Electronic circuit and method for powering plurality of electronic systems of electronic control unit of vehicle, and electronic control device of vehicle

Abstract

An electronic circuit (1) for powering a plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4) of an electronic control unit (70) of a vehicle, the electronic circuit comprising: a power input detector (5) configured to detect an input voltage and to generate a first set signal as a function of the detected input voltage; a plurality of latches (6, 7, 8), where an output of the power input detector is connected to a respective set input of each of the plurality of latches, where each of the plurality of latches is configured to generate a respective enable signal in accordance with a first set signal; a plurality of power management circuits (13, 14, 15), where each latch is connected to its associated power management circuit, where each of the plurality of power management circuits is configured to power its associated electronic system according to the enable signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to an electronic circuit for powering a plurality of electronic systems of an electronic control unit of a vehicle. The invention also relates to a method for powering a plurality of electronic systems in an electronic control unit of a vehicle. The invention also relates to an electronic control device comprising the electronic circuit according to the invention. Background Art

[0002] The latest developments in electronic control units (ECUs) for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and automated driving systems (ADS) require very high computing power to meet the needs of understanding the environment around an autonomous vehicle. ECUs must be designed with high functional safety requirements in order to build sufficient redundancy into the system to enable safe automated driving capabilities. In this regard, ECUs can be designed with multiple electronic systems, such as microprocessors or multiple systems-on-chips (SoCs). For example, these SoCs must complete their boot process in a very short time, such as less than two seconds, to meet Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), especially FMVSS-111, and be ready for any fully automated or assisted driving functions.

[0003] Conventional electronic circuits for powering multiple electronic systems of an ECU of a vehicle may require that one of the SoCs (e.g., SoC1) be powered on and complete its startup process before other SoCs (e.g., SoC2 and SoC3) in the ECU can be powered on. After SoC1 completes its startup process, it can set its output pins to start the power supply of SoC2 and SoC3. In this common sequential power-on configuration, the startup time of the system is equal to T1+MAX(T2, T3), where T1, T2, and T3 are the times required for SoC1, SoC2, and SoC3 to complete their startup processes, respectively.

[0004] Depending on the complexity of the boot process for SoC1, the total boot time of the system accumulates the boot time of each SoC. If the complexity of SoC2 and SoC3 is already high, the time taken to boot SoC1 will reduce the available time for SoC2 and SoC3. Therefore, achieving a short boot time for these SoCs is more challenging. Summary of the invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to power up multiple electronic systems of an ECU of a vehicle in a reduced time.

[0006] This object is achieved by the respective subject matter of the independent claims. Further embodiments and preferred embodiments are subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic circuit for powering a plurality of electronic systems of an electronic control unit of a vehicle. The electronic circuit comprises a power input detector configured to detect an input voltage and generate a first set signal at an output of the power input detector according to the detected input voltage. The electronic circuit further comprises a plurality of latches, wherein each of the plurality of latches is associated with one of the plurality of electronic systems, wherein the output of the power input detector is connected to a corresponding set input of each of the plurality of latches, wherein each of the plurality of latches is configured to generate a corresponding enable signal at an output of the corresponding latch according to the first set signal. The electronic circuit further comprises a plurality of power management circuits, wherein each of the plurality of latches is associated with one of the plurality of power management circuits, wherein each corresponding output of each of the plurality of latches is connected to a power management circuit associated therewith, wherein each of the plurality of power management circuits is associated with one of the plurality of electronic systems and is configured to power the electronic system associated therewith according to the enable signal.

[0008] An electronic circuit may be understood as an electrical circuit consisting of individual electronic components, such as discrete electronic components such as resistors, transistors, capacitors, inductors and diodes, but also any kind of electronic systems, subsystems and integrated circuits, which are connected by wires or conductive traces through which electric current can flow.

[0009] The multiple electronic systems may be or may include two or more, correspondingly at least two electronic systems. The types of the electronic systems may be different from each other. The electronic system may be programmable. Preferably, the electronic system is or may include a microprocessor or microcontroller integrated circuit. The electronic system may also include a bus, a clock generator, a memory and / or an interface, each including at least an input terminal and / or an output terminal.

[0010] The electronic system may, for example, be designed as a system on a chip. A SoC may be an integrated circuit (also referred to as a "chip") that integrates all or most of the components of a computer or any other electronic system. These components may include a central processing unit (CPU), a memory interface, on-chip input / output devices, and / or an auxiliary storage interface, for example together with other components such as a radio modem and / or a graphics processing unit (GPU), all on a single substrate or microchip.

[0011] An electronic control unit (ECU), also called an electronic control module (ECM), is, for example, an embedded system that controls one or more electrical systems or subsystems, preferably electrical systems or subsystems in a vehicle. An ECU may include at least a microprocessor or a microcontroller.

[0012] The term supply may be understood as providing or supplying electrical power, respectively voltage and / or current.

[0013] Preferably, the ECU is designed for or as part of an electronic vehicle guidance system, preferably implemented as an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) and / or an automated driving system (ADS) of a vehicle. An electronic vehicle guidance system may be understood as an electronic system that is configured to guide a vehicle in a fully automatic or fully autonomous manner, and in particular, without manual intervention or control by a driver or user of the vehicle. The vehicle performs all required functions, such as steering maneuvers, deceleration maneuvers and / or acceleration maneuvers, as well as automatic monitoring and recording of road traffic and corresponding reactions. In particular, the electronic vehicle guidance system may implement a fully automatic or fully autonomous driving mode according to level 5 of the SAE J3016 classification. In particular, the electronic vehicle guidance system may implement a partially automatic or partially autonomous driving mode according to levels 1 to 4 of the SAE J3016 classification. Here and below, SAE J3016 refers to the corresponding standard dated June 2018.

