Hybrid Communication between Electronic Circuits

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to hybrid communication between electronic circuits. According to one embodiment, a system for hybrid communication between electronic circuits is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of sensor nodes configured to read data from one or more sensors. The system further includes a master node configured to receive periodic data transmissions from each of the plurality of sensor nodes via a primary transmission medium and an auxiliary transmission medium different from the primary transmission medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to hybrid communication between electronic circuits. Background Art

[0002] Many systems rely on a central location to receive and process signals from various different sources. For example, a control system in a vehicle can utilize data periodically transmitted from sensors attached to different vehicle components. The wireless transmission of this data increases the likelihood of interference caused by other signals within the same frequency band. For example, data transmitted from sensors to the control system on the 2.4 GHz frequency band may be interfered with by cellular phones, car alarms, and other devices that also operate in the same frequency band. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to one embodiment, a system for hybrid communication between electronic circuits is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of sensor nodes configured to read data from one or more sensors. The system further includes a master node configured to receive periodic data transmissions from each of the plurality of sensor nodes via a primary transmission medium and an auxiliary transmission medium different from the primary transmission medium. In this embodiment, in the presence of interference to the primary transmission medium, the data transmitted on the auxiliary transmission medium can act as a backup communication.

[0004] In another embodiment, a system for hybrid communication between electronic circuits includes a plurality of sensor nodes configured to read data from one or more sensors. The system further includes proxy nodes coupled to each of the plurality of sensor nodes. The system further includes a master node configured to receive periodic data transmissions from each of the plurality of sensor nodes and from each proxy node via a primary transmission medium. In this embodiment, in the presence of interference to the primary transmission medium, the data from the proxy nodes can act as a backup communication. In a particular embodiment, the proxy nodes can also help improve the performance of the master node. In both embodiments, the use of a hybrid combination of multiple transmission media has the advantage of improving the communication reliability between the sensor nodes and the master node.

[0005] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of the exemplary embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals generally represent like parts of the exemplary embodiments of the invention. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0006] To make it easier for those of ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed technology pertains to understand how to make and use the same technology, reference may be made to the following drawings.

[0007] Figure 1 An illustrative block diagram showing a network topology that can be used to read data from sensors;

[0008] Figure 2 A block diagram showing the coupling between multiple sensor nodes and a master node;

[0009] Figure 3 A block diagram showing the internal layout of a master node and a sensor node in one embodiment;

[0010] Figure 4 A block diagram showing the internal layout of a master node and a sensor node in another embodiment;

[0011] Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B and Figure 5C An embodiment characterized by using partner nodes;

[0012] Figure 6A and Figure 6B An embodiment characterized by using proxy nodes;

[0013] Figure 7 A timing diagram characterized by using proxy nodes;

[0014] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a specific illustrative embodiment of hybrid wireless communication; and

[0015] Figure 9 is a flowchart of a specific illustrative embodiment of proxy scheme communication. Detailed Description

[0016] The present disclosure describes a system that can be used for wireless communication between a master node and sensor nodes.

[0017] Figure 1 An illustrative graph showing a system that can be used in embodiments of the present disclosure. System 100 includes a master node 110 and multiple sensor nodes 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160. It should be noted that although nodes 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160 are referred to as sensor nodes, the present disclosure is not limited to nodes coupled to sensors. The present disclosure can be extended to any type of system in which multiple nodes are coupled to a single node. Any type of device that desires to be coupled to the master node can be used. In some embodiments, they can be referred to as slave nodes or auxiliary nodes. Additionally, the master node can also be referred to as a central node. It should be understood that although in Figure 1Only five sensor nodes are shown, but some embodiments may include more sensor nodes coupled to the master node 110. It should also be understood that systems may exist that include multiple master nodes, each master node coupled to multiple sensor nodes. For simplicity, only systems with a single master node are discussed.

