KR102069596B1 - Direct Current power line communication module connection device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an electrical connection and communication method. Direct current load block modules in which fixtures such as an LED, a sensor, a motor, a gear, and the like are built in are electrically connected, and each module has a function of interacting with the outside of its own such as LED light emission, motor driving, actuator operation, heat generation, and the like. The module blocks are mechanically and electrically combined as a form having a flat or solid structure of various shapes, and power sharing and communication between each module combined as a block can be easily made. A physical structure can be made so that a short is not generated in a circuit manner even when the modules are turned over or out of direction.

Description

DC power line communication module connection device

The present invention relates to a method of controlling each block module as a composite by connecting block modules including a plurality of electric and electronic circuits including an LED or a device including a motor, a gear, and the like, connected to or embedded therein. Electrically connecting block modules of various shapes in flat or three-dimensional structure, sharing power between each module, making communication between modules simple and easy, and even when mechanically combining block modules with their inverted or oriented directions The present invention relates to the communication between modules and the electrical connection of unit blocks that perform external functions with electric power while having a shape structure in which an electric circuit is not short.

In the case of existing electric and electronic circuits, a specially manufactured board in the form of a wide plate that electrically connects components, such as a PCB, according to the purpose, is equipped with related circuit elements, and is electrically connected using a low melting point metal such as lead. Using to make a mass production product. However, there is a disadvantage in that it takes a long time to implement a circuit for a small amount of use. Especially, when a circuit is temporarily needed for experiment or learning, a general purpose PCB is used instead of a dedicated PCB. There is also a method of working or creating a circuit between electrical and electronic components using a bread board, but there is an uncomfortable and unstable problem.

As seen on the Arduino platform, MCU boards with built-in CPUs and peripheral I / O boards are used for learning or industrial purposes by connecting them with electrical cables, such as blocked industrial control boards, LED display modules, and learning coding robot blocks. It can be manufactured as a composite by connecting a number of pre-made functional circuit modules without going through the design and manufacturing process so that the all-inclusive electrical circuit is implemented on a dedicated PCB. Currently, Smart Toy is being released as a coding block product that simply learns programming as a modular block that connects each block as a form of educational coding block and performs power, communication, and sensor functions. In addition, there is a large market that uses the concept of classic blocks such as Lego, such as coding robots, to easily connect electric modules to create a three-dimensional shape and implement the functions of each module. In this way, various circuit elements necessary for the purpose are embedded in a module of a certain size and shape, power is shared as needed, and an easy connection for communication between modules is used for educational purposes such as industrial use or educational robot production. Can be utilized.

 Each module needs to be electrically connected to neighboring modules via connectors or contacts to share power and facilitate communication between modules. The conventional way of connecting circuits of multiple contacts between modules presents a cost and reliability deterioration problem. Therefore, the method of communication uses alternating polarity () to enable power sharing and communication between modules with a small number of contacts or connection paths. polarity) Introducing the concept of DC power line communication, minimizing the number of contact points and presenting the means and method of connection between modules so that the electrical connection is easy depending on the shape of the module beyond the existing single connector. It is intended to implement a special configuration that does not short-circuit with other power / signal lines even if

In addition, the communication connection between each module is the best way to reduce the number of lines or contacts because it is the best way to reduce the number of lines or contacts, rather than Star Topology. If you apply logic circuit or microcontroller and have input means such as switch to input unique ID of module, and nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) such as EEPROM to store unique ID, and control module by ID, Separate operation is possible.

KR 10-1745779 B1

(none)

It is further evolved from play equipment or toys that make complex shaped objects by connecting several standardized modules such as lego or block to each other. There are various components that implement the functions of moving toys or robots. In the case of classic blocks such as Lego, it is easy to connect or separate from each other according to the uneven structure, so that various shapes can be made. However, when an element using electricity is included, it is necessary to use a separate wire to supply power to the required module. It is common. This is time consuming and requires various wire lengths, and the wires protruding out of the block are cumbersome and inconvenience. In this case, it is convenient if the circuit connection is automatic when placing the wire inside the block and making the mechanical connection between the blocks. However, the electrical connection must also be made in accordance with the mechanical connection between the modules, so it is not simple and various problems are expected.

