Apparatus and method for communication

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus comprising two communication units wherein one of the two communication units additionally comprises a protection unit configured to provide protection against excess voltage. The state of the protection unit may be changed to enable or disable the protection. Further, an associated method is disclosed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for communication and a method for the apparatus. Background Art

[0002] In many technical fields, such as battery monitoring, devices are used that are capable of communicating according to different predefined protocols. This device may also be referred to as a communication unit. For each protocol supported by the device, the device may include a corresponding dedicated communication unit. For example, if the device is capable of performing both communication according to a first predefined protocol and communication according to a second predefined protocol, the device will most likely include a first communication unit for the first protocol and a second communication unit for the second protocol. The first communication unit is capable of performing communication according to the first protocol, but the first communication unit is most likely not capable of performing communication according to the second protocol. The second communication unit is used for this purpose. The second communication unit is capable of performing communication according to the second protocol, but the second communication unit is most likely not capable of performing communication according to the first protocol.

[0003] The greater the number of protocols supported by a device for communication, the greater the number of communication units that may be implemented by the device. Each communication unit requires an interface formed by the device. Often, the space available for interfaces in a device is very limited. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0005] Aspects of the present disclosure are defined in the following claims.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a device is provided, comprising: a signal interface, referred to as a device interface, for sending and / or receiving communication signals; a first communication unit; and a second communication unit, wherein the first communication unit comprises a first transceiver and another unit, referred to as a protection unit, wherein the protection unit is coupled between the first transceiver and the device interface, wherein the second communication unit comprises a second transceiver, wherein the second transceiver is coupled to the device interface, wherein the protection unit is configured to change from a first state to a second state, wherein the protection unit is configured to enable a first signal connection between the device interface and the first transceiver when in the first state, and wherein the protection unit is configured to disable the first signal connection when in the second state.

[0007] In one or more embodiments of the apparatus, the protection unit is controllable to change from a first state to a second state, or vice versa.

[0008] In one or more embodiments of the device, wherein the first communication unit includes a first signal interface, wherein the second communication unit includes a second signal interface, wherein the protection unit includes a third signal interface, a fourth signal interface and a circuit arrangement, wherein the first signal interface of the first communication unit is coupled to the third signal interface of the protection unit, wherein the fourth signal interface of the protection unit is coupled to the first transceiver, wherein the second signal interface of the second communication device is coupled to the device interface, wherein the circuit arrangement extends from the third signal interface to the fourth signal interface such that the circuit arrangement forms an electrical connection between the third signal interface and the fourth signal interface, referred to as a main connection, wherein the circuit arrangement includes a first switching unit integrated into the main connection, and wherein the first switching unit is configured to disconnect or reconnect the main connection at the first switching unit.

[0009] In one or more embodiments of the device, wherein the circuit arrangement comprises a second switching unit integrated into the main connection, the second switching unit is configured to disconnect or reconnect the main connection at the second switching unit.

[0010] In one or more embodiments of the device, the first switching unit and the second switching unit are connected in series.

[0011] In one or more embodiments of the device, the circuit arrangement includes a further electrical connection, referred to as a pull-down connection, coupled between the fourth signal interface and a terminal of the circuit arrangement, referred to as a reference potential terminal, wherein a third switching unit of the circuit arrangement is integrated into the pull-down connection, and wherein the third switching unit is configured to disconnect or reconnect in response to the pull-down connection.

[0012] In one or more embodiments of the apparatus, the reference terminal is a ground terminal.

[0013] In one or more embodiments of the device, wherein the device comprises a control unit referred to as a state control unit, wherein the state control unit is configured to control the first, second and / or third switching unit.

[0014] In one or more embodiments of the apparatus, the state control unit is configured to control the at least one switch unit to enable the main connection and / or disconnect the pull-down connection, so that the protection unit is in the first state.

[0015] In one or more embodiments of the apparatus, the state control unit is configured to control at least one switch unit to disable the main connection and / or the pull-down connection so that the protection unit is in the second state.

[0016] In one or more embodiments of the apparatus, the first communication unit is configured to perform communication according to the SPI protocol.

[0017] In one or more embodiments of the apparatus, the second communication unit is configured to perform communication according to a TPL protocol.

[0018] In one or more embodiments of the apparatus, the protection unit and the first transceiver are formed by a common IC.

[0019] In one or more embodiments of the apparatus, wherein the IC forms the first and second communication units.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a method for a device is provided, wherein the device includes a signal interface referred to as a device interface, a first communication unit and a second communication unit, wherein the device interface includes at least one end, wherein the first communication unit includes a first transceiver and a protection unit, wherein the protection unit is coupled between the first transceiver and the device interface, wherein the second communication unit includes a second transceiver, wherein the second transceiver is coupled to the device interface, and the method includes the following steps: controlling the protection unit so that the protection unit changes from a first state to a second state, wherein the protection unit is configured to enable a first signal connection between the device interface and the first transceiver when in the first state, and wherein the protection unit is configured to disable the first signal connection when in the second state.