[0018] Each of the sensor nodes 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160 is coupled to the master node 110. Then, the master node can be used to aggregate data from the sensor nodes 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160. In many vehicles, such coupling utilizes wiring. However, as more electronic devices are placed in a vehicle, it is more desirable to place additional sensors and other electronic devices in the vehicle. Therefore, there is a greater need for wiring, which increases the clutter in the vehicle. It should be understood that although some examples described herein discuss the use of embodiments in vehicles, the embodiments are not limited to vehicles and can be used in many different environments.

[0019] One solution is to use wireless communication technology to transmit information between each of the sensor nodes 120, 130, 140, 150, and 160 and the master node 110. Existing wireless communication technologies have several disadvantages. For example, the 2.4 GHz band of the wireless frequency has characteristics that are advantageous for such use cases. In some embodiments, the 2.4 GHz band within the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) band can be used. The ISM band may be selected perhaps because it is an internationally reserved band for non-telecom purposes. However, there are many different technologies that use the frequencies in and around the 2.4 GHz band. These technologies include microwave ovens, cordless telephones, Bluetooth, WiFi, car alarms, ZigBee, and wireless microphones. Due to the sheer number of such devices in use, there may be interference between signals in the 2.4 GHz band.

[0020] Interference can cause interruptions in certain signals. But some signals are so important that interruptions in these signals are not desired. For example, in an electric vehicle, a battery management system (BMS) may be configured to receive readings from each sensor at regular intervals, such as every 20 milliseconds. In some embodiments, this may be referred to as an update period or a data collection period. The embodiments described herein will discuss various systems and methods that can be used to improve the reliability and communication quality between wireless nodes.

[0021] Regarding Figure 2(Block diagram showing a system having couplings between multiple sensor nodes and a master node 210) shows a potential solution. System 200 also includes sensor nodes 220, 230, 240, and 250. Additional potential nodes are represented by ellipses. Master node 210 includes two different types of transceivers - a primary transceiver 212 and a secondary transceiver 214. In a similar manner, sensor node 220 includes a primary transceiver 222 and a secondary transceiver 224; sensor node 230 includes a primary transceiver 232 and a secondary transceiver 234; sensor node 240 includes a primary transceiver 242 and a secondary transceiver 244; sensor node 250 includes a primary transceiver 252 and a secondary transceiver 254. It should be understood that although Figure 2 only four sensor nodes are shown in, embodiments of the present disclosure may include a greater or lesser number of sensor nodes.

[0022] In some embodiments, the primary transceiver 212 (of the master node 210) is configured to communicate with the primary transceivers 222, 232, 242, and 252. In some embodiments, this communication may be via a 2.4 GHz wireless signal. This communication path can be regarded as the primary communication path between the master node 212 and each of the nodes 220, 230, 240, and 250.

[0023] The secondary transceiver 214 is configured to communicate with the secondary transceivers 224, 234, 244, and 254. Various embodiments may have different ways of communicating with the secondary transceivers 224, 234, 244, and 254. In some embodiments, power line communication (PLC) can be used as an auxiliary communication method. In some embodiments described in more detail below, near field communication can be used as an auxiliary communication method. Other communications can also be used, such as any other optical, acoustic, or any other possible communication method, including but not limited to optical wireless communication (OWC) and light fidelity (LiFi). In some embodiments, the transceivers 224, 234, 244, and 254 can be coupled together in one of various different configurations. For example, a multi-branch configuration can be used in some embodiments. In some embodiments, a star configuration network topology can be used. In other words, instead of there being a direct connection between each of the secondary transceivers 224, 234, 244, and 254 and the secondary transceiver 214 of the master node 210, the transceiver 214 is only directly connected to two transceivers - Figure 2 the secondary transceiver 224 and 254 in the configuration shown. However, each secondary transceiver is electrically coupled to each other secondary transceiver. In this way, each secondary transceiver is able to directly communicate with any other secondary transceiver in the network.

[0024] In some embodiments, if a primary transmission is received without any problems during a particular update cycle, the secondary transmission can be ignored. In such embodiments, the secondary transmission is only checked if there is a problem with the primary transmission. In some embodiments, the secondary transmission can be analyzed at random or pseudo-random intervals to ensure that the primary transmission is working properly. In some embodiments, the secondary transmission is analyzed during each update cycle for comparison with the primary transmission.

