Two-Wire Network Circuits With Redundant Safety Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for secure data transmission in network systems, such as those using Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) or Advanced Physical Layer (APL), require complex hardware and software efforts due to discontinuous status data transmission and high security requirements, necessitating redundant microprocessors.
Innovation Solution
A method for secure data transmission using two-wire networks with redundant transmission paths: a digital data protocol and an analog current characteristic, where status data are transmitted redundantly via a serial, digital data packet and an imposed current characteristic, ensuring non-correlated data transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If secure data transmission is implemented using a single digital data protocol, then data security is improved, but hardware and software complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is segmented into two independent paths: a digital data protocol path and a power transmission path with analog current characteristics. Each path carries status data independently, so that if one path fails or is compromised, the other can still provide reliable information. This segmentation reduces the complexity requirements for any single path while maintaining overall security.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transmission line serves as an intermediary carrier for status data transmission. Instead of relying solely on the digital data protocol, the system uses the existing power line infrastructure to transmit analog current characteristics that encode status information. This intermediary approach leverages existing infrastructure and reduces the need for complex security implementations in the digital protocol path.
2Reliability
If redundant microprocessors are used to ensure high security, then security level is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Status data is copied and transmitted through two different physical channels: the digital data protocol and the power transmission with analog current characteristics. This copying approach ensures that the same information is available through multiple independent paths without requiring redundant processing units, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining security.
3Use of energy by moving object
If status data are transmitted discontinuously, then power consumption is reduced, but reliability of safety status determination deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power transmission path continuously carries status information through analog current characteristics, providing uninterrupted monitoring of safety-relevant status data. This continuous transmission ensures that safety status can be determined at any moment without gaps, while the dual-path approach allows for energy optimization in the digital protocol path.
4Reliability
If logic processing is performed with high security requirements, then security level is improved, but processing complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex digital logic processing with analog signal transmission and comparison. Instead of performing complex cryptographic or security-validated logic operations, the system transmits status data as analog current characteristics and determines safety status through straightforward comparison of the two independent transmission paths, significantly reducing processing complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Significantly reduces the effort required for secure digital signal transmission by utilizing distinct, less complex components and principles, allowing for reliable determination of safe and unsafe states with minimal hardware and software overhead.
Implementation Method 1
a second transmission of the status data takes place by means of an imposed characteristic of the current, namely by means of an analog characteristic of the current
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for operating a network or network segment with synchronous power and signal transmission over two wires, comprising a first network side having a PSE and a second network side having a PD, wherein the first and second network sides are connected via the power and signal transmission, and wherein status data for determining a safe state is transmitted. The status data is transmitted redundantly via the following two transmission paths: a digital data protocol and encoding in the power transmission, the redundant transmission of the status data on the two transmission paths being physically uncorrelated. The invention further includes a circuit for a network or network segment.