Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US20040236885?dq=7751826
Timestamp: 2018-01-23 08:26:20
Document Index: 673199098

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 10', 'art 1', 'art 1', 'arts 1', 'arts 1', 'arts 1']

Patent US20040236885 - Arrangement and method for system of locally deployed module units, and ... - Google Patents
An arrangement for a system for controlling, monitoring, communication etc. comprises locally deployed module units which each perform one or more local function(s). The system also comprises one or more system-functioning-determining unit(s) at a higher level than said module units. Also included are...http://www.google.com/patents/US20040236885?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20040236885 - Arrangement and method for system of locally deployed module units, and contact unit for connection of such a module unit
Publication number US20040236885 A1
Application number US 10/479,841
PCT number PCT/SE2002/000996
Also published as EP1393501A1, US7882275, US8195841, US20110125923, WO2002100041A1
Publication number 10479841, 479841, PCT/2002/996, PCT/SE/2/000996, PCT/SE/2/00996, PCT/SE/2002/000996, PCT/SE/2002/00996, PCT/SE2/000996, PCT/SE2/00996, PCT/SE2000996, PCT/SE2002/000996, PCT/SE2002/00996, PCT/SE2002000996, PCT/SE200200996, PCT/SE200996, US 2004/0236885 A1, US 2004/236885 A1, US 20040236885 A1, US 20040236885A1, US 2004236885 A1, US 2004236885A1, US-A1-20040236885, US-A1-2004236885, US2004/0236885A1, US2004/236885A1, US20040236885 A1, US20040236885A1, US2004236885 A1, US2004236885A1
Inventors Lars- Berno Fredriksson, Kent Lennartson, Joachim Fritzon
Original Assignee Lars- Berno Fredriksson, Kent Lennartson, Joachim Fritzon
Patent Citations (16), Referenced by (66), Classifications (11), Legal Events (8)
Arrangement and method for system of locally deployed module units, and contact unit for connection of such a module unit
US 20040236885 A1
1. Arrangement in a control, monitoring and/or communication system which comprises module units (nodes) (10, 11, 12) which are locally deployed (spread out) and perform one or more function(s), one or more unit(s) (2, 2′) at a higher level than the module units and determining system functioning and temporarily or permanently connected, and one or more connection(s) (1, 1′) connecting the units, each module unit being connected to the connection concerned via a connection facility or connection point, characterized in that the connection facility (13, 14, 15) or connection point includes one or more microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s) with microprocessor and peripheral equipment) (49″, 49′″) arranged on the one hand with compatibility with signalling (i1, i2) appearing on the connection(s) according to the rules of systems engineering which apply, and on the other hand with a higher-level function in relation to the module unit.
2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the microprocessor(s) (the microprocessor setup(s)) is (are) arranged with a monitoring or protection function in relation to the module unit (10, 11 or 12) for ascertaining whether the latter is not complying with said rules or is affected by an error and, if this is the case, to disconnect the module unit from the connection.
3. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the microprocessor(s) (the microprocessor setup(s)) is (are) arranged so as to bring about or take part in testing or simulation functions during system construction.
4. Arrangement in a system comprising locally deployed or spread out module units (nodes) which are arranged so as to perform one or more function(s) (control, monitoring etc.), one or more unit(s) at a higher level than the module units and arranged so as to work according to fixed rules, and one or more connection(s), to which the module units are connected via connection facilities or connection points, characterized in that each connection facility or connection point includes one or more microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setups) arranged so as to work with passively higher-level functioning, which means, for example, functioning for monitoring, protection, simulation etc. in relation to the module unit concerned, which is then arranged with its own microprocessor(s) which, essentially separately from the microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)) of the connection facility or connection point, handle(s) the locally performed function(s) of the module unit, and/or in that the microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)) of the connection facility or connection point is (are) arranged so as to work actively with protocol or signal conversion functions (that is to say as a gateway) essentially separately from said locally performed function(s) in the module unit.
5. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)) of the connection facility or connection point is (are) arranged so as to perform the monitoring function(s) during normal operation of the system.
6. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that each module unit comprises or is connected to (a) microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)) arranged so as to handle system requirements, and to (a) microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)) arranged so as in the main to handle the local function(s) of the module unit.
7. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the module unit with its associated microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)) forms, in relation to the connection system and the higher-level units, a separate module unit which is arranged so as to be connectable to various types of connection system.
8. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that, in a case where the connection facility or connection point with its associated microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)) is arranged so as to work as a protocol converter or signal converter (gateway), the connection facility or connection point comprises a permanent point-to-point connection between the connection system and the module unit.
9. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the connection facility or connection point is arranged with (a) microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)) with associated or interacting memory means arranged so as to receive from or send to another module unit, for example a higher-level unit, in the system a downloading function or an application function with a protocol which differs from a current protocol by means of which the system is arranged to work in control, monitoring and/or communication functioning.
10. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the system is arranged so as to work on the one hand with a low-speed protocol, for example a CAN protocol, and on the other hand with a protocol with a higher speed which is arranged so as to obtain access to the connection(s) via time-slot and/or filter arrangements.
11. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the filter arrangement is arranged so as to work by impedance adaptation at the connection facility or connection point concerned in order to reduce the loss in the facility or the point.
12. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the module units are assigned to different system protocols, and in that the modules are arranged for adaptation to the current system connection in cases where this differs from the system affiliation of the module unit.
13. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the system connection consists of a CAN connection, and the point-to-point connection consists of a standard connection (USE or ISO 1394, Firewire).
14. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that said connections are wire-based, optical and/or radio connections.
15. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the connection facility or connection point comprises or consists of an optical connection between the system connection and the module unit.
16. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the module unit is of standard type (for example 251 type), and in that, in spite of this, the microprocessor(s) of the connection facility or connection point implement characteristics which in conventional cases require more advanced circuits, for example 1053/54 type circuits or circuits with RedCAN characteristics.
17. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the microprocessor(s) of the connection facility or connection point or peripheral circuits (microprocessor setups) therefor is (are) arranged so as to handle the time-keeping of the module unit, and in that the module unit can then comprise a simplified local clock function or receive timing trigger signals from the connection facility or connection point according to a local protocol or direct trigger lines.
18. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that a freely selected CAN module unit is arranged for connection to said connection facility or connection point, and in that the microprocessor(s) of the connection facility or connection point is (are) arranged to assign to the connected module unit a characteristic (for example a RedCAN characteristic) required at system level, resulting in the module unit not having to be redesigned in its entirety.
19. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that, in the event of errors occurring in the module unit, the latter is arranged so as to be locally disconnectable without any requirement for switching over at bus segment level.
20. Arrangement in a control and/or monitoring system which comprises locally deployed module units (nodes), and one or more unit(s) at a higher level than these in the system, and one or more connection(s) connecting the units, the system being arranged so as to work with two different information types where the first information type relates to the locally performed function of the module unit concerned (control, monitoring, simulation etc.) and the second information type relates to system administration, based on rules which apply in the system, performed on the connection(s), characterized in that at least one module unit and preferably all of said module units is or are arranged with a microprocessor setup which handles the two information types essentially separately or individually.
21. Arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that the microprocessor setup comprises one or more first microprocessor(s) for the first information type and one or more second microprocessor(s) for the second information type.
22. Arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that said first microprocessor(s) is (are) integrated with the construction of the module unit concerned, and said second microprocessor(s) is (are) connected or connectable to the connection concerned for the purpose of being divided for only the module unit and the module unit constructor or the system and the system constructor.
23. Arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that the microprocessor(S) with associated or interacting memory means receive or send, in time slots and/or via filter arrangements, signals (i3, i4) of one or more protocol(s) differing from the signals (i1, i2) in the basic protocol of the system.
24. Arrangement according to claim 19 any one of patent claims 19-23, characterized in that said one or more protocol(s) work(s) with a bit speed which considerably exceeds the bit speed of the basic protocol.
25. Control, monitoring and/or communication arrangement with one or more module unit setup(s) comprising module units which can communicate via one or more bus connection(s), for example one or more CAN bus(es), and are each connected to the bus connection concerned via an establishment of contact comprising on the one hand a first contact unit with a first set of contact means, which are connected or connectable to the module unit and second and third contact means connected or connectable to said bus connection, and on the other hand a second contact unit which can interact with the first contact unit and has fourth contact means which can interact with the first, second and third contact means in order to make it possible to connect the module unit to the bus connection, characterized in that the second contact unit comprises or is connected to one or more microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)), with which the second contact unit is arranged so as to perform one, two or all of the following alternatives:
a) depending on system information via the bus connection and/or information assigned individually to it, to cooperate in or determine the connection and disconnection of the module unit to and from the bus connection,
b) depending on said system information via the bus connection and/or the information assigned individually to it, to establish internal or direct cooperation with the module unit, for example for configuration, diagnosis, simulation etc. thereof, and
c) to sense the signal status of the bus connection and passability on the bus connection, as seen from the module unit.
