Token Ring Ethernet Sensor Network for Bounded Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
In industrial environments, monitoring rotating machinery components using vibration analysis is hindered by noise in sensor data transmission and the expense and complexity of adding new communication channels, which can lead to delayed detection of equipment wear and increased maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a token ring Ethernet network for synchronized data transmission from sensor assemblies to a central monitoring system, reducing latency and the need for additional cabling by using time-triggered Ethernet (TTE) sensors with Ethernet network controllers and switches, forming a continuous pathway for sensor signal transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated cable channel is used to transmit sensor data to a central hub, then measurement quality can be maintained, but the system becomes expensive and time-consuming to expand with additional channels
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor assemblies share a common Ethernet network infrastructure instead of requiring dedicated cables for each sensor. The patent implements a token ring Ethernet network where multiple sensors communicate over shared network segments, eliminating the need for individual dedicated cables for each sensor channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet network infrastructure serves multiple functions: it provides communication pathways for multiple sensors simultaneously, enables data transmission from various sensor types, and supports both existing and future sensor additions without requiring separate dedicated cabling for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensor assemblies transmit data simultaneously over a shared network, then system scalability improves, but transmission latency becomes unbounded and unpredictable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a token passing mechanism where sensors transmit data at scheduled intervals rather than simultaneously. Each sensor is assigned specific time windows for data transmission, creating periodic communication patterns that prevent collisions and ensure predictable latency bounds while maintaining shared network infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses timing synchronization mechanisms where the central hub and sensors exchange timing information to coordinate transmissions. This feedback loop ensures that each sensor transmits at the correct scheduled time, maintaining bounded latency while enabling multiple sensors to share the network efficiently.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional Ethernet networking is used without synchronization, then implementation simplicity is maintained, but latency bounds cannot be guaranteed for time-sensitive monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-configures transmission schedules and timing parameters before actual sensor data transmission begins. The central hub and sensors exchange synchronization information in advance, establishing predetermined time windows for each sensor's transmissions, which guarantees latency bounds while maintaining relatively simple implementation.
Data Source
AI summary
Equipment monitoring employing time-triggered Ethernet communications is provided. Two or more sensor assemblies can be configured to transmit sensor signals representative of one or more operating parameters of a machine to a monitoring system over a token ring Ethernet network. The monitoring system can synchronize timing between the sensor assemblies and schedule timing of respective sensor signal transmissions to bound latency of the scheduled transmissions. Alternatively, or additionally, the monitoring system can include an Ethernet backplane configured to allow Ethernet communication between two or more processing cards coupled thereto. A switch in communication with the Ethernet backplane can schedule transmissions between the processing cards coupled to the Ethernet backplane to guarantee latency of the scheduled transmissions.