Information processing device

Abstract

The present invention provides an information processing device that can communicate using appropriate communication settings even when the temperature of the information processing device changes. [Solution] The execution device of the information processing device performs the action of acquiring the temperature of the information processing device. The execution device performs link training LT again if the acquired temperature of the information processing device has changed from a value outside the predetermined temperature range to a value that crosses a predetermined threshold and approaches the temperature range. The execution device updates the memory device with the new configuration information SP calculated by performing link training LT again and stores it.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an information processing apparatus. [Background Art]

[0002] Patent Literature 1 describes a communication system. The communication system includes a plurality of communication devices each having a communication interface. The communication system sets a communication setting value calculated based on a communication test result in the communication interface. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

[0003] [Patent Literature 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2018-005376 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In a communication system such as that described in Patent Literature 1, a communication setting value may be set when a communication device establishes communication with another communication device that performs mutual communication. In this case, after the communication setting value is once established, the temperature of the communication device may change. A change in the temperature of the communication device may make the communication setting value inappropriate. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0005] An information processing device that solves the above problem is an information processing device that communicates with a counterpart device via a communication bus, and comprises a communication port to which the communication bus is connected, an execution device, and a storage device, wherein the storage device stores setting information for communication of the communication port, which is calculated by link training performed when establishing communication with the counterpart device, and the execution device performs the following: acquires the temperature of the information processing device, performs the link training again on the condition that the acquired temperature of the information processing device has changed from a value outside the range of a predetermined temperature range, crossing a predetermined threshold and approaching the range of the temperature range, and updates and stores the new setting information calculated by performing the link training again in the storage device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the above configuration, once communication is established, the configuration information is calculated through link training. Then, if the temperature of the information processing device changes, the information processing device performs link training again. The new configuration information calculated through the re-training is then updated and stored in the memory. This allows the communication port to use configuration information corresponding to the state after the temperature change for communication. Therefore, even if the temperature of the information processing device changes, the information processing device can communicate using appropriate communication settings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a communication system in one embodiment. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a flowchart showing a series of processes performed by the execution device of the information processing device when the information processing device is started up in the same embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a series of processes, including repeating the link training performed by the execution device of the information processing apparatus in the same embodiment. [Figure 4]Figure 4 is a graph showing an example of the change in device temperature and the temperature range in the same embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] <One Embodiment> An embodiment of the information processing device will be described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a communication system 20. The communication system 20 acquires signals from each switch of the vehicle 10 and controls each actuator of the vehicle 10 based on the acquired signals.

[0009] The communication system 20 comprises multiple communication devices 30. These multiple communication devices 30 communicate with each other via a communication bus 50 in accordance with the PCIe standard. PCIe stands for Peripheral Component Interconnect express.

[0010] The communication device 30 is an ECU that controls each actuator in the vehicle 10 and performs calculations based on values ​​obtained from each sensor in the vehicle 10. For example, one of the multiple communication devices 30 is an engine ECU. The engine ECU controls the engine of the vehicle 10. Another example is a multimedia ECU. The multimedia ECU controls the display and audio equipment of the vehicle 10.

[0011] In this embodiment, the multiple communication devices 30 consist of two devices: an information processing device 30A and a counterpart device 30B. The information processing device 30A is the engine ECU, and the counterpart device 30B is the multimedia ECU. Therefore, the information processing device 30A communicates with the counterpart device 30B via the communication bus 50.

[0012] The information processing device 30A functions as a root complex, while the opposing device 30B functions as an endpoint. This allows the information processing device 30A to communicate with the opposing device 30B in accordance with the PCIe standard.

[0013] The communication device 30 comprises an execution device 31, a storage device 32, and a communication port 40. The execution device 31 is a CPU. Therefore, the execution device 31 includes processing circuits. The execution device 31 executes various programs stored in the storage device 32 to output instruction signals for controlling the actuators of the vehicle 10 and to perform various calculations. For example, in the case of the communication device 30 being an engine ECU, the execution device 31 outputs instruction signals for controlling the engine.

[0014] The storage device 32 stores configuration information SP for communication via the communication bus 50, which enables the communication port 40 to communicate. The configuration information SP includes a transmitter correction value TCV and a receiver correction value RCV. The transmitter correction value TCV is a value used by the communication port 40 to correct the data to be transmitted when transmitting data. The receiver correction value RCV is a value used by the communication port 40 to correct the data to be received when receiving data.

[0015] The communication port 40 is connected to the communication bus 50. The communication port 40 transmits and receives data during mutual communication. The communication port 40 has a transaction layer 41, a data link layer 42, a physical layer 43, a transmitter 44, and a receiver 45. Therefore, the communication port 40 has a three-layer structure.