[0021] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program comprising executable instructions which, when executed by a processing unit, cause the processing unit to be configured to carry out the method of the second aspect and / or one or more embodiments thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it should be noted that the drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of the scope of the invention, as the invention may admit to other equally effective embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the advantages of the claimed subject matter upon reading this specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to designate like elements, and wherein:

[0023] Figure 1 A simplified block diagram of an embodiment of an apparatus is shown.

[0024] Figure 2 A simplified block diagram of an embodiment of a protection unit is shown.

[0025] Figure 3 A simplified block diagram of another embodiment of an apparatus is shown.

[0026] Figure 4 A simplified block diagram showing a flow diagram of a method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Figure 1An example embodiment of an apparatus 100 is schematically shown, comprising a first communication unit 104 and a second communication unit 106. The apparatus may also be referred to as a communication apparatus 100. The first communication unit 104 and the second communication unit 106 are preferably different communication units 104, 106. In one example, the first communication unit 104 is configured to communicate according to a first predefined protocol. A protocol may be understood as a communication protocol. The second communication unit 106 may be configured to communicate according to a second predefined protocol. The two protocols may be different protocols.

[0028] Often, the space available on the device 100 for forming an interface between the two communication units 104 and 106 is very limited. Therefore, the device 100 includes a signal interface 102, referred to as a device interface 102. The device interface is used to send and receive communication signals. Both the first and second communication units 104 and 106 can be coupled to the same device interface 102, thereby saving space consumption outside the device 100.

[0029] Device 100 may include a signal connection 150 extending from device interface 102 to first signal interface 116 of first communication unit 104 and second signal interface 118 of second communication unit 106. Communication signals sent to device interface 102 may be transmitted to both first signal interface 116 of first communication unit and second signal interface 118 of second communication unit 106 via signal connection 150.

[0030] The protocols implemented by the two communication units 104 and 106 are different protocols. The protocols may differ in the voltage ranges of the communication signals used to represent data. In one example, the first communication unit 104 may be configured so that a first voltage of a first communication signal within a first predefined voltage range can be applied to the first signal interface 116. The first communication unit 104 may be configured so that if the first voltage is within the first voltage range, it will not cause damage within the first communication unit 104. In another example, the second communication unit 106 may be configured so that if a second voltage of a second communication signal within a second predefined voltage range is applied to the second signal interface 118. The second communication unit 106 may be configured so that if the second voltage is within the second voltage range, it will not cause damage within the second communication unit 106.

[0031] The second voltage range may be greater than the first voltage range. Furthermore, the first voltage range may be encompassed by and / or within the second voltage range. The first voltage range may be defined by a first protocol, and the second voltage range may be defined by a second protocol. The two voltage ranges may be different. In one example, the first voltage range may be defined by a lower limit of -10V and an upper limit of +10V. In another example, the second voltage range may be defined by a lower limit of -40V and an upper limit of +40V.

[0032] exist Figure 1 In an example embodiment of the device 100, the first signal interface 116 of the first communication unit 104 and the second signal interface 118 of the second communication unit 106 are preferably both coupled to the device interface 102 via a signal connection 150. The signal connection 150 can be configured as a branched signal connection. A second communication signal can be received via the device interface 102 according to a second protocol. The second voltage of the second communication signal can be less than a lower limit of a first voltage range according to the first protocol, or greater than an upper limit of a first voltage range according to the first protocol. In one example, the second voltage is +40V. The second voltage can be transmitted to both the first communication unit 104 and the second communication unit 106 via the signal connection 150. The second voltage does not cause damage to the second communication unit 106. Desirably, the second voltage does not cause damage to the first communication unit 104 even if the second voltage reaches a value according to the lower limit of the second voltage or a value according to the upper limit of the second voltage.

[0033] The first communication unit 104 includes a first transceiver 108 and another unit 110 (referred to as protection unit 110). The protection unit 110 is coupled between the first transceiver 108 and the device interface 102. In one example, the protection unit 110 can be coupled between the first transceiver 108 and a first signal interface 116 of the first communication unit 104. The second communication unit 106 includes a second transceiver 112 coupled to the device interface 102. In one example, the second transceiver 112 is coupled to a second signal interface 118 of the second communication unit 106. Preferably, the second communication unit 106 does not include a protection unit, specifically, does not include a protection unit such as the protection unit 110. In practice, the second transceiver 112 can be directly coupled to the device interface 102 via at least one signal connection 150, 148 and via the second signal interface 118.

[0034] The first protection unit 110 of the first communication unit 104 is configured to change from a first state to a second state. The first state and the second state each relate to the first protection unit 110. In this context, the first state may be understood as the first state of the first protection unit 110, and the second state may be understood as the second state of the first protection unit 110. When in the first state, the protection unit 110 is configured to establish and / or reconnect the first signal connection 140 between the device interface 102 (or the first signal interface 116) and the first transceiver 108.

