DE19956964A1 - Intelligent data line - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an intelligent data line for data networks, comprising a circuit (10) for identifying and managing cable-specific, network-specific, and/or user-specific characteristics, said circuit (10) comprising a read/write memory (2) and a relaying facility (1) which controls the flow of data between the data line (4) and the read/write memory (2).

Description

The invention relates to an intelligent data line for data networks, with a Circuit for identifying and managing cable-specific, network-specific or user-specific data.

Traditionally, end devices, such as computers or printers, interconnected via data lines. The connected Terminal devices form a data network in which the various terminal devices use data lines can communicate with each other. Because of the increasing Complexity of these networks increases the number and length of data lines, that connect the end devices with each other. To manage such a network or to be able to wait, it is necessary the data lines and devices of the Identify and localize the network. Because the data lines are often very are long and are laid in special cable ducts, their location is often cumbersome and time consuming.

An intelligent data line for the localization of a cable of a data line network is known from DE 198 60 708.3, which is a post-published Represents state of the art. To identify the data lines, the two devices  a network connects, with this earlier arrangement, a data packet sent from one device to another. Every data line adds that Data packet add an individual cable identifier if the data packet contains the Data line happens. The data packet received from a terminal is then sent back, and the attached cable identifiers are removed from the Data packet read out. From the number and order of the received cable-specific cable identifiers are recognized, in which order and via which cables are connected to the end devices. With this procedure although it is recognized how end devices of a network are connected to one another, however, the end devices must be switched on for this to be sent Data packet can be received or sent back. You also have to Terminals to be connected to the data line ends of the network and the Identifiers of the end devices must be known in order to send signals via the data line to be able to send.

The assignment of identifiers to end devices in a network can also lead to further disadvantages. The identifier of a terminal is used for the unique Identification of an end device in a network. So care must be taken be that the same identifier is not assigned to two terminals, which under Circumstances can be very complex if not all connected devices are known.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an intelligent data line to provide in the cable-specific, network-specific and / or user specific data can be stored, updated and accessed remotely, whereby in particular the characteristics of the data line and connected devices can be assigned to each other.

This object is solved by the features of claim 1. According to the A circuit is integrated into the intelligent data line according to the invention. This Circuit comprises a read / write memory and a switching device. The switching device controls the data flow between, the data line and the read / write memory.

According to the invention, information about end devices and data lines of the Network through the switching device and the read / write memory in the intelligent data line can be saved and linked together and can be called up remotely via the switching device. So you can  Network and data line information, especially information about assigned or connected to the line directly from the data lines of the network can be accessed without a signal to another have to send switched on terminal of the network. All information about the network can according to the invention from a terminal from the data lines be read out. All assigned IDs for the connected end devices can thus be called up centrally before a new identifier is assigned. It is also possible to use the identifiers for end devices in the data lines save to which they are connected. Each end device then receives its own Identifier in the network by taking the identifier from the intelligent data line reads to which the terminal is connected. Because every device has one Cable line is assigned, the assignment of identifiers for end devices thereby track that in each cable an individual identifier for end devices is entered.

In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, there is also a Memory management connected to the switching device. If one to the intelligent data line connected terminal data from the write / Wants to read the read memory, it sends a corresponding command in the form of Control data to the switching device. The switching device transmits all control data received to memory management, which then causes that the requested characteristic data are read from the read / write memory and fed into the data network via the switching device and sent to the corresponding terminal are transmitted.

According to the invention, characteristic data are written into the read / write memory, if they are transmitted to the circuit with appropriate control data. The On the basis of the control data received, memory management causes the Characteristic data from the switching device into the read / write memory can be saved.

Another advantageous embodiment of the present invention consists in the switching of the intelligent data line with an independent energy supply care. The circuit is powered either by a supply circuit that supplies the necessary energy to either an energy supply supply network directly or via the data line. The supply circuit converts the received energy in such a way that it supplies the com components of the circuit is suitable. It is also possible to supply energy  via the data line and / or from the energy supply network to the respective automatically switch to another type of food if the energy supply is via a the tapping points is no longer guaranteed. Because of the independent and permanent power supply to the intelligent data line, can be accessed at any time Read / write memory of the intelligent data line can be accessed.

The switching of the intelligent data line can also be a read-only memory to have. The data in the read-only memory can only be called up but not be overwritten. This ensures that, for example, cables specific information such as the identifier of the data line is not overwritten can be.

Another advantageous embodiment of the present invention provides that a transmitting / receiving device in the circuit to the switching device connected. The transceiver can electromagnetic signals send and receive. Thus, using an external transceiver the memories in the circuit are accessed. Characteristic data can thus in the intelligent data line read in or from the intelligent data line can be read out without a terminal being connected to the data line must become.