26. Arrangement according to claim 25, characterized in that each microprocessor (microprocessor setup) is arranged so as, depending on its program, to act on connection and disconnection means, for example relay means, which are arranged so as to carry out connection and disconnection of the module unit to and from the bus connection.
27. Arrangement according to claim 25, characterized in that each microprocessor (microprocessor setup) is arranged so as, depending on signal control via the bus, connection from another system unit, for example another module unit, to bypass the module unit or connect or disconnect the module unit to or from the bus connection.
28. Arrangement according to claim 25, characterized in that the second contact means comprises or is connected to one or more unit(s).
29. Arrangement according to claim 28, characterized in that the memory or memories is or are arranged so as to buffer at least part or parts of unidirectional or bidirectional communication which appears on the bus connection or emanates from the module unit or is exchangeable between the module unit and the bus connection.
30. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that each microprocessor (microprocessor setup) is arranged (programmed) so as to execute functional connection and disconnection of the module unit to or from the bus connection for, for example, configuration, diagnosis, function performance according to the sending and receiving schedule etc.
31. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that each microprocessor (microprocessor setup) is arranged (programmed) so as, depending on system information over the bus connection and/or information from the module unit, to execute cut-off of the bus connection in a first direction and functional connection of the bus connection in a second direction, as seen from the module unit.
32. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the memory capacity of one or more memory or memories is distributed between the module unit and one or more microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)) in the second contact unit.
33. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the microprocessor is arranged with programs relating to basic functions for monitoring the bus connection.
34. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the second contact unit is arranged to receive information about the module unit before connection of the latter.
35. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the microprocessor is arranged so as to effect disconnection of the module unit from the bus connection without effect or influence as far as the bus connection is concerned.
36. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the microprocessor (the microprocessor setup) is arranged so as to establish an internal point-to-point communication with the module unit, for example for diagnostics, configuration and/or simulation.
37. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the second contact unit is arranged so as, by means of the microprocessor (the microprocessor setup), to monitor the communication between the module unit and the system (the CAN system) and, for example, to effect control so that or ensure that the module unit has contact with the bus connection according to the sending and/or receiving schedule in question.
38. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the second contact unit is arranged so as, by means of the microprocessor (the microprocessor setup), to bring about monitoring of the protocol functionality, for example checking that messages are sent/received in the correct time slot.
39. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the second contact unit is arranged so as to control the functionality in terms of hardware, for example to physically break off the communication connection of the module unit in the sending state of the module unit when sending is not permitted according to the rules of the system, but still to register whether the module unit attempts to send in spite of the restriction.
40. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the second contact unit is arranged so as, by means of the microprocessor (the microprocessor setup), to establish an exclusive connection between the module unit and the bus connection in order to exchange information before the module unit receives permission to go out onto the bus connection either via the bus connection or a special connection.
41. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the second contact unit is arranged so as, by means of the microprocessor (the microprocessor setup), to exchange information with one or more system-monitoring/controlling unit(s) via the bus connection.
42. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the second contact unit is arranged to exchange information with the module unit when the latter is disconnected from the bus connection or when the module unit is connected to the bus connection but prevented, by the rules of the system, from exchanging information via the bus connection.
43. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the second áontact unit is designed as a blind contact unit.
44. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the second contact unit is arranged with impedance adaptation in order to reduce energy loss in a case where the system works with filter arrangements for first and second signals relating to first and, respectively, second communication protocols on a multi-wire connection of said connections.
