Apparatus, method and system for power line communcation

Abstract

A PLC communication device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document comprises: a battery management unit; a vehicle control unit that receives battery power from the battery management unit through a power line and transmits and receives data with the battery management unit through the power line; and the battery management unit and the vehicle control unit each include a first and second modulation circuit, a first and second demodulation circuit, and a first and second circulator, respectively, and can separate the data transmission and reception paths through the circulator.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The various embodiments disclosed in this document relate to PLC communication technology. Background Technology

[0002] Electric vehicles using large-capacity batteries are equipped with a Battery Management Unit (BMU) for battery safety management. The BMU manages the battery during the charging and discharging process and optimizes battery performance and lifespan. In this process, the BMU manages the battery by transmitting and receiving data with the Vehicle Control Unit (VCU), which is responsible for key vehicle control functions, drive (motor, inverter) control, energy management optimization, and overall system integrated control related to driving conditions (braking, acceleration, regenerative braking).

[0003] For example, the BMU reports information related to the remaining battery charge, battery status, charge / dischargeable power and current limits, and error codes (overvoltage, overheating, cell imbalance) to the VCU (vehicle control unit). In addition, the BMU receives control commands from the VCU based on the vehicle's driving status (acceleration, braking, regenerative braking request), charge status and charge control signals, and energy management strategies, and performs corresponding actions. The problem to be solved

[0004] In addition, the BMU provides the voltage of a high-capacity battery (e.g., 800V) as the driving power for the VCU. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, the BMU and the VCU are connected by a complex wire harness including power cables and communication cables. If the BMU and the VCU are spaced apart, the complexity of the wire harness may increase further.

[0005] Various embodiments disclosed in this document can provide a PLC communication device, method, and system that can simplify wiring for connecting a battery management unit and a vehicle control unit. means of solving the problem

[0006] A PLC communication device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document comprises: a battery management unit; a vehicle control unit that receives battery power from the battery management unit through a power line and transmits and receives data with the battery management unit through the power line; and the battery management unit and the vehicle control unit each include a first and second modulation circuit, a first and second demodulation circuit, and a first and second circulator, respectively, and can separate the data transmission and reception paths through the circulator.

[0007] Additionally, a PLC communication device according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include: a coupling circuit that separates an information signal combined with said battery power transmitted through a power line to which battery power from an external electronic unit is supplied or received; a circulator that separates a transmission path and a reception path and transmits said information signal through said transmission path; a filter that converts said information signal into digital data when it receives said information signal through said circulator; and a processor that is driven by said down-converted power and interprets said digital data.

[0008] Additionally, a PLC communication method according to one embodiment disclosed in this document may include: an operation of separating an information signal carried on a battery power source received from an external electronic unit via a power line from the battery power source through a coupling circuit; an operation of transmitting the information signal from a first port to a second port of a circulator; an operation of converting the information signal passed through the circulator into digital data through a low-pass filter; and an operation of performing processing corresponding to the digital data by a processor. Effects of the invention

[0009] According to the various embodiments disclosed in this document, wiring for communication between a battery management unit and a vehicle control unit can be simplified. In addition, various effects that can be identified directly or indirectly through this document may be provided. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0010] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the interface between the BMU and the VCU. Figure 2 shows a configuration diagram of a PLC communication system according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the power delivery path of a PLC communication system according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 shows a data transmission path from a vehicle control unit to a battery management unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 5 shows a data transmission path from a battery management unit to a vehicle control unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operating principle of a circulator according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for receiving data in PLC communication according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a data transmission method for PLC communication according to one embodiment. In relation to the description of the drawings, the same or similar reference numerals may be used for identical or similar components. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0011] Figure 2 shows a configuration diagram of a PLC communication system according to one embodiment.

[0012] Referring to FIG. 2, a PLC communication system (200) according to one embodiment may include a battery management unit (210) and a vehicle control unit (220). In one embodiment, the PLC communication system (200) may omit some components or include additional components. Additionally, some of the components of the PLC communication system (200) may be combined to form a single entity, while performing the same functions as the corresponding components prior to combination.

[0013] The battery management unit (210) can transmit and receive battery power and data to and from the vehicle control unit (220) via a power line.

[0014] The battery management unit (210) may include a first power converter (CV1), a first coupling circuit (C1), a first circulator (Cr1), a first modulation circuit (M1), a first demodulation circuit (F1), and a first processor (U1).

[0015] The vehicle control unit (220) may include a second power converter (CV2), a second coupling circuit (C2), a second circulator (Cr2), a second modulation circuit (M2), a second demodulation circuit (F2), and a second processor (U2).

