Y Selector Switch for Nonintrusive IO-Link Sensor Data Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems in automation engineering make it difficult for users to access sensor data outside of the control unit without interfering with the established communication system, requiring significant effort and often being restricted.
Innovation Solution
A Y selector switch unit divides the communication line into two sections, using a microcontroller to simulate the sensor via software, allowing data access from a further data receiver without direct access to the sensor or controller, creating a digital twin and preventing interference with the controller network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the communication line is divided into two line sections with a Y selector switch unit, then data accessibility from external devices is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication line is divided into two separate line sections: a first line section maintaining the original sensor-controller connection, and a second line section providing external data access. The Y selector switch unit implements this segmentation by routing signals through different paths, allowing external devices to access sensor data without interfering with the primary control communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The Y selector switch unit acts as an intermediary device between the sensor and both the controller and external data receivers. It receives the sensor signal and selectively routes it to the controller through the first line section or to external devices through the second line section, mediating access without requiring direct sensor modification.
2Reliability
If a Y selector switch unit with microcontroller is introduced to simulate the sensor, then data security and non-interference with controller network is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller in the Y selector switch unit creates a software simulation (digital twin) of the sensor that replicates the sensor's communication behavior. This virtual sensor copy responds to data requests from external devices without requiring physical access to the actual sensor or the controller network, thereby protecting system integrity while enabling data access.
Solution Approach 2:
The Y selector switch unit with its software sensor acts as an intermediary layer between external data receivers and the actual sensor-controller communication. It handles all data requests, preventing direct access to the controller network while maintaining reliable communication through the simulated sensor interface.
3Reliability
If direct access to sensor or controller communication is prevented, then system security is improved, but data accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments data access paths into two distinct routes: one route maintains secure, restricted access between the sensor and controller only, while the other route provides controlled access to external devices through the software sensor simulation. This segmentation allows security restrictions to be maintained while still enabling external data accessibility through the alternative path.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a software sensor copy, the system allows external devices to access sensor data through the simulation without needing direct access to the actual sensor or controller. The digital twin provides all necessary data interfaces while maintaining security boundaries, resolving the contradiction between restricted access and data availability.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a communication system for automation and process engineering, having a controller (2) as a data receiver and a sensor (3) as a data source, which use a communication line to exchange digital data as voltage signals based on the IO-Link standard. In order to allow the user to be able to access the data of a sensor that is in the communication system in a simple manner, the communication line is divided into two line sections, and a Y selector switch unit (10) is used at the junction, wherein the Y selector switch unit (10) is provided with a first connection (10a) on the sensor side and with a second and a third connection (10b, 10c) on the controller side, wherein the second connection (10b) has the controller (2) connected to it and the third connection (10c) has a further data receiver (4) connected to it, and wherein the Y selector switch unit (10) comprises a microcontroller (11) in which the sensor (3) is simulated by means of software so that the further data receiver (4) can query data of the sensor (3) without having to directly access or engage with the sensor (3) or the communication thereof with the controller (2).