45. Contact unit which can be interconnected with a connection unit forming part of a control, monitoring and/or communication arrangement which comprises one or more module unit setup(s) which in turn comprise(s) module units which can communicate via one or more bus connection(s), for example one or more CAN bus(es), and are each connected to the bus connection concerned via an establishment of contact which can be effected by means of said units, the connection unit being made with a first set of contact means which are connected or connectable to the module unit and second and third contact means connected or connectable to said bus connection, and the contact unit being made with fourth contact means which can interact with the first, second and third contact means in order to make connection to the bus connection possible, characterized in that the contact unit comprises or is connected to one or more microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)), with which it is arranged so as to perform one, two or all of the following alternatives:
46. Method of producing a distributed control, monitoring and/or communication system, characterized in that
a) a basic system concept is brought about by means of a suitable computer tool, for example of the Kingdom Founder type, which basic concept comprises indicating the messages which the module unit concerned is to serid and receive, the bit speed which is to be used, how the protocol is to be designed, the scheduling of the messages, the cable lengths which are to be used, and indicating error detection and error handling mechanisms which are to be present in the module unit concerned,
b) the basic concept information produced is used in order to determine the construction of a connection facility which is to be present in each module unit, which connection facility is arranged so as in a first stage to serve as a module unit simulator by sending correct messages according to the scheduling in order to verify this and by sending incorrect messages or violating protocol and/or scheduling in order to check that the system behaves in the expected manner in the event of error, and
c) a test program is created in order for it to be possible to monitor the behaviour of the module unit.
47. Method according to claim 46, characterized in that two or more module units, for example all the module units, are, according to the basic concept, provided with a connection facility, and in that the construction concept and functioning concept of the connection facility are supplied in connection with the development or production of the module unit in question.
48. Method according to claim 46, characterized in that, when the construction concept and functioning concept is supplied, software' or a program is also supplied, in which the construction and functioning concepts are simulated by means of other module unit(s) and connection facilities, in which way each module unit can undergo advanced testing before connection and testing in the final system produced.
49. Arrangement in a control, monitoring and/or communication system which comprises module units (nodes) (10, 11, 12) which are locally deployed (spread out) and perform one or more function(s), one or more unit(s) (2, 2′) at a higher level than the module units and determining system functioning and temporarily or permanently connected, and one or more connection(s) (1, 1′) connecting the units, each module unit being connected to the connection concerned via a connection facility or connection point, characterized in that one or more of said connections is or are arranged so as to transmit high frequencies and pulses at high bit speed(s) by means of electromagnetic fields; and in that the connection facility or connection point is then arranged so as to function as an antenna which transmits signals from one or more unit(s) concerned to or from the bus medium in question which is then in the form of a waveguide.
The present invention relates to an arrangement in a distributed system, for example a control, monitoring and/or communication system, which comprises module units, what are known as nodes, which are locally arranged or spread out and perform one or more function(s). The system comprises one or more unit(s) at a higher level than the module units and determining system functioning, and one or more connection(s) connecting said units. The higher-level units determining system functioning can be connected or connectable continuously or on different occasions and also on the same or different occasions with regard to the module unit(s). Each module unit can be connected to the connection concerned via a connection facility, more popularly known as a connection point or connection points. In this context, the units are arranged so as to work according to fixed rules or a fixed rule system. One or more connection(s) can then be used and consist of a multi-wire connection, for example a two-wire connection. The connection can consist entirely or partly of a wire connection, a wireless connection or an optical connection. A connection of the IR type (infrared connection) is also possible. Each wireless connection can be or comprise capacitive/inductive coupling at relatively short distances as well as electromagnetic fields (radio signals) which are transmitted at short or long distances.
This kind of system, what are known as distributed systems, can consist of, for example, CAN (Controller Area Network) systems of kinds known per se, which can be of standardized type (ISO). In this respect, mention may be made of field bus systems of the Profibus, Fieldbus Foundation, Control Net, Device Net, CAN-KINGDOM, RedCAN, Ethernet types etc. Reference can therefore be made to different protocol types of said kind with different bit speeds and, in this context, bit speeds in the order of 0.01-500 Mbit/s may be mentioned. Reference can also be made to more striking speed protocols which work in, for example, the 2.45 GHz band (Blue-Tooth). Reference is also made to CAN and USB/IEEE 1394. With regard to construction, functions etc., reference is made to inter alia patents obtained by the same applicant as is making this patent application: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,371,859, 5,383,116, 5,446,846 and 5,696,911; WO 97/31454, WO 97/40429; and patent applications U.S. Ser. No. 08/954,560 (SE 9402683-3), U.S. Ser. No. 09/101,748 (SE 9600652-3), and the novelty references indicated in these patents and patent applications.
