Abstract: A system for remediating a bus sectioning events, such as a bus failure or controlled sectioning, comprises a plurality of nodes coupled together by a bus in a tool string used in a bottom hole assembly (BHA). Each node comprises a bus switch configured to isolate the node from a section of the bus. Upon a bus sectioning event, a first sub-tool string and a second sub-tool string are created on either side of the bus section to be isolated, each of which independently operate in parallel. Communication between the first and second sub-tool buses is established through respective nodes connected to each sub-tool bus that comprise a wireless communication transceiver configured to convey signals along the tool string. Alternatively or additionally, each of the sub-tool buses has a node with telemetry for communicating with the surface. Accordingly, each of the sub-tool busses continues independently operating normally.

Abstract: A system, in some embodiments, comprises: a controller; and a mud pulse telemetry modulator coupled to the controller and configured to modulate a mud column using differential pulse position modulation (DPPM) code words comprising most significant bits and least significant bits, wherein the controller allocates the most significant bit in each of said code words to a first data parameter having a first importance value and the least significant bit in each of said code words to a second data parameter having a second importance value that is lower than the first importance value.

Abstract: An intelligent tool bus network for a bottom hole assembly (BHA) that can enumerate the nodes on the bus to build a tool string layout map. During the enumeration, an enumeration master node (EMN) sequentially powers and tests additional sections of the bus and additional tool electronics. At each node, the EMN records the results of the tests in an enumeration log. For each good node, communication is established with the EMN to retrieve a node ID and node metadata. Using the enumeration log, the EMN builds a tool string layout map that includes information of each node, their relative location, and their operating status. The intelligent tool bus network also facilitates sectioning a bus into a plurality of sub-busses upon a sectioning event and rejoining the sub-busses. The sectioning event occurs as a result of a fault on the bus or a planned section division multiplexing event.

Abstract: An interface module has an outward interface with at least two ports for directly connecting to separate sections of a tool bus. The outward interface may have two uplink ports and one downlink port for layered tool bus applications. Each port has two electrical contacts for creating an electrical path between electronic assemblies with combined power & data transmission (CPDT) using a transmission line. A power port is connectable to an external power source via a common electrical path. A standardized inward interface of the interface module provides data and communication contact groups for data and power communication with assembly electronics. The interface module is implemented using advanced electronics packaging technology for easy installation on a printed circuit board. The interface module facilitates a streamlined downhole electronic testing configuration for testing electronics as they are developed prior to completion of development of dependent components.

Abstract: A power supply can regulate the power from a wide-input power source. The power supply can provide regulated voltage and current and can work in either a constant-current mode or a constant-voltage mode. The power supply includes a switchable charging path and a switchable discharging path, each coupled to the output in series with a current sensor and in parallel with a voltage sensor, wherein the current sensor and voltage sensor provide signals to a control circuit for controlling the switchable charging path and the switchable discharging path. The power supply can rapidly and dynamically switch between a charging state, a freewheeling state, and a discharging state.

Abstract: A system for remediating a bus sectioning events, such as a bus failure or controlled sectioning, comprises a plurality of nodes coupled together by a bus in a tool string used in a bottom hole assembly (BHA). Each node comprises a bus switch configured to isolate the node from a section of the bus. Upon a bus sectioning event, a first sub-tool string and a second sub-tool string are created on either side of the bus section to be isolated, each of which independently operate in parallel. Communication between the first and second sub-tool buses is established through respective nodes connected to each sub-tool bus that comprise a wireless communication transceiver configured to convey signals along the tool string. Alternatively or additionally, each of the sub-tool buses has a node with telemetry for communicating with the surface. Accordingly, each of the sub-tool busses continues independently operating normally.

Abstract: An example apparatus may include a solenoid actuator with a solenoid coil and a corresponding solenoid armature. A plurality of switches may be coupled to the solenoid coil. A controller may be electrically coupled to the plurality of switches, the controller having a processor and a memory device coupled to the processor. The memory device may contain a set of instructions that, when executed by the processor cause the processor to receive a feedback signal corresponding to a condition of at least one of the solenoid coil and the solenoid armature; and generate a control signal to alter the state of at least one of the plurality of switches based, at least in part, on the received feedback signal.

Abstract: An interface module has an outward interface with at least two ports for directly connecting to separate sections of a tool bus. The outward interface may have two uplink ports and one downlink port for layered tool bus applications. Each port has two electrical contacts for creating an electrical path between electronic assemblies with combined power & data transmission (CPDT) using a transmission line. A power port is connectable to an external power source via a common electrical path. A standardized inward interface of the interface module provides data and communication contact groups for data and power communication with assembly electronics. The interface module is implemented using advanced electronics packaging technology for easy installation on a printed circuit board. The interface module facilitates a streamlined downhole electronic testing configuration for testing electronics as they are developed prior to completion of development of dependent components.

Abstract: An intelligent tool bus network for a bottom hole assembly (BHA) that can enumerate the nodes on the bus to build a tool string layout map. During the enumeration, an enumeration master node (EMN) sequentially powers and tests additional sections of the bus and additional tool electronics. At each node, the EMN records the results of the tests in an enumeration log. For each good node, communication is established with the EMN to retrieve a node ID and node metadata. Using the enumeration log, the EMN builds a tool string layout map that includes information of each node, their relative location, and their operating status. The intelligent tool bus network also facilitates sectioning a bus into a plurality of sub-busses upon a sectioning event and rejoining the sub-busses. The sectioning event occurs as a result of a fault on the bus or a planned section division multiplexing event.

