Wireless SPE Interface for Remote Industrial Device Commissioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing industrial automation systems using single pair Ethernet networks require expensive controllers and gateways for programming and commissioning, leading to high setup and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A wireless interface is introduced for single pair Ethernet networks that allows remote configuration and communication via a wireless access point, eliminating the need for costly controllers and gateways, enabling devices to be commissioned and maintained wirelessly using mobile devices or cloud servers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a controller or gateway is used to connect to and control the SPE network, then programming and commissioning can be performed, but the system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless access point as an intermediary device that connects wireless devices to the SPE network. This mediator enables communication between wireless devices and SPE devices without requiring expensive controllers or gateways, thus maintaining programming and commissioning capabilities while reducing system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless access point replicates the functionality of traditional controllers and gateways by implementing protocol translation and conversion capabilities. This allows the access point to perform programming, commissioning, and data gathering functions that were previously only available through expensive dedicated control devices.
2Device complexity
If wireless communication is implemented without a controller or gateway, then system cost is reduced, but the ability to program and commission devices is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless access point is designed to perform multiple functions including protocol translation, data gathering, device commissioning, and network management. This multi-functional device replaces the need for separate controllers and gateways, enabling cost-effective wireless access while maintaining full programming and commissioning capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The access point implements protocol translation by changing communication parameters between wireless devices and SPE devices. It converts data formats, communication protocols, and signal types to enable interoperability between different device types without requiring expensive specialized controllers.
3Reliability
If traditional wired SPE network access is used, then reliable communication is maintained, but mobility and remote access are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. The wireless access point maintains communication reliability through protocol translation and error handling while eliminating the need for physical cable connections, thereby enabling mobility and remote access capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present technology relates to single pair Ethernet (SPE) networks corresponding to industrial automation devices and wireless communication access to the SPE network by a remote device. A node having a single pair Ethernet communication module coupled to a wired single pair Ethernet network is configured to transmit communications to and receive communications from a first industrial automation device of one or more industrial automation devices coupled to the wired single pair Ethernet network. The node also comprises a wireless communication module configured to wirelessly communicate with an external application and comprises a communication bus coupled between the wireless communication module and the single pair Ethernet communication module and configured to transmit data between the wireless communication module and the single pair Ethernet communication module.