Novel approach of backplane communication for compact & field mountable I&C systems of FBR

This paper presents a novel and passive backplane communication protocol which can be used for CPU-I/O communication over backplane for I&C systems of a typical Nuclear Power Plant. This protocol is proposed as an alternate for existing protocols with essential features required for the development of reliable ultra-compact field mountable data acquisition & control systems. Customized serial communication on a non-shared bus is proposed with its benefits and limitations. Requirements for designing compact I&C systems is described with the possible approaches. The benefits achieved with this development are simple, reliable & easily verifiable interface logic on CPU/IO modules and reduced pin count backplane connector for IO modules leading to enhanced reliability. Remote Terminal Unit (RTU) design based on this developed protocol is detailed with the interface logic design, timings, electrical specifications, capabilities and connector/mechanical details. The concept validation on FPGA based hardware is also detailed.