Wireless Radio Synchronization for IO-Link Automation Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automation systems with wireless communication paths for radio subscribers require complex hardwired synchronization lines, limiting flexibility and scalability, especially when integrating multiple radio devices and subscribers.
Innovation Solution
A flexible automation system and radio device configuration that uses a clock master to generate synchronization signals for radio modules, allowing frequency changes within designated ranges based on hopping tables, enabling wireless integration of radio subscribers and reducing complexity by eliminating the need for hardwired synchronization lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardwired synchronization lines are used in IO link wireless masters, then frequency hopping can be synchronized across multiple radio channels, but device complexity increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardwired synchronization line with a wireless synchronization mechanism. The master control unit transmits synchronization signals wirelessly to radio devices, which then coordinate frequency hopping without physical connection. This substitution eliminates the mechanical constraint while maintaining synchronization reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless synchronization signal as an intermediary between the master control unit and radio devices. This signal acts as a mediator that carries timing information without requiring direct physical connection, enabling coordinated frequency hopping across multiple channels through an intermediate communication layer.
2Reliability
If hardwired synchronization lines are implemented, then multiple radio devices can be synchronized for frequency hopping, but adaptability and scalability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic frequency selection where radio devices can adaptively choose frequencies based on received signals and hopping tables. The system transitions from static hardwired synchronization to dynamic wireless coordination, allowing radio devices to flexibly adjust their operating parameters while maintaining synchronization through received timing signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless synchronization mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides timing signals for frequency hopping, enables coordination between multiple radio devices, and allows for flexible system expansion. A single wireless signal replaces multiple hardwired connections, making the system universally applicable to various configurations without requiring additional physical infrastructure.
3Reliability
If frequency hopping is implemented across multiple radio channels, then data transmission reliability improves, but device complexity increases due to synchronization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical synchronization infrastructure with wireless signal transmission. The master control unit sends synchronization signals wirelessly to coordinating radio devices, which then execute frequency hopping independently based on received timing information and stored hopping tables, eliminating the need for complex physical synchronization wiring.
Data Source
AI summary
An automation system has a master control unit, a first radio subscriber, a first radio device and a clock master. The first radio device has a first synchronization element, a first radio module and a first connection for the bus system. The first radio module can establish a radio connection to the first radio subscriber for data exchange with a bus system provided by the master control unit. The first radio connection has a first radio channel with a first frequency range. The first synchronization element is set up to output a synchronization signal to the first radio module, based on a signal received from the clock master via the first connection. The first radio module is set up to change a frequency of the first radio channel based on the synchronization signal, within the first frequency range, on the basis of a first hopping table.