USB Master Slave IED Data Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power metering technologies face challenges in efficiently storing and managing data from intelligent electronic devices (IEDs), leading to latency issues during data download and limited device availability, as users often lack laptops and experience delays in data retrieval due to traditional serial download schemes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a USB architecture in intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) allows for removable memory storage and communication, enabling users to transfer data via USB master or slave configurations, with self-configurable interfaces and security features to prevent tampering, facilitating data retrieval from removable memory devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional serial download schemes are used to transfer data from IED to computing device, then data can be downloaded, but latency time is excessive (up to 10 minutes for 2 MB data) and laptop availability is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a removable storage device as an intermediary between the IED and computing device. Data is first transferred from the IED to the removable storage device via USB connection, then the storage device can be removed and connected to any computing device for data retrieval. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for direct laptop availability at the IED location and significantly reduces transfer latency by utilizing USB's faster communication protocol compared to traditional serial downloads
2Adaptability or versatility
If USB architecture is implemented for data storage and transfer, then data retrieval flexibility and speed are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional USB master and slave controller configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic role assignment where the IED can operate as either a USB master or USB slave device depending on the operational mode. In self-test mode, the IED operates as USB master to write test data to the removable storage device. In normal operation, it operates as USB slave to allow data retrieval by external devices. This dynamic switching capability provides transfer flexibility while managing device complexity through context-dependent configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The USB interface is designed to serve multiple functions: data storage, data transfer, and device configuration. The same USB hardware infrastructure supports both master and slave modes, allowing the system to perform diverse operations through a single unified interface rather than requiring separate dedicated hardware for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity
3Ease of operation
If removable memory device is used for data storage, then data can be retrieved without immediate laptop access, but security risks increase due to potential tampering with stored data
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically generates and stores self-test results and diagnostic data on the removable storage device without requiring manual intervention. The IED performs self-diagnosis, formats the data in standardized protocols (Comtrade, CSV, PQDIF), and writes it to the storage device autonomously. This self-service approach ensures data integrity through consistent automated processes while maintaining ease of operation, as users can simply remove and transfer the storage device without worrying about data formatting or validation
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates data validation and verification mechanisms that provide feedback on data integrity. The USB controller and storage management software verify data written to the removable storage device, ensuring proper formatting and completeness. This feedback loop maintains data reliability while allowing convenient removable storage operation, as users receive confirmation that data has been successfully and correctly stored before removing the device
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent electronic device (IED), e.g., an electrical power meter, having at least one removable memory device for storing data sensed and generated by the intelligent electronic device is provided. The IED includes a housing; at least one sensor; at least one analog-to-digital converter; at least one processing unit coupled to the at least one analog-to-digital converter configured to receive the digital data and store the digital data in a removable memory; and at least one device controller coupled to the at least one processing unit, the at least one device controller including an interface disposed on the housing for interfacing with the removable memory, wherein the at least one device controller is operative as a USB master or USB slave device controller.