Distributed control platform for motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a processing system (100) for a motor vehicle (105), comprising a first and a second control platform (110, 115); wherein the control platform (110, 115) comprises: a mainboard (205) with a switch (210) and a plurality of slots (215); an expansion bus (220) that connects the switch (210) and the slot (215); a first plug-in card (230) with a processing device; and a second plug-in card (235). The second plug-in cards (235) are connected to each other via a connection cable and are arranged to couple the expansion buses (220) to each other. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle (105) comprising such a treatment system (100).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control platform for a motor vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a flexible platform for automatically controlling a motor vehicle. Background Art

[0002] A motor vehicle comprises a driver assistance system (FAS) which is arranged to support a human driver in controlling the motor vehicle. The FAS may comprise, for example, lane keeping assistance, automatic distance control or an electronic stability program for controlling the chassis. Such functions are usually performed by a processing device which is specifically optimized for the relevant purpose. A particular processing device may also implement multiple FAS, in particular those acting on the same subsystem of the motor vehicle. For example, a processing device for controlling the chassis may be provided which performs both safety functions, such as electronic stability, and comfort functions, such as level control.

[0003] However, in order to achieve extensive control of a motor vehicle in longitudinal and / or lateral directions by means of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), more complex processing means are required. For example, a motor vehicle can be automatically controlled conditionally based on a scan of its surroundings. The scan can be performed by a camera or a LiDAR sensor, which can provide a large amount of sensor data streams.

[0004] Other tasks in the vehicle, such as the control of the entertainment system or the drive system, can be run on another control platform for safety reasons. If one control platform needs to access the data of another control platform, a request and a transfer are usually required. In this case, the data on one side is copied to the other side. This method can be cumbersome and time-consuming, so that, for example, access to short-lived data can become difficult. Summary of the invention

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide an improved technology for distributing information on a motor vehicle. The invention achieves this object by the subject matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims indicate preferred embodiments.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the invention, a processing system for a motor vehicle comprises a first and a second control platform. The control platform comprises a mainboard with a switch and a plurality of slots; an expansion bus connecting the switch to the slots; a first plug-in card with a processing device; and a second plug-in card. Here, the second plug-in card is connected to each other via a connecting cable and is configured to couple the expansion buses to each other.

[0007] The first and second control platforms can be connected to one another in data technology via two interconnected plug-in cards. In this case, a direct connection can be established between the expansion buses of the control platforms. Data transmission between the control platforms can take place at high speed and with low latency. By connecting the second plug-in card directly to the expansion bus, the two platforms can be tightly coupled in data technology.

[0008] It is thus possible for a first application running on one platform to read data in a storage area of ​​a second application running on another platform. It may therefore be unnecessary to copy data from one platform to another, which would require significantly more storage space. It is also possible for a first application to access the data of a second application by writing without first creating a copy of itself and then comparing it with the first data. This can significantly simplify the collaboration between applications or control platforms.

[0009] Systems that evaluate data, in particular sensor data, at multiple locations can be implemented more easily and efficiently. The processing speed of the system can be increased. In particular, when one control platform performs continuous data processing in which sensor data are evaluated in a continuous stream, the proposed control system architecture is hardly affected, while the data can be provided to another control platform at the same time. The first control platform can, for example, be set up to control a motor vehicle, wherein the incoming sensor data can be so large that the additional process of copying the data would seriously affect the execution processing device. The proposed system can easily provide sensor data to other control platforms. For example, the sensor data can come from a camera, and the second control platform can use the camera data for a camera-mirror system (CMS) or a reversing camera.

[0010] Preferably, the slots are constructed identically. Thus, a processing device on a first plug-in card can represent the same type of participant on the expansion bus as a second plug-in card. Data can be transmitted in a uniform format. The individual plug-in cards can be exchangeable between the slots.

[0011] In a particularly preferred embodiment, the expansion bus comprises PCIe. PCIe connections can be operated in version 2.0 or 3.0; higher transmission performance can be achieved with version 4.0 or 5.0. It is expected that subsequent versions of the standard will also be compatible. Therefore, very high transmission speeds can be achieved. Depending on the amount of data to be transmitted, PCI can be achieved by adapting the number of channels and the speed factor.

[0012] Preferably, the second plug-in card is configured to present itself to the first plug-in card as an Ethernet adapter. Data transmission based on the Ethernet standard is already established in many applications and devices, so the protocol can be easily implemented. Thus, further participants on the expansion bus can be easily communicatively integrated into the processing system.

[0013] It is particularly preferred that the control platform comprises a plurality of first plug-in cards. The plug-in cards can each implement a complete computer with a processing device, a memory, an interface and auxiliary modules. Plug-in cards with processing devices of different performance can be interchangeable on a control platform. Two or more first plug-in cards can be operated as a redundant system. This allows better control of safety-related functions on the motor vehicle.

[0014] The second plug-in card may include a line driver for transmitting an electrical signal via a connecting cable. The electrical signal may be matched to the connecting cable so that a sufficient distance can be bridged between the control platforms on the motor vehicle. In one embodiment, the length of the connecting cable may be up to about 8 meters.