[0016] The first and second power converters (CV1, CV2) receive battery power (approx. 800V) and can generate driving power (+12V) for other components by down-converting the input battery power. The first and second power converters (CV1, CV2) may be DC-DC converters.

[0017] The above-mentioned generated driving power (+12V) can be supplied as driving power to other circuit elements (e.g., first and second processors (U1, U2), first and second modulation circuits (M1, M2), first and second demodulation circuits (F1, F2)).

[0018] The first and second coupling circuits (C1, C2) may be first and second capacitors, one end of which is connected to a power line and the other end of which is connected to the first port of the first and second circulators (Cr1, Cr2), respectively. The values ​​of the first and second capacitors may be provided with a capacity capable of coupling (or disconnecting) the high-voltage battery power.

[0019] The first and second circulators (Cr1, Cr2) may each have first to third ports having connectivity in one direction. The first and second circulators (Cr1, Cr2) may be circulators having a receiving path from the first port to the second port and a transmitting path from the second port to the third port. The rotation directions of the first circulator (Cr1) and the second circulator (Cr2) may be opposite to each other. For example, the first circulator (Cr1) may provide a counterclockwise receiving path from the first port to the second port and a counterclockwise transmitting path from the third port to the first port. For example, the second circulator (Cr2) may provide a clockwise receiving path from the first port to the second port and a clockwise transmitting path from the third port to the first port. However, the rotation directions of the first and second circulators (Cr1, Cr2) may differ from this.

[0020] The first and second demodulation circuits (F1, F2) each receive an information signal through the receiving paths of the first and second coupling circuits (C1, C2) and the first and second circulators, and each can convert the received information signal into digital data. Each of the first and second demodulation circuits (F1, F2) may be, for example, an RC filter that separates a low-frequency band from the information signal. Prior to the first and second demodulation circuits (F1, F2), first and second amplifiers (Op1, Op2) are connected to amplify the information signal received through the receiving paths of the first and second circulators (Cr1, Cr2). In this case, the first and second demodulation circuits (F1, F2) each can convert the amplified information signal into digital data.

[0021] The first and second modulation circuits (M1, M2) can convert digital data received from the first and second processors (U1, U2) into an analog information signal. The first and second modulation circuits (M1, M2) may be ring oscillators that convert digital data into a sinusoidal (sin) signal using NAND gates.

[0022] The first and second processors (U1, U2) can control at least one other component (e.g., a hardware or software component) of the battery management unit (210) and the vehicle control unit (220) and can perform various data processing or operations. The first and second processors (U1, U2) may include, for example, at least one of a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, an application processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field programmable gate array (FPGA), and may have multiple cores. The first and second processors (U1, U2) each include a transmit port (Rx) and a receive port (Tx) and can output or receive digital data through the transmit and receive ports.

[0023] Hereinafter, the power transmission and data transmission / reception paths of a PLC communication system will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0024] FIG. 3 shows the power delivery path of a PLC communication system according to one embodiment.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 3, when the battery management unit (210) receives a battery voltage (approx. 800V) from a large-capacity battery, it inputs it to a first power converter (CV1). The first power converter (CV1) can convert the input battery power down to a level to generate power of a specified level (approx. 12V). The generated power can be supplied as driving power to a first processor (U1), a first modulation circuit (M1), and a first demodulation circuit (F1).

[0026] The battery management unit (210) can deliver battery power (approx. 800V) to the vehicle control unit (220) via a power line (CN). The second power converter (CV2) of the vehicle control unit (220) can convert the battery power level down to generate power of a specified level (approx. 12V). The generated power can be supplied as driving power to the second processor (U2), the second modulation circuit (M2), and the second demodulation circuit (F2).

[0027] Meanwhile, the power line (CN) is also connected to one end of the first coupling circuit (C1), but since the first coupling circuit (C1) has the characteristic of blocking DC, the battery power may not be transmitted to the first circulator (Cr1) because it is blocked by the first coupling circuit (C1).

[0028] FIG. 4 shows a data transmission path from a vehicle control unit to a battery management unit according to one embodiment.

[0029] The second processor (U2) can output digital data to be transmitted through the transmission port (Tx).

[0030] The ring oscillator (second modulation circuit (M2)) can receive digital data output from the second processor (U2) and convert it into an analog information signal (sine wave signal). The ring oscillator can be configured to generate a sine wave of a frequency that does not cause noise to the battery power supply.

[0031] The second circulator (Cr2) receives an analog information signal output from the ring oscillator (second modulation circuit (M2)) through the third port and can transmit the received analog information signal to the transmission path (from the third port to the first port).