In recent years, there has been an increase in the design of enabling electrical connection only by placing the electrical connection means inside the block through the mechanical merging process of the block. Although there is a structure of connecting linear blocks in one-dimensional chain form and connecting to adjacent blocks using male and female connectors, it is difficult to find a case where a plurality of blocks are combined or three-dimensionally combined in one block in a planar structure. When extending to the combined shape of 2D or 3D, it gives uniform contact and external interface shape to each module.However, it is possible to make the connection between adjacent modules stable and easy. It is important to ensure that the connection is stable and the grid is connected up, down, left, and right, and the power and communication lines are not electrically shorted during the connection between modules. It is important to minimize connectors or connected contacts between block modules that are combined in one-dimensional, two-dimensional and three-dimensional shape structures, and improved electrical connection methods are required for sharing power and stable communication between each block module. Efficient coupling between modules prevents electrical short-circuits and requires an idea in which the modules can be rotated in any direction so that they can be joined together and eventually combine with multiple adjacent modules with multiple contacts per face, side, or vertex position. Each contact must have internal electrical connections and provide an efficient solution.

In the case of a module having a two-dimensional structure, such as a PCB board, it is limited to a polygon having a constant size on one side or a polygon overlapping several times, and the order of the contacts for electrical connection with adjacent modules on each side is the same. When electrically connected to each other, the rectangular-shaped modules can be configured so as not to cause short circuits with other contacts even if they are inverted or connected in different directions. In this case, the contact concept may be the surface of the electrical conductor, but it is an extended concept in the abstract meaning of an electrically connected interface including the male and female structures of the connector.

In the adjacent module to be connected, there is a problem that the electrical polarity is different even if the contacts are located at the same position (see [Fig. 4]). When connected to this contact point, the voltage of the power supplied to the internal power is changed depending on the position of the module.

There are two possible ways in which the DC voltage across the two external contacts is relatively higher and each case can be defined as either a polarity or b polarity. The same type of module has a polarity of a contact at any position of the module, but a polarity of a contact at the same position of the adjacently fastened module is b. The internal circuit of the module is made of the same type of module, but in order to solve the problem that the polarity varies depending on the fastening position, the internal circuit should be designed so that it does not have a problem in operation even when the polarity is reversed.

 Let's take a look at communication between each module. Two outputs are connected to external electrical contacts such as Differential Driver or H-Bridge Circuit or Motor Driver IC with H-Bridge Circuit in one of the modules or dedicated Master Module. Map the data or control or transmission signal to the polarity alternating pattern where the polarities of the two contacts change with each other over time and transfer them to the neighboring module through the contacts, and the neighboring modules rectify them with diodes to restore stable DC power. One-way communication is possible by restoring data, commands, signals or information that can be used as a power source and mapped to alternating polarity patterns. At this time, there are Slave modules that communicate with the power source from the Master module or adjacent Slave module.The Slave module includes a capacitor and one or more diode circuits or active rectifiers or semi-active rectifiers combining diodes and MOSFETs. Low impedance high capacity power supply can be restored stably. Slave module can have various selection of internal circuits such as half-wave rectifier circuit using one diode, double voltage circuit using two diodes, and full-wave rectification circuit using four bridge diodes.

If all modules are connected in parallel, the line can be simplified, which simplifies the connection.However, if multiple modules output different polarities on one line at the same time, circuit problems will occur. Should be. If several modules are electrically connected through contacts and there is also an electrical connection inside the modules, the contacts and internal circuitry of each module in the composite that combines each module will have one of two potentials, either polarity a or polarity b, conceptually 2 It becomes the same as each connected with the electric wire which has a branch electric potential. In other words, each module is conceptually understood to be connected by two wires to share a power supply and a communication line.

