DE10131094B4 - Intrinsically safe coupler module for connection to a data network - Google Patents

Abstract

Coupler module for connection to a data network, in particular to a communication bus (8), with intrinsic safety being provided, comprising several interfaces (A ₁ , A ₂ , A _n , A _K , A _{US B} , A _CAN , B, C, D , E, F) of different standards as well as a modem unit (2) which can be coupled to the communication bus (8) and works according to the FSK (frequency shift keying) method, whereby in addition to the modem unit (2) at least one other with the modem unit (2) connected converter (3, 4, 5) is provided, which, in interaction with the modem unit (2) and / or another converter (3, 4, 5), converts the signals fed to it in such a way that data from different transmission protocols can be transmitted via the Interfaces (3, 4, 5) and interfaces (A ₁ , A ₂ , A _n , A _K , A _{US B} , A _CAN , B, C, D, E, F) assigned to the modem unit (2) or another converter. are interchangeable, further comprising a diagnosis having a data memory connected to the modem unit (2) - And monitoring unit (6), which can be connected to the communication bus (8) via an interface (F), the address ...

Description

The invention relates to an intrinsically safe coupler module for connection to a data network.

Coupler modules are in a variety of forms known from the prior art (e.g. from R.A. Pascoe: Interconnecting devices of different communication protocols, IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin Vol 26 No. 7A page 3483-3484, December 1983). The coupling system described there has several Interfaces as well as protocol converters and modems. The coupling system is used to connect to a data network consisting of a host computer and other units. R. Gallagher describes in "Electronics" pages 3E to 4E, 09/22/1983 "Input / output board connects many types of digital equipment "a" board ", which acts as an interface for data transfer serves between several data units and the respective transmission protocols transforms.

In the DE 42 30 796 A1 discloses an electronic device for recording, processing and influencing the data traffic between an externally connectable test device and electronic control devices mounted in the body of a vehicle. A protocol converter is provided for the data traffic from emission-relevant control devices to the test device, by means of which the test device can communicate with different standards of the protocol, wherein the test device can be connected directly or indirectly via the protocol converter via a guided plug connection to the control devices.

Also in the EP 0 424 658 A2 describes a coupler module that can be used between different input / output units with different protocols. This coupler module is to be used in Ethernet, for example. Conventional PCs are also equipped with several different interfaces, for example by G. Schnurer in the article "Free Selection", c't Magazin für Computertechnik issue 2000/25, pages 238–241, 242, 244, 246, 248, 250– 251, December 2000.

With the future standardization of underground Work and equipment and with the introduction of intrinsically safe bus systems underground, connected to the connection of all for the control and surveillance coal mining relevant machinery, equipment and sensors, are major advances towards automation been made, until it reached the so-called unmanned Strebs, i.e. the fully automatic coal mining without miners to solve a number of problems gives. In international comparison, German coal production is very expensive, which is why extensive automation of coal production is sought.

A modern management system is in making decisions based on information from the entire system directed from the lowest to the highest level. Modern data communication networks enable it at any time, the current location of a production, warehousing etc. to intervene to correct the process if necessary to be able to.

That currently with computer networks most frequently The data communication system used is the Ethernet. Indeed Such a system is not suitable for use as a network in potentially explosive atmospheres Areas, underground or in the chemical industry, because there intrinsic safety is required. At the control level data is transferred on site, for example underground and control from below to above Days over Bus networks, in particular Profibus networks. To from days quick decisions for the Coal mining have to ideally, all the necessary equipment underground be connected to the Profibus. Because of the great variety of underground used devices there are a variety of interfaces between the devices and the Profibus, which leads to extensive problems.

Connections between the used devices and the communication bus in each individual case from several sub-components be put together. In addition there are gateways as well as a multitude of couplers for use, for example serial / FSK (Frequency / Shift / Keying) couplers or FSK / optical fibers (Fiber coupler).

Add to that the underground equipment many different actuators, e.g. Valves, motors, drives, actuators, Flaps, slides, etc. and sensors, such as Sensor for temperature, pressure, Humidity, length, Gases, liquids etc. that communicate with each other and data with each other need to replace. At this so-called field level, it is therefore a suitable communication system a communication bus, e.g. the Profibus.

