Control system for bus system with at least two transmission lines

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control system (1) for use in a bus system having at least two transmission lines (2a, 2b), comprising: a first control unit (4) having a first termination path (5) and a first terminating resistor (6) connected to the first termination path; a second control unit (7) having a second termination path (8) and a second terminating resistor (9) connected to the second termination path (8); a first plug (10) configured and arranged to connect the first control unit (4) to the transmission lines (2a, 2b) and thereby integrate the first control unit (4) into the bus system (3); and a second plug (11) configured and arranged to connect the second control unit (7) to the transmission lines (2a, b) and thereby integrate the second control unit (7) into the bus system (3), wherein the first plug (10) and the second plug (11) are designed differently from each other. The invention also relates to a plug for connecting a control unit to a transmission line port of a bus system. Finally, the invention also relates to a method for configuring a bus system having at least two transmission lines.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a control system for a bus system having at least two transmission lines. The invention also relates to a connector for connecting a control unit to the bus system. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for configuring the bus system. Background Technology

[0002] Bus systems are typically used to transmit data in the form of signals between multiple participants via a common transmission line. A CAN (Controller Area Network) bus system specifically refers to a serial bus system that connects multiple control units to each other via two transmission lines. Termination resistors are placed at the ends of the actual open transmission lines to prevent signal reflection at the line ends and to ensure the required total impedance in the bus system.

[0003] EP 3 040 871 B1 addresses a CAN bus system with two terminating resistors positioned between the CAN high and CAN low lines. Connectors are positioned between the electronic components of the CAN bus system and the transmission lines. These connectors can be switched between two different operating phases. In a first operating phase, the pins in the connectors are switched such that current in the transmission lines must pass through the resistors, while in a second operating phase, due to the corresponding pin arrangement, the current does not need to pass through the resistors. Therefore, the electronic components can optionally implement, for example, the terminating resistors via a switchable operating state obtained from the connectors.

[0004] EP 3 113 430 A1 discloses an electronic component for use in a CAN bus system. The electronic component can optionally implement a terminating resistor if required by a switching component. In this case, a transistor circuit located in the switching section switches multiple transistors, such that current in the transmission line must pass through the terminating resistor.

[0005] In DE 10 2012 223 530 A1, a dynamic line termination of a communication bus (e.g., a CAN bus system) is disclosed in a monitoring circuit for a battery module. The line termination resistor can be switched on by closing a switch connected to the control electronics, thus allowing current in the line to pass through the termination resistor.

[0006] A known drawback of switchable systems is that resistors in each system can be switched on and off. Consequently, in the event of a malfunction, the entire bus becomes unusable. Furthermore, achieving the corresponding switchability requires increased control complexity and additional components. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Based on known prior art, the object of this invention is to provide an improved control system for use in a bus system having at least two transmission lines, and an improved plug for connecting a control unit to a transmission line port of the bus system. The invention also aims to provide an improved method for configuring a bus system having at least two transmission lines.

[0008] This objective is achieved by the control system according to the invention, the plug according to the invention, and the method according to the invention. Advantageous extensions can be obtained from the description and drawings.

[0009] Therefore, a control system for a bus system with at least two transmission lines is proposed.

[0010] Here, a bus system should first be understood as a system used to transmit data among multiple participants via a common transmission path.

[0011] Here, the bus system includes multiple control units interconnected via two transmission lines, with all control units connected to both lines simultaneously. The actual open transmission lines must be terminated with terminating resistors at their ends and / or branches to prevent reflections and the resulting interference to the transmission lines.

[0012] A transmission line is understood as a line used to transmit signals in a bus system. At least two transmission lines are provided so that signals can be transmitted via the voltage difference between them. One transmission line can be called the high line, and the other the low line. Interfaces can be placed between the two transmission lines, i.e., at least two interfaces in total. A terminating resistor can be placed at each of the at least two interfaces to terminate the transmission line while maintaining the total impedance of the bus system. For example, the total impedance could be 60 ohms.

[0013] When using two transmission lines, data can be transmitted serially, in which the data is divided into the smallest units (bits) and then sent sequentially through the transmission lines. In other topologies, multiple transmission lines can be provided, for example, eight parallel transmission lines, allowing information packets (bytes) to be sent simultaneously. Regardless of the number of transmission lines used, these transmission lines must be terminated with terminating resistors at their actual open ends.