[0016] The transaction layer 41 guarantees reliable end-to-end data communication with an upper software layer composed of upper-level drivers and application software. The transaction layer 41 includes a transmitter-side transaction layer 41 and a receiver-side transaction layer 41. The transmitter-side transaction layer 41 generates transaction layer packets in accordance with a request from the execution device 31. The receiver-side transaction layer 41 receives transaction layer packets from another mutually communicating communication device 30.

[0017] The data link layer 42 is located between the transaction layer 41 and the physical layer 43. The data link layer 42 exchanges transaction layer packets with mutually communicating communication devices 30. The data link layer 42 performs flow control. In flow control, the data link layer 42 limits the transmission rate in accordance with the reception processing speed of the mutually communicating communication device 30.

[0018] The physical layer 43 transmits and receives communication data packets over a physical medium. The physical layer 43 includes a transmitter-side physical layer 43 and a receiver-side physical layer 43. The transmitter-side physical layer 43 transmits data packets to the transmitter 44. The receiver-side physical layer 43 receives data packets from the receiver 45.

[0019] In the present embodiment, the transmitter 44 of the information processing device 30A is connected to the receiver 45 of the opposing device 30B via the first lane 51 of the communication bus 50. The receiver 45 of the information processing device 30A is connected to the transmitter 44 of the opposing device 30B via the second lane 52 of the communication bus 50.

[0020] The transmitter 44 transmits data to another mutually communicating communication device 30 via the communication bus 50 using the transmission-side correction value TCV of the setting information SP. The receiver 45 transmits data to another mutually communicating communication device 30 via the communication bus 50 using the reception-side correction value RCV of the setting information SP.

[0021] The vehicle 10 includes a temperature sensor 60. The temperature sensor 60 detects a device temperature DT, which is the temperature of the information processing device 30A. The temperature sensor 60 outputs the detected device temperature DT to the information processing device 30A.

[0022] The storage device 32 of the information processing device 30A stores a start-up program PR1, a temperature change program PR2, and temperature information TP. The start-up program PR1 is a program for causing the execution device 31 of the information processing device 30A to execute the program when the information processing device 30A acquires a start-up request from a switch not shown in the drawings. The temperature change program PR2 is a program for detecting the device temperature DT, which is the temperature T of the information processing device 30A, and causing the execution device 31 of the information processing device 30A to execute processing performed in accordance with a change in the device temperature DT. The temperature information TP includes time-series data of the device temperature DT and a training temperature TT described later.

[0023] <Regarding a series of processing when the information processing device starts up> Next, a series of processing performed when the information processing device 30A starts up will be described. When the information processing device 30A acquires a start-up request from a switch not shown in the drawings, the execution device 31 of the information processing device 30A starts executing the start-up program PR1.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 2, when the execution device 31 starts executing the start-up program PR1, the execution device 31 first performs the processing of step S11. In step S11, the execution device 31 determines whether the opposing device 30B has been detected.

[0025] When the opposing device 30B is not detected (S11: NO), the execution device 31 ends the current series of processing. On the other hand, when the opposing device 30B is detected (S11: YES), the execution device 31 advances the processing to step S12.

[0026] In step S12, the execution device 31 performs link training LT. Link training LT is a process to establish communication between the information processing device 30A and the opposing device 30B by properly connecting them via communication.

[0027] When the execution device 31 starts link training LT, it first detects the physical connection of differential signals in accordance with the PCIe standard. If the execution device 31 does not receive a response from the communication port 40, it determines that the unresponsive slot is unused.

[0028] Next, the execution device 31 starts communication at the lowest speed within a predetermined bandwidth. Then, the opposing device 30B adjusts the correction value of its receiver 45 to enable error-free reception. The execution device 31 also adjusts the correction value of the transmitter 44 of the information processing device 30A to enable error-free data transmission from the information processing device 30A to the opposing device 30B.

[0029] Next, the execution device 31 adjusts the correction value of the receiver 45 of the information processing device 30A to enable error-free reception. Then, the execution device 31 calculates the setting information SP, using the correction value of the transmitter 44 when the system is set to send and receive data without errors as the transmitting correction value TCV, and the correction value of the receiver 45 as the receiving correction value RCV. In this way, the setting information SP is calculated through adaptive adjustment between the transmitter 44 and the receiver 45. After that, the execution device 31 proceeds to step S13.

[0030] In step S13, the execution device 31 stores the configuration information SP calculated by the link training LT in step S12 in the storage device 32. After that, the execution device 31 proceeds to step S14.