[0015] The second plug-in card may include a clock circuit for controlling the temporal sequence of signals transmitted via the connecting cable. It may be taken into account that the rise and fall times of the signals through the connecting cable may vary and that effects such as attenuation or crosstalk may distort the signals.

[0016] An intermediate card may be provided between the mainboard and the slot. Additional logic may be installed on the intermediate card, which logic is only required when a second plug-in card is connected to the slot. In particular, a line driver or a clock circuit may be provided on the intermediate card.

[0017] In another embodiment, the processing system includes a sensor connected to the first control platform. The sensor can be arranged to provide sensor values ​​in a data stream. For example, the sensor can be arranged to scan the surroundings of the vehicle and include a camera, a radar sensor or a LiDAR sensor. The data provided by the sensor can be transmitted to the second control platform at high speed via a connecting cable. In one embodiment, the sensor is connected to an expansion bus. Thus, the sensor data can be directly distributed to both control platforms. This allows the sensor data to be better processed for different purposes.

[0018] One control platform can be set up to control the motor vehicle. In this case, autonomy levels up to level 3 according to SAE standard J3016 can be achieved; other autonomy levels are also possible. In this case, the driver of the motor vehicle does not have to constantly monitor the control system running on the control platform. Another control platform can, for example, be set up to control the in-vehicle entertainment system. The two systems can exchange information, in particular sensor values ​​or processing results, with each other at high speed.

[0019] The processing system can also be expanded or distributed to more than two control platforms. In one embodiment, an additional control platform is provided, which is connected to one of the other control platforms via an additional pair of two plug-in cards connected to each other via a connecting cable. Three or more control platforms can be connected to each other according to a predetermined topology. For example, four or more control platforms can be connected to each other in the form of a ring, so that each control platform is connected to two other control platforms. Other topologies are also possible.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, a motor vehicle comprises a processing system as described herein. The motor vehicle may in particular comprise a passenger car, a truck, a motorcycle or a bus. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Figure 1 A processing system on a motor vehicle is shown;

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing a processing system;

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing control platforms connected to each other;

[0025] Figure 4 An exemplary control platform is shown;

[0026] Figure 5 shows two control platforms connected to each other; and

[0027] Figure 6 Shown is a plug-in card for connecting two control platforms. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Figure 1 A processing system 100 is shown on a motor vehicle 105. The processing system 100 comprises a first control platform 110 and a second control platform 115 which are connected to one another via a connecting cable 120. The first control platform 110 is additionally connected to a plurality of sensors 125.

[0029] In the embodiment shown, the first control platform 110 is configured to control the motor vehicle 105. To this end, the surroundings of the motor vehicle 105 can be scanned by sensors 125, and the motor vehicle 105 can be automatically controlled in the longitudinal and / or transverse direction. The second control platform 115 can, for example, be configured to implement or control an entertainment system for the people on board the motor vehicle 105. The second control platform 115 can also perform other or additional functions, such as other or additional functions of the input system or navigation system. Information can be exchanged between the control platforms 110, 115 via the connecting cable 120. This information can in particular include processing results or sensor data of one of the sensors 125.

[0030] Figure 2 1 shows a schematic diagram of a processing system 100. The control platforms 110 and 115 can be constructed substantially identically. The control platforms 110, 115 include a mainboard 205, a switch 210 and a plurality of slots 215. An expansion bus 220 connects each slot 215 to the switch 210. Optionally, an interface 225 is provided, through which a sensor 125 can be connected. The sensor 125 can be connected to the switch 210 directly or with another switch connected in between.

[0031] A first plug-in card 230 or a second plug-in card 235 may be placed in the slot 215. The first plug-in card 230 includes a processing device 240, which may be implemented as a modular system (SOM) or a chip system (SOC). The same or different first plug-in cards 230 may be placed on the control platforms 110 and 115, which may, for example, have processing devices 240 with different performances.

[0032] The expansion bus 220 is preferably implemented as a PCI bus. The two second plug-in cards 235 connected to each other by the connecting cable 120 can be placed in the slots 215 of different control platforms 110, 115, so that the two control platforms 110, 115 are connected to each other. The resulting network topology can allow data to be transmitted quickly and directly between different first plug-in cards 230. For the plug-in card 230, it can be irrelevant in which control platform 110, 115 each other first plug-in card 230 is placed. Accordingly, regardless of whether the first plug-in card 230 and the sensor 125 are connected to the same control platform 110, 115, the processing device 240 on the first plug-in card 230 can communicate with the sensor 125.

[0033] Figure 3A schematic diagram of control platforms 110 and 115 connected to each other is shown. The first section between the first control platform 110 and the connecting cable 120 and the second section between the second control platform 115 and the connecting cable 120 correspond to each other, so that only the section about the first control platform 110 shown on the right is representatively described below. The section includes a first signal path from the first control platform 110 to the connecting cable 120 and a second signal path in the opposite direction from the connecting cable 120 to the first control platform. The buffer / driver provided between the elements of the section is represented by the circuit symbol of a capacitor.