[0014] Thus, at least partially automatically guiding the vehicle may include guiding the vehicle in a fully automatic or fully autonomous driving mode according to level 5 of the SAE J3016 classification. At least partially automatically guiding the vehicle may also include guiding the vehicle in a partially automatic or partially autonomous driving mode according to levels 1 to 4 of the SAE J3016 classification.

[0015] The power input detector may be an electronic component of the electronic circuit, or may include at least a separate electrical or electronic component. Once the input voltage is supplied to the power input of the electronic circuit and, accordingly, to the ECU, the power input detector may detect the input voltage immediately and / or immediately. As a direct or indirect result, the power input detector may generate a first set signal immediately and / or immediately at the output of the power input detector. Preferably, switching on the input voltage and generating the first set signal occur almost simultaneously. The input voltage may be provided by a superior power supply system of the vehicle, and may be provided by an auxiliary battery or generator of the vehicle.

[0016] The output of the power input detector may preferably be an output interface connected to a corresponding set input or set input interface of each latch by electrical traces or wires.

[0017] A latch, sometimes also called a flip-flop, particularly a level-controlled flip-flop, is an electronic circuit that can provide two stable signal states and can be used to store the states. Preferably, the plurality of latches can each be a device that stores a single bit (binary digit) of data, wherein one of its two states can represent "1" and the other can represent "0". Such a data storage device can be used to store states, and such a circuit is called sequential logic in electronics. A latch can include a set input, a reset input, and an output.

[0018] Each latch may operate, for example, as follows. If the latch receives a corresponding set signal at its set input, the latch will generate or set an enable signal at its output and maintain the enable signal until the latch receives a reset signal at its reset input. Accordingly, the enable signal is preferably a permanent signal. If the latch receives a corresponding reset signal at its reset input, the latch will turn off or disable or reset the enable signal until the latch receives a set signal at its set input.

[0019] The multiple latches can be designed, for example, as SR NOR latches, wherein the output state remains constant when both the set and reset input signals are low. If the S (Set Input) pulse is high and the R (Reset Input) remains low, the Q (Output) of the latch is forced to a high level and remains high when S returns to a low level, thereby setting the enable signal. Similarly, if the R pulse is high and S remains low, Q is forced to a low level and remains low when R returns to a low level, thereby resetting the enable signal. Other designs can also be used for latches. The set input and reset input of each latch can be active low inputs. Therefore, a low-level active signal pulse will activate the latch to output a high-level active signal at the Q output pin. The high-level signal output from the latch can keep the PMIC from outputting power to its corresponding SoC. Therefore, after the set signal of the power input detector is generated, the power to all these SoCs will start.

[0020] The enable signal may represent a binary "1" signal. This means that if the latch receives a set signal, it will immediately and / or momentarily generate a binary "1" at its output, or set the enable signal to a binary "1". If the latch receives a reset signal, it will immediately and / or momentarily generate a binary "0" at its output, or in other words, turn off or reset the enable signal to a binary "0". It is also contemplated that the enable signal may represent a binary "0" when set, in which case the output will generate a binary "1" if a reset signal is received.

[0021] The set signal may be a first set signal and / or a second set signal and / or a third set signal, etc. The first reset signal may be a first reset signal and / or a second reset signal and / or a third reset signal, etc.

[0022] The plurality of latches may be or may include two or more, respectively at least two latches. The plurality of power management circuits may be or may include two or more, respectively at least two power management circuits. Preferably, the number of latches is equal to the number of power management circuits and / or equal to the number of electronic systems. Preferably, the number of power management circuits is equal to the number of electronic systems. Therefore, each latch may be associated with exactly one electronic system and / or exactly one power management circuit, respectively, or may be assigned to exactly one electronic system and / or exactly one power management circuit. Each electronic system may be associated with exactly one power management circuit, or may be assigned to exactly one power management circuit.

[0023] The power management circuit, also referred to as a PMC, may be designed as a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). Each PMC may be an integrated circuit that may be used to manage the power requirements of each electronic system. Each PMC may be a solid-state device that may also allow control of the flow and direction of current and / or the magnitude of voltage. Preferably, each PMC includes one or more DC / DC converters to convert the input voltage into a plurality of operating voltages for the electronic system. It is also feasible that the plurality of power management circuits are structurally combined into one power management circuit.

[0024] Each PMC can only power one associated electronic system. Power supply means that each PMC can supply at least one, preferably multiple currents and / or multiple operating voltages to the electronic system, and multiple currents and / or multiple operating voltages are necessary for the electrical maintenance or operation of the electronic system. If, accordingly, as long as the PMC receives an enable signal from its associated latch, preferably at the corresponding enable interface or pin of the PMC, the PMC will continuously power its associated electronic system. Once the PMC receives the enable signal, it will immediately power the associated electronic system. Once the PMC no longer receives the enable signal, it will stop powering the electronic system.

[0025] An advantage of the invention is that the electronic circuit allows multiple electronic systems (e.g. SoCs) to be started in parallel, such as multiple electronic systems in an automotive ECU, so that the startup time of the ECU is significantly reduced compared to at least part of the sequential startup of the multiple electronic systems. All of the multiple electronic systems are advantageously powered and started at the same time. As a result, the ECU can be available very early when activated, which helps to further improve the system in the vehicle.

[0026] According to various embodiments, a reset input terminal of each of the plurality of latches may be connected or coupled to a first output terminal of an associated electronic system. Preferably, each of the plurality of latches is configured to turn off an enable signal according to a first reset signal at a corresponding reset input terminal.

[0027] As mentioned previously, the enable signal generated at the output of the latch may be a permanent signal representing a binary “1.” Turning off or resetting the enable signal may mean generating a binary “0” at the output of the latch. The reverse logic is also contemplated.