Even if you combine each module, you can assign unique ID to each module to select and communicate individually and have various input means such as push switch or dip switch to check or change the ID of each module or PC for external ID input. It is desirable to have a connector that connects to a cell phone, other dedicated device, etc., and an LED or other visual indicator is built into the module to display ID or other module information. It is also common to use nonvolatile memory (NVRAM), which stores information even when the power is turned off, or to use nonvolatile memory such as EEPROM built into the Microcontroller. Basically, the module has a form in which a dedicated logic circuit for communication, load control, and sensor input processing, or a microcontroller is mounted for each module, and a module whose function is only responsible for the electrical connection between modules without any special function is an electrical function other than the electrical connection. It does not need to be equipped with other parts to perform the operation and no ID is required.

As a method of communication between modules, a method of transmitting a large power using the H-Bridge circuit described in Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1745779 may be used, and a motor control IC or a plurality of motor control ICs in which a general differential output circuit or a low power H-Bridge circuit is incorporated may be used. Half bridge IC output is available. Each module should be supplied with direct current electricity, and the master module should have an external direct current power supply and connection function or its own battery or SMPS for converting alternating current into a built-in or connected function.

H-Bridge or differential output circuit of Master module transmits control signal to Slave module in the form of differential output where the polarity of DC voltage is changed. Slave module alternates polarity through contacts from Master module or adjacent Slave module. It accepts DC electricity with and rectifies it, uses it as power of communication and load, and decodes data mapped to alternating patterns to utilize for communication and control.

Slave module has two or more types of electrical contact groups, and has a potential distinguished by polarities a and b. In the case of four or more contacts which are electrically coupled with adjacent modules, the same group of contacts must be electrically connected within the block in order to be electrically connected even though the blocks are adjacently coupled to each other. ], [FIG. 2], [FIG. 3], and [FIG. 4] solid line and a dotted line show it. In the case of mechanically coupling with adjacent block modules, the positions of the contacts are uniformly determined according to a certain standard in order to be connected to each other by electrical contacts, so that the electrical coupling can be easily achieved by mechanical coupling.

In order to achieve the same electrical connection even when the block is rotated and connected to a contact of any other surface among the plurality of contacts, it is reasonable that the contacts of each face are electrically connected internally according to a predetermined rule. In order for a block to be combined from a one-dimensional chain linear coupling to a two-dimensional planar three-dimensional structure, the position of the contact and the mechanical coupling scheme should be presented as a position to be coupled with the contacts of an adjacent block. In addition, in the case of connecting each block, even if adjacent blocks are flipped or rotated and connected to other surfaces, short circuits do not occur, and internal circuits and data decoding methods for transmitting signals or data are normally employed. Details will be described later.

The LEGO block shape, which can make complex composites by combining a large number of blocks that perform various shapes, electrical and mechanical functions, is easy to mass-produce simple modules, and can be connected three-dimensionally to create various shapes and perform complex functions. There is an advantage. If you can create a desired shape and size by connecting unit heating elements or surface lighting or LED displays of a certain size in two dimensions, it is convenient because you do not need to derive various models according to size.

Recently, it has evolved to realize the function of more complicated shape and detailed operation such as a robot combined with moving blocks, instead of simply creating a complicated shape by integrating electric and electronic technology. As circuits having various functions are built into each block type, a method of electrically connecting various combinations between them has been devised. At this time, it is to solve the problem of exposing the wire uncomfortable to the outside and to reduce the cost and increase the reliability of the connector used in the inter-block coupling.

In the case of existing smart toy products, the functional blocks are expanded even more than simple structures in which linear blocks are connected, and the blocks are combined into two-dimensional planes or three-dimensional solid structures that can meet various needs. At this time, the position of the contact that should be connected when connecting between blocks is not limited to that of a specific surface, and even if the connection of the other surface is selected by connecting the block by rotating the block, the electrical connection within the block is not shorted or there is no problem in communication and operation. Equipped with a communication protocol, blocks can be freely combined without any rules or guidelines when combining infants and adolescents without any rules or guidelines, so competitive products, especially in the toy and learning markets. Do.

Some controllers used in the industrial field also have an extension structure to expand necessary modules like LEGO, but there is a disadvantage that it is currently mounted on the guide rail and can be extended in one dimension only in the left and right directions. A wider variety of products are possible in a scalable way, both in three and three dimensions.