[0034] The intermediate card 305 is inserted into the slot 215 on the mainboard 205 of the first control platform 110. In addition to the electrical or signal technology functions, the intermediate card may also have mechanical functions, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 Detailed description. A line driver 310 can be installed on the intermediate card 305, and the line driver is configured to enhance the input or output signal. An exemplary line driver (Redriver) can be of the DS80PCI402SQ type. An additional slot 315 is installed on the intermediate card 305, and the second plug-in card 235 is inserted into the additional slot. A clock circuit (Retimer) 320 is arranged in the signal path on the second plug-in card 235, and the clock circuit can adjust the time sequence of the input and output signals. An exemplary clock circuit 320 can be of the DS160PT801 type. In addition, a cable connector 325 is installed on the second plug-in card 235, and the connecting cable 120 is connected to the cable connector. In different embodiments, the connecting cable 120 can be disconnected from the cable connector 325 or connected to the cable connector in an inseparable manner.

[0035] The described signal paths can be implemented in duplicate, wherein one path can be provided for one transmission direction and the other path can be provided for the opposite direction. In order to correctly configure the signal paths, the corresponding lines on the second plug-in card 235 can be exchanged with each other. Figure 3 In the illustration of , this is illustrated by way of example between clock circuit 320 and cable connector 325 .

[0036] Figure 4 The control platform 110, 115 in an exemplary embodiment is shown. The main board 205 is mounted on a carrier board 405, which can provide a mechanical connection with the plug-in cards 230, 235. The slots 215 on the main board 205 allow the cards to be inserted from a vertical direction. In each slot 215, an intermediate card 305 is inserted, and the intermediate card has a slot 315 for accommodating a first plug-in card 230 or a second plug-in card 235. Here, the slots 315 are arranged to accommodate the cards 230, 235 in a horizontal direction.

[0037] The switch 210, which connects the slots 215 to each other via the expansion bus 220, is installed approximately in the middle of the main board 205 and is Figure 4 is covered by the heat sink in the illustration.

[0038] Figure 5 Two exemplary control platforms 110, 115 connected to each other are shown. By way of example, a total of four first plug-in cards 230 and one second plug-in card 235 are placed in the first control platform 110. Here, two first plug-in cards 230 are located on opposite sides of the second plug-in card 235. Only one second plug-in card 235 is inserted in the second control platform 115, which is connected to another second plug-in card 235 via a connecting cable 120.

[0039] Figure 6 An exemplary embodiment of a second plug-in card 235 for connecting two control platforms 110, 115 is shown. The second plug-in card 235 shown can be implemented approximately in a European circuit board format of 100x160 mm. Currently, the connecting cable 120 includes a total of eight individual lines, four individual lines are provided for each transmission direction. The housing of the control platform, into which up to five plug-in cards can be placed in the current embodiment, has the dimensions of a 19-inch slot by way of example. It is expected that the control system 100 of future generations can be implemented more compactly.

[0040] Reference numerals list

[0041] 100 processing system

[0042] 105 Motor Vehicles

[0043] 110 First Control Platform

[0044] 115 Second Control Platform

[0045] 120 connection cable

[0046] 125 Sensors

[0047] 205 Motherboard

[0048] 210 Switch

[0049] 215 slots

[0050] 220 expansion bus

[0051] 225 interface

[0052] 230 First Card

[0053] 235 Second Card

[0054] 240 Processing Device

[0055] 305 intermediate card

[0056] 310 Line Driver

[0057] 315 slots

[0058] 320 clock circuit

[0059] 325 Cable Connector

[0060] 405 carrier board

Claims

1. A processing system (100) for a motor vehicle (105), wherein: The processing system (100) comprises the following: - a first and a second control platform (110, 115), - Wherein, the control platform (110, 115) comprises the following: - a motherboard (205) with a switch (210) and a plurality of slots (215); - an expansion bus (220) connecting the switch (210) to the slot (215); - a first plug-in card (230) with a processing device (240); and - a second plug-in card (235); - wherein the second plug-in cards (235) are connected to each other via a connecting cable and are configured to couple the expansion buses (220) to each other.

2. The processing system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: Each slot (215) is constructed identically.

3. The processing system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The expansion bus (220) includes PCIe.

4. The processing system (100) according to claim 3, wherein: The second add-in card (235) is configured to present itself to the first add-in card (230) as an Ethernet adapter.

5. The processing system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The control platform (110, 115) includes a plurality of first plug-in cards (230).

6. The processing system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second plug-in card (235) includes a line driver (310) for transmitting an electrical signal through the connection cable.

7. The processing system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The second plug-in card (235) includes a clock circuit (320) for controlling the time sequence of signals transmitted via the connection cable.

8. The processing system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: An intermediate card is arranged between the mainboard (205) and the slot (215).

9. The processing system (100) according to claim 8 and any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein: The line driver or clock circuit is mounted on the mezzanine card.

10. The processing system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sensor connected to the first control platform (110).

11. The processing system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: One of the control platforms (110) is configured to control a motor vehicle (105).

12. The processing system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an additional control platform (110, 115), which is connected to one of the other control platforms (110, 115) through an additional pair of second plug-in cards (235).

13. A motor vehicle (105) comprising a processing system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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