Vehicle electronic control unit, operating method, vehicle electrical system and vehicle

Abstract

The embodiment of the present invention discloses a vehicle electronic control unit, an operating method, a vehicle electrical system and a vehicle. The vehicle electronic control unit includes: an operation data recording module, which is used to obtain and record software version information and messages transmitted through a communication bus, and determine the communication type through the message, and record a log according to the number of communications of each communication type. The operation data recording module includes a data reading port, which is used to read the recorded log, software version information and messages. The embodiment of the present invention uses the operation data recording module to record the software version information, messages and logs of the ECU in real time. When the ECU is frozen, the information recorded during the operation of the ECU can be read through the data reading port. It is convenient to analyze the time, cause and status of the ECU when it is frozen based on the ECU operation record. It provides an important basis for the analysis of ECU freezing, improves the analysis efficiency and reduces labor costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to vehicle control technology, and more particularly to a vehicle electronic control unit, an operating method, a vehicle electrical system, and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] During vehicle testing, production maintenance, and repairs at the vehicle manufacturer or service station, the vehicle's Electronic Control Unit (ECU) undergoes flashing and calibration. Improper operation can cause the ECU to freeze. To determine the cause of an ECU freeze, engineers must manually monitor the ECU's status using specialized software and replicate the issue to infer the likely cause.

[0003] However, this method has significant limitations and requires specialized engineers to operate. It is not only labor-intensive but may not be able to reproduce the problem. It may also be impossible to determine the time, cause, and status of the ECU flash freeze. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a vehicle electronic control unit, an operating method, a vehicle electrical system and a vehicle, which save manpower and can determine the time, cause and status of an ECU freeze.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle electronic control unit, comprising:

[0006] An operation data recording module, the operation data recording module is used to obtain and record software version information and messages transmitted through the communication bus, determine the communication type based on the messages, and record a log based on the number of communications for each communication type;

[0007] The operation data recording module includes a data reading port for reading the recorded log, the software version information and the message.

[0008] Optionally, the log includes the voltage value of the power supply terminal of the vehicle electronic control unit.

[0009] Optionally, the operation data recording module includes a voltage sensor, and the voltage sensor is used to obtain the voltage value of the power supply end.

[0010] Optionally, the operation data recording module includes a first storage area and a second storage area, the first storage area is used to store the log and the software version information, and the second storage area is used to store the message.

[0011] Optionally, the software version information includes startup software version information and running software version information.

[0012] Optionally, the communication type includes calibration operation communication and flash operation communication.

[0013] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a method for operating a vehicle electronic control unit, which operates any of the above-mentioned vehicle electronic control units, wherein the vehicle electronic control unit includes a first storage area and a second storage area.

[0014] The operation method includes:

[0015] When it is detected that the vehicle electronic control unit is powered on, the operation data recording module is set to a writable state;

[0016] The first storage area obtains and records the voltage value of the power supply terminal of the vehicle electronic control unit through a voltage sensor, sends a message instruction to read the software version information and communication type to the second storage area, records the fed-back software version information, and counts the number of communications of each communication type;

[0017] The second storage area records the message transmitted through the communication bus, and parses the software version information and the communication type through the message; if the software version information is parsed successfully, the software version information and the communication type are sent to the first storage area in response to the instruction of the first storage area, and the message is deleted.

[0018] Optionally, if parsing the software version information fails, the message is retained.

[0019] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a vehicle electrical system, comprising any one of the above-mentioned vehicle electronic control units.

[0020] In a fourth aspect, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a vehicle comprising any one of the above-mentioned vehicle electrical systems.

[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle electronic control unit includes: an operation data recording module, the operation data recording module is used to obtain and record software version information and messages transmitted through a communication bus, and to determine the communication type through the message, and to record a log according to the number of communications of each communication type. The operation data recording module includes a data reading port, which is used to read the recorded log, software version information and messages. In an embodiment of the present invention, the software version information, messages and logs of the ECU are recorded in real time through the operation data recording module. When the ECU is frozen, the information recorded during the operation of the ECU can be read through the data reading port. It is convenient to analyze the time, cause and status of the ECU when it is frozen based on the ECU operation record. It provides an important basis for the analysis of ECU freezing, improves the analysis efficiency and reduces labor costs. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a vehicle electronic control unit provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of another vehicle electronic control unit provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 A flow chart of an operating method of a vehicle electronic control unit provided by an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. It will be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are intended only to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, the accompanying drawings only illustrate portions relevant to the present invention, not all structures.

[0026] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle electronic control unit provided by an embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 1 An embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle electronic control unit 1, comprising:

[0027] Operation data recording module 11, the operation data recording module 11 is used to obtain and record software version information and messages transmitted through the communication bus, determine the communication type through the message, and record the log according to the number of communications of each communication type;

[0028] The operation data recording module 11 includes a data reading port 111 for reading recorded logs, software version information and messages.