In this way, if multiple modules are three-dimensionally fastened, a method of preventing the occurrence of short-circuit between wires and disturbances in communication between modules even without paying great attention to the fastening method will be implemented. More convenient and functional products can be derived from various markets such as functional modularization, modularization of wearable electric devices, modular toys, and modular coding learning.

[Fig 1] The length of each side is the same as the two-dimensional block, such as PCB, can be expanded by fastening each other up and down left and right form or three-dimensional three-dimensional addition up and down the module can be electrically connected Shows the location and structure of the contact point.
The connector order of each side is the same order because the electrical polarity is internally connected in the order of contact Cn, Bn, An on the four sides for the nth module. When connecting with adjacent module, An and adjacent Cn contact have a structure to be connected. (See [Fig. 3]) In the case of the center B contact is connected to the adjacent B contact in the connection with the adjacent module.
In case of three contact point, An and Cn contact point are used for electrical connection of alternating polarity signal, and inside block is electrically connected with contact point of other side or face, and C1, C2, C3, C4 are solid red lines. A1, A2, A3, and A4 are shown as blue dotted lines to show that they are electrically connected to each other. This is to ensure that there is no problem in the electrical supply and communication to the adjacent module in series in any direction when the module is coupled to the adjacent module and the mechanism.
Bn is connected to each other in the module and Bn can be used as a reverse communication line as a master module having a communication transmitter. Alternatively, the Bn contacts can be used for different purposes without the electrical connection between the Bn. For example, when connecting the rectangular block of [Fig. 1] in a linear chain, B1 can be used as a cascade or daisy chain signal connection as shown in [Fig. 7] by outputting to B3 through a microcontroller or shift logic circuit. The central contact point of Bn has the advantage that it can be used for various purposes in the connection between each module, out of symmetry.
In the module, there are rectification means such as bridge diode and active rectifier circuit for extracting power from alternating polarity signal transmitted through the contact point.In addition to the contacts, separate input and output ports can be provided by microcontroller or dedicated logic circuit for communication and control. have. Through this port, switches or sensors can be placed inside or outside the module and various loads such as LEDs or motors can be connected. In addition, a means for inputting, storing, and displaying an ID for identifying each module may be provided.
FIG. 2 shows an example in which four corners are used as electrical contacts as a rectangular plate-like module such as a PCB. It is also possible to add a three-dimensional solid block, which is added by adding up and down to the top, bottom, left and right two-dimensional connection. Each An, Bn, and Cn are electrically connected internally.
[Fig. 3] In the case where the module has a contact point at the vertex position in the form of a cube, the cubic module blocks are two-dimensional or three when the vertices indicated by the circles and the vertices indicated by the rectangles are electrically connected internally. Even in the dimensional coupling, the electrical connection of the two types of a and b polarities is not short-circuited and is made separately in all modules.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a module in which two modules, such as [FIG. 1], are expanded in two dimensions. The A and C contacts are renamed between adjacent modules, but are not electrically shorted.
5 is an example of connecting two PCBs overlapping each other and using a cylindrical conductive magnet at each corner. When adjacent modules are extended three-dimensionally up, down, left, and right, there is a difference between two polarity power sources. It must be connected internally so as not to short circuit.
FIG. 6 A motor or an R / C servo device including a motor may be mounted in a module, and a central rotation axis may be positioned in a z axis direction perpendicular to the xy plane. Depending on the wire connection, the contact connection as shown in the figure will be made. Rotation in the two-dimensional plane can be changed to rotation in the three-dimensional space, in this case, by changing the axis of rotation and forming a three-dimensional shape.
[Figure 7] Microcontroller or dedicated logic circuit is included in each module, and when the cascade or daisy chain type communication is performed between modules, the contacts in the module are not electrically connected to each other. It shows that the signal of Din or status information of module is shifted for a certain time and output to Dout by using microcontroller or internal shift circuit.
FIG. 8 shows that two kinds of five module blocks of different sizes are mechanically and electrically connected adjacent to each other. Even if the module is rotated in several directions and fastened, the picture shows that the same adjacent module is connected to different colored contacts. Like this, in case of adjacent module, voltage of opposite polarity is applied to the contacts at the same position, so the circuit must be configured so that the polarity of the contact group can be reversed inside the block. The method is described later.
[Fig. 9] When power and control information of a line having two potentials are transferred in alternating DC form through several contacts to each module, power for driving a load is generated using rectifying means such as a bridge diode and alternating polarity. Here is an example circuit that can control an RGB LED load by extracting a control signal from the signal. In the case of alternating polarity signals using commonly used peripherals such as UART, the module that controls the load showed an example of H / W using XOR Gate to restore the signal transmitted from the transmitter even if the polarity is changed. If you put information in the pattern of phase changes, such as code, you don't need these peripherals.