[0028] By turning off the enable signal, the PMC can stop supplying power to its associated electronic system, so that the electronic system is turned off. Therefore, the electronic system is no longer in service. By connecting the first output terminal of the electronic system to the associated reset input terminal of the latch, it can be ensured that each electronic system can turn itself off by resetting the latch.

[0029] One advantage of this is that each electronic system can be switched off or powered off independently of the other electronic systems or independently of the ECU. This means that not all electronic systems have to be active or not all electronic systems have to be inactive. Thus, those electronic systems whose service is not currently required can be switched off. This saves power in particular. For example, when a vehicle is stopped with its powertrain switched off, the drive functions are not required and the corresponding electronic system(s) can therefore be switched off.

[0030] According to various embodiments, the first set signal and / or the first reset signal comprises a transient signal pulse, preferably a low level active signal pulse. Preferably, the first set signal and / or the first reset signal is a transient signal pulse, preferably a single transient signal pulse.

[0031] A transient signal pulse in signal processing is a rapid transient change in the amplitude of a signal from a baseline value to a higher or lower value, followed by a rapid return to the baseline value, wherein the baseline value is preferably a voltage value of the signal. An active low signal pulse may include said amplitude change from the baseline value to a lower value (preferably to ground) and back to the baseline value, wherein the pulse activates or sets the corresponding latch when received at the set input of the latch, or deactivates or resets the corresponding latch when received at the reset input of the latch.

[0032] The advantage of a momentary signal pulse as a set signal or reset signal is that a desired or undesired reset of the transmitter of the signal (e.g. a power input detector or an electronic system or any other computing unit) does not technically result in a set signal or a reset signal, and thus an undesired setting or resetting of the latch does not occur.

[0033] Since the enable signals for the PMIC are outputs from the latches, unless the latches are reset by signals from the electronic system, these signals remain high to enable the outputs of the PMIC.

[0034] For example, if there is a fault in the first electronic system that causes it to self-reset, the outputs of the first electronic system may also be reset. This will cause these outputs to be reset to inputs with high impedance. Since the drive signal to the latch is an open-drain low-level active signal, the reset of the first electronic system that changes its port to a high-impedance input will not cause any undesirable low-level active drive signal to the set or reset input of the latch. Therefore, even if the electronic system undergoes a reset, the output of the latch remains unchanged.

[0035] This is a very important feature to allow other electronic systems in the system to perform their tasks when one or more electronic systems fail, thereby minimizing the degree of ECU incapacity when an undesirable fault condition occurs.

[0036] According to various embodiments, the electronic circuit further comprises a calculation unit connected to a set input of a first latch of the plurality of latches and configured to generate a second set signal. Preferably, the first latch is configured to generate a corresponding enable signal according to the second set signal.

[0037] The plurality of latches include a first latch, and may include a second latch, a third latch, etc. Accordingly, the first latch is associated with a first power management circuit and a first electronic system, the second latch is associated with a second power management circuit and a second electronic system, the third latch is associated with a third power management circuit and a third electronic system, and so on, wherein the corresponding number is not limited to three.

[0038] The computing unit may be a processor core. The output of the computing unit may be connected to a set input of the first latch, to which the output of the power input detector is also connected. Preferably, the outputs of the computing unit and the power input detector may be connected to the set input via an OR gate. This means that if the computing unit or the power input detector generates a corresponding set signal at its corresponding output, the set input will receive the set signal. If the first latch receives a second set signal at its set input, it will generate an enable signal at its output, thereby enabling the first power management circuit. Thus, the first electronic system will be powered and started. Preferably, the computing unit may always be started when an input voltage is applied to the electronic circuit or ECU.

[0039] This advantageous connection ensures that the first electronic system can be switched on independently of any other electronic system. This means that in a state where only the service of the first electronic system is required, only the first electronic system will be activated, so that the other electronic systems can remain deactivated, thereby saving power. In addition, it is also advantageous that when the service of all electronic systems is not required, all electronic systems can be turned off, so that power can be saved.

[0040] According to various embodiments, the electronic circuit comprises a plurality of electronic systems. Preferably, a first electronic system of the plurality of electronic systems associated with the first latch comprises the calculation unit.

[0041] Preferably, the computing unit is integrated into the first electronic system. Preferably, a component of the electronic system, for example a processor core, can be designated as the first computing unit. This has the advantage that no additional component is required in the electronic circuit, but a part of the first electronic system can embody the component. Another advantage of this arrangement is that the first electronic system does not have to be permanently fully started, but only the computing unit needs to be started.

[0042] According to a number of embodiments, the second output of the first electronic system is connected to a set input of a second latch of the plurality of latches that is different from the first latch. Preferably, the second output of the first electronic system is connected to an OR gate at a set input of the second latch. Preferably, the first electronic system is configured to generate a third set signal, wherein the second latch is configured to generate a corresponding enable signal based on the third set signal. This may result in the second PMC receiving the enable signal and powering the second electronic system.

[0043] Preferably, the further outputs of the first electronic system can each be connected to a corresponding set input of a further latch, so that the further electronic systems can be powered. The resulting advantage is that the first electronic system can activate all other electronic systems independently. In this way, those electronic systems that are required for a specific state can be activated in a targeted manner. This further saves power.

[0044] According to various embodiments, the third output of the first electronic system is connected to a reset input of the second latch, wherein the first electronic system is configured to generate a second reset signal, wherein the second latch is configured to switch a corresponding enable signal according to the second reset signal. This may cause the second PMC to stop supplying power to the second electronic system.