Alternatively, an external device can be connected directly to a port that is connected to the switching device. Access to the store in the Switching via the connection takes place in the manner described above and Wise.

According to the invention, it is therefore preferably possible in the circuit in addition to the cables specific characteristic data additionally network-specific characteristic data, in particular also acquire the characteristics of terminal devices connected to the data line, save and feed into the data network during a query process and at one the terminals of the data network received. You can also add additional external, d. H. user-specific characteristics, for example inventory data in the Save the circuit and assign it to the characteristics of the data line.

The circuit preferably contains a control device that controls the data flow in the Data line modified when recognizing certain characteristics and for example prevents the flow of data to a terminal device. The fiction Smart data line can act as an independent communication partner  act if, for example, no end device is active. The circuit enables it that cable identification data and the identification data of end devices by identification can be connected.

The intelligent data line is able to transfer the data streams to and from to analyze the connected end device and modify it if necessary. this will by the circuit according to the invention, which is preferably integrated into the cable guaranteed. In addition, it is possible to use the circuit, which is preferably a module is trained to provide a connection for external information providers, which as a kind of electronic device label an individual inventory information included, which is transmitted to the circuit via a pluggable cable. The Modification of the data streams consists of a significant bit sequence Identifiable data packet of common network protocols - preferably TCP / IP - to generate additional information and the respective sending direction of the Forward data packets or in the opposite direction to the transmitter to send back. The energy required to operate the circuit, also for the power supply of the electronic device labels is to be used if necessary, to be provided by an external power supply.

The circuit for the intelligent data line is preferably in the data line integrated, but it can alternatively also be designed as a separate module that is connected to the data line via a plug connection. The fiction according circuit keeps even when switched off or at the end of the Data line disconnected terminal their functionality. The circuit is inserted into the data line or connected to the data line such that the Data line works as a normal cable even if the power supply fails. By modifying a data area provided for this purpose within of the data packet to be generated consists of an in the Circuit stored cable-specific identifier, possibly stored user-specific information and the list of individual inventory information or status information.

The following functions must be identifiable and executable using suitable bit sequences:

• - Send the modified data packet in the sending direction;
• - send the modified data packet back to the sender;
• - Update of the operating software of the circuit (down loading);  
• - Update of user-specific information held in the circuit including the cable specific identifier;
• - Function test with status information back to the transmitter;
• - Querying the user-specific information back to the transmitter;
• - Activation and deactivation of the data path to the data terminal.

Advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims draws.

Exemplary embodiments for the intelligent data line are described below of the drawings:

It shows

Fig. 1 shows the structure of an intelligent data line according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing the process by which data is read from the read / write memory of the data line;

Fig. 3 is a flowchart describing the process by which data is written into the read / write memory of the data line;

Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 5 shows a third embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 7 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 8 shows a sixth embodiment of the invention.

The first exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below. Fig. 1 shows a data line 4, a switching device 1 in the data line 4, a read / write memory 2 and a memory management 3, both of which communicate with the switching center 1 in connection. The switching device 1 mediates data between the data line and the read / write memory. The memory management 3 , the read / write memory 2 and the data line 4 are connected to the switching device.

Fig. 2 illustrates schematically how a device connected to the data line 4 device to the read / write memory 2, the data line 4 can access. A connected terminal sends a control signal via the data line 4 to the switching device 1 . The switching device 1 recognizes the control signal and transmits it to the memory manager 3 . The memory management 3 takes the instruction from the received control signal to read out certain characteristic data from the read / write memory 2 and to transmit it via the data line 4 to a connected terminal. The memory manager 3 executes this instruction by controlling the switching device 1 and the read / write memory 2 accordingly. The requested data packet is then read by the switching device 1 from the read / write memory 2 and transmitted to the corresponding terminal.

Fig. 3 shows how characteristic data is read from a device connected to the data line 4 in the terminal read / write memory 2 to the intelligent data line. The characteristic data to be read are transmitted to the switching device 1 with a control signal. The switching device 1 transmits the control signal to the memory manager 3 . The memory management 3 takes the instruction from the received control signal to store the received characteristic data in the read / write memory 2 at a specific point. The memory management 3 executes this instruction by driving the switching device 1 accordingly. The received data packet is then written by the switching device 1 into the read / write memory 2 .

Fig. 4 shows a second embodiment of the intelligent data line. In this exemplary embodiment, the circuit 10 of the intelligent data line consists of a switching device 1 which is located in the data line 4 , a read / write memory 2 , a memory management 3 and a read memory 5 . The switching device 1 mediates data between the components of the circuit 10 and terminals that are connected to the data line 4 . The memory management 3 , the read / write memory 2 and the read memory 5 are connected to the switching device 1 . The memory management 3 is connected to the read / write memory 2 .