[0032] The other end of the second coupling circuit (C2) is connected to the first port of the second circulator (Cr2), and one end of the second coupling circuit (C2) is connected to the power line (CN). Accordingly, the second coupling circuit (C2) can transmit an analog information signal obtained from the first port of the second circulator (Cr2) to the battery power of the power line (CN).

[0033] The battery management unit (210) receives an analog information signal carried on the battery power through the power line (CN). The first coupling circuit (C1) removes the battery power from the analog information signal carried on the battery power and transmits the analog information signal to the first port of the first circulator (Cr1).

[0034] The first circulator (Cr1) can transmit an analog information signal from the first port to the second port.

[0035] The first amplifier (Op1) receives an analog information signal from the second port of the first circulator (Cr1) and can amplify the received analog information signal.

[0036] The first demodulation circuit (F1) can convert the amplified information signal into digital data. For example, the first demodulation circuit (F1) may be an RC filter that passes the low-frequency band of the amplified information signal. The values ​​of the RC filter may be set to allow the frequency of the digital data to pass.

[0037] The first processor (U1) receives digital data from the first demodulation circuit (F1) through the receiving port (Rx) and can perform battery management functions by interpreting the digital data. The received digital data may include, for example, the driving status of the vehicle (acceleration, braking, regenerative braking request), the charging status and charging control signal, and control commands according to the energy management strategy.

[0038] FIG. 5 shows a data transmission path from a battery management unit to a vehicle control unit according to one embodiment.

[0039] The first processor (U1) can output digital data to be transmitted through the transmission port (Tx).

[0040] A ring oscillator (first modulation circuit (M1)) can receive digital data output from the transmission port (Tx) of the first processor (U1) and convert it into an analog information signal (sine wave signal). The ring oscillator can be configured to generate a sine wave of a frequency that does not cause noise to the battery power supply.

[0041] The first circulator (Cr1) receives an analog information signal output from the ring oscillator (first modulation circuit (M1)) through the third port and can output the analog information signal input to the third port to the first port.

[0042] The other end of the first coupling circuit (C1) is connected to the first port of the first circulator (Cr1), and one end of the first coupling circuit (C1) is connected to the power line (CN). Accordingly, the first coupling circuit (C1) can acquire an analog information signal from the first port of the first circulator (Cr1) and transmit the acquired analog information signal to the battery power of the power line (CN).

[0043] The vehicle control unit (220) receives an analog information signal carried on the battery power through the power line (CN). The second coupling circuit (C2) removes the battery power from the analog information signal carried on the battery power and transmits the analog information signal to the first port of the second circulator (Cr2).

[0044] The second circulator (Cr2) can transmit an analog information signal from the first port to the second port.

[0045] The second amplifier (Op2) receives an analog information signal from the second port of the second circulator (Cr2) and can amplify the received analog information signal.

[0046] The second demodulation circuit (F2) can convert the amplified information signal into digital data. For example, the second demodulation circuit (F2) may be an RC filter that passes the low-frequency band of the amplified information signal. The values ​​of the RC filter may be set to allow the frequency of the digital data to pass.

[0047] The second processor (U2) can receive digital data through the second demodulation circuit (F2) and interpret the digital data to perform battery management functions. The received digital data may include information related to, for example, remaining battery capacity, battery status, charge / dischargeable power and current limits, and error codes (overvoltage, overheating, cell imbalance).

[0048] Meanwhile, an information signal carried on the battery power can cause the battery power to fluctuate, thereby inducing noise in at least one component of the vehicle control unit (220) or the battery management unit (210). To prevent this, a noise removal circuit for the battery power may be further provided. For example, noise removal capacitors may be provided at the input terminal and power terminal (driving power application pin) of the first and second power converters (CV1, CV2), respectively.

[0049] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the operating principle of a circulator according to one embodiment.

[0050] As shown in the first diagram (610) of FIG. 6, a 3-port circulator (e.g., Cr1 / 2) transmits a signal input to the first port to the second port but not to the third port. Also, as shown in the second diagram (620) of FIG. 6, it transmits a signal input to the second port to the third port but not to the first port. As shown in the diagram (630) of FIG. 6, it transmits a signal input to the third port to the first port but not to the second port. In this way, the 3-port circulator (e.g., Cr1 / 2) allows only signal flow in the first rotation direction (e.g., counterclockwise) and blocks signal flow in the opposite direction. The rotation direction of the circulator (e.g., Cr1 / 2) can be indicated by the circuit symbol of the circulator.

[0051] In this way, the PLC communication system (200) according to one embodiment can use the power supply cable (power line (CN)) for data communication, so it does not require a communication wire separate from the power line, and thus the wire harness of the vehicle can be greatly simplified.