[0014] The terminating resistors can be placed separately in a control unit, which may be referred to as the main control unit, and in the control unit furthest from the main control unit. To achieve a total impedance of, for example, 60 ohms, these two terminating resistors can be configured, for example, as two 120-ohm resistors connected in parallel.

[0015] The bus system can be designed as a CAN bus system, which can be configured as a linear CAN topology.

[0016] The control system has a first control unit, which has a first termination path and a first terminating resistor connected to the first termination path. The first control unit can be understood as an electronic component that communicates via a bus system (e.g., a CAN bus system). For use in motor vehicles, such a control unit could be, for example, an engine control unit (ECU) for an electric motor or internal combustion engine, a battery control unit, or a control unit responsible for vehicle electrical systems, airbags, or other electronic control components. Therefore, the first control unit of the control system can be configured differently depending on the corresponding task to be performed. The first termination path can be understood as a wire located in the first control unit, coupled at one end to the first terminating resistor and having an interface coupled to a plug at the other end. When the first termination path is connected to the transmission line of the bus system, the first terminating resistor can be integrated into the bus system as a terminal.

[0017] The first terminating resistor can be a resistor configured to reduce residual voltage in the bus system to avoid reflections in the transmission lines of the bus system. For example, it can be a 120-ohm resistor. In addition to the first termination path and the first terminating resistor, the first control unit may also have additional electronic components to perform the functions set for the first control unit. However, the specific implementation of these other electronic components is not significant for the present subject matter of this invention. Here, termination (or termination) or termination function (or termination feature) refers to the avoidance of reflections occurring in the bus system (which can cause interference and thus signal malfunction) by targeted power loss at the corresponding terminating resistor. The terminating resistor accordingly forms a damping element.

[0018] The control system has a second control unit, which has a second termination path and a second terminating resistor connected to the second termination path. The second control unit can be understood as an electronic component communicating via a bus system. For a relevant example, please refer to the description in conjunction with the first control unit.

[0019] Therefore, the second control unit belonging to the control system can adopt different physical configurations. The second termination path can be understood as a wire located in the second control unit, coupled to the first terminating resistor at one end and having an interface coupled to a plug at the other end. When the second termination path is connected to the transmission line of the bus system, the second terminating resistor can be integrated as a terminal or termination part of the bus system.

[0020] The second terminating resistor may be a resistor configured to reduce residual voltage in the system. For other possible embodiments, please refer to the description already provided in conjunction with the first terminating resistor.

[0021] In addition to the second termination path and the second terminating resistor, the second control unit may also have additional electronic components to perform the flexible, adaptable functions set for the second control unit. However, the specific implementation of these additional electronic components is not significant for the present subject of this invention. The first and second control units may be structurally identical to each other and, in particular, provide identical hardware functionality. At least the first and second control units may be designed to be identical in terms of termination paths and terminating resistors.

[0022] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that the control system is not limited to the number of control units. Rather, it is evident in practice that a large number of control units, such as up to 70, can be integrated into a bus system, such as a CAN bus system. However, the basic scheme of the present invention can already be applied to control systems with two control units; therefore, other disclosures will only mention two control units, and the control system is not limited thereto.

[0023] The corresponding control unit can also include more than one termination path, so that even in the presence of a bus topology with more than two "ends," the control unit can correctly terminate its respective end and can accordingly adapt the terminating resistor. For example, the control unit can be used in a bus topology where only two control units are terminated, i.e., the transmission line has only two open and therefore terminated ends. For this purpose, the control unit provides a termination path with, for example, a 120-ohm terminating resistor, such that the two parallel-connected termination control units together provide a total impedance of 60 ohms for the termination.

[0024] To terminate an almost “star” bus topology (in which, for example, four control units must be terminated and therefore the transmission line has four open and therefore terminated ends), a terminating resistor of, for example, 240 ohms can be set in another termination path, thus providing a total impedance of 60 ohms when the bus is terminated together by four control units arranged in parallel.

[0025] Accordingly, control units with more than one termination path can be used flexibly in different bus topologies. This is especially true for different CAN bus topologies.

[0026] The control system has a first connector that is matched to connect a first control unit to a transmission line of a bus system and thereby integrates the first control unit into the bus system. In this disclosure, the component matched, prepared, or configured to cause a function has all the structural and functional characteristics necessary to achieve that function during operation. Therefore, the first connector serves as an interface between the transmission line of the bus system and the first control unit. In addition to the transmission line, other lines, such as power lines, can also be connected to the control unit via this connector.

