TSN Interface Apparatus for Non-TSN Device Protocol Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy automation systems with non-TSN devices face challenges in cooperating with Time-Sensitive Networks (TSN) due to format incompatibilities, requiring a method to convert non-TSN data packets into TSN-compliant format for seamless communication.
Innovation Solution
A method that analyzes non-TSN data packets, adds Precision Time Protocol (PTP) timing and Priority Code Point (PCP) priority levels, and transmits them to TSN-compliant devices, enabling communication between non-TSN and TSN devices through buffers implemented in various forms, such as FIFO or processor registers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If non-TSN devices are used in legacy automation systems, then device compatibility and system lifespan are maintained, but communication compatibility with TSN networks is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (gateway or interface apparatus) that sits between non-TSN devices and TSN networks. This intermediary performs format conversion, adding TSN-specific headers including PTP timestamps and PCP priority tags to non-TSN data packets, enabling seamless communication without modifying the original non-TSN devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms data packets by changing their structural parameters - adding TSN-compliant headers with specific parameters such as PTP (Precision Time Protocol) timestamps for synchronization and PCP (Priority Code Point) values for quality of service. This parameter transformation enables non-TSN packets to be recognized and processed by TSN network infrastructure.
2Productivity
If format conversion is implemented for non-TSN devices, then TSN network integration is enabled, but processing overhead and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring conversion rules and parameters for different non-TSN device types. The interface apparatus is pre-programmed with knowledge of various legacy protocols and their corresponding TSN mappings, allowing rapid format conversion without complex real-time analysis. Timestamps and priority levels are assigned based on pre-defined mappings rather than calculated from scratch for each packet.
3Adaptability or versatility
If legacy non-TSN devices are upgraded to TSN-compliant devices, then communication compatibility is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing TSN compliance only where needed - at the network interface level rather than requiring full device replacement. The conversion gateway provides TSN functionality (timestamping, priority tagging, synchronization) selectively for packets traversing the TSN network, while non-TSN devices continue operating with their original capabilities. This partial implementation achieves TSN integration goals without the excessive cost of complete device upgrades.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transmitting a first data packet from a receiving input-buffer to a receiving output-buffer, the first data packet in the receiving input-buffer having a non-TSN format and the first data packet in the receiving output-buffer being TSN-compliant, includes the steps of: analysing the first data packet, which has been retrieved from a non-TSN device, in the receiving input-buffer; adding a first data packet time to the first data packet according to a Precision Time Protocol (PTP); adding a predefined first data packet priority level to the first data packet according to a Priority Code Point (PCP) of an 802.1Q tag; transmitting the first data packet to the receiving output-buffer; and sending the first data packet according to the first data packet priority level to a TSN-compliant device.