[0035] In one example, the protection unit 110 can be configured to, when in the first state, enable a first signal connection 114 between the first signal interface 116 of the first communication unit 104 and the first transceiver 108, preferably to establish and / or (re)connect the first signal connection 114. The enabled (specifically, established and / or (re)connected) first signal connection 140 can transmit and / or forward communication signals from the first signal interface 116 to the first transceiver 108. Enabling a signal connection can be understood as establishing, connecting, or reconnecting the signal connection.

[0036] In one example, the protection unit 110 can be configured to, when in the second state, deactivate the first signal connection 114 between the first signal interface 116 of the first communication unit 104 and the first transceiver 108, preferably disconnect the first signal connection 114. The deactivated (specifically, disconnected) first signal connection 114 can prevent communication signals from being transmitted and / or forwarded from the first signal interface 116 to the first transceiver 108. Deactivating the signal connection can be understood as disconnecting or interrupting the signal connection.

[0037] In one example, it can be assumed that a communication signal is transmitted to the device interface 102 formed according to the second protocol, so that the second voltage of the communication signal does not damage the second communication unit 106, but there is a risk that the second voltage, if reaching the lower limit or upper limit of the second voltage range, may damage the first communication unit 104. When in the second state, the protection unit 110 prevents the second voltage from damaging the first communication unit 104 even when the second voltage reaches a value according to the lower limit or upper limit of the second voltage range.

[0038] Protection unit 110 can be configured such that the second voltage does not damage protection unit 110, even when the second voltage reaches a value according to the lower or upper limit of the second voltage range. Thus, communication signals according to the second protocol can be transmitted to protection unit 110 via device interface 102 without damaging protection unit 110. In fact, protection unit 110 can withstand the second voltage of the communication signal without being damaged, even when the second voltage reaches a value according to the lower or upper limit of the second voltage range. First transceiver 108 and / or other components of first communication unit 104 can be configured such that if the second voltage, having a value according to the lower or upper limit of the second voltage range, were to reach first transceiver 108 or other components of first communication unit 104, the second voltage would damage first transceiver 108 and / or such other components. However, if protection unit 110 is set to the second state, there is no risk of first transceiver 108 and / or other components of first communication unit 104 being damaged by the second voltage.

[0039] The protocol used to transmit and transfer communication signals to the device interface 102 of the device 100 is often known before the device 100 is implemented and / or used. In an example of use of the device 100, it may be known that a second protocol is used for communication, so that the device 100 can be configured to receive communication signals via the device interface 102 according to the second protocol. In this case, the protection unit 110 can be controlled and / or configured so that the protection unit 110 is in the second state. Therefore, the device 100 can receive communication signals at the associated device interface 102 without risking damage to the first communication unit 104 (specifically, the first transceiver 108 or other components of the first communication unit 104, such as the first controller 140).

[0040] In another example of use of device 100, it can be appreciated that a first protocol is used for communication, such that device 100 can be configured to receive communication signals via device interface 102 according to the first protocol. In this case, protection unit 110 can be controlled and / or configured such that protection unit 110 is in a first state. Thus, device 100 can receive communication signals at associated device interface 102 without risking damage to first communication unit 104.

[0041] The device 100 may be used in a battery management system (BMS) or a battery cell controller (BCC). For example, the device 100 may be a component of a BMS or a BCC.

[0042] To monitor the battery cells and control their charging and discharging operations, each battery cell controller (BCC) may communicate with a central control unit of the BMS. The central control unit may include a central processing unit (CPU).

[0043] In one example, the communication between the central control unit and each BCC may be via one of the following two protocols for communication:

[0044] Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) Protocol: The SPI protocol is based on synchronous serial communication. Communication can be in full-duplex mode. A master-slave architecture can be used for SPI communication.

[0045] Transformer Physical Layer (TPL) Protocol: The TPL protocol is based on differential point-to-point communication over a galvanically isolated bus, typically via magnetic coupling and galvanic isolation transformers. Transformer-based differential isolated point-to-point communication can use bidirectional transceivers that enable undamped message transmission to both downstream and upstream battery cell controllers via a daisy chain.

[0046] In one example, the first communication unit 104 can be configured to communicate according to the SPI protocol. A voltage range of 0V to +3.3V can be used to represent data according to the SPI protocol. Due to interference, such as electromagnetic interaction, voltages may occur outside the voltage range used to represent data. The first voltage range can therefore be larger than the voltage range used to represent data. The first voltage range can be predefined by a lower limit (-5V) and an upper limit (+5V).

[0047] In one example, the second communication unit 106 can be configured to communicate according to the TPL protocol. Data according to the TPL protocol can be represented using a voltage range of -10V to +10V. Due to interference, such as electromagnetic interaction, voltages may occur outside the voltage range used to represent data. The second voltage range can therefore be larger than the voltage range used to represent data. The second voltage range can be predefined by a lower limit (-40V) and an upper limit (+40V).