The Profibus is a manufacturer-independent, open one Fieldbus standard for comprehensive applications in control, manufacturing, process and building automation (EN 50170). With the Profibus there is communication between the actuators / sensors as well as the data exchange to the next information level, for example the control level.

The connection of all underground equipment The monitoring and control function on a bus system facilitates from above Days out considerably since all the necessary information from underground converge in a system in the mine control room and on the basis of which further decisions can be made.

With newer intrinsically safe devices Communication bus interfaces, in particular FSK Profibus interfaces, which many devices currently used underground do not have.

The invention is based on this based on the task of an intrinsically safe coupler module for connection to provide to a data network, in particular to a communication bus, with which the most diverse devices on the communication bus can be coupled and what the diagnosis and monitoring of the data network simplified.

The invention solves the problem with a coupler module according to the characteristics of claim 1.

Unlike other coupler modules the coupler module according to the invention several interfaces of different standards and thus serves as a universal implementer of the interfaces of the underground sensors / actuators or devices outgoing data on the communication bus, which in turn from the Mines as the central medium for data transmission from below to above ground and vice versa. An essential part of the coupler module is the modem unit that can be coupled to the communication bus, which is preferably according to the frequency / shift / keying (FSK) modulation principle (frequency shift keying) is working. With this method, the transmission signal is transmitted by frequency switching, where a frequency is the digital "one" and the other frequency represents the digital "zero", where both frequencies in the same frequency spacing around a carrier frequency are arranged.

At least with the modem unit another translator in connection that the him from the interfaces or fed to the modem unit Converts signals such that data is in different signal form and also in different transmission protocols present, about the converter and the modem unit or another converter assigned interfaces are interchangeable. The coupler module according to the invention has the function that each device connected underground has a bus node address is allocated over the all over Days sent data can be assigned to the respective device under days can. The coupler module then converts the device-specific data into standardized ones Kommunikationsbusübertragungsprotokolle and sends them to the communication bus depending on the priority set for forwarding.

An essential extension of the functionality of the coupler module is given by the fact that a diagnostic and monitoring unit communicates with the modem unit. The diagnostic and monitoring unit is over an interface can be connected to the communication bus. she has a data memory in which the address and / or the Operating status and / or signal level and / or type and shape the transmitted signal of other bus participants over a certain period of time are storable.

Through these features is control extensive communication bus networks and monitoring of all individual communication bus participants possible. The coupler module can not just a multitude of different coupling functions fulfill, but also operated as a second main function as a diagnostic device be, the coupler module also exclusively for diagnostic and monitoring purposes can be used.

It is an interface to wireless Forwarding of the stored data is provided, e.g. to a mobile storage unit, the content of which is read out for days using a PC can be. The data transfer can preferably be transmitted by radio or by infrared signal become.

In the diagnostic function you can from the bus address, the operating status, the signal height as well as the type and form of the transmitted signal or the transmitted one Telegram over a longer one Period can be recorded and saved. This is precisely the case with Use underground as well as for operation and troubleshooting in communication bus networks a crucial advantage.

While the coupler module according to the invention Of course also about Days in non-explosive Areas such as can be used in chemistry wide field of application in the underground Area why the coupler module has intrinsic safety.

The desired versatility and therefore necessary functionality the coupler module only reaches when a large number of different ones Actuators / sensors can be connected to the communication bus. According to claim 2 is therefore at least one serial interface provided on the coupler module, different configurations according to claims 3 to 5 are conceivable. The serial interface can be a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface be as well as a serial standard interface in particular according to the Recommanded Standards RS 232 issued by the EIA and RS 485. Furthermore, the use of a bus subscriber-specific Interface with the associated one participant-specific implementer possible, which makes the area of application of the coupler module according to the invention is still being expanded.

See the features of claim 6 an interface for coupling to an optical fiber system (LWL) and a corresponding fiber optic converter. An interface for connecting the coupler module is also on a CAN bus possible (CAN = Controler Area Network according to ISO 11898) (claim 7).

For surface use claim 8 sees at least one interface for coupling to Data communication network for Personal computer (PC) and a corresponding PC network converter in front. You can for example LANs based on the Ethernet or Token Ring, with corresponding coaxial or twisted and shielded copper cables. For the underground area It is advisable to connect the coupler module via the fiber optic interface, as fiber optic systems high data transfer rates allow, not subject to electromagnetic influences and unproblematic in terms of of use in potentially explosive atmospheres Areas are.