[0025] Reference Figure 3 , a block diagram is shown illustrating the internal layout of the master node 310 and the sensor node 320. It should be understood that the master node 310 can be the master node 210, and the sensor node 320 is an example of any one of the sensor nodes 220, 230, 240, and 250.

[0026] In Figure 3 the example shown, the sensor node 320 is used to monitor the components 362 and 364. In some embodiments, the components 362 and 364 can be batteries. In such embodiments, the battery voltage, temperature, presence of faults, and other characteristics can be monitored at regular intervals (e.g., update cycle or data collection cycle) to ensure that the vehicle's batteries are in an appropriate operating state. In some embodiments, each of the batteries 362 and 364 represents a plurality of battery cells. In some embodiments, the batteries are monitored in groups of six, but any type of grouping can be used. The batteries 362 and 364 are monitored by sensors (not shown) that are coupled to an analog front end (AFE) 368. The AFE 368 is configured to process the raw signals from the sensors. If six cells are being monitored, the AFE 368 can include six channels such that each channel can monitor one battery cell. Although two AFEs 368 are shown in Figure 3 , in some embodiments, there can be one AFE or more than two AFEs. A reader with skill in the art will recognize that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used to receive and process any type of signal and are not necessarily limited to receiving data regarding batteries.

[0027] The AFE 368 is coupled to the microcontroller 372. Although one microcontroller is shown in the figure, it should be understood that there may be different numbers of microcontrollers in various embodiments. Additionally, although the element 372 is referred to as a microcontroller, any type of device capable of performing processing tasks, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system-on-chip (SoC), a microprocessor, etc., could be used instead. The microcontroller 372 can be configured to read measurements from the AFE 368 and send diagnostics. The microcontroller 372 can also be configured to encode data using one of various coding techniques known now or developed in the future. Since the data will be transmitted wirelessly, it may be desirable to encode the data to prevent a vehicle from accidentally reading data from a neighboring vehicle. By encoding the data, only an authorized user, such as a master node, can decode the signal. Thus, even if a malicious or unintended recipient receives the data, the unintended recipient cannot decode the signal. In some embodiments, there may be additional microcontrollers 372. In some embodiments, the additional microcontroller is different from the first microcontroller, such as from a different manufacturer or using a different architecture. Using such a different microcontroller can avoid some common failures.

[0028] The primary transceiver 374 and the secondary transceiver 376 are coupled to the microcontroller 372. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the primary transceiver 374 transmits via a wireless frequency such as 2.4 GHz. The secondary transceiver 376 can utilize any type of communication different from the primary medium. In some embodiments, the secondary transceiver 376 can transmit via PLC. In other embodiments (described in more detail below), near-field communication can be used as the secondary medium. In some embodiments, the microcontroller 372, the primary transceiver 374, and the secondary transceiver 376 can be embodied as a single ASIC. In other embodiments, the AFE 368 can also be included in the single ASIC.

[0029] The central controller 310 includes a primary transceiver 384 and a secondary transceiver 386. The primary transceiver 384 is configured to communicate with the primary transceiver 374, while the secondary transceiver 386 is configured to communicate with the secondary transceiver 376. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the primary transceiver 384 wirelessly communicates with the primary transceiver 374, such as via a 2.4 GHz signal. The secondary transceiver 386 can be configured to communicate with the secondary transceiver 376 via a PLC signal.

[0030] Both the primary transceiver 384 and the secondary transceiver 386 are coupled to the microcontroller 388. Although one microcontroller is shown in the figure, it should be understood that different numbers of microcontrollers may exist in various embodiments. Additionally, although the element 388 is referred to as a microcontroller, any type of device capable of performing processing tasks may be used instead, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on a chip (SoC), a microprocessor, etc. The microcontroller 388 is configured to perform processing for reading data sent by the sensor controller 320 and received by the transceiver 384. For example, the microcontroller 388 may be configured to decode the received data. The microcontroller 388 may be configured to check for faults such as data loss, fullness, insertion, incorrect sequence, corruption, latency, etc. In some embodiments, the microcontroller 388, the primary transceiver 384, and the secondary transceiver 386 may be embodied as a single ASIC. Signals may be sent from the microcontroller 388 to any device 390 that wishes to read what the sensor controller 320 senses.