[0048] Figure 1 An example of an apparatus 100 is schematically shown. The apparatus 100 includes a first communication unit 104. The first communication unit 104 includes a protection unit 110, a first transceiver 108, and preferably also a first controller 140. The protection unit 110, the first transceiver 108, and the first controller 140 may be coupled in series. Communication signals transmitted to the first communication interface 116 of the first communication unit 104 may be passed to the first transceiver 108 via the first protection unit 110 in a first state. The first transceiver 108 may be configured to generate a signal, referred to as a first transceiver signal, based on the received communication signal. The first transceiver 108 is coupled to the first controller 140 via a signal connection 156. The first transceiver 108 may transmit the first transceiver signal to the first controller 140 via the signal connection 156. The first controller 140 may be configured to decode data represented by the first transceiver signal, referred to as first received data. The first controller 140 is coupled to the fifth signal interface 152 of the first communication unit 104. The fifth signal interface 152 can be coupled to the second device interface 142 of the device 100. The first controller 140 can send the first received data via the fifth signal interface 152 and / or the second device interface 142. In one example, the first communication unit 104 can be configured for bidirectional communication. The first communication unit 104 can be configured so that the previously explained communication path is also possible in the reverse direction.

[0049] Figure 1An example of a second communication unit 106 included in the device 100 is schematically shown. The second communication unit 106 includes a second transceiver 112 and preferably also includes a second controller 144. The second transceiver 112 and the second controller 144 may be coupled in series. Communication signals transmitted to the second communication interface 118 of the second communication unit 106 may be passed to the second transceiver 112 via a signal connection 148. The second transceiver 112 may be configured to generate a signal, referred to as a second transceiver signal, based on the received communication signal. The second transceiver 112 is coupled to the second controller 144 via a signal connection 158. The second transceiver 112 may transmit the second transceiver signal to the second controller 144 via the signal connection 158. The second controller may be configured to decode data represented by the second transceiver signal, referred to as second received data. The second controller 144 is coupled to a sixth signal interface 154 of the second communication unit 106. The sixth signal interface 154 may be coupled to the third device interface 146 of the device 100. The second controller 144 can be configured to send the second received data via the sixth signal interface 154 and / or the third device interface 146. In one example, the second communication unit 106 can be configured for bidirectional communication. The second communication unit 106 can be configured so that the previously explained communication path is also possible in the reverse direction.

[0050] In one example, the protection circuit 110 and the first transceiver 108 are integrated into a single integrated circuit (IC). The IC may also integrate the first controller 140. Thus, the first communication unit 104 may be formed by a single IC. The second communication unit 106 may also be formed by this IC or another IC. In one example, the entire device 100 may be formed by a single IC. The integration of the protection circuit 110 into a common single IC, specifically including the first transceiver 108 and the first controller 140, and further specifically including the second transceiver 112 and the second controller 144, provides the advantage that the device 100 can be manufactured in a compact and cost-effective manner. Studies have shown that integrating the protection circuit 110 into a single IC results in approximately 290 times less space consumption within the IC than if the (other) protection circuit were formed separately outside the IC. If the protection circuit 110 is integrated into the IC, the cost is also reduced by a certain factor.

[0051] Figure 2 Schematically shows an example of an embodiment of the protection unit 110. The device 100 and / or the first communication unit 104 may further comprise a control unit 138, which may be referred to as a state control unit 138. The state control unit 138 is also Figure 2 It is shown schematically in FIG.

[0052] In one example, protection unit 110 is controllable to change from a first state to a second state, or vice versa. Protection unit 110 may be configured to receive a control signal and, based on the control signal, perform the change from the first state to the second state, or vice versa. State control unit 138 may be coupled to protection unit 110 via at least one signal connection 160. State control unit 138 may be configured to generate a control signal for protection unit 110 to change the state of control unit 110. State control unit 138 may preferably transmit the control signal to protection unit 110 via at least one signal connection 160. Thus, state control unit 138 may control protection unit 110 via the control signal so that protection unit 110 is in the first state or in the second state. In one example, state control unit 138 is integrated into first communication unit 104.

[0053] If the device 100 is to be used to communicate via the second communication unit 106 and / or according to the second protocol, the device 100 may control the state control unit 138 so that the state control unit 138 controls the protection unit 110 to change to and / or remain in the second state. In the second state, the protection unit 110 disconnects the first signal connection 114 between the first signal interface 116 of the first communication unit 104 and the first transceiver 108. By disconnecting the first signal connection 114, the first transceiver 108 and / or the first controller 140 are protected from being corrupted by communication signals that the device 100 may receive via the associated device interface 102 during the aforementioned use.

[0054] If the device 100 is to be used to communicate via the first communication unit 104 and / or according to the first protocol, the device may control the state control unit 138 so that the state control unit controls the protection unit 110 to change to and / or remain in the first state. In the first state, the first signal connection 114 between the first signal interface 116 of the first communication unit 104 and the first transceiver 108 is reconnected. The reconnected first signal connection 114 allows communication signals transmitted to the first signal interface 116 to be forwarded to the first transceiver 108. The communication signals may also be forwarded to the second transceiver 112 via signal connection 150 and signal connection 148. The first protocol may be implemented by the first transceiver 140, and preferably not by the second transceiver 144. The second protocol may be implemented by the second transceiver 144, and preferably not by the first transceiver 140. If the communication signal is forwarded to both the first and second transceivers 108, 112 and if the communication signal represents data according to the first protocol, only the first controller 140 will be able to decode the data as the first received data. The second controller 144 will not decode the data, or will not decode valid data. If a second protocol is used for communication, the opposite may apply accordingly.