[0029] The vehicle electronic control unit (ECU), also known as the "driving computer" or "on-board computer," is composed, like a conventional computer, of a microcontroller (MCU), memory (ROM, RAM), input / output (I / O), analog-to-digital converter (A / D), and large-scale integrated circuits such as those for shaping and driving. The ECU's operating voltage range is generally 6.5-16V (voltage regulators may be installed at key locations), current is 0.015-0.1A, and the operating temperature range is -40°C to 80°C. It can generally withstand vibrations below 1000Hz. The CPU is the core component of the ECU, performing computation and control functions. When the engine is running, it collects signals from various sensors, performs calculations, and converts the results into control signals to control the operation of the controlled object. It also controls the memory, input / output (I / O), and other external circuits. The program stored in the ROM is based on precise calculations and data obtained through extensive experiments. This inherent program continuously compares and calculates the signals collected from various sensors while the engine is running. The results of comparison and calculation are used to control multiple parameters of the engine, such as ignition, air-fuel ratio, idle speed, exhaust gas recirculation, etc.

[0030] The operation data recording module 11 may include a control unit and a storage unit. The control unit is used to perform operations such as logging, obtaining information such as software version information, obtaining messages, determining communication types, recording communication times, and writing various types of information to the storage unit. A message is a unit of data exchanged and transmitted within a network, i.e., a block of data to be sent by a station at a time. A message contains the complete data information to be transmitted, and its length varies widely, with no limit and variable length. A message is also the unit of network transmission. During transmission, it is continuously encapsulated into packets, packages, and frames. Encapsulation involves adding information segments, which are data organized in a specific format within a message header. For example, this information may include message type, message version, message length, and message entity. When the ECU communicates with the outside world via the vehicle network, the operation data recording module 11 can obtain the messages involved. For example, if the ECU communicates with the outside world via a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, the operation data recording module 11 can obtain messages transmitted by the ECU on the CAN bus. The storage unit is used to store data. The storage medium of the storage section can be a computer floppy disk, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), flash memory (FLASH), hard disk, or optical disk. The data read port 111 is accessible to users at any time. Users can access the operation data recording module 11 through the data read port 111 when the ECU is operating normally, or after the ECU has crashed. Optionally, the data read port 111 has read-only permissions, preventing write access. The operation data recording module 11 is used to record information generated during the ECU's interactions with external devices, as well as its own software version information. The operation data recording module 11 collects this information so that it can be read by an external device through the data read port 111 in the event of an ECU crash. The read logs, software version information, and messages reveal the activities and state of the ECU before the crash, providing important information for analyzing the cause of an ECU crash.

[0031] Optionally, the log includes a voltage value at a power supply terminal of the vehicle electronic control unit.

[0032] The operation data recording module can determine the operating status of the ECU based on the voltage value at the ECU's power supply terminal. For example, if the voltage value at the ECU's power supply terminal is higher than a preset voltage value, the ECU is determined to be in an operating state and the voltage value at the ECU's power supply terminal at that time is recorded as a log.

[0033] Furthermore, the operation data recording module includes a voltage sensor, and the voltage sensor is used to obtain the voltage value of the power supply terminal.

[0034] Among them, the operation data recording module measures the voltage value of the power supply terminal of the ECU through its own voltage sensor, and can complete the measurement of the voltage value of the power supply terminal of the ECU without the need for an external sensor.

[0035] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of another vehicle electronic control unit provided by an embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 2 Optionally, the operation data recording module 11 includes a first storage area 112 and a second storage area 113 , wherein the first storage area 112 is used to store logs and software version information, and the second storage area 113 is used to store messages.

[0036] The information to be stored can be categorized and stored. The second storage area 113 can determine how to handle the message based on the message analysis results of the first storage area 112. The first storage area 112 can parse the message and attempt to obtain software version information. If the first storage area 112 successfully obtains the software version information, the second storage area 113 discards the message and clears the memory. If the first storage area 112 fails to successfully obtain the software version information, the second storage area 113 retains the message record for subsequent investigation.

[0037] Optionally, the software version information includes startup software version information and running software version information.

[0038] The startup software is the boot loader that runs before the ECU runs any software. It initializes the hardware and prepares the environment for the software. The runtime software is the software required to execute the ECU's functions. Software version information includes both the startup software and the runtime software. Recording both versions can provide important information for analyzing the cause of ECU flash freezes.

[0039] Optionally, the communication type includes calibration operation communication and flash operation communication.