An arrangement according to the invention can be considered to be characterized mainly in that each connection facility or connection point referred to in the introduction comprises one or more microprocessor(s) arranged on the one hand with compatibility with signalling (protocol) appearing on the connection(s) according to the rules of systems engineering which apply for the system, and on the other hand with a higher-level function in relation to the module unit. Each connection facility or connection point can be considered to comprise one or more microprocessor(s) arranged so as to work with passively higher-level functioning, which in this context means, for example, functioning for monitoring, protection, simulation etc. in relation to the module unit concerned. The latter is then arranged with its own microprocessor(s) which, essentially separately from the microprocessors of the connection facility or connection point, handle(s) the locally performed function(s) of the module unit. As an addition or alternative to said feature, the microprocessor(s) of the connection facility or connection point can be arranged so as to work actively with protocol or signal conversion functions, that is to say to work as a gateway essentially separately from said locally performed function(s) in the module unit.
In this context, microprocessor(s) means a completely functioning unit with inter alia a CPU and associated memory means. The term “microprocessor” can also be considered to include the surrounding electronics necessary for the microprocessor to be capable of functioning from the point of view of power supply, the point of view of reception, the point of view of control etc. By way of examples of microprocessor, reference is made to the microprocessors sold on the general market. Examples of processors may therefore be ARM, 8051, x86, PIC etc., which can work with 4, 8, 16, 32 and/or 64 bits in width. In this context, the memories can be those which retain information even in the absence of voltage, for example Flash, EPROM, EEPROM or magnetic media. The memory or memories can also be of a temporary nature, where the contents disappear if there is no battery or the like providing voltage. In order for such a combination to function, there must also be a voltage supply, an oscillator and interface circuits suitable for the function or task concerned. The interface circuits can be divided into two levels, one of which adapts the signal levels, for example RS-232, ISO 11898, voltage, current and RF signals, to a signal level more suitable for the logic, and the other of which adapts these signals to signal kinds which can be processed in a known manner by the logic functions of the processor, that is to say to a data word which can be addressed and read by the processor.
Embodiments of the arrangement, the contact unit and the method according to the above emerge from the subclaims of the independent patent claims below. The invention is especially advantageous for use in conjunction with said CAN systems according to existing ISO standards or corresponding systems which work as distributed systems for control of and in vehicles/cars, machine systems, process systems etc. In such systems, there may be a need for it to be possible to retain and work with the rule system of the CAN system at the same time as generalizations can be made in the control processes and different peculiarities or exceptions which arise on a functional level in practice can be accommodated. The control and monitoring processes can therefore be made uniform and more effective, and special exceptions attaching to a system with regard to functioning can be eliminated temporarily or permanently so that unambiguous interpretation situations on the part of, for example, the module units arise. Great effectiveness can be built into the systems, and these can be arranged with double functions, for example with basic functions and temporary downloading functions with the multi-wire or multi-channel connection concerned being retained. It is possible, in the case of application in Blue-Tooth with, for example, 2.45 GHz, in combination with the basic function, to obtain a large number of channels in the transmission carried out, for example 79 channels. Impedance adaptations known per se can be carried out in the module unit concerned. In this way, the aim is to obtain reduced losses. A given number of modules, for example one or more, can be provided with the high-speed transmissions in question, which, according to the invention, can be carried out in a point-point connection. By virtue of the invention, it becomes possible to divide software functioning into two independent parts, one software function handling the system and the other software function handling local functioning in the module unit concerned. By virtue of the invention, the hardware for the software functions is also divided into two parts, one or more first microprocessor(s) and any peripheral equipment for these handling local functioning and one or more second microprocessor(s) handling system functioning.
A for the present proposed embodiment of an arrangement, a method and a contact unit according to the invention will be described below with simultaneous reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
[0017]FIG. 1 shows, in the form of a skeleton diagram and in principle and with logic functions and blocks in combination with physical and geometrical blocks, parts of a distributed system with module units and units at a higher level than this system and also connections between the units;
[0018]FIG. 2 shows a vertical view of a contact facility at the connection point between the system and a module unit;
[0019]FIG. 3 shows a vertical view of a contact facility which is slightly modified in relation to the contact facility according to FIG. 2;
[0020]FIG. 4 shows in the form of a block diagram and in principle a more detailed construction relating to a contact facility or connection point for a module unit and the connection in question, and
[0021]FIG. 5 shows in the form of a block diagram and in principle signal exchanges established between units in the system.
