Automatic node configuration with identical nodes
US5914957A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 1996 |
| Grant date | Jun 22, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04L12/403
- WIPO fieldDigital communication
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A node configuration system with identical nodes includes a master 10 connected to a plurality of identical servant nodes 12-18 through a shared communication link (or bus) 20 and an unshared communication link (daisy-chain) (28,34,38,44,48). The master 16 assigns a unique identifier to each of the servant nodes 12-18, sequentially and individually, in a clockwise (CW) direction by sending configuration messages on the shared bus and configuration enable signals on the unshared link. The process begins with the master setting its configuration enable signal (CW-Cout port 24) to one and broadcasting a configuration message on the bus 20, which configures the servant node 12. As each servant node is configured, it sets its CW-Cout port to one which enables the next node in the chain to be configured. This process continues until all the servants 12-18 have been configured. In the event of a fault, the master 10 attempts to configure the remaining servant nodes in the counter-clockwise (CCW) direction.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.