[0027] The first plug can have different chambers, into which pins can be inserted within the pin assignment range. Pins can be understood as plug connectors. They are used to disconnect and connect wires. Pins can be fixed by form-fit and / or force-fit. They can be detachably or non-detachably arranged in their respective chambers. Pin assignment can be described as the process of connecting wires in the control unit to the bus system by selectively inserting pins. Pin assignment can only be selectively performed when the actual location of the control unit in the bus system is known. Alternatively, pin assignment can be performed even if only the function of the control unit is known, but its location in the bus system is unknown.

[0028] The control system has a second connector that is matched to connect a second control unit to the transmission line of the bus system and thereby integrate the second control unit into the bus system. Thus, the second connector provides an interface between the bus system's transmission line and the second control unit. The second connector may have different chambers into which pins, within a specified pin assignment, can be inserted. For information on pins and pin assignments, please refer to the above. In addition to connecting the transmission line port to the control unit, the second connector can also connect other lines to the control unit.

[0029] According to the invention, the first plug is configured differently from the second plug. In particular, the first plug differs from the second plug in its function within the control system. Here, the first plug may be functionally designed to terminate or end the transmission line of the control unit connected thereto, i.e., to introduce a termination resistor. Conversely, the second plug may be functionally designed to prevent the control unit connected thereto from being terminated.

[0030] Accordingly, the functional difference between the first and second plugs lies in that the first plug causes an operational connection between the first termination path and at least one of the transmission lines in the bus system, while the second plug does not cause a similar operational connection between the second termination path and at least one of the transmission lines in the bus system. In this way, the first termination path is activated, thereby terminating the first terminating resistor of the control system, while the second termination path remains inactive, thereby leaving the second terminating resistor undriven and without termination function in the bus system. Therefore, the first terminating resistor is used to maintain the total impedance of the bus system. This function can therefore be achieved by the first terminating resistor and thus the first control unit, because the first plug has a corresponding modification that results in an operational connection between the first termination path and at least one transmission line in the bus system. Therefore, depending on the configuration of the first plug, a control unit without termination function can be converted into a control unit with termination function.

[0031] Preferably, in one configuration of the system, the number of first termination connectors is exactly the same as the number of actual open ends of the transmission line. For example, in a strictly linear configuration of the transmission line, there are exactly two termination (first) connectors. In a star arrangement, the same number of termination connectors as the open ends are provided, for example, three, four, or more termination connectors. The remaining connectors are designed as second connectors that do not result in termination.

[0032] This offers several advantages. For example, various control units can be placed anywhere within the control system without needing to plan termination during placement. This is possible because the desired termination function can be achieved based on the plugs used, rather than on the control units used. This increases the flexibility in arranging the various control units in the control system. Furthermore, since the plugs are structurally different from each other, the intended function of the plugs can be reliably and robustly achieved. The structural differences between the first and second plugs also mean that the functions implemented by the plugs can be seen or identified externally (e.g., during assembly), which reduces the risk of incorrect assembly or debugging, thereby improving operational safety. In addition, since the terminating resistors to be placed in the bus system are located inside the corresponding control unit of the control system, these terminating resistors are protected from external influences such as corrosion, contaminant ingress (e.g., conductive dust), temperature, the mobility of the transmission lines, and vibration.

[0033] In one implementation, the first and second plugs can differ at least on the hardware side, in addition to the different functions performed in the control system, because a line bridge is arranged in the first plug. The line bridge in the plug is matched to connect a first termination path to at least one transmission line, and thus integrates a first terminating resistor into the bus system. The line bridge can be inserted on the side away from the control unit, i.e., facing the transmission line. The line bridge can be inserted on the side where pin assignment is implemented. For the line bridge, a dedicated line bridge chamber can be provided in the plug. Due to its size, this line bridge chamber can differ from the other chambers.

[0034] Alternatively, the line bridge chamber can take the same shape as the other chambers in the plug.

[0035] A line bridge can be designed to form an electrical connection between a first termination path and one of the transmission lines. The line bridge may have a sheath made of insulating material. The line bridge can be externally identifiable, allowing for external differentiation between a first plug and a second plug. The line bridge can have a simple geometry to reliably and robustly connect the first termination path to the corresponding transmission line, i.e., with low error sensitivity. In the present aspect of the invention, the term "first plug" can include the entire plug plus the line bridge.

