Position detection in linear, proximity coupling networks

This paper describes a method for automatically obtaining the order and position of contactless connected network participants in a linear physical topology. While the sequence of network devices can be determined with quite simple methods in networks with physical interconnections, these methods can not be applied in contactless networks. This work is based on a linear network topology using a backbone rail, which includes mechanisms for contactless energy and data transmission. The position estimation for each attached network device can be performed by determining a specific physical characteristic, which is altered along the rail extension. The proposed solution uses a capacitive resonant circuit to achieve a position detection.