The interfaces and implementers mentioned above alone result in a multitude of possible combinations, some of which are mentioned below:
Bus interface to serial standard interface (eg RS 485, RS 232) for the transmission of the measured values of a temperature sensor via Profibus to the control level;
Bus interface to serial USB for controlling devices with USB interfaces, such as scanners or printers via the communication bus;
Bus interface on CAN bus for data exchange and communication between two different bus systems;
Bus interface to a serial subscriber-specific interface for connecting older devices with interfaces that are not yet standardized or connecting prototypes;
Bus interface on fiber optic cable to combine the advantages of bus technology with the advantages of fiber optic technology, ie no electromagnetic problems with high data transmission density and intrinsic safety despite bus technology;
Bus interface on interface to PC networks, in particular Ethernet for cross-network data communication, for example from a PC that is used as a workstation of an Ethernet company network, directly to an actuator / sensor on site, eg on a machine;
PC interface to serial interfaces (standard, subscriber-specific, CAN) for connecting and operating peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, cameras etc. directly from the PC network;
PC network interface on fiber optic interface for connecting the coaxial technology with the fiber optic technology, for example in the case of electromagnetic problems or longer cables.

According to claim 9 it is provided the diagnostic and monitoring unit with a display device, e.g. a display and a keyboard to provide, and / or an interface for forwarding the Data to an external PC. With the functions as coupler and diagnostic device can the coupler module as well as operation with standard copper cables as well as with optical fibers. It goes without saying the coupler module can also be used as an FSK modem or amplifier.

According to claim 10, the coupler module with an amplifier unit that can be connected to the communication bus Mistake. This amplifier unit or Repeaters are also used to compensate for ohmic losses over long periods Cables.

Both the coupler module as well the diagnostic and monitoring unit can designed as a printed circuit board and encapsulated in its own housing be (claim 11). This results in a small size of the coupler module.

A can be used for power supply separate power supply can be provided, or it can be from the Coupler module connected participants are provided (Claim 12).

The coupler module must be used during the day can be supplied with an intrinsically safe power supply unit or a battery. A standard power supply is sufficient in the surface area (Claim 13).

As a communication bus is in particular a two-wire bus according to international standards, e.g. a profibus suitable (claim 14). The intrinsically safe Profibus improves the Profitability of a production system and leads to large cost savings across from local, decentralized point-to-point connections all to be controlled and monitored Equipment. The cost reduction is due to the elimination of local distribution stations, the minimization of the cabling to the control room by the simple two-wire technology, the elimination of galvanic single-Ex isolation and the elimination of the routing to the control cabinet. as it were the number of sources of error is minimized and thus the risk of errors reduced and an improvement of the availability as well as the operating, monitoring and maintenance convenience achieved.

The invention is described below of exemplary embodiments illustrated in the drawings. It demonstrate:

1 a basic structure of a coupler module;

2 use of the coupler module as an FSK Profibus coupler;

3 use of the coupler module as a pure diagnostic device;

4 Coupler modules as Ethernet-FSK-Profibus and as FSK-Profibus-serial coupler for copper cable technology and for LWL (optical fibers) and

5 use of a coupler module in various functions as an intelligent coupler.

1 shows a universal coupler module 1 with a number of data interfaces for integrating the coupler module 1 in data networks. Central component of the coupler module 1 is a fashion my uniform 2 , which can be coupled via an interface C to a communication bus, not shown. The modem unit 2 is internal with other implementers 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 and about the translators 3 . 4 . 5 . 6 . 7 with associated interfaces B, D, E, F, A _K , A ₁ , A ₂ , A _n , A _USB , A _CAN . The converter 3 is a PC network converter to the coupler module 1 to be connected via interface B to a PC network, in particular an Ethernet, using copper cables or coaxial cables.

The interface D of the fiber optic converter 4 is used to connect the coupler module 1 to an optical fiber system, not shown, and the subscriber-specific converter 5 is used via the serial interface A _K to connect the coupler module to special devices that place special demands on the serial interface configuration.