[0036] In one embodiment, the first plug and the second plug may also differ structurally only by a line bridge in the first plug, which is matched to connect the first termination path to at least one transmission line port and thereby integrate the first terminating resistor into the bus system.

[0037] The line bridge can be designed to create an electrical connection between the first termination path and one of the transmission lines. Refer to the features described above for possible configurations of the line bridge. Since the plugs in the control system differ only in terms of the line bridge, it can be ensured that the basic structure of the plugs in the control system is identical. This improves the simplicity of the control system structure and reduces manufacturing complexity. In the present aspect of the invention, the term "first plug" can include the plug plus the line bridge as a whole.

[0038] In one implementation, the line bridge can be designed and configured to be detachably inserted into the first plug. In this way, the conversion from a plug that does not cause termination (e.g., the second plug) to a plug that causes termination (e.g., the first plug) can be achieved simply by inserting the line bridge. This reduces operational error sensitivity and improves the flexibility and operability of the control system. Detachability can also be understood as reversibility, meaning that the first plug can be converted to the second plug by pulling out the line bridge. Similarly, the second plug can be converted to the first plug by inserting the line bridge. This improves the modularity and interchangeability of the control system components. Depending on the size of the individual plugs, the line bridge can have a uniform shape or be individually matched to the shape of the corresponding plug.

[0039] In one implementation, the line bridge, in the plug state, can be matched to create a permanent, non-switchable connection between the first termination path and the transmission line. This reduces the design complexity of the plug and line bridge. Similarly, the permanent, non-switchable connection minimizes the error sensitivity of the control system. Since the control unit does not change its location during operation once integrated into the bus system, non-switchability does not compromise functionality but rather increases robustness.

[0040] In another embodiment, an exact single termination path with exactly one terminating resistor can be provided in the first control unit. Alternatively or additionally, an exact single termination path with exactly one terminating resistor can also be provided in the second control unit. Therefore, the desired flexibility in the arrangement of the individual control units can be achieved with as few additional components as possible. A terminating resistor can have a resistance of 120 ohms. Because exactly one termination path and exactly one terminating resistor are implemented for each control unit, the installation space required for the respective control unit remains minimal.

[0041] The invention also includes a plug for connecting the control unit to the transmission line port of the bus system. To avoid redundancy, possible configurations of the control unit and the bus system are discussed in the relevant disclosures, for example, in conjunction with a control system having these components.

[0042] The plug has a control unit-side interface that is matched to receive a first data transmission path, a second data transmission path, and a termination path. A path can generally be understood as a wire of the control unit, which connects, for example, to the control unit's circuitry and thus leads the port to the outside. Therefore, the control unit-side interface allows the plug to be placed or inserted into the control unit, thereby integrating it into the bus system. The first data transmission path can be prepared to connect to a first transmission line of the bus system, while the second data transmission path can be prepared to connect to a second transmission line of the bus system. In this way, data transmission through the bus system can be ensured. Depending on which ports are specifically available for the corresponding control unit function, the control unit-side interface may have additional ports.

[0043] The termination path can be coupled with the terminating resistor within the control unit.

[0044] The plug also has a bus-side interface, which is configured to connect a first path to a first transmission line and a second path to a second transmission line. In this way, signal transmission between the control unit connected by the plug and other system components of the bus system can be achieved. For the purpose of avoiding redundancy, please refer to the preceding description regarding the functionality of the bus-side interface.

[0045] The bus-side interface also includes a chamber into which a line bridge can be inserted to connect the termination path of the control unit to at least one transmission line of the bus system. Thus, by inserting the line bridge, the terminating resistor of the control unit, coupled to the termination path, can be activated, i.e., integrated into the bus system. A plug can be provided for use or application in the control system according to this disclosure. By providing the chamber, the plug allows for flexibility not only in the plug itself but also in the control system to which it is connected. Therefore, the plug can be adapted to different requirements of the bus system.

[0046] In one embodiment, the line bridge can be inserted into the chamber. In this way, the line is part of the plug. The insertion can be reversible, so the inserted line bridge can also be removed from the plug. Alternatively, the insertion can be irreversible, so the line bridge cannot be separated from the plug without damage. In the present aspect of the invention, the term "plug" can include the entire plug plus the line bridge.