[0055] Figure 2An example embodiment of a protection unit 110 is schematically shown. The protection unit 110 may include a signal interface 120, which may be referred to as a third signal interface 120, and another signal interface 122, which may be referred to as a fourth signal interface 122. The third signal interface 120 of the protection unit 110 may be coupled to the first signal interface 116 of the first communication unit 104. If a communication signal is transmitted to the first signal interface 116, the communication signal may be directly passed to the third signal interface 120 of the protection unit 110. The fourth signal interface 122 may be coupled to the first transceiver 108.

[0056] In one example, the protection unit 110 is integrated into the signal connection 114 extending from the first signal interface 116 to the first transceiver 108. A first section of the signal connection 114 may extend from the first signal interface 116 to the third signal interface 120. A second section of the signal connection 114 may extend from the fourth signal interface 122 to the first transceiver 108.

[0057] The protection unit 110 may include a circuit arrangement 124 extending from the third signal interface 120 to the fourth signal interface 122. The circuit arrangement 124 may include a first switching unit 128. The circuit arrangement 124 may extend from the third signal interface 120 to the fourth signal interface 122 such that the circuit arrangement 124 forms an electrical connection 126, referred to as a main connection 126, between the third signal interface 120 and the fourth signal interface 122. In one example, the main connection 126 may form another section of the first signal connection 114.

[0058] The circuit arrangement 124 may include a first switch unit 128 integrated with the main connection 126. In one example, the first switch unit 128 is integrated and / or formed into the main connection 126 so that the first switch unit 128 can disconnect the main connection 126. The first switch unit 128 can disconnect the main connection 126 at the location where the first switch unit 128 is integrated into the main connection 126. At the same location, the first switch unit 128 can reconnect the main connection 126.

[0059] State control unit 138 may be coupled to circuit arrangement 124 via signal connection 160, allowing state control unit 138 to control circuit arrangement 124. In one example, state control unit 138 may be configured to directly or indirectly control first switch unit 128. For example, state control unit 138 may control first switch unit 128 so that first switch unit 128 disconnects or reconnects main connection 126. If first switch unit 128 is controlled by state control unit 138 so that first switch unit 128 disconnects main connection 126, the disconnection of main connection 126 causes protection unit 110 to change to the second state. Conversely, if main connection 126 is disconnected by first switch unit 128, and if first switch unit 128 is controlled by state control unit 138 so that first switch unit 128 reconnects main connection 126, the reconnected main connection 126 causes protection unit 110 to change to the first state. First switch unit 128 provides a simple and effective means for causing protection unit 110 to change state.

[0060] In one example, the first switch unit 128 is formed by a semiconductor transistor (specifically, an NMOS transistor or a PMOS transistor). The first switch unit 128 may also be referred to as a first semiconductor switch.

[0061] In another example, the circuit arrangement 124 may include a second switching unit 130. The second switching unit 130 may be integrated and / or formed in the main connection 126, such that the second switching unit 130 can disconnect the main connection 126. The second switching unit 130 can disconnect the main connection 126 at the location where the second switching unit 130 is integrated into the main connection 126. At the same location, the second switching unit 130 can reconnect the main connection 126. The second switching unit 130 has the following advantage: the second switching unit 130 can be used to cause the main connection 126 to be disconnected again, so that the second state of the protection unit 110 can remain highly robust against disturbances.

[0062] In one example, the second switch unit 130 is formed by a semiconductor transistor (specifically, an NMOS transistor or a PMOS transistor). The second switch unit 130 may also be referred to as a second semiconductor switch.

[0063] In one example, the first switch unit 128 and the second switch unit 130 are connected in series. Either of the switch units 128 and 130 can cause the primary connection 126 to be disconnected. If both the switch units 128 and 130 cause the primary connection 126 to be disconnected, the disconnection is particularly robust against interference and / or high voltages, such that the interference and / or high voltages can be kept away from the first transceiver 108.

[0064] In one example, the circuit arrangement 124 includes another connection 132, which can be referred to as a pull-down connection 132, and a terminal 134, which can be referred to as a reference terminal 134. The pull-down connection 132 can extend from the fourth signal interface 122 to the reference terminal 134. In addition, the circuit arrangement 124 can include a third switch unit 136 integrated into the pull-down connection 132. This integration has the effect of coupling the third switch unit 132 between the reference terminal 134 and the fourth signal interface 144. The third switch unit 132 is integrated and / or formed into the pull-down connection 132 so that the third switch unit 136 can disconnect the pull-down connection 132. The third switch unit 136 can disconnect the pull-down connection 132 at the location where the third switch unit 136 is integrated into the pull-down connection. At the same location, the third switch unit 136 can reconnect the pull-down connection 132.