The simplest form of block module is an example of a plate, such as a PCB without an outer case. In this case, the PCB is usually a square or rectangular shape, but can be made into an equilateral triangle or an equilateral polygon such as an equilateral triangle. Of course, the PCB is located inside the block, and it is more common to expose the electrical contacts to a case made of external plastic or metal or wood or a combination of these materials.

Electrically connecting all the modules with two kinds of contacts and supplying DC power, two potentials a and b appear at each part of each module. It is possible to change the toggle to change the potential. If the module is electrically connected inside, it is divided into two groups with one of two potentials, a and b, which can be toggled by manipulating the external power supply side, which is the higher voltage. The change to toggle is called alternating, and the master module has an H-bridge circuit or a differential output circuit for alternating. These two groups of positions can be conceptualized as if they were connected to both wires, either by contact or internal connection, respectively. This is called a forward contact line. Forward contact line is conceptually composed of the connection between two types of contacts (including connector pins) and the connection line between the contacts. Various methods can be mobilized for the electrical connection between adjacent modules. It may be a contact of a metal surface or a classic connector mainly using an elastic metal such as phosphor-bronze. Using neodymium magnets coated or plated with conductive metal on the surface of the module, each module can be easily connected and disconnected, and the contact stability is also good.

When connecting the blocks together, it is essential to avoid short circuits because the electrical signals of both polarities a and b of the "forward contact line" may be short-circuited as connections between contacts in a two-dimensional array. In the case of a quadrilateral PCB, if a module is configured so that the a and b polarities are electrically different from each other even when the contacts are connected to adjacent blocks, the 'forward contact line' is connected even when two-dimensional expansion is performed with the adjacent module. 'Is not a short. In this case, if all the circuits in each slave module are the same, the polarity of a and b is different at the contacts of the same location for each adjacent module (refer to [Figure 4]). Make and use This is why a bridge diode circuit is needed inside FIG. 1. In the case of a block that performs a lot of external functions that use a lot of power, half-wave rectified power can be made by using one diode and a capacitor, or a power supply corresponding to the voltage difference between polarities a and b by making a double voltage circuit using two diodes. It is also common to use a full-wave rectification circuit to which a bridge diode is applied, so that the supply voltage is stably generated even when the a and b polarities are changed and connected to the contact point. Since diodes generate heat losses due to the forward bias Vf in proportion to the current flowing, the use of active bridge rectifiers using MOSFETs and dedicated circuits or semi-active rectifiers combining diodes and MOSFETs also improves power efficiency and reduces heat generated. It is advantageous to.

The present invention adopts a method of mapping communication data to a pattern in which a and b polarities at each contact change with time as a communication means and propagating to adjacent modules through a "forward contact line" so that a time power source having a short time polarity is changed. It is desirable to compensate for this by using parts such as multilayer ceramic capacitors with small capacity but long lifespan because of the disconnection section. Although it is advantageous for power line communication that simultaneously transmits power and communicates through “forward contact line”, Classical AC power line communication, which uses a common RF carrier and performs complex modulation and demodulation, is not suitable when considering impedance matching problems and economics.