[0047] The present invention also relates to a method for configuring a bus system having at least two transmission lines. To avoid redundancy, reference is made to relevant disclosures regarding possible configurations of the bus system, which describe the components, for example, in conjunction with a control system.

[0048] The method includes connecting a first control unit having a first termination path and a first terminating resistor connected thereto to a first plug that connects the first control unit to at least one transmission line port. This connection creates an operational connection between the first control unit and the first plug, enabling them to communicate with each other within a bus system. The connection can be form-fitted, for example, as a plug and / or force-fitted, for example, by screwing. To avoid redundancy, possible configurations of the control unit, termination path, terminating resistor, and plug are described with reference to the relevant disclosures, which describe the components, for example, in conjunction with a control system or connector.

[0049] The method further includes the step of connecting a second control unit having a second termination path and a second terminating resistor connected thereto to a second plug, the second plug connecting the second control unit to at least one transmission line port. This connection can induce an operational connection between the second control unit and the second plug, thereby enabling them to communicate with each other within the framework of the bus system. For possible configurations of this connection, refer to the preceding description.

[0050] The method also includes the step of inserting a line bridge into a first plug, thereby creating an operational connection between a first termination path and at least one transmission line and thus integrating the first terminating resistor into the bus system. To avoid redundancy, possible configurations of the line bridge are described in reference to relevant disclosures, which, for example, describe the component in conjunction with a control system or connector. Once the line bridge is inserted into the plug, it is considered part of that plug.

[0051] Alternatively, the method may further include the step of inserting a line bridge into a second connector, thereby creating an operational connection between the second termination path and at least one transmission line and integrating the first terminating resistor into the bus system. Generally, inserting a line bridge into the connector is considered equivalent to inserting it into that connector. Since the step of inserting the line bridge can be performed optionally with either the first or second connector, the method can be individually adapted to the corresponding framework conditions in the bus system. If technically feasible, the advantages of combining the control system and connector disclosures can also be applied to this method, which will not be listed separately here.

[0052] In one embodiment of the method, the insertion of the line bridge into the first or second plug can be reversible. This is understood to mean that the line bridge can be removed without damage after insertion. Therefore, the first or second plug can optionally create a connection between the respective terminating resistors and thus activate them.

[0053] Alternatively, the insertion can be irreversible, so that once it is connected to the plug, the line bridge can no longer be removed from the plug, and thus the plug, once activating the terminating resistor, can only be used as a plug for activating the terminating resistor. In alternative or additional embodiments, the line bridge in the inserted state can create a permanent, non-switchable connection between the corresponding termination path and at least one transmission line. This reduces the complexity of the method because it does not change its operating state after initial occupation. Similarly, the method's error sensitivity is minimized through the permanent, non-switchable connection.

[0054] Features or advantages disclosed in this disclosure for control systems, plugs or methods may be interchanged within the scope of this disclosure, provided that they are technically reasonable. Attached Figure Description

[0055] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the following accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0056] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a CAN bus system is shown in its general form;

[0057] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a control system having a first control unit and a second control unit according to one embodiment is shown;

[0058] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a control system having a first control unit and a second control unit according to another embodiment is shown; and

[0059] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of another control unit is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0060] Preferred embodiments are described below with the aid of the accompanying drawings. Here, the same, similar, or functionally equivalent elements in different drawings are given the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these elements are omitted in part to avoid redundancy.

[0061] The following section illustrates the structure of a control system for a bus system with two transmission lines to be terminated, i.e., two transmission lines with terminating resistors, using the CAN bus system as an example. The CAN bus system also represents other bus systems where at least two transmission lines must be terminated and where multiple control units communicate with each other via a common transmission line.

[0062] Figure 1 This correspondingly represents the basic structure of the CAN bus system 3. (Refer to...) Figures 2 to 4This document details the control system 1 used in a CAN bus system 3 having at least two transmission lines 2a and 2b. First, refer to… Figure 1 The CAN bus system is described in its general form.

[0063] The CAN bus system 3 has a first transmission line 2a and a second transmission line 2b. The first transmission line 2a can be referred to as the CAN high line. The second transmission line 2b can be referred to as the CAN low line.