[0045] Preferably, the third output of the first electronic system and the corresponding first output of the second electronic system can be connected to the reset input via an OR gate. This means that if the first electronic system or the second electronic system generates a corresponding reset signal at its corresponding output, the reset input will receive the reset signal. If the second latch receives the corresponding reset signal at its reset input, it will turn off the enable signal at its output, thereby disabling the second power management circuit. As a result, the second electronic system will be powered off. Preferably, the further outputs of the first electronic system can each be connected to the respective reset inputs of the further latches, so that the further electronic systems can be powered off.

[0046] In other words, while the latch output may be set to enable power for the corresponding electronic system, the latch output may also be reset so that power to the corresponding PMIC may be disabled, and thus the corresponding electronic system may be powered off.

[0047] The latch can facilitate independent power-off of the corresponding electronic systems. For example, after receiving a first set signal that sets the latch output to a high level, all electronic systems are powered on. If an application use case occurs that does not require a third electronic system, the third electronic system can be powered off by resetting the third latch connected to the third PMC. The reset input of the latch for the third PMC is connected to the output of the first electronic system, the output of the second electronic system, and the output of the third electronic system. These outputs are designed as open-collector or open-drain outputs so that they can be connected together to the same reset input of the latch. If the first electronic system is the host of the ECU, its output can be set to a low-level active pulse to reset the latch. The latch output will become a low level, and the PMC will stop powering the third electronic system, so that the third electronic system can be powered off.

[0048] Since the enable signals for the PMC are output signals from the latches, these signals remain in their previous states unless the corresponding latch outputs are set or reset by an active low pulse.

[0049] Therefore, an electronic system can be powered on or off independently of other electronic systems. In this way, those electronic systems that are no longer needed to activate a specific state can be targeted. This further improves the ECU to save power. For example, a third electronic system can be powered on by a power input detector and a second electronic system, and can be powered off by the first electronic system, the second electronic system, and the third electronic system itself. If the third electronic system is powered off by the first electronic system after being powered on by the power input detector, the first electronic system does not need to maintain the power-on mode to maintain the power-on state of the third electronic system. Therefore, it is feasible to power off the electronic system according to the specific usage of the vehicle.

[0050] This is particularly useful for applications that require independent firmware updates for electronic systems. Since each electronic system under firmware update can undergo multiple resets during the firmware update process, if the reset of a specific electronic system affects other electronic systems in the ECU, a recovery process will be required to allow the electronic systems in the ECU to resume the update activity from their previous firmware update stage. This will complicate the firmware update process and may result in an undesirably longer firmware update duration.

[0051] According to various embodiments, the electronic circuit comprises a power supply unit connected to a power input of the electronic circuit and configured to supply an operating voltage derived from an input voltage provided via the power input to the power input detector and / or the plurality of latches and / or the calculation unit.

[0052] Preferably, the power supply unit may be or may include a DC / DC converter to convert the input voltage into a preferred operating voltage. The advantage of this is that the power input detector and the plurality of latches and calculation units may be directly supplied with the supply voltage at the same time without any time loss, and may perform their corresponding tasks once the input voltage is applied. This may further speed up the working preparation of the ECU.

[0053] According to a number of embodiments, each of the plurality of power management circuits is connected to a power input and is configured to provide an operating voltage derived from an input voltage provided via the power input to a respective associated electronic system. Preferably, the PMCs may be connected in parallel to each other so that the PMCs are supplied with the input voltage at the same time. This may advantageously ensure a shortened startup time.

[0054] Preferably, a second power supply unit, preferably a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) is placed between the PMC and the power input. Preferably, the second power supply unit may be or may include a DC / DC converter to convert the input voltage into a regulated voltage, which may preferably be lower than the voltage level of the input voltage.

[0055] According to various embodiments, the output terminal and / or the first output terminal and / or the second output terminal and / or the third output terminal of the power input detector comprises an open collector circuit or an open drain circuit configured to provide a transient signal pulse.

[0056] Preferably, all outputs of each electronic system connected to the reset input or the set input of any latch may be or may include an open drain circuit or an open collector circuit. Preferably, all those outputs connected to one set input or reset input are linked by an OR gate.

[0057] An open collector circuit behaves like a switch that is either connected to ground or open. Instead of outputting a signal of a specific voltage or current, the output signal is applied to the base of an internal NPN transistor whose collector is external (open) at the corresponding output. The emitter of the NPN transistor is internally connected to the ground pin. If the output device is a MOSFET, the output is called open drain and functions similarly.

[0058] The advantage of such an output is that it can provide an output signal suitable for connection to an input terminal via an OR gate. Furthermore, it is advantageously ensured that in the event of an intended or unintended reset of the corresponding electronic system, the signal is not erroneously output.

[0059] According to various embodiments, each of the plurality of electronic systems includes one or more processor cores. Each processor core may be configured to implement a corresponding task within the ECU and may be switched on or off when required.

[0060] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for powering multiple electronic systems in an electronic control unit of a vehicle is provided. The method comprises the following steps:

[0061] Connecting the input voltage to the electronic control unit;

[0062] detecting an input voltage that is turned on, and generating a first reset signal according to the input voltage detected by the power input detector;

[0063] receiving a first set signal by each of the plurality of latches, in particular at a respective set input of each of the plurality of latches, and generating a respective enable signal by each of the plurality of latches in accordance with the first set signal;

[0064] The corresponding power management circuit receives the corresponding enable signal, and supplies power to the corresponding electronic system among the plurality of electronic systems according to the corresponding enable signal.

