Transmitter Signal Processing Redundancy via Backward Calculation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transmitters require dual-redundant hardware components to duplicate internal signal processing functions, leading to increased costs and instrumentation complexity, while existing solutions fail to completely address the cost issue and hinder downsizing efforts.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a software-based method that performs backward calculation and verification of calculation steps on a single microprocessor, allowing for the duplication of signal processing functions without adding hardware components, by executing backward calculation steps in spare time slots and issuing error alarms for discrepancies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If dual-redundant hardware components are used to duplicate internal signal processing functions, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety and reliabilityVSAvoidinstrumentation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the function of dual-redundant microprocessors into a single microprocessor by implementing backward calculation capability. The single microprocessor performs both forward calculation (normal signal processing) and backward calculation (verification), effectively combining the roles of two separate processors into one, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining redundancy for safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single microprocessor is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the primary calculation unit (first microprocessor) and the verification unit (second microprocessor) through its backward calculation capability. This multi-functionality allows one processor to replace two, reducing device complexity while maintaining the safety benefits of dual-redundant processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If dual-redundant hardware components are used to duplicate internal signal processing functions, then safety and reliability are improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety and reliabilityVSAvoidinstrumentation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the function of dual-redundant microprocessors into a single microprocessor by implementing backward calculation capability. The single microprocessor performs both forward calculation (normal signal processing) and backward calculation (verification), effectively combining the roles of two separate processors into one, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining redundancy for safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single microprocessor is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the primary calculation unit (first microprocessor) and the verification unit (second microprocessor) through its backward calculation capability. This multi-functionality allows one processor to replace two, reducing device complexity while maintaining the safety benefits of dual-redundant processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Speed

If backward calculation is performed in spare time slots, then processing speed is maintained, but calculation time management becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal processing speedVSAvoidcalculation time management

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic action by performing backward calculation in spare time slots between forward calculation cycles. The microprocessor alternates between forward calculation (producing output signals) and backward calculation (verification), creating a periodic pattern that maintains overall processing speed while incorporating redundancy verification without requiring separate hardware for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS8170134B2Transmitter and a method for duplicating same

Publication Date: 2012.05.01 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

The present invention is intended to realize a transmitter whose internal signal processing function can be duplicated without having to add any hardware components. The transmitter converts an input signal into an output signal using a plurality of calculation steps, comprising a backward calculation means for executing the plurality of calculation steps in reverse direction.