[0065] In one example, a reference connection 134 is used to connect to a ground potential (0 volts) and / or another predefined potential. If the protection unit 110 is in the second state, the protection unit 110 disconnects the first signal connection 114. The purpose of this disconnection is to ensure that the communication signal transmitted to the first signal interface 116 is not passed to the first transceiver 108 and / or the first controller 140. In the second state of the protection unit 110, the third switch unit 136 can be controlled so that the third switch unit 136 (re)connects the pull-down connection 132. In the event that a portion of the disturbance signal and / or the communication signal passes through the first switch unit 128 and / or the second switch unit 130, the portion of the disturbance signal and / or the communication signal is pulled to the reference terminal 134 via the connected pull-down connection 132, where the portion of the disturbance signal and / or the communication signal terminates. As a result, in case the pull-down connection 132 is connected, the potential at the fourth signal interface 122 is maintained and / or arranged to be constant and robust with respect to disturbances at a potential defined by the voltage source connected to the reference terminal 134. With the aid of the third switching unit 136, the pull-down connection 132 and the reference terminal 134, a means is provided to make the circuit arrangement 110 in the second state particularly robust with respect to disturbances and / or high voltages of the communication signal, in particular when the second protocol is used for communication.

[0066] In one example, the state control unit 138 is coupled to the third switch unit 136 via another signal connection 162, so that the third switch unit 136 can be controlled by the state control unit 138. The state control unit 138 can control the third switch unit 36 ​​so that the third switch unit 136 disconnects or reconnects the pull-down connection 132.

[0067] In one example, the third switch unit 136 is formed by a semiconductor transistor (specifically, an NMOS transistor or a PMOS transistor). The third switch unit 136 may also be referred to as a third semiconductor switch.

[0068] In one example, the state control unit 138 is coupled to the circuit arrangement 124 and / or is configured to control at least one of the switch units 128, 130, and 136 so that the main connection 126 is disconnected and / or the pull-down connection 132 is connected, thereby placing the first protection unit 110 in the second state. As a result, the state control unit 138 can control the circuit arrangement 124 and / or the protection unit 110 so that the protection unit 110 changes to the second state. In the second state, the main connection 126 can be disconnected by the first switch unit 128 and / or by the second switch unit 130. In the second state, the pull-down connection 132 can be (re)connected by the third switch unit 136. In the second state, the protection unit 110 is particularly robust against high voltages of disturbance signals and / or communication signals at the first device interface 102, the first signal interface 116 and / or the third signal interface 120 if, in the second state, the main connection 126 is disconnected by both switching units 126, 130 and the pull-down connection 132 is (re)connected by the third switching unit.

[0069] In one example, the state control unit 138 is coupled to and / or configured to control at least one of the switch units 128, 130, and 136 so that the main connection 126 is (re)connected and / or the pull-down connection 132 is disconnected, thereby placing the first protection unit 110 in the first state. Consequently, the protection unit 110 can transfer the communication signal from the third signal interface 120 to the fourth signal interface 122 via the (re)connected main connection 126. Because the pull-down connection 132 is disconnected, the communication signal is not pulled to the reference terminal 134. Therefore, the communication signal can be forwarded to the first transceiver 108.

[0070] In one example, the circuit arrangement 124 includes an additional signal connection 164 extending from an additional terminal 166, also referred to as a supply terminal 166, to the first switch unit 128 and / or the second switch unit 130. In one example, the signal connection 164 can extend in a Y-shape from the supply terminal 166 to both the first and second switch units 128 and 130. A fourth switch unit 168 can be integrated into the signal connection 164 and / or configured to disconnect the signal connection 164 to the supply terminal 166. The fourth switch unit 168 can be integrated into the signal connection 164 at a position such that the fourth switch unit 168 can disconnect the first and second switch units 128 and 130 from the electrical connection 164. The signal connection 164 can extend to a control terminal of each of the first switch unit 128 and / or the second switch unit 130. In effect, the fourth switch unit 168 can control both switch units 128 and 130 in parallel, specifically, opening or closing the switch units. A control terminal of the fourth switch unit 168 may be coupled to the state control unit 138 via the signal connection 160. The state control unit 138 may be configured to control the fourth switch unit 168. The state control unit 138 may control the fourth switch unit 168 such that, by controlling the fourth switch unit 168, the first switch unit 128 and / or the second switch unit 138 are also (indirectly) controlled by the state control unit 138.