[0065] The method according to the present invention can be performed by an electronic circuit, preferably an electronic circuit according to one aspect of the present invention. The electronic circuit includes a power input detector configured to detect an input voltage and generate a first set signal at an output of the power input detector according to the detected input voltage. The electronic circuit also includes a plurality of latches, wherein each of the plurality of latches is associated with one of the plurality of electronic systems, wherein the output of the power input detector is connected to a corresponding set input of each of the plurality of latches, wherein each of the plurality of latches is configured to generate a corresponding enable signal at an output of the corresponding latch according to the first set signal. The electronic circuit also includes a plurality of power management circuits, wherein each of the plurality of latches is associated with one of the plurality of power management circuits, wherein each corresponding output of each of the plurality of latches is connected to the power management circuit associated therewith, wherein each of the plurality of power management circuits is associated with one of the plurality of electronic systems and is configured to power the electronic system associated therewith according to the enable signal.

[0066] Preferably, the input voltage is switched on by a higher-level system of the vehicle, which can control the power management of auxiliary systems of the vehicle at the power input of the ECU or the electronic circuit according to the present invention. Preferably, the power input detector generates a first set signal immediately upon switching on the power. Providing power can also be referred to as supplying power.

[0067] An advantage of the method according to the invention is that the method allows parallel activation of multiple electronic systems, for example in an automotive ECU, so that the startup time of the ECU is significantly reduced compared to at least partially sequential activation of the multiple electronic systems. All of the multiple electronic systems are advantageously powered simultaneously and activated simultaneously. Thus, the ECU can be available very early when activated, thereby contributing to further improvement of the system in the vehicle.

[0068] According to various embodiments, each of the plurality of latches receives the first set signal from the power input detector in parallel. Advantageously, each of the plurality of latches receives the first set signal immediately and simultaneously.

[0069] According to multiple embodiments, when a corresponding latch among the multiple latches receives a corresponding reset signal, the corresponding enable signal is turned off, wherein the corresponding reset signal is generated by a corresponding electronic system corresponding to the corresponding latch. The corresponding reset signal can also be generated by an electronic system different from the corresponding system.

[0070] One advantage of this is that each electronic system can be switched off or powered off independently of the other electronic systems or independently of the ECU. This means that not all electronic systems have to be active or not all electronic systems have to be inactive. Thus, those electronic systems whose service is not currently required can be switched off. This saves power in particular. For example, when a vehicle is stopped with its powertrain switched off, the drive functions are not required and the corresponding electronic system(s) can therefore be switched off.

[0071] Further embodiments of the method according to the invention follow directly from the various embodiments of the electronic circuit according to the invention and vice versa. In particular, the individual features and corresponding explanations associated with the various embodiments of the method according to the invention can be transferred analogously to the corresponding embodiments of the electronic circuit according to the invention. In particular, the electronic circuit according to the invention can be or is designed or programmed to perform the method according to the invention. In particular, the electronic circuit according to the invention performs the method according to the invention.

[0072] According to another aspect of the present invention, an electronic control device for a vehicle is provided. The electronic control device comprises an electronic control unit and an electronic circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the electronic control unit comprises a plurality of electronic systems. Optionally, the electronic control device comprises an electronic control unit, the electronic control unit comprising an electronic circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a plurality of electronic systems. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0073] Other features of the invention are apparent from the claims, the drawings and the description of the drawings. The invention may include the features and feature combinations mentioned in the above description, not only in the respective combinations described, but also in other combinations, and may also include the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the drawings and / or the features and feature combinations shown in the drawings. In particular, the invention may also include embodiments and feature combinations that do not have all the features of the initially proposed claims. Furthermore, the invention may include embodiments and feature combinations that exceed or deviate from the feature combinations set out in the claims.

[0074] In the attached picture:

[0075] Figure 1 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of an electronic circuit according to the invention;

[0076] Figure 2 Schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an open-drain circuit for generating a transient signal pulse according to the present invention;

[0077] Figure 3 schematically shows a part of another exemplary embodiment of an electronic circuit according to the invention;

[0078] Figure 4 A process flow diagram of an exemplary method according to the present invention is shown;

[0079] Figure 5 An electronic control device for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0080] Figure 6 An electronic control device for a vehicle according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] Figure 1 An electronic circuit 1 according to the invention is shown. In this example, the electronic circuit 1 comprises or is connected to three electronic systems 2, 3, 4 (also referred to as electronic systems) of an electronic control unit 70 (ECU), wherein the number of electronic systems 2, 3, 4 is not limited to this number. Each of the electronic systems 2, 3, 4 can be powered by a respective power management circuit 13, 14, 15 (also referred to as PMC) via a plurality of power rails 34, 35, 36.

[0082] The power input 29 can be supplied with an input voltage via an input voltage line 66 via a protection device 31 (e.g., a fuse 31). The input voltage line 66 can be connected to an internal input power line 38 of the electronic circuit 1, to which the PMCs 13, 14, 15 can be directly or indirectly connected in parallel. In this example, the first PMC 13 is directly connected to the input power line 38. The second PMC 14 and the third PMC 15 are indirectly connected to the input power line 38 via a second power supply unit 33 (also referred to as an SMPS), which can be arranged as a switched-mode power supply (SMPS) 33. The input voltage can also be modified by an electronic filter 32, which can reduce or eliminate unwanted signal components. The filter 32 can be interconnected between the SMPS 33 and the power input 29. Other arrangements of the filter 32 are also feasible. The SMPS 33 can provide a regulated voltage to the second PMC 14 and the third PMC 15 in parallel via a regulated power line 43. The first PMC 13 may be of a different type compared to the second PMC 14 and the third PMC 15 , as it is capable of operating without the SMPS 33 .