[0031] The PLC uses the power lines present in the vehicle to transmit signals. In PLC embodiments, those power lines can be used for data transmission. In many vehicles, such power lines are direct current (DC), and thus the PLC used is specific to DC. Using the power lines to provide signals alleviates the need for additional signal lines that would need to be placed in the vehicle. Instead, the power lines that will be present in any case to power the sensor nodes are used to transmit information.

[0032] Although the above embodiments discuss using PLC as an auxiliary transmission medium, in other embodiments, other auxiliary transmission media may be used. In one embodiment, the auxiliary transmission medium is near field communication. As is known in the art, NFC allows two electronic devices to communicate with each other when they are in extremely close proximity (about 4 centimeters) to each other. Although the requirement for such extremely close proximity has drawbacks, there are also advantages, such as less interference from accidental signals because only components in extremely close proximity can receive signals from a particular transmission.

[0033] In some embodiments that utilize near field communication, a loop antenna is created and looped within 4 centimeters of the secondary transceiver of each sensor node and each master node. In other embodiments, the loop antenna is within 10 to 20 centimeters of the secondary transceiver. The extremely close proximity of the loop antenna and the secondary transceiver enables near field communication. In some embodiments, the loop antenna may be configured to progress from the master node through parallel to each sensor node in the system. Reference Figure 2, instead of there being connections between each of the auxiliary transceivers 224, 234, 244, and 254, there will be loop antennas positioned close to each of the auxiliary transceivers 224, 234, 244, and 254. Depending on the power and distance from the NFC radio to the loop antenna, the auxiliary transceivers can operate as a chain communication channel or as a master-slave architecture. In this way, NFC communication is more easily used for data transmission.

[0034] In other embodiments, the auxiliary transmission medium is also wireless. For example, the auxiliary transceivers in each sensor node can be configured to send and receive signals at different frequencies. For example, lower frequencies such as 433 MHz or 915 MHz can be used in some embodiments. In other embodiments, higher frequencies (such as 5 GHz) can be used to transmit signals. Readers with skill in the art will recognize that other embodiments can utilize other frequencies and the frequencies listed above and below are intended as non-limiting examples.

[0035] Regarding Figure 4 Another embodiment is shown. Referring to Figure 4 , a block diagram is shown illustrating the internal layout of the master node 410 and the sensor node 420. It should be understood that the master node 410 can be the master node 210, and the sensor node 420 can be an example of any one of the sensor nodes 220, 230, 240, and 250.

[0036] Figure 4 Similar to Figure 3 is the use of the sensor node 420 to monitor the components 462 and 464. In some embodiments, the components 462 and 464 can be batteries. In such embodiments, the battery voltage, temperature, presence of faults, and other characteristics can be monitored to ensure that the vehicle's battery is in an appropriate operating state. In some embodiments, each of the batteries 462 and 464 represents a plurality of battery cells. In some embodiments, the batteries are monitored in groups of six, but any type of grouping can be used. The batteries 462 and 464 are monitored by sensors (not shown) that are coupled to an analog front end (AFE) 468. The AFE 468 is configured to process the raw signals from the sensors. If six cells are being monitored, the AFE 468 can include six channels such that each channel can monitor one battery cell. Although two AFEs 468 are shown in Figure 4 , in some embodiments, there can be one AFE or more than two AFEs. In the Figure 4 embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure can be used to receive and process any type of signal and are not necessarily limited to receiving data regarding batteries.