[0071] The following describes an example in which protection circuit 110 is set to the second state. In this example, a supply voltage of 5V is supplied to supply terminal 166. Reference terminal 134 is connected to a voltage potential of 0V, such as ground potential. State control unit 138 generates a control signal having a voltage value of 5V. State control unit 138 transmits the control signal to the control terminal of fourth switch unit 168 via signal connection 160. Fourth switch unit 168 is preferably formed as a PMOS transistor. The control terminal of fourth switch unit 168 can be the gate terminal of the PMOS transistor. The control signal transmitted to the gate terminal via signal connection 160 sets fourth switch unit 168 to the open state, disconnecting signal connection 164 at the location where fourth switch unit 168 is integrated into signal connection 164. Due to the disconnection of signal connection 164, first switch unit 126 and second switch unit 130 are no longer coupled to supply terminal 166. First switch unit 126 and second switch unit 130 are preferably each formed as an NMOS transistor. The gate terminals of the first and second switching cells 130 are coupled to each other via a branch of signal connection 164. Furthermore, both gate terminals of switching cells 128 and 130 are coupled to a node 172 of circuit arrangement 124 via a resistor 170. Node 172 is preferably integrated into main connection 126. A further signal connection 174 of circuit arrangement 124 extends from node 172 to reference terminal 134. A diode 176 (specifically, a Z-diode 176) and a further resistor 178 are integrated into signal connection 174. Due to the disconnected fourth switching cell 168 and signal connection 174, the 0V voltage potential of reference terminal 134 is present at the gate terminals of first and second switching cells 128 and 130. As a result, both first and second switching cells 128 and 130 are in an open state, disconnecting main connection 126 from both switching cells 128 and 130. Third switching cell 136 is preferably formed as an NMOS transistor. The gate terminal of the third switching unit 136 is preferably coupled to the state control unit 138 via the signal connection 162. The state control unit 138 can generate a control signal having a voltage of 5V, which is transmitted to the gate terminal of the third switching unit 136 via the signal connection 162. As a result, the third switching unit 136 changes to the open state, so that a direct (or reconnected) connection 132 between the fourth signal interface 122 and the reference terminal 134 is established. If a communication signal is transmitted to the third signal interface 120, which communication signal has a voltage of, for example, +40 volts, the protection unit 110 in the second state (as previously explained) will prevent the voltage of +40 volts from being forwarded to the fourth signal interface 122. Preferably, Figure 2 The circuit arrangement 124 is further configured such that if the protection circuit 110 is in the second state, a communication signal having a voltage of, for example, −40 Volts will not be passed to the fourth signal interface 122 .

[0072] Figure 3 Schematically shows an example of a further embodiment of the device 100. Figure 3 The device 100, with respect to Figure 1 and 2 Reference is made to the previous explanations, preferred features, technical effects and advantages in a similar manner to those explained above.

[0073] Figure 3 Device 100 includes a device interface 102. Device interface 102 may include multiple terminals, such as terminals 102a, 102b, and 102c. First signal interface 116 of first communication unit 104 may have multiple terminals, such as terminals 116a, 116b, and 116c. Second signal interface 118 of second communication unit 106 may have multiple terminals, such as terminals 118a, 118b, and 118c. Signal connection 150a may extend from terminal 102a of device interface 102 to both terminals 116a and 118a. Signal connection 150b may extend from terminal 102b of device interface 102 to both terminals 116b and 118b. Signal connection 150c may extend from device interface terminal 102c to both terminals 116c and 118c. Signal connections 105a through 150c may also be generally understood as signal connections 150.

[0074] The first protection unit 110a may be coupled between the terminal 116a and the first transceiver 108. The second protection unit 110b may be coupled between the terminal 116b and the first transceiver 108. The third protection unit 110c may be coupled between the terminal 116c and the first transceiver 108. The first, second, and third protection units 110a, 110b, 110c may each be configured as the previously described protection unit 110. With respect to the first, second, and third protection units 110a, 110b, 110c, reference is made to the previous explanations, preferred features, technical effects, and advantages in a manner similar to that previously explained with respect to the protection unit 110.

[0075] Figure 4 For the method, reference is preferably made to the previous explanations, preferred features, technical effects and advantages in a similar manner as explained previously for the device 100 .

[0076] The method involves a device 100 including a signal interface 102, referred to as device interface 102, a first communication unit 104 and a second communication unit 106, wherein the first communication unit 104 includes a first transceiver 108 and a protection unit 110, wherein the protection unit 110 is coupled between the first transceiver 108 and the device interface 102, wherein the second communication unit 106 includes a second transceiver 112, wherein the second transceiver 112 is coupled to the device interface 102, the method comprising the following steps: controlling the protection unit 110 so that the protection unit 110 changes from a first state to a second state, wherein the protection unit 110 is configured to enable a first signal connection between the device interface 102 and the first transceiver 108 when in the first state, and wherein the protection unit 110 is configured to disable the first signal connection when in the second state.

[0077] Although the described exemplary embodiments disclosed herein focus on apparatus and methods of using the same, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the exemplary embodiments illustrated herein.

[0078] The systems and methods described herein may be embodied, at least in part, by a computer program or programs that may exist in a variety of forms, in both active and inactive states, within a single computer system or across multiple computer systems. For example, they may exist as software programs comprised of program instructions in source code, object code, executable code, or other formats for performing some of the steps described. Any of the above formats may be embodied in compressed or uncompressed form on a computer-readable medium, which may include storage devices and signals.

[0079] As used herein, the term "computer" refers to any electronic device that includes a processor, such as a general-purpose central processing unit (CPU), a dedicated processor, or a microcontroller. A computer is capable of receiving data (input), performing a series of predetermined operations on the data, and generating a result in the form of information or signals (output). Depending on the context, the term "computer" will refer to (specifically) a processor or (more generally) a processor associated with a combination of related elements housed within a single chassis or housing.