[0083] The first power supply unit 28 may also be connected in parallel to the second power supply unit 33, which may also be referred to as a pre-regulator (Pre-Regulator or Pre-Reg) 28. The pre-regulator 28 may provide a first operating voltage (voltage at a common collector, VCC1) at its output via an operating voltage line 39. The operating voltage line 39 may connect the power input detector 5 and the plurality of latches 6, 7, 8 in parallel with each other. As long as the pre-regulator 28 is provided with an input voltage, the pre-regulator 28 may also continuously provide a standby voltage to the computing unit 25 via a standby power rail 37, so that the computing unit 28 is always effective when the input power is supplied to the electronic circuit 1. The first electronic system 2 may preferably include a computing unit 25.

[0084] The power input detector 5 is configured to detect an input voltage supplied to the electronic circuit 1, preferably by indirectly detecting a first operating voltage derived from the input voltage. Once the power input detector 5 detects the input voltage, it will generate a first set signal at an output terminal 9 of the power input detector 5. The output terminal 9 is connected to each set input terminal 10, 11, 12 of each of the plurality of latches 6, 7, 8 via a first signal line 44, wherein the set input terminals 10, 11, 12 are connected in parallel to each other.

[0085] When a set signal is received at the corresponding set input 10, 11, 12, the corresponding latch 6, 7, 8 may immediately generate a corresponding enable signal at the corresponding output 16, 17, 18. The corresponding enable signal may be directed to the corresponding PMC 13, 14, 15 via the enable signal line 40, 41, 42 so as to enable the corresponding PMC 13, 14, 15. Due to the received enable signal, the corresponding PMC 13, 14, 15 will provide multiple operating voltages to the corresponding electronic system 2, 3, 4 via the multiple power rails 34, 35, 36, so that the multiple electronic systems 2, 3, 4 can be started in parallel.

[0086] The first electronic system 2 can be configured as a management host of the ECU 70 so as to manage and monitor the power and health of the components of the ECU 70, in particular the power and health of the second electronic system 3 and the third electronic system 4. Therefore, the first electronic system 2 can be able to independently turn on and / or off itself and the second electronic system 3 and the third electronic system 4. Preferably, the first computing unit 25 of the first electronic system 2 is capable of generating a set signal at the second output terminal 26 and / or the fourth output terminal 54 of the first electronic system 2. The second output terminal 26 can be connected to the set input terminal 11 of the second latch 7 via the fifth signal line 48. The fifth signal line 48 and the first signal line 44 can be connected to the set input terminal 11 through an "OR" gate 60, so that the second latch 7 will set the enable signal at the output terminal 17 due to the set signal from the power input detector 5 or due to the set signal from the first electronic system 2.

[0087] The fourth output terminal 54 can be connected to the set input terminal 10 of the first latch 6 via the seventh signal line 50. The seventh signal line 50 and the first signal line 44 can be connected to the set input terminal 10 through the "OR" gate 60, so that the first latch 6 will set the enable signal at the output terminal 16 due to the set signal from the power input detector 5 or due to the set signal from the first electronic system 2.

[0088] Preferably, the second calculation unit 65 can be a component of the first electronic system 2, which can generate a reset signal at the first output terminal 22 and / or the third output terminal 27 and / or the fifth output terminal 55 of the first electronic system 2. The first output terminal 22 can be connected to the reset input terminal 19 of the first latch 6 via the second signal line 45, so that the first latch 6 will reset or turn off the enable signal at the output terminal 16 due to the reset signal from the first electronic system 2. The third output terminal 27 can be connected to the reset input terminal 20 of the second latch 7 via the sixth signal line 49. The fifth output terminal 55 can be connected to the reset input terminal 21 of the third latch 8 via the eighth signal line 51.

[0089] The second electronic system 3 can be configured to be superior to the third electronic system 4, and can include a processor for computing power, such as for an autonomous vehicle. Therefore, the second electronic system 3 can be able to independently shut down itself and the third electronic system 4, and can turn on the third electronic system 4. Preferably, the second electronic system 3 is capable of generating a set signal at the second output terminal 56. The second output terminal 56 can be connected to the set input terminal 12 of the third latch 8 via the ninth signal line 52. The ninth signal line 52 and the first signal line 44 can be connected to the set input terminal 12 through an "OR" gate 60, so that the third latch 8 will be due to the set signal from the power input detector 5 or due to the set signal from the second electronic system 3 at the output terminal 18 to place the enable signal.

[0090] Preferably, the second electronic system 3 is capable of generating a reset signal at the first output terminal 23. The first output terminal 23 can be connected to the reset input terminal 20 of the second latch 7 via the third signal line 46. The third signal line 46 and the sixth signal line 49 can be connected to the reset input terminal 20 through an OR gate 60, so that the second latch 7 will reset the enable signal at the output terminal 17 due to the reset signal from the first electronic system 2 or due to the reset signal from the second electronic system 4. Preferably, the second electronic system 3 is capable of generating a reset signal at the third output terminal 57. The third output terminal 57 can be connected to the reset input terminal 21 of the third latch 8 via the tenth signal line 53.

[0091] The third electronic system 4 may be subordinate to the second electronic system 3 and the first electronic system 2, and may include a processor for computing capabilities, for example, for assisting the driver in a parking operation of the vehicle. Therefore, the third electronic system 4 may be configured to shut itself down, for example, when the parking operation is completed. Preferably, the third electronic system 3 is capable of generating a reset signal at the first output 24. The first output 24 may be connected to the reset input 21 of the third latch 8 via the fourth signal line 47. The fourth signal line 47, the eighth signal line 51, and the tenth signal line 53 may be connected to the reset input 21 via an "OR" gate 60, so that the third latch 8 will reset the enable signal at the output 18 due to the reset signal from the first electronic system 2 or due to the reset signal from the second electronic system 3 or due to the reset signal from the second electronic system 3.