[0052] Furthermore, a PLC communication system (200) according to one embodiment can improve the productivity of a vehicle system by reducing manual work for the wiring process by removing the wire harness.

[0053] FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for receiving data of PLC communication according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 can be performed by one of a battery management unit (210) or a vehicle control unit (220).

[0054] Referring to FIG. 7, in operation 710, an information signal carried on the battery power received from an external electronic unit via a power line (CN) can be separated from the battery power via a coupling circuit (e.g., C1 / 2). The external electronic unit may be a battery management unit (210) or a vehicle control unit (220).

[0055] In operation 720, the received information signal can be transmitted to the receiving path through the rotational direction of the circulator (e.g., Cr1 / 2).

[0056] In operation 730, an information signal passing through a circulator (e.g., Cr1 / 2) can be amplified by an amplifier (e.g., Op1 / 2) and then converted into digital data by a filter (e.g., F1 / 2).

[0057] In operation 740, a processor (e.g., U1 / 2) can interpret digital data and perform an operation corresponding to the digital data.

[0058] FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a data transmission method for PLC communication according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 can be performed by one of a battery management unit (210) or a vehicle control unit (220).

[0059] Referring to FIG. 8, in operation 810, a processor (e.g., U1 / 2) can generate transmission data.

[0060] In operation 820, the transmitted data can be converted into an analog information signal through a ring oscillator (e.g., M1 / 2).

[0061] In operation 830, the analog information signal can be transmitted to the receiving path through the rotational direction of the circulator (e.g., Cr1 / 2).

[0062] In operation 840, a coupling circuit (e.g., C1 / 2) can transmit an information signal to an external electronic unit via a power line (CN) by carrying the information signal on the battery power. The external electronic unit may be a battery management unit (210) or a vehicle control unit (220).

[0063] The various embodiments of this document and the terms used therein are not intended to limit the technical features described in this document to specific embodiments, and should be understood to include various modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of said embodiments. In connection with the description of the drawings, similar reference numerals may be used for similar or related components. The singular form of a noun corresponding to an item may include one or more of said items unless the relevant context clearly indicates otherwise. In this document, phrases such as “A or B,” “at least one of A and B,” “at least one of A or B,” “A, B or C,” “at least one of A, B and C,” and “at least one of A, B, or C” may each include any one of the items listed together in the corresponding phrase, or all possible combinations thereof. Terms such as “first,” “second,” or “first” or “second” may be used simply to distinguish a component from another corresponding component and do not limit the components in any other aspect (e.g., importance or order). Where any (e.g., 1st) component is referred to as “coupled” or “connected” to another (e.g., 2nd) component, with or without the terms “functionally” or “communicationly,” it means that said any component may be connected to said other component directly (e.g., via a wire), wirelessly, or through a third component.

[0064] As used herein, the term "module" may include a unit implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be a component formed integrally, or a minimum unit of said component or a part thereof that performs one or more functions. For example, according to one embodiment, a module may be implemented in the form of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0065] Various embodiments of this document may be implemented as software (e.g., a program) comprising one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory or external memory) readable by a machine (e.g., an electronic device). For example, a processor (e.g., processor (e.g., U1 / 2)) of a device (e.g., battery management unit (210) or vehicle control unit (220)) may call at least one of one or more instructions stored from a storage medium and execute it. This enables the device to operate to perform at least one function according to the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code that can be executed by an interpreter. A storage medium readable by the device may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, 'non-transitory' simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not contain a signal (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish between cases where data is stored semi-permanently and cases where it is stored temporarily in the storage medium.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the method according to the various embodiments disclosed herein may be provided by being included in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded between a seller and a buyer as a product. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a device-readable storage medium (e.g., compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)) or an application store (e.g., Play Store). TM It can be distributed online (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) through ) or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). In the case of online distribution, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily stored or temporarily created on a device-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or a relay server.

[0067] Components according to various embodiments of this document may be implemented in software or in hardware form, such as a digital signal processor (DSP), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), and may perform specific roles. The term "components" is not limited to software or hardware, and each component may be configured to reside in an addressable storage medium or configured to run one or more processors. As an example, components may include components such as software components, object-oriented software components, class components, and task components, as well as processes, functions, attributes, procedures, subroutines, segments of program code, drivers, firmware, microcode, circuits, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, and variables.