Abstract: A reconfigurable network for interconnecting tools in a bottom hole assembly is disclosed. The network includes nodes that have reconfigurable switches that can be configured to provide a conductive path for the bus through the node, connect a terminator to the bus, and/or connect a tool to the bus. The exact configuration (i.e., states) of the switches in each node may be automatically selected based on a detected fault in a tool attached to a node and/or the state of other switches in the node or/a specific request is received. Various node embodiments and a method and circuit for automatically disconnecting a tool from the network in response to a tool fault are further disclosed.

Abstract: An example method for driving a solenoid actuator includes providing at least one solenoid of the solenoid actuator coupled to a power supply through a plurality of switches. The at least one solenoid of the solenoid actuator may be energized by closing at least one switch of the plurality of switches. Energy from the at least one solenoid may be discharged to the power supply or another solenoid of the solenoid actuator by at least one of opening the at least one switch of the plurality of switches and closing at least one other switch of the plurality of switches.

Abstract: An intelligent tool bus network for a bottom hole assembly (BHA) that can enumerate the nodes on the bus to build a tool string layout map. During the enumeration, an enumeration master node (EMN) sequentially powers and tests additional sections of the bus and additional tool electronics. At each node, the EMN records the results of the tests in an enumeration log. For each good node, communication is established with the EMN to retrieve a node ID and node metadata. Using the enumeration log, the EMN builds a tool string layout map that includes information of each node, their relative location, and their operating status. The intelligent tool bus network also facilitates sectioning a bus into a plurality of sub-busses upon a sectioning event and rejoining the sub-busses. The sectioning event occurs as a result of a fault on the bus or a planned section division multiplexing event.

Abstract: A system, in some embodiments, comprises: a controller; and a mud pulse telemetry modulator coupled to the controller and configured to modulate a mud column using differential pulse position modulation (DPPM) code words comprising most significant bits and least significant bits, wherein the controller allocates the most significant bit in each of said code words to a first data parameter having a first importance value and the least significant bit in each of said code words to a second data parameter having a second importance value that is lower than the first importance value.

Abstract: A power supply can regulate the power from a wide-input power source. The power supply can provide regulated voltage and current and can work in either a constant-current mode or a constant-voltage mode. The power supply includes a switchable charging path and a switchable discharging path, each coupled to the output in series with a current sensor and in parallel with a voltage sensor, wherein the current sensor and voltage sensor provide signals to a control circuit for controlling the switchable charging path and the switchable discharging path. The power supply can rapidly and dynamically switch between a charging state, a freewheeling state, and a discharging state.

Abstract: A tool bus spans multiple segments of a bottom hole assembly (BHA) is implemented as a transmission line with only a single electrical contact (SEC) across joints of adjacent segments. A common mode (CM) choke on the transmission line promotes return currents to pass through the transmission line as opposed to through parallel return paths and stabilizes the characteristic impedance on the transmission line. The tool bus uses a two-layer bus with a first layer that is used to communicate across segments and a second layer that is used to communicated among nodes within one segment. A primary node is used to link the primary bus and the secondary bus. A CM choke may be used at the connection between the primary node and the primary bus, at the connection between the primary node and the secondary bus, and/or at the connection between the secondary bus and a secondary node.

Abstract: Pulse telemetry systems and methods for communicating digital data from a wellbore to a surface unit are presented that include a valve fluidly coupled to drilling fluid. The valve adjusts pressure in a drillpipe to cause pressure transitions within the drilling fluid within the drillpipe to transmit data over the drilling fluid. The valve includes a voice coil actuator for developing the pressure transitions within the drilling fluid. Other systems and methods and are included.

Abstract: Pulse telemetry systems and methods for communicating digital data from a wellbore to a surface unit are presented that include a valve fluidly coupled to drilling fluid. The valve adjusts pressure in a drillpipe to cause pressure transitions within the drilling fluid within the drillpipe to transmit data over the drilling fluid. The valve includes a voice coil actuator for developing the pressure transitions within the drilling fluid. Other systems and methods and are included.

Abstract: An example method for driving a solenoid actuator includes providing at least one solenoid of the solenoid actuator coupled to a power supply through a plurality of switches. The at least one solenoid of the solenoid actuator may be energized by closing at least one switch of the plurality of switches.

Abstract: An example apparatus may include a solenoid actuator with a solenoid coil and a corresponding solenoid armature. A plurality of switches may be coupled to the solenoid coil. A controller may be electrically coupled to the plurality of switches, the controller having a processor and a memory device coupled to the processor. The memory device may contain a set of instructions that, when executed by the processor cause the processor to receive a feedback signal corresponding to a condition of at least one of the solenoid coil and the solenoid armature; and generate a control signal to alter the state of at least one of the plurality of switches based, at least in part, on the received feedback signal.

Abstract: Pulse telemetry systems and methods for communicating digital data from a wellbore to a surface unit are presented that include a valve fluidly coupled to drilling fluid. The valve adjusts pressure in a drillpipe to cause pressure transitions within the drilling fluid within the drillpipe to transmit data over the drilling fluid. The valve includes a voice coil actuator for developing the pressure transitions within the drilling fluid. Other systems and methods and are included.