[0092] In this example, the first electronic system 2 can communicate with the second electronic system 3 via the first communication line 58, and the second electronic system 3 can communicate with the third electronic system 4 via the second communication line 59. The first electronic system 2 can communicate with the third electronic system 4 indirectly through the second electronic system 3, or via Figure 1 A third communication line not shown in the figure communicates directly with the third electronic system 4 .

[0093] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of an open drain circuit 30 or an open collector circuit 30 of a power input detector 5 for generating a transient signal pulse, preferably a low-level active signal pulse according to the present invention is schematically shown. The output terminal 9 of the power input detector 5 may include or may be or may be designed as an open drain circuit 30. The first output terminals 22, 23, 24, the second output terminals 26, 56, the third output terminals 27, 57, the fourth output terminal 54 and the fifth output terminal 55 of the plurality of electronic systems 2, 3, 4 may also be designed as an open drain circuit 30.

[0094] When the input voltage, i.e., the first operating voltage (VCC1), is applied to the electronic circuit 1 via the operating voltage line 39, the open drain circuit 30 of the power input detector 5 charges the capacitor in the circuit via the series resistor. As the series capacitor continues to charge, the voltage across the series resistor will gradually decrease from VCC1 to zero. This voltage will drive the transistor to turn on, thereby pulling down the voltage at the collector of the transistor (correspondingly the output terminal 9). When the voltage across the series resistor reaches the threshold voltage that cannot turn on the transistor, the transistor is turned off. Therefore, a low-level active pulse is generated at the output terminal 9, which can be received by the plurality of latches 6, 7, 8 via the first signal line 44.

[0095] Figure 3 A part of another exemplary embodiment of an electronic circuit 1 according to the present invention is schematically shown. In this example, the output terminal 56 of the second electronic system 30 is designed as an open drain circuit 30 or an open collector circuit 30. The transistor of the open drain circuit 30 of the second electronic system 3 can be activated by the internal drive signal unit 63 of the second electronic system 3.

[0096] In this example, the first output terminal 24 of the third electronic system 4 is not designed as a general open drain circuit output terminal 30, but is designed as a push-pull output terminal 64. It can allow an effective output terminal 24 similar to an open drain by setting the port pin to an output port with a low level output, which means that the first output terminal 24 can be switched to be connected to the first output line 61 that supplies the operating voltage, and can also be switched to be grounded via the second output line 67. By switching from the first output line 61 to the second output line 62 and back, a low-level active pulse can be generated. Alternatively, by setting the port pin to an input port via the input line 67, the first output terminal 24 similar to an open drain can be an input terminal.

[0097] Figure 4 A process flow chart of an exemplary method according to the present invention is shown. In a first step S1, an input voltage is connected to an electronic control unit 70. In a second step S2, the connected input voltage is detected by a power input detector 5, and a first reset signal is generated according to the detected input voltage. In a third step S3, a first set signal is received by each of a plurality of latches 6, 7, 8. In a fourth step S4, a corresponding enable signal is generated by each of a plurality of latches according to the first set signal. In a fifth step S5, a corresponding enable signal is received by a corresponding power management circuit 13, 14, 15. In a sixth step S6, power is provided to corresponding electronic systems 2, 3, 4 of the plurality of electronic systems 2, 3, 4 according to the corresponding enable signal.

[0098] Figure 5An electronic control device 100 for a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The electronic control device 100 includes an electronic circuit 1 and an electronic control unit 70, wherein the electronic control unit 70 includes the plurality of electronic systems 2, 3, 4.

[0099] Figure 6 An electronic control device 100 for a vehicle according to an alternative embodiment of the invention is shown. The electronic control device 100 comprises an electronic control unit 70 comprising an electronic circuit 1 according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the electronic circuit 1 comprises the plurality of electronic systems 2,3,4.

[0100] Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to a circuit embodiment to allow parallel startup and independent shutdown of multiple electronic systems in an automotive ECU. The circuit embodiment also allows independent reset of multiple electronic systems in an ECU.

[0101] This embodiment utilizes multiple latches and, for example, open drain / open circuit transistor drive circuits to achieve parallel startup, independent shutdown, and independent reset.

[0102] For example, the output signal of a circuit (particularly a power input detector) that detects the condition of the power input of the ECU can be used as a set signal to enable multiple independent power supplies for multiple electronic systems. Therefore, these electronic systems in the ECU do not need to wait for one of the electronic systems to start before starting their power through the electronic system being started. They can be started in parallel to achieve the shortest startup completion time and serve the end-user application accordingly.

[0103] The set signal is, for example, a momentary signal pulse that can be latched to become different enable signals for multiple power supplies of multiple electronic systems.

[0104] There may be other sources of set signals to power the electronic systems in the ECU. These signal pulses can be logically ORed to the inputs of the latch so that if any of these set signals is active, it will enable power to the corresponding electronic system.

[0105] All the drive pulses mentioned above can be, for example, negative pulses. In combination with the latch design, it is also possible to prevent the electronic system in the ECU from being undesirably powered on or off due to undesirable changes in drive signals from other electronic systems in the ECU. This can facilitate the use of open drain and open collector circuits to easily implement "AND" or "OR" logic without complex circuit components. This open drain drive circuit design can also ensure that the output state of the latch remains unchanged, because when the electronic system is powered off, no set signal is output to the input of the latch.

[0106] While a latch can be used to hold an enable signal to keep the power supplies powered on, multiple disable or reset signals can also be logically ORed with the latch to disable the latch output. This allows each electronic system to power down itself, or allow other sources to power down the electronic system.

[0107] As for the reset signals of the electronic system in the ECU, these reset signals may, for example, all be designed as open-drain circuits or open-collector configurations to prevent the electronic system from issuing uncontrolled reset signals due to its own reset process.