[0068] According to various embodiments, each component (e.g., module or program) of the components described above may include a singular or multiple entities. According to various embodiments, one or more of the components or operations of the aforementioned components may be omitted, or one or more other components or operations may be added. Generally or additionally, multiple components (e.g., module or program) may be integrated into a single component. In this case, the integrated component may perform one or more functions of each of the components of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as those performed by the corresponding component among the multiple components prior to the integration. According to various embodiments, operations performed by the module, program, or other components may be executed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be executed in a different order, omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

Claims

Claim 1 A PLC communication device comprising: a battery management unit; a vehicle control unit that receives battery power from the battery management unit through a power line and transmits and receives data with the battery management unit through the power line; wherein the battery management unit and the vehicle control unit each comprise a first and second modulation circuit, a first and second demodulation circuit, and a first and second circulator, and the data transmission and reception paths are separated through the circulator. Claim 2 A PLC communication device according to claim 1, wherein each of the first and second circulators is a circulator having a receiving path from a first port to a second port and a transmitting path from a third port to the first port. Claim 3 A PLC communication device according to claim 1, wherein the battery management unit comprises: a first power converter that converts the battery power down to a lower level; a first processor that generates data to be transmitted to the vehicle control unit; the first modulation circuit that converts the generated data into an analog information signal; and a first coupling circuit that receives the analog information signal through the transmission path of each circulator and loads it onto the battery power. Claim 4 A PLC communication device according to claim 3, wherein the vehicle control unit comprises: a second coupling circuit for separating the analog information signal from the power line; the second demodulation circuit for converting the analog information signal into digital data through the receiving path of each circulator; and a second processor for receiving the digital data through the second demodulation circuit. Claim 5 A PLC communication device according to claim 1, wherein the vehicle control unit comprises: a second power converter that converts the battery power down-level; a second processor that generates transmission data for the battery management unit; the second modulation circuit that converts the transmission data into an analog information signal; and a second coupling circuit, one end of which is connected to the power line and the other end of which is connected to a port of the circulator, and which loads the analog information signal transmitted from one port of the second circulator to another port onto the battery power. Claim 6 A PLC communication device according to claim 5, wherein the battery management unit comprises: a first coupling circuit for separating the battery power and the analog information signal from the power line; the first modulation circuit for converting the analog information signal obtained through the receiving path of the first circulator into digital data; and a first processor for interpreting the digital data. Claim 7 A PLC communication device comprising: a coupling circuit for separating an information signal combined with said battery power transmitted through a power line to which battery power from an external electronic unit is supplied or received; a circulator for separating a transmission path and a reception path and transmitting said information signal through said transmission path; a filter for converting said information signal into digital data when receiving said information signal through said circulator; and a processor for driving said down-converted power and interpreting said digital data. Claim 8 A PLC communication device according to claim 7, comprising an amplifier that amplifies an information signal passed through the circulator, wherein the filter converts the information signal amplified through the amplifier into digital data. Claim 9 In claim 8, the filter is a PLC communication device that is an RC filter passing a low-frequency band in the amplified information signal. Claim 10 A PLC communication device according to claim 7, comprising: a modulation circuit that converts digital data generated by the processor into an analog information signal; and a coupling circuit that transmits the analog information signal to the power line by carrying it on the battery power source through the transmission path of the circulator. Claim 11 A PLC communication device according to claim 10, wherein the modulation circuit comprises a ring oscillator that converts the digital data into the analog information signal which is a sinusoidal wave. Claim 12 A PLC communication device according to claim 7, wherein the circulator is a circulator having first to third ports, wherein the coupling circuit is connected to the first port, the filter is connected to the second port, the modulation circuit is connected to the third port, and the receiving path extending from the first port to the second port and the transmitting path extending from the third port to the first port. Claim 13 A PLC communication device according to claim 7, wherein the coupling circuit has one end connected to the power line and the other end connected to one port of the circulator. Claim 14 In claim 7, a PLC communication device provided in at least one of a battery management unit or a vehicle control unit. Claim 15 A PLC communication method comprising: an operation of separating an information signal carried on a battery power source received from an external electronic unit via a power line from the battery power source through a coupling circuit; an operation of transmitting the information signal from a first port to a second port of a circulator; an operation of converting the information signal passed through the circulator into digital data through a low-pass filter; and an operation of performing processing corresponding to the digital data by a processor. Claim 16 A PLC communication method according to claim 15, wherein the operation of amplifying the information signal transmitted from the first port to the second port of the circulator is included, and the conversion operation is included in the operation of converting the amplified information signal into the digital data. Claim 17 A PLC communication method according to claim 15, comprising: an operation of converting transmission data generated by the processor into an analog information signal through a ring oscillator; an operation of transmitting the analog information signal from a third port of the circulator to a first port; and an operation of transmitting the information signal from the first port by carrying it on the battery power source through the coupling circuit and transmitting it through the power line.

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