Schneider Electric Patent: Automatic Topology Discovery Method for 10BASE-T1S Ethernet Networks
Time:2026-05-25 Browse: 0
Publication No.: CN121967236A
Publication Date: 2026-05-01
Filing No.: 2025115572660
Applicant: Schneider Electric Industries SAS
Overview of the Invention
Schneider Electric has disclosed a patented method and system for automatically determining the topology of a 10BASE-T1S Ethernet communication network, particularly targeting bus-based industrial Ethernet architectures where multiple nodes share a common communication trunk.
The invention focuses on enabling a control node—positioned as an endpoint of the communication bus—to automatically identify the physical and logical connection order of connected nodes without requiring manual configuration or external measurement tools.
Core Technical Principle
The method is executed by a control node acting as a terminal node of the communication bus, and includes the following key steps:
1. Topology Initialization Phase
The control node broadcasts a topology discovery initialization message to all connected nodes.
This message includes an instruction for all nodes to switch into a single-receive mode, ensuring controlled and interference-free measurement conditions.
2. Distance Measurement Phase
For each connected node, the control node:
Sends a measurement activation message
Executes a method to measure the communication distance between the control node and the target node
Stores the measured distance values for all nodes
This allows the system to infer relative physical positions based on signal propagation characteristics or communication delay metrics.
3. Topology Reconstruction Phase
Based on the stored distance values, the control node determines the connection sequence of nodes along the communication bus, effectively reconstructing the network topology automatically.
4. Termination Phase
Once topology determination is complete, the control node sends a stop command, ending the topology discovery process and restoring normal network operation.
Key Innovation Points
This invention introduces several important technical advancements for industrial Ethernet networks:
1. Automatic Topology Identification
Eliminates the need for manual wiring documentation or external topology mapping tools.
2. 10BASE-T1S Bus Optimization
Specifically designed for single-pair Ethernet (SPE) 10BASE-T1S architectures, which are increasingly used in industrial automation and automotive networks.
3. Distance-Based Node Ordering
Uses measured communication distance (or equivalent signal metrics) to infer node positions along the bus, enabling deterministic topology reconstruction.
4. Reduced Commissioning Effort
Simplifies network setup and commissioning in distributed industrial systems by automating topology discovery.
Industrial Application Value
This technology is particularly relevant for:
Industrial automation networks (PLC, IO systems)
Smart manufacturing Ethernet backbones
Automotive in-vehicle Ethernet systems
Distributed sensor/actuator networks
Edge control architectures in smart factories
Industry Significance
This patent reflects a broader trend in industrial networking:
From Manual Configuration → Autonomous Network Self-Discovery
Key implications include:
Reduced engineering workload during commissioning
Faster deployment of Ethernet-based industrial systems
Improved accuracy of network documentation
Enhanced scalability of distributed control architectures
In the context of Industrial Ethernet evolution, 10BASE-T1S is emerging as a key enabler for low-cost, high-density device connectivity. Automatic topology detection further strengthens its suitability for large-scale distributed automation systems.
Conclusion
Schneider Electric’s patented approach demonstrates a shift toward self-configuring industrial Ethernet networks, where topology awareness is no longer manually engineered but dynamically discovered.
This innovation supports the broader transformation of industrial systems toward:
“Plug-and-produce, self-aware, and software-defined industrial networks.”