[0031] In step S14, the execution device 31 begins normal data transmission. That is, since communication between the information processing device 30A and the opposing device 30B has been established upon completion of link training LT, the execution device 31 begins normal data transmission according to the request after the processing in step S14. After that, the execution device 31 proceeds to step S15.

[0032] In step S15, the execution device 31 obtains the device temperature DT from the temperature sensor 60 and stores the obtained device temperature DT in the storage device 32 as the training temperature TT, which is the temperature T at the time of link training LT. After that, the execution device 31 terminates this series of processes.

[0033] <Regarding a series of processes, including those that are handled when there is a change in temperature> As shown in Figure 1, after the execution of the startup program PR1, the execution device 31 repeats the execution of the temperature change program PR2 at predetermined intervals.

[0034] As shown in Figure 3, when the execution device 31 starts executing the temperature change program PR2, the execution device 31 first performs the process in step S21. In step S21, the execution device 31 obtains the device temperature DT from the temperature sensor 60. After that, the execution device 31 proceeds to step S22.

[0035] In step S22, the execution device 31 determines, based on the device temperature DT acquired in step S21 and the device temperature DT acquired in the past, whether the device temperature DT has changed to cross a predetermined threshold L and approach a predetermined temperature range TA.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, the temperature range TA includes a first temperature range TA1 and a second temperature range TA2. The first temperature range TA1 does not overlap with the second temperature range TA2 and is a temperature range TA that is higher than the second temperature range TA2.

[0037] The first temperature range TA1 is defined as a temperature range TA where the temperature T is too high, resulting in poor resistance to communication via the communication bus 50. The upper limit temperature UL1 of the first temperature range TA1 is set as the maximum temperature expected to be the device temperature DT. The lower limit temperature LL1 of the first temperature range TA1 is set as the lower limit temperature T where the resistance to communication via the communication bus 50 cannot meet predetermined criteria due to the temperature T being too high.

[0038] The second temperature range TA2 is defined as a temperature range TA where the temperature T is too low, resulting in poor resistance to communication via the communication bus 50. The lower limit temperature LL2 of the second temperature range TA2 is set as the lowest temperature expected to be the device temperature DT. The upper limit temperature UL2 of the second temperature range TA2 is set as the upper limit temperature T where the resistance to communication via the communication bus 50 cannot meet the predetermined criteria due to the temperature T being too low.

[0039] Furthermore, a first threshold L1 is predetermined as a threshold L for the first temperature range TA1. The first threshold L1 is predetermined as a temperature T that is lower than the lower limit temperature LL1 of the first temperature range TA1 and higher than the upper limit temperature UL2 of the second temperature range TA2.

[0040] A second threshold L2 is predetermined as the threshold L for the second temperature range TA2. The second threshold L2 is predetermined as a temperature T that is higher than the upper limit temperature UL2 of the second temperature range TA2 and lower than the lower limit temperature LL1 of the first temperature range TA1.

[0041] The execution device 31 determines whether the device temperature DT has changed to cross the first threshold L1 and approach the range of the first temperature range TA1, and whether the device temperature DT has changed to cross the second threshold L2 and approach the range of the second temperature range TA2.

[0042] For example, if the device temperature DT is changing in an upward direction, the device temperature DT will change in a way that moves it away from the range of the second temperature range TA2, even if it crosses the second threshold L2. Therefore, in this case, the execution device 31 determines that the device temperature DT has not changed in a way that crosses the second threshold L2 and moves it closer to the range of the second temperature range TA2.

[0043] If the device temperature DT is changing in an upward direction, when the device temperature DT crosses the first threshold L1, it will change to approach the range of the first temperature range TA1. In this case, the execution device 31 determines that the device temperature DT has crossed the first threshold L1 and is changing to approach the range of the first temperature range TA1.

[0044] On the other hand, if the device temperature DT is decreasing, the device temperature DT will change to move away from the range of the first temperature range TA1 even if it crosses the first threshold L1. Therefore, in this case, the execution device 31 determines that the device temperature DT has not changed to move closer to the range of the first temperature range TA1 even if it crosses the first threshold L1.

[0045] If the device temperature DT is decreasing, when the device temperature DT crosses the second threshold L2, it will change to approach the range of the second temperature range TA2. In this case, the execution device 31 determines that the device temperature DT has crossed the second threshold L2 and is changing to approach the range of the second temperature range TA2.

[0046] In this way, if the device temperature DT changes to cross the first threshold L1 and approach the range of the first temperature range TA1, or if the device temperature DT changes to cross the second threshold L2 and approach the range of the second temperature range TA2, the execution device 31 makes an affirmative determination in step S22. On the other hand, if the device temperature DT has not changed to cross the first threshold L1 and approach the range of the first temperature range TA1, and has not changed to cross the second threshold L2 and approach the range of the second temperature range TA2, the execution device 31 makes a negative determination in step S22.