[0080] The term "processor" or "processing unit" refers to a data processing circuit, which may be a microprocessor, a coprocessor, a microcontroller, a microcomputer, a central processing unit, a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic circuit, and / or any circuit that manipulates signals (analog or digital) based on operating instructions stored in a memory. The term "memory" refers to a memory circuit or circuits, such as read-only memory, random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and / or any circuit that stores digital information.

[0081] As used herein, a "computer-readable medium" or "storage medium" can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transport a computer program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. A computer-readable medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable media can include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CDROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a Blu-ray disc (BD), and a memory card.

[0082] It should be noted that the above embodiments have been described with reference to different subject matter. Specifically, some embodiments may have been described with reference to method claims, while other embodiments may have been described with reference to apparatus claims. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate from the foregoing that, unless otherwise indicated, any combination of features relating to different subject matter, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter, and in particular, any combination of features from a method claim with features from an apparatus claim, are also considered disclosed herein.

[0083] In addition, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic. Similar or identical elements are represented by the same reference numerals in different drawings. In addition, it should be noted that in order to provide a concise description of the illustrative embodiments, implementation details that are customary practices of technicians may not be described. It should be understood that in the development process of any such embodiment, as in any engineering or design project, many implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as subjecting system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one embodiment to another. In addition, it should be understood that this development work may be complex and time-consuming, but it will still be a common practice for technicians to engage in design, production, and manufacturing.

[0084] Finally, it should be noted that the skilled person will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in the claim. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The measures recited in the claims may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several different elements and / or by means of a suitably programmed processor. In a device claim listing several components, several of these components may be embodied by one and the same piece of hardware. The fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not in itself indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

[0085] Unless otherwise stated, terms such as "first," "second," etc., are used to arbitrarily distinguish between the elements such terms describe. Thus, these terms are not necessarily intended to indicate a temporal or other prioritization of such elements.

Claims

1. A device, characterized in that: include: A signal interface, which is called a device interface, is used to send and / or receive communication signals, a first communication unit, The second communication unit, wherein the first communication unit comprises a first transceiver and another unit called a protection unit, The protection unit is coupled between the first transceiver and the device interface. wherein the second communication unit comprises a second transceiver, wherein the second transceiver is coupled to the device interface, wherein the protection unit is configured to change from a first state to a second state, wherein the protection unit is configured to enable a first signal connection between the device interface and the first transceiver when in the first state, and Wherein the protection unit is configured to disable the first signal connection when in the second state.

2. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The protection unit is controllable to change from the first state to the second state, or vice versa.

3. A device according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that The first communication unit includes a first signal interface, wherein the second communication unit includes a second signal interface, wherein the protection unit includes a third signal interface, a fourth signal interface and a circuit arrangement, wherein the first signal interface of the first communication unit is coupled to the third signal interface of the protection unit, wherein the fourth signal interface of the protection unit is coupled to the first transceiver, wherein the second signal interface of the second communication device is coupled to the device interface, wherein the circuit arrangement extends from the third signal interface to the fourth signal interface so that the circuit arrangement forms an electrical connection between the third signal interface and the fourth signal interface, referred to as a main connection, wherein the circuit arrangement includes a first switch unit integrated into the main connection, and wherein the first switch unit is configured to disconnect or reconnect the main connection at the first switch unit.

4. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The circuit arrangement comprises a second switching unit integrated into the main connection, the second switching unit being configured to disconnect or reconnect the main connection at the second switching unit.

5. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The first switch unit and the second switch unit are connected in series.

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 5, characterized in that The circuit arrangement comprises a further electrical connection, referred to as a pull-down connection, coupled between the fourth signal interface and an end of the circuit arrangement, referred to as a reference potential end, wherein a third switch unit of the circuit arrangement is integrated into the pull-down connection, and wherein the third switch unit is configured to disconnect or reconnect with the pull-down connection.

7. Device according to the preceding claim, characterized in that The reference terminal is a ground terminal.

8. Device according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 7, characterized in that The arrangement comprises a control unit, referred to as a state control unit, wherein the state control unit is configured to control the first, second and / or third switching unit.

9. A device according to any preceding claim, characterised in that The state control unit is configured to control at least one switch unit to enable the main connection and / or disconnect the pull-down connection so that the protection unit is in the first state.

10. A method for a device, characterized in that The device comprises a signal interface referred to as a device interface, a first communication unit and a second communication unit, wherein the device interface preferably comprises at least one end, wherein the first communication unit comprises a first transceiver and a protection unit, wherein the protection unit is coupled between the first transceiver and the device interface, wherein the second communication unit comprises a second transceiver, wherein the second transceiver is coupled to the device interface, and the method comprises the following steps: The protection unit is controlled so that the protection unit changes from a first state to a second state, wherein the protection unit is configured to enable a first signal connection between the device interface and the first transceiver when in the first state, and wherein the protection unit is configured to disable the first signal connection when in the second state.

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