Furthermore there are serial interfaces A ₁ , A ₂ , A _n and A _{US B} on the coupler module 1 available and for data exchange with the modem unit 2 and the PC network converter 3 connected. A CAN bus interface is used for coupling to a CAN bus.

Another component of the coupler module is a diagnostic and monitoring unit 6 that also works with the modem unit 2 is connected and can be connected to the communication bus via an interface F for maintenance, monitoring, service and troubleshooting on the communication bus. An interface E is used for the wireless forwarding of the diagnostic and monitoring unit's data memory, which is not shown in detail 6 stored data. The wireless transmission takes place by means of an IR / radio transmitter / receiver with a mobile storage unit, not shown.

Finally, the coupler module includes 1 another amplifier unit that can be connected to the communication bus via the interface G. 7 for signal amplification of the bus signal.

2 shows the use of a coupler module as an FSK Profibus coupler. The Profibus 8th is a two-wire connection via which data is transmitted to a bus participant 9 should be exchanged. However, the data exchange is not direct, but via a between the Profibus 8th and the bus participant 9 switched coupler module 1 , The schematic drawing is intended to illustrate that the coupler module 1 as a printed circuit board 10 is implemented with electronic components in any integration density and is encapsulated in a housing. This results in a small size of the coupler module 1 ,

In 3 is a coupler module 1 to recognize which one display device 12 and a keyboard 13 includes. The coupler module 1 is on the Profibus 8th connected and receives, for example, the information that one of the Profibus 8th connected participants no longer participates in bus traffic due to a defect. If the bus is operating correctly, the signal level of the subscriber is shown in the display. This data is on the keyboard 13 available and can on the display device 12 are displayed. A wireless data transmission from the data memory (not shown in more detail) of the diagnostic and monitoring unit can be carried out via the interface E. 6 on a mobile storage unit 14 take place, for example, to import the data underground and to read and evaluate it over day.

4 shows different uses of the coupler modules 1 above and below ground, with two bus segments in the underground area 15 . 16 are shown with several participants each 9 , which are to represent actuators or sensors or also intelligent controls, to which in turn further actuators / sensors 24 can be connected. With 1a marked coupler modules serve as FSK / serial couplers between the actuators / sensors 9 and the Profibus 8th , A data communication network for PCs, for example an Ethernet, is installed above ground 17 , The coupler module 1b thus serves as an Ethernet / FSK coupler for connecting the bus segment 15 with the ethernet 17 , The right bus segment in the image plane 16 stands over an intermediate optical fiber 18 with the ethernet 17 over days in connection with the 1c and 1d designated coupler modules act as fiber optic / FSK couplers or Ethernet / FSK / fiber optic couplers.

The surface coupler module 1e connects a CAN bus device 19 eg a scanner with the ethernet 17 , The coupler module 1e has the function of an Ethernet / CAN bus interface and in the variant 1f the function of an Ethernet / USB interface for connecting a USB device 20 , for example a printer.

To the ethernet 17 are further PCs as workstations for visualization, control, monitoring and data storage directly or for remote monitoring using ISDN / modem units 22 connected.

5 shows a further embodiment for the use of coupler modules 1 , towards the 4 selected names is used. In contrast to 4 In this exemplary embodiment, four bus segments are present underground, the structure of which is the bus segment 15 out 4 correspond. However, there is a coupler module both underground and above ground 1g connected to the respective bus segments as an independent Profibus diagnostic device. In addition, the in 4 With 1b designated coupler modules in 5 in use as a diagnostic device, the individual diagnostic devices being connected to another central coupler module via a multiple switch 1h are switchable, which is also used as an independent diagnostic device. About this coupler module 1h the data of the bus participants is read out 9 and storage in a PC 21 ,

Profibus diagnostics in the control center of the mine is via the coupling of the Profibus signals using the coupler modules 1 directly to the ethernet 17 of the mine possible. Each Profibus segment is underground with approx. 30 participants using a coupler module 1b with the ethernet 17 connected. This enables information from the bus system, such as signal level, address, telegram, to be sent to the PC 21 of the Ethernet network 17 to be analyzed. The advantage is that all Profibus signals are directly in the Ethernet 17 be available.