In an illustrative embodiment, use is made of a CAN bus and the number of module units or nodes indicated below which can each have contacts in both directions on the bus. The establishment of contact can comprise what is known as a blind contact function in accordance with the description below. The blind contact can serve as a purely electrical connection and can be designed in a manner known per se. The blind contact or equivalent can be provided with one or more microprocessor(s) and/or one or more memory or memories. When the blind contact is applied, the CAN bus and the voltage supply and also the microprocessor, memory etc. are connected to the module unit or node in question. The functioning of the blind contact is expanded by providing it with one or more processor(s) which, on connection, are linked to the CAN bus. In this way, processor power is obtained in the connection, and basic functions for the bus monitoring can be located here and work entirely independently of the connected module unit. In this context, various types of module unit can be used; for example, a standard node which forms part of or can interact with, for example, the RedCAN system can be used. Information about every module unit or node can be downloaded via the CAN bus before the node is connected. By means of the contact processor, the module unit or node can be disconnected from the CAN bus in the event of problems arising, without this affecting the bus connection itself. With its microprocessors, the contact unit can monitor the communication between the module unit and the CAN system. It can, for example, ensure that the node has contact with the bus only when such contact should exist according to a sending/receiving schedule incorporated into the system. In one embodiment, the contact processor(s) and the module unit in question can share a memory. This memory can form part of the local communication between the contact unit and the module unit. The blind contact can be made with different designs and constructions and also functions so that the connection in question can be made intelligent and with a greater or lesser degree of hardware functionality.
By division into said pairing, the development time and the cost can be reduced in comparison with conventional design. The function module itself does not have to be designed for a specific system. If the module unit/node serves as a gateway, the connection between the connection facility and the module unit can in many cases be comparatively simple and inexpensive as the connection involved is a permanently connected-up point-to-point connection. The connection can thus be of, for example, the USB type or an IEEE 1394 (Firewire) connection, while the system connection can be of the CAN type. Other types of connection are possible, for example optical connections or radio connections, and various types can moreover be used simultaneously; for example, an optical connection can be used between the module unit and the contact facility in a CAN system and vice versa. Although the module unit and the contact facility and also the system communicate by CAN means, the module unit can be made relatively inexpensively using a simple 251 type, while the contact facility provides characteristics which would otherwise have required more advanced circuits, for example 1053/1054 type circuits, and/or RedCAN characteristics. In scheduled systems, the contact facility can be responsible for the time-keeping of the module unit, while the module unit can have a simplified local clock or quite simply receive trigger signals from the contact facility according to a local protocol or direct trigger lines. If the error handling system is of, for example, the RedCAN type, these can be made more effective in relation to the known art by virtue of the contact facility being developed with regard to a specific module unit. At present, according to the known art, the entire module has to be designed with RedCAN characteristics. With the proposed solution, any CAN module can be connected to the contact facility, and the contact facility gives the module unit or node the RedCAN characteristic required at system level. If an error originates from the module unit, the latter can be physically disconnected locally, without switching over having to take place at bus signal level. Even modules of a kind other than CAN modules can be connected by means of suitable construction (design) of the connection unit(s).
[0028]FIG. 2 shows a typical example of the construction of the parts 10, 19 and 20 and also the connections 1 a, 1 b and 31. The contact unit comprises a connection unit or first contact unit which has a first set of contact means 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39 which are connected or connectable to the module unit and second contact means 40, 41, 42, 43 which are connected to the connection part 1 a and also, finally, third contact means 44, 45, 46 and 47 which are connected to the connection part 1 b. The second contact unit is provided with fourth contact means, one of which is indicated by reference number 48. Said fourth contact means can interact with the first, second and third contact means in the unit 19. The contact part or blind contact 20 is provided with a microprocessor 49 and/or memory means 50. The microprocessor comprises or interacts in a manner known per se with peripheral electronics so that contact functions 51, 52, 53 and 54 can be controlled by the microprocessor(s). Said contact functions can consist of a relay function, transistor arrangements which can be cut off, semiconductor arrangements etc. By means of the contact functions, the module unit can be connected in both directions (cf. arrows 25, 26 in FIG. 1), that is to say towards the connection parts 1 a and 1 b, or in either direction, that is to say towards either 1 a or 1 b. The microprocessor(s) 49 can receive information from the connection 1 a and/or 1 b and also deliver information to the connection parts 1 a and/or 1 b. By means of the memory or memories 50, information can be stored in the contact unit 20. The microprocessor(s) and/or the memory 50 can also receive and deliver information to the module unit 10. In accordance with the above, the microprocessor 49 handles the system functions and, by means of these, translates or controls the information for the module unit 10. In accordance with the description below, the module unit 10 is, in a manner known per se, provided with its own microprocessor(s) and/or memory capacity. The microprocessor(s) of the module unit work(s) with reduced functioning in relation to previously because it (they) control(s) only the local functions in the module unit 10.
