communication reliability is improved, but the number of Ethernet switches increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple terminal devices are merged into a single terminal device through data integration. The terminal device includes multiple controllers that respectively control multiple devices, and a data transmitter that integrates data from these controllers into a single transmission format. This allows multiple terminal devices to share one Ethernet switch port, resolving the contradiction between communication reliability and the number of switches required.
Solution Approach 2:
The terminal device is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes. It can control multiple devices through multiple controllers and aggregate their data through a single communication interface. This universal design allows one terminal device to replace multiple terminal devices, reducing the number of Ethernet switches needed while maintaining communication reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the number of Ethernet switches is increased, then the number of terminal devices that can be connected is improved, but installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple terminal devices into one by integrating their data transmission functions. Multiple controllers within the terminal device manage multiple controlled devices, and the data transmitter consolidates their data into a single stream for transmission through one Ethernet switch port. This reduces the total number of switches needed, lowering installation costs while maintaining the ability to connect multiple terminal devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of Ethernet switches is increased, then the capacity to connect terminal devices is improved, but space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal device merges multiple data transmission functions into a single unit with multiple controllers and one data transmitter. This consolidation allows multiple terminal devices to connect through a single Ethernet switch port, reducing the number of switches required and improving space utilization in installation environments while maintaining the capacity to connect multiple terminal devices.
Data Source
AI summary
A terminal device that is connected via a cable to a port of a switching device and performs data communication with a master device includes: a plurality of controllers configured to control, in accordance with a control command transmitted from the master device, a plurality of objects to be controlled; and a data transmitter configured to integrate data, transmitted from the plurality of respective controllers, in a transmission format for transmitting data to the master device to transmit the integrated data to the switching device.