[0064] In the idle state (also known as the recessive state), the same voltage is applied to both transmission lines 2a and 2b. For example, this voltage could be 2.5V. Once a signal is transmitted through transmission lines 2a and 2b, i.e., they switch to the so-called dominant or dominant state, the voltage on the CAN high line 2a increases, for example, by 1V. Similarly, the voltage on the CAN low line 2b in the dominant state also decreases, for example, by 1V. Therefore, the voltage difference between the CAN high line 2a and the CAN low line 2b is 0V in the recessive state and, for example, 2V in the dominant state, thus enabling data transmission.

[0065] To suppress reflections occurring in the CAN bus system 3 (which can lead to interference or hindrance and thus signal interference), two terminating resistors 102 and 103 are typically placed at opposite ends of the CAN bus 3. These resistors terminate the CAN bus system and thus result in targeted power losses at the respective terminating resistors 102 and 103. For a total impedance of, for example, 60 ohms in the CAN bus system, each of the two terminating resistors applies a resistance of 120 ohms.

[0066] Figure 1 The CAN bus system 3 has a main control unit 101, which includes a terminating resistor 103. Similarly, it has any number of other control units 100, all connected to transmission lines 2a, 2b. These can be, for example, control units 100 responsible for battery control, vehicle circuitry, airbags, or other electronically controllable components. These control units 100 can be divided into a group of non-terminating control units 104 and, on the other hand, into terminating control units 105. The non-terminating controllers 104 do not perform termination, i.e., they do not integrate terminating resistors into the system, while the terminating controllers 105 can perform termination. For this purpose, terminating resistors 102 are arranged in the terminated control units 105.

[0067] Figure 2A control system 1 is schematically shown. This control system has a first control unit 4. A first termination path 5 is arranged in the first control unit 4. This termination path is accessible from the outside of the first control unit 4. Furthermore, a first terminating resistor 6 is arranged in the first control unit 4. The first terminating resistor 6 is connected to the first termination path 5 on one side and to a first data transmission port 13 of the control unit 4 on the other side. Figure 2 The arrangement is merely exemplary. Similarly, the terminating resistor 6 can be positioned between the termination path 5 and the second data transmission port 14 of the control unit 4.

[0068] The first data transmission port 13 and the second data transmission port 14 represent wires that are prepared to be connected to the transmission lines 2a and 2b of the CAN bus system 3 via the first plug 10. Here, the data transmission ports 13 and 14 are typically coupled into the plug at their open ends, which is complementary to the plug 10, so that these internal data transmission ports 14 and 13 of the control unit can be connected to the transmission lines 2a and 2b of the CAN bus system 3.

[0069] The first connector 10 connects the first control unit 4 to the transmission lines 2a and 2b of the CAN bus system 3. A line bridge 12 is placed in the first connector 10. For this purpose, a corresponding cavity for the line bridge 12 can be provided in the first connector 10. Here, the line bridge 12 can be in the form of a wire joint, one end of which is located in the cavity of the connector 10, and the other end can be directly connected to the transmission line 2b in the cavity of the connector 10, or the connection can be made outside the connector. The line bridge 12 establishes an electrical connection between the second data transmission port 14 and the first termination path 5. In this way, the voltage applied to the second data transmission port 14 decreases across the first terminating resistor 6, thereby integrating the first terminating resistor 6 into the CAN bus system 3. Therefore, the first terminating resistor 6 maintains a total impedance of, for example, 60 ohms in the CAN bus system 3.

[0070] In addition to the first control unit 4, the control system 1 may also have a second control unit 7. In one embodiment, the first control unit 4 and the second control unit 7 may be the same. Therefore, the second terminating resistor 9 is arranged within the second control unit 7. Similarly, a second termination path 8 for connecting to the second plug 11 is provided in the second control system 7. The third data transmission port 15 and the fourth data transmission port 16 provide electrical connections between the second control unit 7 and the CAN bus system 3.

[0071] In this example, similar to the first control unit 4, the second terminating resistor 9 is arranged between the second termination path 8 and the third termination path 15. In the plug 11 coupled to the second control unit 7, no line bridge 12 is provided, so the fourth data transmission port 16 has no electrical connection to the second termination path 8. Therefore, the second terminating resistor 9 is not activated. The difference between the first plug 10 and the second plug 11 lies in the arrangement of the line bridge 12. Therefore, the termination of the CAN bus system 3 is achieved through different plug arrangements on the preferably identical control unit 47.