[0037] The AFE 468 is coupled to the microcontroller 472. Although one microcontroller is shown in the figure, it should be understood that there may be different numbers of microcontrollers in various embodiments. Additionally, although the element 372 is referred to as a microcontroller, any type of device capable of performing processing tasks may be used instead, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system-on-chip (SoC), a microprocessor, etc. The microcontroller 472 may be configured to read measurements from the AFE 468 and send diagnostics. The microcontroller 472 may also be configured to encode data. Since the data will be transmitted wirelessly, it may be desirable to encode the data to prevent the data from being read by malicious actors or to prevent the vehicle from accidentally reading data from neighboring vehicles. By encoding the data, only authorized users (such as the master node) can decode the signal. Thus, even if a malicious actor or an unintended recipient receives the data, the unintended recipient cannot decode the signal. In some embodiments, there may be additional microcontrollers 472. In some embodiments, the additional microcontroller is different from the first microcontroller, such as from a different manufacturer or using a different architecture. Using such a different microcontroller can avoid some common failures. The additional unit can provide redundancy to avoid common failures. In some embodiments, there may be additional microcontrollers 472.

[0038] Figure 3 The difference from Figure 4 is that there is only a single transceiver 474 within the sensor node 420. Instead of using two different communication media to provide redundancy, the transceiver 474 transmits using two different subnets that are located at different frequencies but within a similar frequency band. For example, two different channels within the 2.4 GHz spectrum may be used. In some embodiments, the microcontroller 472 and the transceiver 474 may be embodied as a single ASIC. In other embodiments, the AFE 468 may also be included within a single ASIC.

[0039] The central controller 410 includes a primary transceiver 484 and a secondary transceiver 486. The primary transceiver 484 is configured to communicate with the transceiver 474, and the secondary transceiver 486 is also configured to communicate with the transceiver 474. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the primary transceiver 484 communicates wirelessly with the primary transceiver 474. The secondary transceiver 486 may also be configured to communicate via a wireless signal.

[0040] More specifically, in some embodiments, the system operates in two or more subnets that are at two frequencies or two frequency hopping schemes. In each update cycle, the sensor node sends information through one subnet in the first half of the update cycle and then sends the same information again through a second subnet in the second half of the update cycle. Thus, the master node receives redundant information in each cycle. Since the two subnets use different frequencies, it is less likely for both to be interfered with by an external source at the same time, resulting in a more reliable wireless communication system.

[0041] Both the primary transceiver 484 and the secondary transceiver 486 are coupled to the microcontroller 488. Although one microcontroller is shown in the figure, it should be understood that there may be a different number of microcontrollers in various embodiments. Additionally, although the element 488 is referred to as a microcontroller, any type of device capable of performing processing tasks, such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a system on a chip (SoC), a microprocessor, etc., may be used instead. The microcontroller 488 is configured to perform processing for reading data sent by the sensor controller 420 and received by the transceiver 484. For example, the microcontroller 488 may be configured to decode the received data. The microcontroller 488 may be configured to check for faults such as data loss, fullness, insertion, incorrect sequence, corruption, latency, etc. A signal may be sent from the microcontroller 488 to any device 490 that wishes to read what the sensor controller 420 senses. In some embodiments, the microcontroller 488, the primary transceiver 484, and the secondary transceiver 486 may be embodied as a single ASIC.

[0042] In some embodiments, an alternative layout may be implemented to attempt to increase the reliability of the wireless system. Referring to Figure 5A , one or more embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. Like Figure 1 , the network 500 includes a master node 510 and sensor nodes 520, 530, 540, 550, and 560. However, each of the sensor nodes 520, 530, 540, 550, and 560 has a "partner" node 530, 540, 550, 560, and 520. However, for the sake of clearer illustration and to distinguish the partner function from the primary sensor node function, these partner nodes are labeled 525, 535, 545, 555, and 565, respectively. The partner nodes enhance the communication protocol with the aim of providing significant wireless performance and bandwidth improvements through a modest adjustment to the system. The partner node mechanism provides assistance to each sensor node to utilize its wireless coupling with the master node 510.

[0043] In this configuration, the main data path goes directly from each of the sensor nodes 520, 530, 540, 550, and 560 to the master node 510. However, there is an auxiliary data path from each sensor node to its partner node and then to the master node.

