Hybrid wireless-wired architecture based on power lines for intra-vehicular communication

Abstract

A hybrid vehicle communications network including a combination of wired and wireless ECUs and wired and wireless peripherals. A communications backbone, either a CAN bus or a powerline, is electrically coupled to each of the ECUs. The wireless peripherals provide wireless signals to all of the wireless ECUs and each wireless ECU provides data messages on the backbone based on the signals received from the wireless peripherals to be received by a target ECU. Also, one or more of the ECUs puts messages on the backbone to be transmitted wirelessly by all of the wireless ECUs to be received by a wireless peripheral.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]This invention relates generally to a vehicle communications network and, more particularly, to a vehicle hybrid communications network including a combination of wired and wireless ECUs and wired and wireless peripherals that communicate over powerlines.[0003]2. Discussion of the Related Art[0004]Modern vehicles employ many sensors, actuators, controllers, sub-systems, buses, etc. that require electrical wiring. As the number of vehicle systems increases, so does the wiring necessary to support those systems. However, there are a number of disadvantages with providing wires in a vehicle, especially many wires. For example, the electrical conductor of the wires, such as copper, has significant weight. As the weight of a vehicle increases, fuel efficiency decreases. Further, wiring in a vehicle is susceptible to damage, which increases the warranty cost of the vehicle. Also, requiring wiring throughout the vehicle reduce...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a communication system for hybrid vehicles that combines wired and wireless technologies. A network of vehicle electronic control units (ECUs) is connected through a network backbone, either a CAN bus or powerline. The wireless ECUs communicate with each other via wireless signals, and the wireless backbone is used to transmit data messages between the wireless ECUs and other devices in the vehicle. The system allows for the safe and efficient communication of information among the different parts of the vehicle's network.

Problems solved by technology

However, there are a number of disadvantages with providing wires in a vehicle, especially many wires.

For example, the electrical conductor of the wires, such as copper, has significant weight.

Further, wiring in a vehicle is susceptible to damage, which increases the warranty cost of the vehicle.

Also, requiring wiring throughout the vehicle reduces the flexibility in design and manufacturing of the vehicle.

Further, at least some of the wiring in a vehicle often requires periodic maintenance.

Also, wiring adds significant expense and cost.

Further, during manufacture of the vehicle, assembly of cable harnesses often causes problems as a result of breaking or bending of connector pins.

However, the transmission of wireless signals also suffers from a number of disadvantages including interference with signals from other vehicles, potential interference with signals from consumer devices brought into the vehicle, unnecessary radiation inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle, and fading issues, which result in loss of signal, requiring larger transmitted power and large power consumption.

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