[0072] Figure 2 The control units 4 and 7, which are preferably identical to each other in at least the structure of their terminating resistors, each have two data transmission ports 13, 14, 15, and 16. Each data transmission port is connected to an electrical component, which is abstractly represented as a capacitor in this example. Furthermore, control units 4 and 7 each have termination paths 5 and 8. In summary, the first plug 10 in this embodiment receives three paths 5, 13, and 14 on the side facing the first control unit 4. Similarly, the second plug 11 in this embodiment receives three paths 8, 15, and 16 on the side facing the second control unit 7. Therefore, a high degree of flexibility can be achieved with a small number of paths.

[0073] Figure 3 A second embodiment of the control system 1 is shown, which includes a first control unit 4 and a second control unit 7. (As described above...) Figure 2 As described in the embodiments, they are configured to be structurally identical to each other. A first plug 10 is provided on the first control unit 4, and a second plug 11 is provided on the second control unit 7. The first control unit 4 has a first termination path 5, a first terminating resistor 6, a first data transmission port 13, and a second data transmission port 14. Similarly, the second control unit 7 has a second termination path 8, a second terminating resistor 9, a third data transmission port 15, and a fourth data transmission port 16.

[0074] The first plug 10 has a line bridge 12, which in this example connects the second data transmission port 14 to the first termination path 5 so that the first terminating resistor 6, which is located in the first control unit 4, can be integrated into the CAN bus system as a terminating resistor through the line bridge 12. Figure 3 The basic functions of control system 1 in the middle and Figure 2 The arrangement of the first terminating resistor 6 between the first termination path 8 and the first data transmission port 13 is exemplary. Similarly, it can be positioned between the first termination path 8 and the second data transmission port 14. The same consideration applies to the arrangement of the second terminating resistor 9 in the second control system 7.

[0075] according to Figure 3The basic functions of each data transmission terminal of the control unit in the implementation method are similar to those according to... Figure 2 The implementation method is as follows. In terms of its structural design, each data transmission port is provided with two ports. For example, each of the two control units 4 and 7 has a termination port 17 for connecting to plugs 10 and 11 and a data transmission port 18. The termination port 17 includes a path prepared for reception by plugs 10 and 11, so as to provide termination in this manner (depending on the plug used). The data transmission port 18 consists of a path prepared for connection to transmission lines 2a and 2b via plugs 10 and 11. Therefore, the actual coupling between transmission lines 2a and b and the corresponding control units 4 and 7 is achieved through transmission line ports 18.

[0076] By inserting the line bridge 12 into the first plug 10, an electrical connection is formed between the first terminal wiring 5 and the second data transmission port 14, thereby integrating the first terminating resistor 6 as a termination part into the CAN bus system. In this way, the chamber at the first plug 10 that is prepared to receive the line bridge 12 is structurally separated from the interface between the transmission lines 2a, 2b and the first control unit 4 or the first plug 4, which improves operational safety. Similarly, this method achieves the separation of various functions, namely the transmission function to the CAN bus system and the integration function of the terminating resistor. This improves determinism and reduces the sensitivity to errors during assembly.

[0077] exist Figure 4 In this invention, the solution is presented in a broader context. In this example, reference numeral 19 exemplarily represents a control unit in the form of a vehicle interface controller. In this example, transmission lines 2a and 2b are coupled to the vehicle interface controller 19 via an external connector 21. An internal connector is then provided to enable connection to the internal circuit board 20. The external connector 21 and the internal connector 22 can be identical in their structural design to the first connector 10 and the second connector 11.

[0078] Here, the pin assignments, i.e., the configurations of the individual pins, can differ for the inner plug 22 and the outer plug 21. In this pin assignment, wires from the circuit board 20 or the vehicle interface box 19 are connected to the CAN bus system 3 by targeted pin insertion. A termination path 5 is provided on the circuit board 20, which is coupled to the first terminating resistor 6. The line bridge 12 is inserted into the first plug 10 outside the vehicle interface controller 19 to integrate the first terminating resistor 6 into the CAN bus system 3. This embodiment demonstrates the variability of the plug according to this disclosure, which enables flexible termination of the CAN bus system 3 by means of the line bridge 12.

