Universal Input-Output Module for TMR Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control systems implementing Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR) modes require dedicated I/O devices for each specific type of signal, increasing complexity and limiting the use of universal input-output (UIO) devices in analog, discrete, and digital operations.
Innovation Solution
A universal input-output (UIO) system with an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that supports TMR, dual redundancy, and simplex configurations, allowing for the use of a single UIO device to manage current outputs across various signal types by connecting control system resources to I/O terminals through a switching block with amplifiers and data processing circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated I/O devices are used for each specific type of signal in TMR mode, then reliability and signal-specific performance are improved, but device complexity and system configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal I/O device that can handle multiple signal types (analog, discrete, digital) through a single device rather than requiring separate dedicated devices for each signal type. The device includes configurable modules that can be programmed to perform different I/O functions, thereby reducing the overall number of devices needed in the TMR system while maintaining signal-specific performance and reliability.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated I/O devices are used for each specific type of signal, then signal processing precision is improved, but ease of operation and system configuration become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The universal I/O device incorporates dynamically reconfigurable modules that can be programmed through software to perform different I/O functions. This dynamic configuration capability allows the system to adapt to different signal types and processing requirements without requiring physical reconfiguration or multiple dedicated devices, thereby maintaining precision while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changes in operational parameters through software configuration, enabling the same hardware to be optimized for different signal types (analog, discrete, digital). By changing configuration parameters rather than physical components, the system maintains signal processing precision while significantly improving ease of operation and system configuration.
3Reliability
If multiple dedicated I/O devices are used for TMR operation, then operational reliability is improved, but quantity of components and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple dedicated I/O devices into a single universal I/O device. By combining analog, discrete, and digital I/O capabilities into one device with configurable modules, the system maintains the operational reliability of TMR operation while reducing the total quantity of I/O devices required from three separate devices to one unified device.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a triple modular redundant (TMR) control system comprising three controllers. Each controller of the three controllers includes a current driver system configured to detect and regulate a portion of a total current output of the TMR control system, and a universal input-output (UIO) system comprising a plurality of universal input-output (UIO) ports, wherein the universal input-output (UIO) system is configured to detect the portion of the total current output and the total current output of the TMR control system via one or more of the plurality of the UIO ports, compare the portion of the total current output and the total current output of the TMR control system, and adjust the portion of the total current output according to a predetermined total current output threshold.