In the master module, the voltage polarity is alternated with low impedance by using H-Bride circuit that alternates the voltage polarity of DC power or low power but using differential driver circuit or low power motor driver IC. When transferring voltage pattern to each module through “forward contact line,” mapping necessary information to control command or data and other control into alternating pattern enables signal to be delivered in large voltage so stable communication is possible. The master module includes an H-Bridge circuit or a differential output circuit and has a direct current power supply, includes a direct current battery, includes an SMPS for converting alternating current into direct current, or has a connection means for connecting them, or an external direct current power supply. It has a USB or DC-Jack terminal for direct connection. This master module may have a device that interfaces with a separate wired or wireless communication to receive content information to be controlled externally. There are various devices such as USB, IR remote control, RS-485 communication, ZigBee communication, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Slave modules that perform mapped control operation by receiving DC power of alternating pattern of alternating polarity to which communication data or control information is mapped are all connected in parallel, so each module has a unique ID for individual operation. It needs an input means that can be applied, and ID should be able to be stored in nonvolatile memory (NVRAM) so that ID value can be maintained even after power is disconnected.In addition to communication data, control command signal, ID information is included in polarity alternating pattern. It is preferable. The ID can be changed to a separate dedicated device or the ID can be determined by the signal transmission order according to cascade and daisy chain connection between modules.

The use of alternating DC power line communication methods is used to communicate power transmission with only two wire connections. It is also possible to separate power lines from additional communication lines. However, communication lines eventually transmit data or control information by synchronizing with alternating DC voltages, and each slave module decodes data or control information corresponding to its own ID to perform an interaction function outside of each module or to a sensor. The acquired information or the self status information is transmitted to the master module.

 Each Slave module uses wires and wireless communication with the outside to input various elements such as switches, sensors, microphones, or LEDs, speakers, motors, RC servos, actuators, etc. In other words, it may be a means for performing a function externally. By utilizing this, the rubber wheel can be turned or moved to adjust the angle, so there are elements necessary to make a learning robot. This is called a module external interaction as a unique function of each module.

Modules generally have a case and may have a connector-type contact, rather than a contact on a simple conductor contact surface, but assume the simplest one PCB without a case, and the contact is simplified as an electrical contact surface rather than a connector. The module may have a shape in which two PCBs are overlapped as shown in FIG. 5, and a plurality of modules may be connected in up, down, left, and right two dimensions, and may also be three-dimensional shapes overlapping up and down. The contacts of two or more four corners of the connection is connected, and as a cubic module as shown in [Fig. 3] to be overlapped up and down in three dimensions rather than a plane and may be implemented to be made at the vertex.

The module may be a combination of blocks in two or three dimensions including a case, rather than a simple PCB, and the contact may be a connector or the like for electrical connection. In the case of a three-dimensional solid module block, two types of corners electrically connected to each other may be used, or one group of vertices and one contact point of a side plane or edge may be used as a “forward contact line”.

 Fig. 5 simply shows the configuration of the module that rotates in the plane using RC Servo. If the axis of rotation is changed from the xy plane to the z axis, three-dimensional movement is possible, and the rubber wheel is mounted and rotated to make the central axis long. A structure that can be used is also possible, and a structure that can two-dimensionally adjust the direction of the connection module with two rotation shafts is also possible. In case of R / C Servo, it is possible to connect with wires between the contacts, but if wheels that can rotate indefinitely are used, it is preferable to use a special structure that transfers electricity to the rotor, such as a snap ring.

Each slave module receives a DC power mapped with a voltage pattern whose polarity alternates between a control signal containing the contents of the unique “external module interaction” of each module and the ID information specifying the target of the control through the “forward contact line”. At the same time, each slave module can perform its own “External Interaction” separately according to the control signal or communication data corresponding to its ID.

It is also possible to use "forward contact line" to transfer the self-status information or sensing information of slave module to master module. By dividing the time, allocating time to seize the “forward contact line” in each slave module and transmitting information to the master for the time allocated to it. In this case, the energy disconnection section that is transmitted from Master block to Slave block occurs during that time, so it is not desirable to transfer information of each slave module to Master module by adding additional strand line and contact group other than “forward contact line”. It is also possible to use it exclusively. This will be referred to as a reverse contact line. In case of introducing 'reverse contact line', it should be noted that when multiple slave modules inject another signal into one 'reverse contact line' at the same time, it causes electrical instability, so communication of wired OR structure by open drain signal It is necessary to have a protocol that defines the order in which only one slave module can use 'reverse contact line' at one time, like Multi Drop method which is used in BUS structure or used frequently in BUS structure.