[0040] Calibration communication occurs during vehicle calibration, while flash communication occurs during ECU software flashing. Analyzing the communication types and the number of times each type of communication occurs before an ECU freezes can provide valuable insights into the cause of the freeze.

[0041] Figure 3 A flow chart of an operating method of a vehicle electronic control unit provided by an embodiment of the present invention, see Figure 3An embodiment of the present invention further provides an operating method of a vehicle electronic control unit, which is operated on any one of the vehicle electronic control units in the above embodiments, wherein the vehicle electronic control unit includes a first storage area and a second storage area.

[0042] The operation methods include:

[0043] S1: When it is detected that the vehicle electronic control unit is powered on, the operation data recording module is set to a writable state;

[0044] S21: The first storage area obtains and records the voltage value of the power supply terminal of the vehicle electronic control unit through the voltage sensor, sends a message instruction to read the software version information and communication type to the second storage area, records the feedback software version information, and counts the number of communications of each communication type;

[0045] S22: The second storage area records the message transmitted through the communication bus, and parses the software version information and communication type through the message; if the software version information is successfully parsed, the software version information and communication type are sent to the first storage area in response to the instruction of the first storage area, and the message is deleted.

[0046] The first storage area records the ECU's power supply voltage, the number of communications of each communication type, and software version information. The second storage area has the ability to retrieve, store, and parse messages. Programs within the second storage area can determine whether a message's communication type is calibration or flashing by checking the message's flag bit. After obtaining the software version and communication type corresponding to the message, the message can be discarded and the memory cleared. This reduces storage space usage and minimizes the accumulation of data that is not helpful for ECU flash failure analysis.

[0047] Optionally, if parsing the software version information fails, the message is retained.

[0048] If the software version information fails to be parsed, the communication may be abnormal and the ECU may be frozen. Therefore, the message is retained for subsequent ECU freeze analysis.

[0049] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a vehicle electrical system, comprising any one of the above-mentioned vehicle electronic control units.

[0050] Among them, the vehicle electrical system provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes the vehicle electronic control unit provided by any embodiment of the present invention, and has corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects.

[0051] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a vehicle comprising any one of the above-mentioned vehicle electrical systems.

[0052] Among them, the vehicle provided by the embodiment of the present invention includes the vehicle electrical system provided by any embodiment of the present invention, and has corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects.

[0053] Note that the above are only preferred embodiments of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and that various obvious changes, readjustments, combinations, and substitutions are possible for those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle electronic control unit, characterized in that: include: an operation data recording module, the operation data recording module being configured to obtain and record software version information and messages transmitted via a communication bus, determine a communication type based on the messages, and record a log based on the number of communications for each communication type, the log including a voltage value at a power supply terminal of the vehicle electronic control unit, wherein the operation data recording module includes a voltage sensor configured to obtain the voltage value at the power supply terminal; When it is detected that the vehicle electronic control unit is powered on, the operation data recording module is set to a writable state, the operation data recording module includes a first storage area and a second storage area, the first storage area is used to store the log and the software version information, and the second storage area is used to store the message; The first storage area obtains and records the voltage value of the power supply terminal of the vehicle electronic control unit through the voltage sensor, sends a message instruction to read the software version information and communication type to the second storage area, records the fed-back software version information, and counts the number of communications of each communication type; The second storage area records the message transmitted via the communication bus, and parses the software version information and the communication type through the message; if the software version information is successfully parsed, the software version information and the communication type are sent to the first storage area in response to the instruction of the first storage area, and the message is deleted; The operation data recording module includes a data reading port for reading the recorded log, the software version information and the message.

2. The vehicle electronic control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The software version information includes startup software version information and running software version information.

3. The vehicle electronic control unit according to claim 1, characterized in that The communication types include calibration operation communication and flash operation communication.

4. A method for operating a vehicle electronic control unit, characterized in that: The vehicle electronic control unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3 comprises a first storage area and a second storage area. The operation method includes: When it is detected that the vehicle electronic control unit is powered on, the operation data recording module is set to a writable state; The first storage area obtains and records the voltage value of the power supply terminal of the vehicle electronic control unit through a voltage sensor, sends a message instruction to read the software version information and communication type to the second storage area, records the fed-back software version information, and counts the number of communications of each communication type; The second storage area records the message transmitted through the communication bus, and parses the software version information and the communication type through the message; if the software version information is parsed successfully, the software version information and the communication type are sent to the first storage area in response to the instruction of the first storage area, and the message is deleted.

5. The method for operating a vehicle electronic control unit according to claim 4, characterized in that: If parsing the software version information fails, the message is retained.

6. A vehicle electrical system, characterized in that: The vehicle electronic control unit comprises any one of claims 1-3.

7. A vehicle, characterized in that: A vehicle electrical system comprising the vehicle electrical system of claim 6.

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