In this example, the read / write memory 2 or the read memory 5 of the intelligent data line is accessed in a manner similar to that in the first exemplary embodiment. First, control data are transmitted to the administration 3 via the switching device 1 , whereupon the administration 3 recognizes this control data and the writing of data in the read / write memory 2 or the reading of data from the read / write memory 2 and / or the read memory cher 5 controls. The control data must therefore additionally contain information about which of the two memories is to be accessed, and the administration 3 must be able to recognize and implement this information. It is not possible to read data into the read memory 5 of the circuit 4 of the intelligent data line. This ensures that data in the read memory 5 cannot be overwritten.

It therefore makes sense to store information in the read memory 5 from the manufacturer , so that a customer can call up important information about the purchased product at any time. This information can be used to identify the intelligent data line itself and its components. However, the information stored in the read memory 5 can also be valuable in the repair or maintenance of the intelligent data line. For example, the read memory 5 can contain information about which components the data line consists of, which identifier these components and / or the intelligent data line have as such, what physical properties the data line 4 had when it was delivered by the manufacturer and when the manufacturer's guarantee expires. If a faulty intelligent data line is sent back to the manufacturer before the guarantee expires, the cause can be researched on the basis of the information stored in the read memory 5 , which is why the data line did not meet the expected requirements. That is, the information stored in the read memory 5 can also be useful for quality control in the production of the intelligent data line. For this purpose, information relevant to production is stored in the read memory 5 , for example the machines or tools with which the intelligent data line was produced.

FIGS. 5 and 6 show further embodiments of the present invention. In both exemplary embodiments, an additional device is connected to the switching device 1 . The additional device is used to exchange information with the intelligent data line. The memory of the circuit 4 of the intelligent data line is accessed analogously to the exemplary embodiments described above. In Fig. 5 is the additional device, a transceiver 6 , which can send and receive information wirelessly. The memory of the intelligent data line can thus be accessed wirelessly by means of a corresponding external device.

In FIG. 6, the additional device is a terminal 7, connected via a suitable device to the circuit 4 of the intelligent data line, and can be accessed to the memory of the intelligent data line.

In Fig. 7, an embodiment is illustrated with an independent power supply. A circuit 10 according to one of the above exemplary embodiments is accommodated in the intelligent data line. A power supply control 13 supplies the components of the circuit 10 with the required electrical energy. The power supply control 13 is connected to the data line 4 via a second power supply unit 12 and additionally or alternatively to a power supply network via a first power supply unit 11 . The power supply control 13 recognizes whether an adequate power supply of the circuit can be provided by one of the power supply units 11 and 12 and switches if necessary between the power supply lines, so that a stable power supply of the circuit 10 is ensured. The power supply units 11 and 12 convert the respectively received electrical energy in such a way that it is suitable for the operation of the circuit 4 and pass it on to the energy supply control 13 .

Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of the intelligent data line. The components shown with the reference numerals 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 correspond to the components described above with the same reference numerals. In this exemplary embodiment, a detection unit 8 is additionally connected to the switching device 1 . The switching device 1 sends signals to the detection unit 8 . The switching device 1 otherwise fulfills the same tasks as in embodiment 1 according to FIG. 1.

The detection unit 8 analyzes the received signal before it forwards the signal to the switching device 1 and detects signal distortions that occur, for example, due to a damaged data line 4 . The detection unit 8 detects, for example, on the basis of a signal analysis, whether a signal reflection occurs in the data line 4 or at an open or inadequately closed data line end. The distinction between signal reflections at an open line end and signal reflections in the data line 4 itself is determined on the basis of the signal propagation time of the reflected signal, since a signal reflection in the data line 4 always has a shorter signal propagation time than a reflected signal at the intended data line end. If a signal reflection is detected in the data line 4 , the compensation unit calculates the location at which the reflection occurs on the basis of the transit time of the reflected signal. All analysis results of the compensation unit 8 are stored in the read / write memory 2 via the switching device.

The recognition unit is to monitor capable of received signals based on the analysis, the transmission properties of the data line 4 continuously and save the state of the data line 4 in the read / write memory. 2 If the information transmission is faulty due to a damaged data line or has completely broken down, it is possible to read out information about the state of the data line 4 from the circuit 10 of the intelligent data line via an undamaged end of the data line. In the present exemplary embodiment, this information could alternatively also be read out via the transceiver 6 or the connection 7 . It is thus possible, in the event of transmission difficulties due to defective data lines 4 , to easily identify the data line 4 which is causing the errors. Before damage or wear of the data line 4 leads to the fact that the information transmission in a network is faulty or breaks down, the data line 4 can be replaced or repaired.