[0029]FIG. 2 has been shown in simplified form for the sake of clarity. Therefore, only connection of the microprocessor 49 to the bus connection 42, 43 is shown. It is possible to imagine the microprocessor 49 also comprising double functions so that it can be connected to both the contact means 42 and 43 and also 40 and 41. This then requires the microprocessor 49 to have double communication units in the event that it needs to communicate independently and simultaneously with the contact means 42/43 and 40/41. It is also possible to imagine that in a case in which the same type of communication is used on the contact means 40/41 and 42/43, the microprocessor 49 can, with a multiplexer, connect its communication controls alternately to one or the other. It may also occur that the microprocessor 49 is, in a similar way, connected both to the contact means 42/43 and to the module 10 via the contact means 34/35. In a case where the microprocessor 49 comprises two communication units and the contact functions 53 and 54 are open, it can communicate simultaneously with the unit 10 via the contact means 34/35 and the system via the contact means 42/43. In the case of such connecting-up, 49 can serve as a bridge between the module 10 and the system. One reason for such connecting-up may be that the unit 10 does not communicate in a manner suitable for the system. The unit will then function as a translation between the unit 10 and the system. This conversion can be both electrical and data logical, that is to say use is made of the same communication but the packaging of data in the transmission is not consistent with what is valid in the system. An example of the former is if the unit 10 is a module with Profibus and the system uses CAN. An example of the latter is if 10 uses the CAN bus connection according to DeviceNet while the system uses CANopen. What was described for the system bus connection on connection to the microprocessor 49 also applies on connection of the microprocessor 49 to the bus connection and the module 10 via the contact means 38/39. In this example, there are two system bus connections connected to the contact means 40/41 and, respectively, the contact means 42/43 and also three connections to the module unit 10. In the simplest case, there may be only one system connection and, in that case, the contact means 40, 41, 36, 37, 38, 39, 46 and 47 disappear. By making it possible for the microprocessor 49 to connect to both the contact means 40/41 and 34/35, it can communicate with the system and the module with the change-over switches 53 and 54 open. With this connecting-up, the microprocessor 49 can on the one hand obtain knowledge and information about the system via the contact means 42/43 and on the other hand obtain information about the module via the contact means 34/35. By means of this information exchange, it is possible for the microprocessor 49 or the microprocessor 49 together with a system-coordinating unit 2 to configure the unit 10 so that it fits the system. If the protocol of the contact means 34/35 coincides with the contact means 42/43, the change-over switches 53 and 54 can subsequently be closed, and the unit can communicate directly with the system. If the protocol does not coincide, the microprocessor 49 can remain active and function as a translation bridge between the unit 10 on the bus connection at 34/35 and the system via the contact means 42/43.
[0030]FIG. 3 shows a further embodiment of the construction of the contact facility, which contact facility, in a manner corresponding to that in the embodiment according to FIG. 2, has the contact unit 19′ and 20′, and where the contact unit 19′ is connected to the connection parts 1 a′ and 1 b′ as well as 31′. In this case, the module unit is indicated by reference number 10′. The blind contact is in this case provided with a memory 50′. Said memory is assigned or connectable to the module unit 10′ via the first and fourth contact means (cf. above). This constitutes an alternative to the facility according to FIG. 2 where the memory 50 or the memory capacity is in principle used jointly by the module unit and the microprocessor 49 in the blind contact.