1

Coupler module

1a

Coupler module (SK / serial)

1b

Coupler module (Ethernet / FSK)

1c

Coupler module (FO / G)

1d

Coupler module (Ethernet / G / FO)

1e

Coupler module (Ethernet / CAN bus)

1f

Coupler module (Ethernet / USB)

1g

Coupler module (Diagnosis)

1h

Coupler module (Diagnosis)

2

modem unit

3

PC network converter

4

Fiber optic converter

5

subscriber-specific converter

6

Diagnosis- and monitoring unit

7

amplifier unit

8th

Profibus

9

bus users

10

printed circuit board

11

electrical components

12

display device

13

keyboard

14

mobile storage unit

15

Bus segment

16

Bus segment

17

Ethernet

18

optical fiber

19

CAN-bus device

20

USB device

21

PC

22

ISDN modem unit

23

Multi-Switch

24

Actuator / sensor

A ₁ , A ₂ , A _n

serial Standard interfaces

A _K

user-specific interface

A _USB

serial USB interface

A _CAN

CAN bus interface

B

PC network interface

C

communication bus

D

Fiber optic interface

e

interface for wireless data transmission (IR / radio)

F

interface to the communication bus for diagnostic purposes

G

interface to the communication bus for signal amplification

Claims (14)

Coupler module for connection to a data network, in particular to a communication bus ( 8th ), whereby intrinsic safety is given, comprising several interfaces (A ₁ , A ₂ , A _n , A _K , A _{US B} , A _CAN , B, C, D, E, F) different standards as well as one with the communication bus ( 8th ) connectable modem unit working according to the FSK (frequency shift keying) method ( 2 ), in addition to the modem unit ( 2 ) at least one more with the modem unit ( 2 ) related converter ( 3 . 4 . 5 ) is provided, which in interaction with the modem unit ( 2 ) and / or another converter ( 3 . 4 . 5 ) converts the signals fed to it in such a way that data from different transmission protocols can be 3 . 4 . 5 ) and the modem unit ( 2 ) or another converter assigned interfaces (A ₁ , A ₂ , A _n , A _K , A _{US B} , A _CAN , B, C, D, E, F) are exchangeable, further comprising one with the modem unit ( 2 ) connected diagnostic and monitoring unit with a data memory ( 6 ), which via an interface (F) to the communication bus ( 8th ) can be connected, the address and the operating status and the signal level and / or the type and form of the transmitted signal from other bus users ( 9 ) over a certain period in the data memory of the diagnostic and monitoring unit ( 6 ) are stored, and the diagnostic and monitoring unit ( 6 ) has an interface (E) for wireless forwarding of the stored data. Coupler module according to claim 1, which has at least one serial interface (A ₁ , A ₂ , A _n , A _K , A _{US B} ). Coupler module according to claim 2, wherein at least one interface (A _USB ) is a serial USB interface. Coupler module according to claim 2, wherein at least one interface (A ₁ , A ₂ , A _n ) is a serial standard interface, in particular according to the RS 232 or RS 485 standards. Coupler module according to claim 2, wherein at least one subscriber-specific serial interface (A _K ) with a subscriber-specific converter ( 5 ) is provided. Coupler module according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one interface (D) for coupling to an optical waveguide system and a corresponding optical waveguide (FO) converter ( 4 ) are provided. Coupler module according to one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one interface (A _{CA N} ) is a CAN bus interface. Coupler module according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one interface (B) for coupling to a data communication network ( 17 ) for personal computers (PC) and a corresponding PC network converter ( 3 ) are provided. Coupler module according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the diagnostic and monitoring unit ( 6 ) a display device ( 12 ) and a keyboard ( 13 ) and / or an interface for forwarding the data to an external PC is provided. Coupler module according to one of claims 1 to 9, with a to the communication bus ( 8th ) connectable amplifier unit ( 7 ). Coupler module according to one of claims 1 to 10, which as a printed circuit board ( 10 ) is encapsulated in its own housing. Coupler module according to one of claims 1 to 11, the supply voltage from a separate power supply or is provided by the power supply of the connected participants. Coupler module according to one of claims 1 to 12, the supply voltage in the area to be protected intrinsically safe is. Coupler module according to one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the communication bus ( 8th ) is a 2-wire bus according to international standards, especially a Profibus.