Using three or more contacts, two contacts located symmetrically outside the center contact in the connection with adjacent modules are used as 'forward contact lines' for both a and b polarities and at least one center contact is called a 'reverse contact line'. 'To avoid the problem of shorting between the two lines. The two contacts of the "reverse contact line" can be reversed and combined with reference to the J1 terminal connection of [Fig. 9]. Is maintained normally. Simply use three or three or more odd contacts and use the central one as the main signal communication line of the reverse contact line to avoid the risk of short circuit between the forward contact line and the reverse contact line due to symmetry. can do. Information transfer from slave module to master module through 'reverse contact line' is synchronized with alternating signals through 'forward contact line' to switch or sensor or status of the module to the master module at the time when each module does not overlap. Information can convey information.

In addition, if the Slave module does not drive the 'reverse contact line' and applies a constant impedance bias to the middle value of the power supply when it is floating, the Slave module can drive the logic information with the + power value or the GND voltage value. The biased voltage is detected so that it can carry three logic states. By using D / A Convert, it is possible to send several bits of information as analog value and detect analog value in master module and read several bits of information sent from module at the same time.

  Figure 7 shows the case of a simple communication method of cascade connection with a built-in shift register. In case of using “reverse contact line”, daisy chain connection can be used for reverse communication through this line. To accommodate this, contact should not be shorted inside module. In order to make synchronous communication as “reverse contact line” like I2C and SPI communication, clock synchronization signal with data line is divided into “reverse contact line” to give separate clock contact or “reverse contact line” periodically to reduce contact type. Synchronize with the power supply alternately. In case of applying asynchronous communication method, 1 line communication protocol can be used, in which transmission subject is decided at a certain time delay value promised between master module and slave module. In this case, the contacts are all connected to the microcontroller port and it is necessary to set the input port or the output port by analyzing the signal components by polling the port for an initial predetermined time.

 Recently used WS2812 RGB LED Module is a structure that connects Cascade with 1 Line between modules as shown in [Fig. 7]. Initially, communication contact in all directions is selected as the pulled-up input port, and input is made to this port within a certain time. When it comes in, this port is regarded as an input continuously and connected to the input of the WS2812, and the output of the WS2812 is controlled to be connected to the contact point to the next connected module. You can connect each module, but each module's external interactions can work sequentially or in different modules over time to produce a variety of effects. In this case, use three or more contacts and connect the signals coming into the contacts of each module with the internal microcontroller port or dedicated logic circuit to perform “external module interaction” function, and the output of the signal input to the module or newly generated from the microcontroller. The signal is delayed for a certain time and transferred to the adjacent module, and cascade connection or daisy chain structure connects multiple modules in a line so that each module can perform its external interaction with time sequentially with one function input. And thus can perform various external functions. In order to implement such a function, as shown in FIG. 7, a cascade or daisy chain type D1 input is transmitted from module 1 to module 3. For example, module 1 of FIG. 7 shows a microcontroller input D1 signal. Delay time to output to module 2, or refer to the input, the microcontroller itself outputs the newly created signal to module 2 immediately or at time delay and if this function operates sequentially from module 1 to module n, Cascade or Daisy Chain Each external interaction of each module connected in the form can be synchronized with time to operate various effects.

In either case of a cubic module such as [FIG. 3] or a flat plate module such as [FIG. 2], the combined composite eventually exhibits two kinds of voltage polarities a and b on the “forward contact line” and these two voltage polarities must not be shorted to each other. do. In the case of adjacent modules, even if the same side or the same vertex position is rotated by connecting the module itself, the electrical polarity inside the module may be connected to a different polarity than originally thought. Referring to FIG. 3, the vertices represented by the circles of the cube and the vertices represented by the squares are electrically distinguished from each other, but when the cube itself is rotated by 90 degrees, the power of a different polarity than that originally intended for the corresponding contact point is seen inside the module. Is connected and entered into its contact point. Regardless of the connection direction of the module of the cube, there are only two voltage polarities, and inside the module, the internal circuit must be configured to operate without problems even if the two voltage polarities a and b are interchanged.