In FIG. 5, reference number 75 represents a system node which, in the illustrative embodiment, is of the “King” type in a CanKingdom system. The system also includes a setup with module-monitoring system nodes which have been designated by reference numbers 76, 77, 78 and 79. The system nodes are each connected to modules or module units 76′, 77′, 78′ and 79′ respectively. A bus system has been symbolized by reference number 80, and the system 80 can consist of a ring-connected system, for example according to the RedCan type. The unit 75 can send signals i5 on the bus connection 80, which signals are, in a manner known per se and in accordance with the above, received by the units 76, 77, 78 and 79. Said units can then, in a manner known per se and in accordance with the above, establish an information exchange with the units 76′, 771, 78′ and 79′ respectively. The signal exchange between the units is symbolized in the figure by i6, i7, i8 and i9 respectively. In accordance with the idea of the invention, the unit 75 can on a suitable occasion download other information to the units 76, 77, 78 and 79. This information can therefore comprise information signals i5′, i5″ etc. In this context, the information i5′ can be intended for the unit 76 and concern information about the unit 77, which information will therefore be present in the unit 76. The information i5″ can concern information about the units 76 and 77 and is intended for the unit 78 which will therefore comprise said information about the units 76 and 77. Further information can go from the unit 75 to said units 76, 77, 78 and 79 which can therefore obtain information about one another. This information knowledge can be used when starting up the system as a whole. Each system node 76, 77, 78 and 79 checks and, if appropriate, modifies its closest neighbour(s) before connecting the latter up permanently to the bus connection. If a system node finds that a neighbour is not behaving correctly, it disconnects the neighbour in question from the bus connection. Information about the reason why correctness was not present can be sent out immediately on the bus connection or depending on inquiries by the unit 75 etc. Intermediate variants according to the above can also be arranged. If the bus connection is ring-connected according to RedCan, every system module can be checked by two adjacent neighbour modules. If both neighbours find that an intermediate module is defective, it is disconnected from the bus connection. If one neighbour finds that the intermediate module in question is defective, the neighbour can communicate in the other direction. In FIG. 5, reference numbers i10 and ill indicate control signals from the units 76 and 78 respectively to the unit 77 which is therefore checked by the units 76 and 78 etc. The signal interaction described can be implemented technically in a manner known per se.
In a further embodiment, it is ensured that the module fits, for example that the module follows CAN-Kingdom, which is necessary in order for it to function in the system. After this, the module can be connected directly to the system by closing the switches 53 and 54. In this respect, it may be appropriate to adjust the bit speed before the unit can be connected to the system. In cases where the system unit can manage a number of different types of profile in the system, it may be sufficient for the microprocessor 49 to transmit information about the module 10 to the system unit 2 which can subsequently take over control of the module 10 after it is connected up by 53 and 54. If the module 10 is particularly flexible, for example follows CAN-Kingdom, it may be possible to configure the module 10 in such a manner that it functions in the system based on J1939. In the event that the profile in the module does not coincide or cannot be adapted to the system in a suitable manner, the microprocessor 49 is used as a translator between the information on the means 34/35 and 42/43. The microprocessor 49 can do this by receiving data packets, for example through NMEA-2000, on the means 34/35, repackaging them in the microprocessor 49 and sending them out again on the system which follows, for example, DeviceNet. In the same way, the microprocessor 49 can translate information on the system bus connection so that it suits the module 10. In one embodiment, the signals from the module 10 relate to a basic function from, for example, a CAN controller. There can then be electronics in the unit 20 which adapt the signals, for example “LowSpeed”, “High-Speed”, “SingleWire”, optical etc., to what is applicable on the system bus connection. In this case, it may be necessary for one or more of the measures described under preceding points to be carried out as well before the module functions in the system. The next step can include entirely different communication methods in the system compared with the communication to and from the module. It may then be appropriate to arrange the module 10 so as to communicate with the unit 20 by USB. In the unit 20, the microprocessor or unit 49 has two or more different connection possibilities so that, for example, it communicates with the module using USB and it communicates out onto the system using CAN, Ethernet or another system. In this case, the module is arranged as a translator between the module 10 and the system bus connection. The great advantage of arranging the module or the microprocessor setup 49 as a bridge is that it is possible to have different conceptions of time in the module 10 compared with the system. It may be noted that when the unit or the setup 49 is made to function as a bridge, appreciably or significantly great system advantages are obtained owing to inter alia the fact that the task of the module is made independent of the communication in the system.
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Cooperative Classification H04L41/046, H04L43/0817, H04L43/00, H04L41/044
European Classification H04L41/04B, H04L43/00, H04L41/04C, H04L12/26M
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