[0044] The partner nodes can be selected in a variety of different ways. The pairing of nodes with their partner nodes can be done by carefully analyzing the relative strength of the RF link between each node and the master node. In some cases, due to preferred RF diversity, a sensor node will not be adjacent to its partner node. However, this is for illustrative purposes only. Figure 5A Each sensor node that is adjacent to its partner node is depicted. In other words, sensor node 525 is the partner node of sensor node 560. This is Figure 5A shown as sensor node 560 having the symbol S5, while sensor node 525 has the symbol B5. In a similar manner, sensor node 535 is the partner node of sensor node 520, sensor node 545 is the partner node of sensor node 530, sensor node 555 is the partner node of sensor node 540, and sensor node 565 is the partner node of sensor 550.

[0045] In some embodiments, the partner node can be any other node in the system. In some embodiments, the partner node can be changed at startup. In other words, during one use, sensor node 530 can be used as the partner node of sensor node 520. But the next time the system is turned on, it is sensor node 540 that is used as its partner node. In some embodiments, there may be dedicated nodes that serve as the partner node for each sensor node. These dedicated partner nodes are not full - fledged sensor nodes but may contain only a transceiver and are used only for receiving transmissions from other nodes to forward to the central node. Additionally, each sensor node can also have different partner nodes for different frequency channels.

[0046] The operation of the auxiliary data path is most easily explained by using an example. Assume that the partner node of sensor 520 is sensor 530 (in Figure 5Ais represented as partner node 535). For each update period or data collection period n (e.g., once every 20 milliseconds), there is a data transfer from sensor node 520 to master node 510. Although it is the same data, this transfer can be a partner node of another sensor node. Thus, the transfer from 520 to 510 can simultaneously include its own sensed data and data from another node. In addition, the data from sensor node 520 to master node 510 is read by its partner node (sensor node 530, represented as partner node 535 in this example). During the subsequent data collection period n+1, sensor node 530 sends the data it read from its partner node (sensor node 520) during period n to the master node in addition to sending its own data from period n+1.

[0047] Reference Figure 5B , a timing diagram 570 illustrating this operation is shown. In timing diagram 570, the x-axis 572 represents time moving to the right for each data collection period. The Y-axis 574 represents the presence of data being sent. During data collection period d -1 , data from partner node 530 and from node 520 is sent. During data collection period d0, data from partner node 530 and from node 520 is sent. However, during data collection period d0, the data sent by partner node 530 includes the data of node 530 in data collection period d0 and the data from node 520 from data collection period d -1 of node 520.

[0048] Reference Figure 5C , an example packet from node 530 at data collection period d0 is shown. Packet 580 includes a header 582 and a cyclic redundancy check (CRC) 584 for error detection. Although the CRC is shown in Figure 5C , it should be understood that any type of error detection mechanism can be used. Between header 582 and CRC 584 is the payload. The payload includes the data of node 530 at data collection d0. The payload also includes the data from node 520 from period d -1 of node 520.

[0049] Data retransmission provides time diversity. In other words, the same data is sent at two different time points (d -1 and d0 in the above example). In addition, in the case of using frequency hopping (e.g., as described above in Figure 4In the embodiments shown (), frequency diversity may exist if each node transmits at a different frequency from its partner node. In other words, a transmission from one node is sent at a first frequency, and a subsequent transmission of the same data from the partner node is sent at a second frequency. Frequency and time diversity can be used to reduce the packet error rate and provide more reliable readings from the sensors. In some embodiments, if data is received from the original sensor node, the data from the partner node can be ignored.

[0050] In Figure 6A Alternative embodiments are shown. These embodiments illustrate the use of "proxy" nodes. The graph 600 is similar to the graph 100 in that it includes a master node 610 and sensor nodes 620, 630, 640, 650, and 660. A proxy node 615 is also included. The proxy node 615 is a proposed enhancement to the communication protocol, aimed at providing significant wireless performance and bandwidth improvements with a modest adjustment to the system. The proxy mechanism helps the master node 610 by relaying messages, removing and reducing RF signal fading areas, and providing RF visibility to the most remote nodes. The proxy node 615 can also act as an assistant to the master node 610 by performing tasks such as data recording, processing, and network analysis in parallel with the normal runtime operations orchestrated and supervised by the master node 610. There may or may not be a wired connection between the master node 610 and the proxy node 615. The main purpose of the proxy node 615 is to act as a relay for information. The proxy node 615 can be positioned in a favorable location from an RF perspective to complement the performance of the master node 610.

