Unified Data Transmission Network for Automation Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automation systems require multiple independent bus systems for measured-value detection and control data transmission, leading to complexity in design and potentially compromising real-time applications and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A unified data transmission network using Real-Time Ethernet with different communication protocols for digital measured and control data, allowing all components to connect via a single network with redundant elements and ring structure for enhanced reliability and synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent bus systems are used for measured-value detection and control data transmission, then data transmission reliability is improved, but system design complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent bus systems (process bus for measured data and field bus for control data) into a single unified data transmission network. This merging reduces the number of separate systems from two to one, thereby decreasing design complexity while maintaining the ability to transmit both measured data and control data reliably through protocol differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified data transmission network is designed to perform multiple functions: transmitting measured data from detection devices to field devices, transmitting control data from field devices to the host computer, and providing redundant communication paths. This multi-functionality allows a single network to replace multiple specialized bus systems, reducing overall system complexity.
2Device complexity
If a unified data transmission network is used for all components, then system design complexity is reduced, but real-time application performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different communication protocols to different types of data transmission within the unified network. Measured data transmission uses a protocol optimized for high-speed data acquisition, while control data transmission uses a protocol optimized for reliable command delivery. This local differentiation of transmission characteristics ensures real-time performance requirements are met for each data type despite using a single physical network.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified network logically segments traffic into different protocol streams for measured data and control data. This segmentation allows each data type to be handled with appropriate protocol characteristics, maintaining real-time performance for time-critical control commands while efficiently transmitting high-volume measured data, all over the same physical infrastructure.
3Reliability
If separate bus systems are used for measured data and control data, then data transmission reliability is improved, but the number of network components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the process bus and field bus into a single unified data transmission network, reducing the total number of network components from two separate bus systems to one. This consolidation decreases the quantity of network hardware while maintaining reliability through protocol-based data differentiation and optional redundant paths within the unified network.
4Reliability
If multiple independent bus systems are used, then data transmission reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The unified data transmission network provides a universal interface for connecting all system components (measured-value detection devices, field devices, and host computer). This single network with multiple protocol support simplifies operation by eliminating the need for operators to manage and troubleshoot multiple separate bus systems, while maintaining reliable data transmission through protocol-specific handling of different data types.
Data Source
AI summary
An automation system includes at least one device that detects measured values and is connected to a automated process, at least one field device connected to the at least one device detecting measured values, and a master computer connected to the at least one field device. In order to simplify the design of such an automation system as much as possible, the device detecting measured values, the field device, and the master computer are connected to a common data transmission network which is equipped for transmitting digital measured data from the device detecting measured values to the field device according to a first communication protocol and for transmitting digital control data between the field device and the master computer according to a second communication protocol.