[0108] Various embodiments may have the advantage that the first electronic system does not have to be in an active state all the time. Although it makes sense to keep the first electronic system active when the ECU needs to provide a safe driving function, there may also be an operating mode for the ECU that does not require all electronic systems to be active. For example, when the vehicle is stopped with its power system turned off, the driving function is not required. For example, the ECU can perform a firmware update under this operating condition. During the firmware update, the first electronic system may undergo multiple resets before it completes its firmware update process. Various embodiments may have the following advantages: For example, when the second electronic system and the third electronic system may also be in their firmware update process, the reset of the first electronic system will not unconditionally power off the second electronic system and the third electronic system. Therefore, the ECU may not need a recovery process to allow the second electronic system or the third electronic system to resume their firmware update process. Therefore, the firmware update process of the electronic systems in the ECU can be completed independently.

Claims

1. An electronic circuit (1) for supplying power to a plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4) of an electronic control unit (70) of a vehicle, the electronic circuit (1) comprising a power input detector (5) configured to detect an input voltage and generate a first set signal at an output terminal (9) of the power input detector (5) according to the detected input voltage, a plurality of latches (6, 7, 8), wherein each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) is associated with one of the plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4), wherein the output terminal (9) of the power input detector (5) is connected to a corresponding set input terminal (10, 11, 12) of each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8), wherein each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) is configured to generate a corresponding enable signal at an output terminal (16, 17, 18) of the corresponding latch (6, 7, 8) according to the first set signal, A plurality of power management circuits (13, 14, 15), wherein each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) is associated with one of the plurality of power management circuits (13, 14, 15), wherein each corresponding output terminal (16, 17, 18) of each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) is connected to the associated power management circuit (13, 14, 15), wherein each of the plurality of power management circuits (13, 14, 15) is associated with one of the plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4) and is configured to power the associated electronic system (2, 3, 4) according to the enable signal.

2. The electronic circuit (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that A reset input terminal (19, 20, 21) of each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) is connectable to a first output terminal (22, 23, 24) of an associated electronic system (2, 3, 4), wherein each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) is configured to turn off the enable signal in response to a first reset signal at the corresponding reset input terminal (19, 20, 21).

3. The electronic circuit (1) according to claim 2, It is characterized in that The first set signal and / or the first reset signal comprises a transient signal pulse, preferably a low level active signal pulse.

4. The electronic circuit (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The electronic circuit (1) comprises a calculation unit (25), which is connected to a set input terminal (10) of a first latch (6) among the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) and is configured to generate a second set signal, wherein the first latch (6) is configured to generate a corresponding enable signal according to the second set signal.

5. The electronic circuit (1) according to claim 4, It is characterized in that The electronic circuit (1) comprises the plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4), wherein a first electronic system (2) of the plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4) associated with the first latch (6) comprises the calculation unit (25).

6. The electronic circuit (1) according to claim 5, It is characterized in that The second output terminal (26) of the first electronic system (2) is connected to the set input terminal (11) of a second latch (7) different from the first latch (6) among the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8), wherein the first electronic system (2) is configured to generate a third set signal, wherein the second latch (7) is configured to generate a corresponding enable signal according to the third set signal.

7. The electronic circuit (1) according to claim 6, It is characterized in that The third output terminal (27) of the first electronic system (2) is connected to the reset input terminal (20) of the second latch (7), wherein the first electronic system (2) is configured to generate a second reset signal, and wherein the second latch (7) is configured to turn off the corresponding enable signal according to the second reset signal.

8. The electronic circuit (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, It is characterized in that The electronic circuit (1) comprises a power supply unit (28) connected to a power input terminal (29) of the electronic circuit (1) and configured to supply an operating voltage derived from an input voltage provided via the power input terminal (29) to the power input detector (5) and / or the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) and / or the calculation unit (25).

9. The electronic circuit (1) according to claim 8, It is characterized in that Each of the plurality of power management circuits (13, 14, 15) is connected to the power input (29) and is configured to provide an operating voltage derived from an input voltage provided through the power input (29) to a respective associated electronic system (2, 3, 4).

10. The electronic circuit (1) according to claim 3, 6 and 7, It is characterized in that The output end (9) of the power input detector (5) and / or the first output end (22, 23, 24) and / or the second output end (26) and / or the third output end (27) comprises: an open drain circuit (30) configured to provide the instantaneous signal pulse, or an open collector circuit (30) configured to provide the instantaneous signal pulse.

11. The electronic circuit (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 10, It is characterized in that Each of the plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4) includes one or more processor cores.

12. A method for powering a plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4) in an electronic control unit (70) of a vehicle, comprising the following steps: Turning on (S1) the input voltage to the electronic control unit (70); The power input detector (5) detects (S2) the input voltage connected, and generates a first reset signal according to the detected input voltage; Each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) receives (S3) the first set signal, and each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) generates (S4) a corresponding enable signal according to the first set signal; The corresponding power management circuit (13, 14, 15) receives (S5) the corresponding enable signal, and provides (S6) power to the corresponding electronic system (2, 3, 4) among the plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4) according to the corresponding enable signal.

13. The method according to claim 12, It is characterized in that Each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) receives the first set signal from the power input detector (5) in parallel.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, It is characterized in that When a corresponding latch (6, 7, 8) of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) receives a corresponding reset signal, a corresponding enable signal is turned off, wherein, The respective reset signal is generated by a respective electronic system (2, 3, 4) associated with the respective latch (6, 7, 8).

15. An electronic control device (100) for a vehicle, wherein: The electronic control device (100) comprises an electronic control unit (70) and an electronic circuit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the electronic control unit (70) comprises the plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4); or The electronic control device (100) comprises an electronic control unit (70), the electronic control unit (70) comprising the electronic circuit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the electronic circuit (1) comprises the plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4).

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