[0047] As shown in Figure 3, when the device temperature DT does not cross the threshold L and approach the temperature range TA corresponding to the threshold L (S22: NO), the execution device 31 terminates this series of processes. On the other hand, when the device temperature DT crosses the threshold L and approaches the temperature range TA corresponding to the threshold L (S22: YES), the execution device 31 proceeds to step S23.

[0048] In step S23, the execution device 31 determines whether the temperature difference TD between the device temperature DT obtained in step S21 and the training temperature TT is greater than or equal to a predetermined specified temperature difference RTD. The specified temperature difference RTD is determined in advance by testing or simulation as the temperature difference T at which the setting information SP should be updated.

[0049] When the temperature difference TD is less than the specified temperature difference RTD (S23: NO), the execution device 31 terminates this series of processes. On the other hand, when the temperature difference TD is greater than or equal to the specified temperature difference RTD (S23: YES), the execution device 31 proceeds to step S24.

[0050] In step S24, the execution device 31 performs link training LT again. That is, the execution device 31 performs link training LT again on the condition that the device temperature DT has crossed the threshold L and is approaching the corresponding temperature range TA, and that the temperature difference TD is greater than or equal to the specified temperature difference RTD. In step S24, the same process as in step S12 is performed again. Therefore, the detailed content of the process is the same as in step S12, so a detailed explanation is omitted. After the execution device 31 calculates the setting information SP by performing link training LT again, the process proceeds to step S25.

[0051] In step S25, the execution device 31 updates the value of the setting information SP stored in the storage device 32 to the value of the setting information SP calculated in step S24 and stores it. After that, the execution device 31 proceeds to step S26.

[0052] In step S26, the execution device 31 updates the training temperature TT value stored in the memory device 32 with the device temperature DT value obtained in step S21 and stores it. After that, the execution device 31 terminates this series of processes.

[0053] <Operation of this embodiment> Let's explain using the example of starting the vehicle 10, which has been adequately cooled, and simultaneously activating the communication system 20.

[0054] As shown in Figure 4, the device temperature DT when starting vehicle 10 is temperature T0. Temperature T0 is lower than the upper limit temperature UL2 of the second temperature range TA2. Then, when time t becomes time t1, the device temperature DT exceeds the upper limit temperature UL2 and becomes the second threshold L2. Subsequently, as vehicle 10 continues to be used, at time t2, the device temperature DT becomes the first threshold L1. Subsequently, as vehicle 10 continues to be used, until time t3, the device temperature DT approaches the range of the first temperature range TA1. Then, at time t3, it becomes the lower limit temperature LL1 of the first temperature range TA1. After that, the device temperature DT becomes a temperature T within the range of the first temperature range TA1.

[0055] In this case, if the execution device 31 executes the temperature change program PR2 between time t2 and time t3, a positive determination is made in the process of step S22. Also, since the temperature difference TD between temperature T0 and the lower limit temperature LL1 of the first temperature range TA1 is greater than or equal to the specified temperature difference RTD, the execution device 31 performs link training LT again in step S24. As a result, the setting information SP is updated to the value calculated by the link training LT performed when the device temperature DT is higher than the first threshold L1 and temperature T is lower than the lower limit temperature LL1 of the first temperature range TA1.

[0056] <Effects of this embodiment> (1) The execution device 31 of the information processing device 30A performs link training LT again, provided that the acquired device temperature DT has changed to a range within the temperature range TA, crossing the threshold L. The execution device 31 then updates the storage device 32 with the new setting information SP calculated by performing link training LT again and stores it.

[0057] According to the above configuration, once communication is established, the information processing device 30A performs the link training LT again if the device temperature DT changes. The information processing device 30A then updates the storage device 32 with the new setting information SP calculated by performing the link training LT again. As a result, the information processing device 30A can use the setting information SP corresponding to the state after the change in device temperature DT for communication via the communication port 40. Therefore, even if the device temperature DT changes, the information processing device 30A can communicate using appropriate communication setting values.

[0058] (2) The memory device 32 stores the training temperature TT when the setting information SP was stored. When the execution device 31 performs link training LT, it updates and stores the training temperature TT in the memory device 32. The execution device 31 then performs link training LT again, provided that the temperature difference TD between the device temperature DT and the training temperature TT is greater than or equal to a predetermined specified temperature difference RTD.