[0079] Wherever available, all individual features shown in the embodiments may be coupled and / or swapped with each other without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0080] List of reference numerals in the attached diagram:

[0081] 1 Control System

[0082] 2a,b transmission lines

[0083] 3. CAN bus system

[0084] 4 First Control Unit

[0085] 5 First Termination Path

[0086] 6 First terminating resistor

[0087] 7 Second Control Unit

[0088] 8 Second Termination Path

[0089] 9 Second terminating resistor

[0090] 10 First plug

[0091] 11 Second plug

[0092] 12. Track Bridge

[0093] 13 First data transmission port

[0094] 14 Second data transmission port

[0095] 15 Third data transmission port

[0096] 16 Fourth data transmission port

[0097] 17 Termination Interface

[0098] 18 Data transmission ports

[0099] 19 Vehicle Interface Controller

[0100] 20 circuit boards

[0101] 21 External plug

[0102] 22 Internal plug.

Claims

1. Control system (1) for a bus system (3) having at least two transmission lines (2a, 2b), with a first control unit (4) having a first termination path (5) and a first termination resistor (6) connected to the first termination path (5), a second control unit (7) having a second termination path (8) and a second termination resistor (9) connected to the second termination path (8), a first plug (10) which is constructed and arranged to connect the first control unit (4) to the transmission lines (2a, 2b) and thereby to integrate the first control unit (4) into the bus system (3), a second plug (11) which is constructed and arranged to connect the second control unit (7) to the transmission lines (2a, 2b) and thereby to integrate the second control unit (7) into the bus system (3), wherein the first plug (10) and the second plug (11) are designed differently from one another, wherein the first plug (10) and the second plug (11) differ at least in that a line bridge (12) in the first plug (10) is constructed and arranged to connect the first termination path (5) to at least one transmission line (2a, 2b) and thereby to integrate the first termination resistor (6) of the first control unit (4) into the bus system (3). The first plug (10) and the second plug (11) differ in structure only in that a line bridge (12) in the first plug (10) is constructed and arranged to connect the first termination path (5) to at least one transmission line (2a, 2b) and thereby to integrate the first termination resistor (6) of the first control unit (4) into the bus system (3). The line bridge (12) is constructed and arranged to be able to be inserted detachably into the first plug (10). The line bridge (12) is constructed and arranged in the inserted state to produce a permanent, non-switchable connection between the first termination path (5) and the transmission line (2a, 2b). Exactly one termination path (5) having exactly one termination resistor (6) is provided in the first control unit (4), and / or exactly one termination path (8) having exactly one termination resistor (9) is provided in the second control unit (7). At least two termination paths (5) are provided in the first control unit (4), which are each provided with a termination resistor (6) and by means of which plug it is possible to select which termination path (6) is integrated into the bus system. At least two first plugs (10) are constructed and arranged such that they each integrate a termination resistor (6) via a respective termination path of the respective control unit (4) into the bus system (3), and at least one second plug (11) is constructed and arranged such that a termination resistor (6) provided in the respective control unit (4) is not integrated into the bus system (3). ​ 2. The control system of claim 1, wherein, ​ 3. The control system of claim 1 or 2, wherein, ​ 4. The control system of claim 3, wherein ​ 5. The control system of claim 1 or 2, wherein, ​ ​ 6. The control system of claim 1 or 2, wherein, ​ 7. The control system of claim 1 or 2, wherein, ​ 8. Plug (10) for connecting a control unit to a transmission line of a bus system, for use in a control system according to one of claims 1 to 7, having: a control unit side interface adapted to receive the first data transmission path, the second data transmission path and the termination path; and a bus-side interface which is adapted to connect the first path to the first transmission line and the second path to the second transmission line; wherein the bus-side interface has a chamber in which a line bridge can be inserted to connect the termination path to at least one transmission line.

9. The plug of claim 8, wherein, inserting a line bridge into the chamber.

10. Method for configuring a bus system having at least two transmission lines, having the following steps: connecting a first control unit having a first termination path and a first termination resistor connected thereto to a first plug which connects the first control unit to at least one transmission line; connecting a second control unit having a second termination path and a second termination resistor connected thereto to a second plug which connects the second control unit to at least one transmission line; inserting a line bridge into the first plug, thereby creating an active connection between the first termination path and at least one transmission line and thereby integrating the first termination resistor into the bus system; or inserting a line bridge into the second plug, such that an active connection is created between the second termination path and at least one transmission line and thereby integrating the second termination resistor into the bus system.

11. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the insertion of the line bridge into the first or second plug is reversible; and / or the line bridge creates a permanent, non-switchable connection between the respective termination path and at least one transmission line in the inserted state.

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