Method and apparatus for monitoring a communications network
First Claim
1. A method for monitoring, detecting and analyzing signals and errors on a fieldbus communication network, utilizing a communication signal on a fieldbus within said fieldbus communication network, comprising the steps of:
- receiving said communication signal from said fieldbus communication network;
identifying characteristic fieldbus protocol information on one or more signal frames from said received communication signal being used on said fieldbus communication network;
actively filtering said received communication signal in real time based on said identified characteristic fieldbus protocol information to separate frames indicative of errors in said fieldbus communication network or of operation or function of one or more fieldbus devices on said fieldbus communication network from among said signal frames.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A method and apparatus for the monitoring, detecting and analyzing of signal errors on an electronic communications network, utilizing a communication signal on a fieldbus of the network, which includes receiving a communication signal from the communications network, and collecting information electronically on the components of each individual signal frame. This information is selected electronically by use of a software driven microcomputer. The communication signal is sent through an active real time filter array which actively passes selected individual frames. The filters are selected electronically by use of a software driven microcomputer. The filters may use context information present on the fieldbus in selecting frames. A software driven microcomputer is also used to display these individual frames in real time. Additionally, frames may be captured manually or automatically and stored electronically. Automatic capturing is accomplished by use of a trigger mechanism set by the microcomputer. A simulator may also be included for generating a simulated communication signal to be displayed simultaneously with the communication signal.
-
Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A method for monitoring, detecting and analyzing signals and errors on a fieldbus communication network, utilizing a communication signal on a fieldbus within said fieldbus communication network, comprising the steps of:
-
receiving said communication signal from said fieldbus communication network; identifying characteristic fieldbus protocol information on one or more signal frames from said received communication signal being used on said fieldbus communication network; actively filtering said received communication signal in real time based on said identified characteristic fieldbus protocol information to separate frames indicative of errors in said fieldbus communication network or of operation or function of one or more fieldbus devices on said fieldbus communication network from among said signal frames. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. Apparatus for monitoring, detecting and analyzing signal errors on a fieldbus communication network, utilizing communication signals on a fieldbus within said fieldbus communication network comprising:
-
a probe including (i) an electronic signal detector for detecting said communication signals which are generated by one or more devices of said fieldbus communication network, (ii) an information collector for collecting characteristic fieldbus protocol information connected to said electronic signal detector, (iii) an active real time filter array connected to said information collector for separating selected frames of said communication signal based on said characteristic fieldbus protocol information, and (iv) a timer for synchronizing said probe with said frames; and a user interface connected to said probe and including a communication signals detection controller, a controller for collection of said information, a controller for selection of said frames by said active real time filter array and a display for viewing said frames. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
-
-
19. A method for monitoring, detecting and analyzing signal errors on an electronic Fieldbus communications network, utilizing a communication signal on a fieldbus within said fieldbus communication network, comprising the steps of:
-
receiving said communication signal from said fieldbus communication network; identifying characteristic fieldbus protocol information on one or more signal frames from said received communication signal being used on said fieldbus communication network; actively filtering said received communication signal in real time, wherein said active filtering step uses said identified characteristic fieldbus protocol information, based upon addresses or identifiers contained or inferred in said signal frames, to select said signal frames or deselect other signal frames not containing or inferring said addresses or identifiers; and displaying said signal frames. - View Dependent Claims (20)
-
Specification