[0059] According to the above configuration, the execution device 31 performs link training LT again, provided that the temperature difference TD between the device temperature DT and the previous training temperature TT is greater than or equal to the specified temperature difference RTD. Therefore, if the appropriate setting information SP changes significantly due to a change in the device temperature DT, the information processing device 30A can update the setting information SP.

[0060] (3) The configuration information SP includes a transmitter correction value TCV and a receiver correction value RCV. The transmitter correction value TCV is for correcting data when the communication port 40 transmits data. The receiver correction value RCV is for correcting data when the communication port 40 receives data. With the above configuration, the information processing device 30A can correct data using the appropriate configuration information SP in both the case of transmission and the case of reception.

[0061] (4) Communication between the opposing device 30B and the communication bus 50 is in accordance with the PCIe standard. Therefore, by using the functions performed by the root complex in accordance with the PCIe standard as the link training LT, the developers of the information processing device 30A do not need to develop the processing content of the link training LT separately.

[0062] <Example of changes> The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0063] The memory device 32 does not need to store the training temperature TT. The execution device 31 does not need to update and store the training temperature TT in the memory device 32 when performing link training LT. The execution device 31 does not need to perform link training LT again, provided that the temperature difference TD between the device temperature DT and the training temperature TT is greater than or equal to a predetermined specified temperature difference RTD. In other words, the execution device 31 may omit the processing in steps S23 and S26.

[0064] The configuration information SP does not necessarily have to include the transmitter correction value TCV and the receiver correction value RCV. For example, the configuration information SP may contain only one of the values ​​of the transmitter correction value TCV and the receiver correction value RCV. Alternatively, for example, the configuration information SP may include a CTLE (Continuous Time Linear Equalizer) to enhance high-frequency components and correct the signal. Alternatively, for example, the configuration information SP may include a DFE (Decision Feedback Equalization) to correct errors using the previous bit information. Alternatively, for example, the configuration information SP may include an FIR (Finite Impulse Response) filter for digital filtering to optimize the signal.

[0065] • Communication between the opposing device 30B and the communication bus 50 does not have to conform to the PCIe standard. The temperature range TA does not necessarily include the first temperature range TA1 and the second temperature range TA2. The temperature range TA may consist of only either the first temperature range TA1 or the second temperature range TA2.

[0066] The ECUs of the information processing device 30A and the opposing device 30B are not limited to the examples of the above embodiment. The information processing device 30A may be, for example, an engine ECU or a multimedia ECU, as long as it is a communication device that communicates with the opposing device 30B. Similarly, the opposing device 30B may be, for example, a body ECU or a memory card, as long as it is a communication device that communicates with the information processing device 30A.

[0067] The information processing device 30A may be configured as a circuit including one or more processors that execute various processes according to a computer program (software). Alternatively, the information processing device 30A may be configured as a circuit including one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or a combination thereof, that execute at least some of the various processes. The processor includes a CPU and memory such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to execute the processes. Memory, i.e., computer-readable media, includes any available media accessible by a general-purpose or dedicated computer. The same applies to the opposing device 30B. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0068] DD...Temperature difference DT...Device temperature L...Threshold L1...First threshold L2...Second threshold LT...Link training RCV...Receiver correction value RTD...Specified temperature difference SP...Setting information TA...Temperature range TA1...First temperature range TA2...Second temperature range TCV...Transmitter correction value TD...Temperature difference TT...Training temperature 10...Vehicle 20...Communication system 30...Communication device 30A...Information processing device 30B...Opposite device 31...Execution device 32...Storage device 40...Communication port 44...Transmitter 45...Receiver 50...Communication bus 60...Temperature sensor

Claims

1. An information processing device that communicates with a counterpart device via a communication bus, The system comprises a communication port to which the aforementioned communication bus is connected, an execution device, and a storage device. The storage device stores configuration information for communication of the communication port, which is calculated by link training performed when establishing communication with the opposing device. The execution device is To obtain the temperature of the aforementioned information processing device, The link training is repeated on the condition that the temperature of the acquired information processing device changes from a value outside the predetermined temperature range to a value that crosses a predetermined threshold and approaches the range within the predetermined temperature range. The new configuration information calculated by performing the link training again is updated and stored in the storage device. Information processing device.

2. The memory device stores the training temperature at the time the setting information was stored. The execution device is When the aforementioned link training is performed, the training temperature is updated and stored in the memory device, The link training is performed again, provided that the temperature difference between the temperature of the information processing device and the training temperature is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature difference. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned configuration information includes a transmitting correction value for correcting data when the communication port transmits data, and a receiving correction value for correcting data when the communication port receives data. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

4. The communication between the opposing device and the communication bus is in accordance with the PCIe standard. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.

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