Claims (24)

1. Intelligent data line for data networks, with a circuit ( 10 ) for identifying and managing cable-specific, network-specific and / or user-specific characteristic data, the circuit ( 10 ) having a read / write memory ( 2 ) and a switching device ( 1 ) comprises, the switching device controls the data flow between the data line ( 4 ) and the read / write memory ( 2 ). 2. Intelligent data line according to claim 1 with a circuit (10), said circuit (10) averaging means, a memory management (3) for controlling the Vermitt (1), the switching device detects (1) control data and provides to the memory management (3) , and the memory management ( 3 ) takes commands from the received control data for controlling the switching device ( 1 ) and executes the commands. 3. Intelligent data line according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the memory management ( 3 ) transfers control commands to the switching device ( 1 ), in particular to write characteristic data supplied via the data line into the read / write memory ( 2 ) or to write certain characteristic data from the Read / write memory ( 2 ) read and feed into the data line. 4. Intelligent data line according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circuit ( 10 ) comprises a supply circuit ( 11 ) which can be connected to a power supply network by means of a supply line to the circuit ( 10 ) with one for the operation of the circuit ( 10 ) to supply the necessary energy. 5. Intelligent data line according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circuit ( 10 ) contains a supply circuit ( 12 ), the energy supply of which takes place via the data line ( 4 ). 6. Intelligent data line according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the circuit comprises a power supply controller ( 13 ) which automatically switches between the energy supply via the data line ( 4 ) or via the supply line in order to ensure a stable power supply to the circuit ( 10 ). 7. Intelligent data line according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circuit ( 10 ) comprises a read memory ( 5 ), and the Vermittlungsein direction the data flow between the read memory ( 5 ), the data line ( 4 ) and the write / Read memory ( 2 ) controls. 8. Intelligent data line according to claim 7, wherein the cable-related information is stored in a programmable read-only memory ( 5 ), and the network-related information is stored in the read-write memory ( 2 ). 9. Intelligent data line according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circuit ( 10 ) comprises a transceiver ( 6 ) for transmitting and receiving electromagnetic signals, and the Vermittlungsein direction the data flow between the transceiver ( 6 ) and the write / Read memory ( 2 ) controls. 10. Intelligent data line according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circuit ( 10 ) comprises a connection ( 7 ) for an external device, and the switching device controls the data flow between the connection ( 7 ) and the read / write memory ( 2 ) . 11. Intelligent data line according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circuit ( 10 ) has a detection unit ( 8 ) which receives signals from the switching device ( 1 ) and detects the signal path covered by the signal. 12. Intelligent data line according to claim 11, wherein the detection unit ( 8 ) detects signal distortions based on the signal curve. 13. Intelligent data line according to claim 11, wherein the recognition unit ( 8 ) recognizes signal reflections on the basis of the signal profiles. 14. Intelligent data line according to claim 11, wherein the detection unit ( 8 ) detects the location of a signal reflection based on the transit time of reflected signals. 15. Intelligent data line according to claim 10 to 12, wherein the signal curves, signal distortions, signal reflections and the locations of signal reflections determined by the detection unit ( 8 ) are stored in the read / write memory ( 2 ). 16. Intelligent data line according to one of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that the detection unit ( 8 ) detects an open end of the data line. 17. Intelligent data line according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a control circuit which prevents the data flow to the terminal device connection when the detection unit ( 8 ) detects certain predetermined characteristic data. 18. Intelligent data line according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circuit ( 10 ) identifies the state of the terminal device or the operating state of the connected terminal device and stores corresponding characteristic data. 19. Intelligent data line according to claim 18, characterized in that the switching device ( 1 ) feeds stored characteristic data controlled by the memory management ( 3 ) or by an external request into the data network. 20. Intelligent data line according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circuit ( 10 ) analyzes the data streams from or to the connected terminal and modifies them if necessary. 21. Intelligent data line according to claim 20, characterized in that for modifying the data streams in data packets of conventional data network Logs the cable-specific or the operating status of the cable or characteristic data of the connected terminal and the modified data packets are forwarded in the send direction or sent back to the sender. 22. Intelligent data line according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that external identification data, for example inventory data, can be written to and read from the read / write memory via the data line and the switching device ( 1 ). 23. Circuit for an intelligent data line for identifying and managing cable or network-related characteristic data, the circuit ( 10 ) comprising a read / write memory ( 2 ), and a switching device ( 1 ), the switching device controlling the data flow controls between the data line ( 4 ) and the read / write memory ( 2 ). 24. Circuit according to claim 23, characterized by the features according to one of claims 1 to 15.