9 shows an example of the internal circuit of the slave module for emitting LED. After passing through several contacts to each module, it is conceptually transferred to this Slave module in the form of direct current in which power and control information are alternately through two lines. Then, the bridge diode circuit is used to generate and alternate power to drive the load. Demonstrates controlling the RGB LED load by extracting the control signal from the polarity signal. When creating an alternating polarity signal using a commonly used peripheral such as UART, an example of H / W using XOR Gate to properly restore the UART signal at the transmitting side even when the polarity is changed is shown. If you put this peripheral circuit is not necessary.

Before generating the alternating polarity signal, the transmitter needs to add a process and a means of detecting a case where two lines are short-circuited or two shorts due to other reasons. When outputting alternating signal, it can be judged as short-circuit if it detects heat generation due to overcurrent or if it first applies the signal to one line and reads the voltage value of the other line and quickly follows the applied signal. You can notify the user in a variety of ways, such as a warning sound.

none

Claims (3)

In a device in which a plurality of modules are mechanically coupled to each other as a complex, each module performs a function of a separate 'module external interaction',
The 'Master module' includes a device for converting alternating current into direct current or includes a battery or is connected to an external direct current power supply; The plurality of 'Slave modules' having identification IDs are electrically connected as 'forward contact lines';'Mastermodule' is an H-Bridge circuit or a differential output circuit that generates 'external module interaction' and generates polarity alternating patterns of voltages to which data or control commands and ID information of the control target module are mapped and outputs them as 'forward contact lines'. ; 'Slave module' has rectifying means for making a flat DC power from alternating polarity power delivered through 'forward contact line';'Slavemodule' is a direct current power source through the rectifying means and used as the load power of the internal circuit and 'module external interaction';'Slavemodule' performs 'module external interaction' by decoding control command signal or control data on the alternating pattern of alternating polarity power transmitted through 'forward contact line',
The 'Master module' or 'Slave module' comprises two or more electrical contacts at sides or corners of the opposite positions or sides of the cube or vertices of the cube in the 'forward junction line' for electrical connection; When there are connecting contacts at sides or edges or faces or vertices between adjacent modules, the insides of the modules are electrically connected so that the same polarity is given at the electrical contacts at the same positions of each side or edge or face or vertex; When connecting modules when the module is turned upside down or rotated to connect in a different posture, it is characterized in that the contacts are positioned and internal connections between the contacts so that an electrical short does not occur due to the connection with the adjacent module,
Electrical module communication device that combines the module blocks that perform the function of 'module external interaction' In paragraph 1,
Using three or more contacts; 'Forward contact line' is connected by symmetrical contacts; Characterized in that it is used as a 'reverse contact line' for the purpose of transferring the status information of the module or the switch, sensor information, etc. in synchronization with the alternating signals and transferring them to the 'Master module' or another 'Slave module'.
Electrical module communication device that combines the module blocks that perform the function of 'module external interaction' In paragraph 1,
Each module uses three or more contacts; The plurality of slave modules are connected in a cascade or daisy chain structure; 'Forward contact line' is implemented by connecting a contact symmetrical with respect to the center contact of each module; The center contact is connected to the port of the microcontroller or the dedicated logic circuit inside the module; The value transmitted from the 'Master module' or the adjacent 'Slave module' or shifted value or the switch or sensor information of each 'Slave module' or the status information of the module is synchronized with the period of the voltage waveform of the "forward contact line". Or after a process of shifting to a specific time period, outputs to a specific contact point and delivers it to a neighbor slave module or a master module; 'Slave module' performs the function of its own 'External Interaction',
Electrical module communication device that combines the module blocks that perform the function of 'module external interaction'

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