[0051] The proxy node 615 can be coupled to the master node 610 in one of various different ways, either wired or wireless. If wireless coupling is used, the proxy node 615 can be placed on a separate subnet from the master node 610. In one or more embodiments, the master node and the proxy node are on the same subnet. The effectiveness of the proxy node can depend on the relative physical positions of the master node 610 and the proxy node 615, and the relative RF path differences between each sensor node and the master node 610 compared to the relative RF path differences between each sensor node and the proxy node 615.

[0052] As Figure 6B shown, when the sensor node 620 sends information to the master node 610, the sensor node 620 also sends information to the proxy node 615. This occurs at time t1. At a subsequent time t1 + t d, the proxy node 615 sends information to the master node 610. In some embodiments, this transmission may occur whenever the proxy node 615 receives information from the sensor node 620. In some embodiments, this transmission occurs only when the master node 610 has not received a transmission from the sensor node 620 within a particular period of time.

[0053] Reference Figure 7 , in some embodiments involving the use of one or more proxy nodes, each sensor node may be configured to send its data through two subnets spaced apart by t dcs / 2, where t dcs is the data collection cycle duration. The data cycle duration may be selected to be any suitable value, such as between 10 and 30 milliseconds in some embodiments. In Figure 7 , graph 780 shows the operation of the sensor nodes sending via the first subnet, while graph 790 shows the operation of the sensor nodes sending via the second subnet. The X axes 782 and 792 represent time. The master node thus receives the same transmitted data from two paths (one from its own transceiver and one via the proxy node) and uses this replicated data to improve data integrity and reliability.

[0054] During data collection cycle d0, as shown by bar 784, the sensor node sends its data packet to the master node via the first subnet. At time offset t dcs / 2, as shown by bar 794, the sensor node sends the data packet to the proxy node via the second subnet. In the next data collection cycle d1, as shown by bar 786, the sensor node in question sends its data packet to the master node via the first subnet. At time offset t dcs / 2, as shown by bar 796, the sensor node sends the data packet to the proxy node via the second subnet. It should be understood that in some embodiments, the data may be sent to the proxy node before being sent to the master node.

[0055] Reference Figure 8 , a flowchart of a particular illustrative embodiment of a method for hybrid wireless communication is given. Figure 8 The method of includes the master node 801 receiving data from the primary medium 802, first data from one or more sensor nodes coupled to the master node via a primary wireless transmission medium. Figure 8The method also includes the master node 801 receiving data from the auxiliary medium 804, the second data from one or more sensor nodes coupled to the master node via an auxiliary transmission medium different from the primary wireless transmission medium. As discussed above, the auxiliary transmission medium can be selected from one of a variety of different media. In some embodiments, the auxiliary transmission medium is power line communication (PLC). In some embodiments, the auxiliary transmission medium is near field communication (NFC). Other auxiliary transmission media can also be used. Figure 8 The method also includes coordinating 806 the first data from the primary wireless transmission medium and the second data from the auxiliary transmission medium. The first data from the primary wireless transmission medium and the second data from the auxiliary transmission medium can be coordinated 806 by comparing the first data and the second data and checking for faults such as data loss, fullness, insertion, incorrect sequence, corruption, delay, etc. In one embodiment, if the first data from the sensor node is unreadable or otherwise unavailable, the master node can instead use the second data from the proxy node.

[0056] Reference Figure 9 , a flowchart of a specific illustrative embodiment of the hybrid wireless communication method is given. Figure 9 The method includes the master node 901 receiving 902 data from one or more sensor nodes coupled to the master node via the primary transmission medium. As discussed above, the primary transmission medium can be a wireless transmission medium. Figure 9 The method also includes the master node 901 receiving 904 data from a proxy node coupled to one of the one or more sensor nodes. As discussed above, the proxy node also receives data from one or more sensor nodes. Since each sensor node sends data to both the master node and the proxy node, the likelihood of the data being unreadable is smaller. Figure 9 The method also includes the master node coordinating 906 the first data from the primary wireless transmission medium and the second data from the proxy node. The first data from the primary wireless transmission medium and the second data from the proxy node can be coordinated 906 by comparing the first data and the second data and checking for faults such as data loss, fullness, insertion, incorrect sequence, corruption, delay, etc. In one embodiment, if the first data from the sensor node is unreadable or otherwise unavailable, the master node can instead use the second data from the proxy node.

[0057] Advantages and other features of the systems and methods disclosed herein will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain preferred embodiments understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings that illustrate representative embodiments of the invention. Like reference numerals are used herein to represent like parts. Words indicating orientation are not used to describe absolute orientation.

[0058] Those of ordinary skill in the relevant art will recognize that in alternative embodiments, the functions of several elements may be performed by fewer elements or a single element. Similarly, in some embodiments, any functional element may perform fewer or different operations than those described with respect to the illustrated embodiments. Additionally, functional elements shown as distinct for purposes of illustration may be combined within other functional elements in a particular implementation.

[0059] Although the subject technology has been described with respect to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that various changes and / or modifications can be made to the subject technology without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject technology. For example, each claim may depend from any or all of the claims in a multiple dependent manner, even if not originally claimed as such.

Claims

1. A battery management system for hybrid wireless communication between battery sensor nodes, the battery management system comprising: A plurality of battery sensor nodes, each battery sensor node of the plurality of battery sensor nodes being configured to receive data from one or more battery sensors coupled to one or more batteries; A plurality of proxy battery sensor nodes, wherein each proxy battery sensor node of the plurality of proxy battery sensor nodes is coupled to each battery sensor node of the plurality of battery sensor nodes; And A master battery sensor node, configured to: During a first update period, receive, via a primary transmission medium, first data generated by a first battery sensor node of the plurality of battery sensor nodes through the master battery sensor node; During the first update period, receive, via an auxiliary transmission medium different from the primary transmission medium, second data generated by the first battery sensor node from a proxy battery sensor node of the plurality of proxy battery sensor nodes through the master battery sensor node; For the first update period, coordinate, through the master battery sensor node, the first data received and generated by the first battery sensor node during the first update period and the second data received and generated by the first battery sensor node from the proxy battery sensor node during the first update period.

2. The battery management system according to claim 1, wherein At least one proxy battery sensor node is configured to wirelessly receive data via the same subnet as the master battery sensor node.

3. The battery management system according to claim 1, wherein Each battery sensor node is configured to: send data to the master battery sensor node via a first subnet and send data to a proxy battery sensor node via a second subnet.

4. The battery management system according to claim 1, wherein, Each battery sensor node of the plurality of battery sensor nodes is configured to: send data to the master battery sensor node at a first time and send data to the proxy battery sensor node at a second time, the time interval between the first time and the second time being less than the duration of a data collection period.

5. A method for hybrid wireless communication between battery sensor nodes of a battery management system, the method comprising: During a first update period, receive, via a primary transmission medium, first data generated by a first battery sensor node of a plurality of battery sensor nodes through a master battery sensor node; During the first update period, receive, via an auxiliary transmission medium different from the primary transmission medium, second data generated by the first battery sensor node from a proxy battery sensor node of a plurality of proxy battery sensor nodes through the master battery sensor node; For the first update period, through the master battery sensor node, coordinate the first data received from the first battery sensor node and generated by the first battery sensor node during the first update period and the second data received from the proxy battery sensor node and generated by the first battery sensor node during the first update period.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein, The proxy battery sensor node is configured to receive data via the same subnet as the master battery sensor node.

7. The method according to claim 5, wherein, Each battery sensor node is configured to: send data to the master battery sensor node via a first subnet and send data to the proxy battery sensor node via a second subnet.

8. The method according to claim 5, wherein Each battery sensor node among the plurality of battery sensor nodes is configured to: send data to the master battery sensor node at a first time and send data to the proxy battery sensor node at a second time, and the time interval between the first time and the second time is less than the duration of the data collection period.

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