Signal processing device for communication system and method for operating the signal processing device

Abstract

The invention relates to a signal processing device (41) for a communication system (40), such as a bus system, for example. The signal processing device (41) can perform two different functions depending on the decrease of an energy supply signal (E): a communication function and an emergency operation function. In the communication function, a control signal (S) that meets the requirements of the communication system can be generated by means of the signal processing device (41) for transmission as a message signal between a transmitting device (20) and a receiving device (30) coupled thereto. Conversely, in the emergency operation function, an activation signal (A) can be generated for transmission as a supply signal between the transmitting device (20) and the receiving device (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a signal processing device for a communication system. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a signal processing device. In addition, the invention also relates to a corresponding communication system and a transmitting device with a corresponding signal processing device. Finally, the invention also relates to an electrical network in which the corresponding signal processing device can be used. Background Art

[0002] In an electrical network, such as the onboard electrical system of a motor vehicle, a communication system, such as a so-called bus system, can be used to transmit data between individual participants or terminal devices in the network. For example, a terminal device can be a transmitting device (such as a central computing unit (ECU-Electronic Control Unit, electronic control unit)) and a configured receiving device (such as an actuator unit) for implementing a specific function in a vehicle. In the case of door control, the transmitting device can be, for example, an electronic door controller (eTSG), and the receiving device is an actuator unit (eTAB) for electrically operating an outer door handle. For example, an eTAB can have an adjustment motor as an actuator for adjusting or controlling, for example, a Bowden cable, which can be used to unlock or lock the door. For control, a control command, such as "lock the door" or "unlock the door", can be issued by the eTSG and transmitted to the corresponding receiving device via the communication system.

[0003] In modern network architectures, it can be provided that a common computing unit can control multiple, i.e. two or more different receiving devices. In this case, messages or control commands are sent and / or received via a common transmission path, which is preset by the topology of the communication system. However, the individual data transmissions should be kept clearly isolated from each other. For this purpose, when transmitting via the communication system, the control commands for the corresponding receiving devices are encoded into control signals that meet the requirements of the communication system. In other words, the signal form and / or composition is adapted to the selected communication system, i.e. its communication standard. Common communication standards in the automotive field include LIN (local interconnect network) and CAN (controller area network).

[0004] For encoding, the communication system includes a signal processing device. The signal processing device has, for example, a controller or a so-called transceiver, with which the control commands can be converted or translated into control signals. The controller requires electrical energy to operate, which can be provided by an energy supply device of the relevant network.

[0005] In certain situations, such as in the case of a vehicle accident or a short-term overload, the energy supply may be interrupted. Then, the translation function of the controller can no longer be guaranteed. This is disadvantageous, for example, if at least basic operability of the receiving device should be maintained in the network.

[0006] For example, it is known from WO 2016 / 058815 A1 to use a LIN bus to ensure the basic basic functions of a vehicle module, for example when the energy supply is interrupted. To this end, in energy-saving mode, for example, the sensor data are encoded differently than in normal operating mode.

[0007] For example, an energy transmission device for realizing a redundant energy supply is known from DE 10 2014 207 993 A1. The energy transmission device comprises a two-channel electrical energy transmission, which enables a reliable energy transmission to a load.

[0008] The disadvantage here is that additional energy supply lines or emergency power lines must be integrated into the network. In this case, the emergency power lines are installed only for the case of a supply reduction (such as, for example, a voltage failure) and have no other function. However, the probability of this happening is very low. In addition, the additional lines generate additional costs. Summary of the invention

[0009] The object of the invention is to ensure that a receiving device can be controlled in accordance with the requirements by a transmitting device, for example in the event of a reduction in the energy supply, and at the same time to reduce the additional costs.

[0010] This object is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Advantageous developments of the invention are revealed by the dependent claims as well as the description and the drawings.

[0011] The invention is based on the knowledge that, if necessary, the operability functions of the receiving device, for example for adjusting the safety state of the receiving device, can be integrated into the signal processing device of the communication system. In other words, the signal processing device, in particular its circuit, is used to realize an emergency power-on circuit in the event of a voltage failure. In this case, the emergency power-on is realized without using the subordinate controller of the signal processing device. It can thus be ensured that the remaining energy in the network is sufficient to control the receiving device and to operate the controller.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, this function is actually implemented by means of a signal processing device for a communication system. For example, the signal processing device is an adapter circuit and / or a connection circuit for connecting the sending device to the communication system. For example, the communication system can be a so-called bus system.

[0013] The signal processing device is designed to process, i.e., for example, to transmit and generate electrical signals that can be transmitted in an electrical network between at least one transmitting device and at least one assigned receiving device by means of a communication system. The transmitting device and the receiving device are, for example, terminals or participants in an electrical network that can exchange control commands via the signal processing device and can thus send or receive control commands. Two or more terminals can be interconnected or connected to an electrical network by means of a communication system.

[0014] In order to realize signal transmission, the signal processing device includes a corresponding transmission terminal / transmitter connection terminal for coupling with a corresponding transmission device and a corresponding receiving terminal / receiver connection terminal for coupling with a corresponding receiving device. Therefore, the receiving terminal and the transmission terminal form a signal output part and a signal input part of the signal processing device. For example, the receiving device can be connected to the receiving terminal via a data line of a signal line network of a communication system. For example, multiple transmission devices or receiving devices can be connected via a common transmission terminal or receiving terminal.

[0015] Furthermore, the signal processing device comprises an energy supply terminal / energy supply connection terminal for coupling with the energy supply device for supplying electrical energy to the electrical network. Via the energy supply terminal, the signal processing device can receive or detect an energy supply signal generated or provided by the energy supplier or the energy supply device for the electrical network. For example, the energy supply signal can be an operating voltage, which can be obtained between two reference potentials of the energy supply device, for example a positive potential and a negative potential (ground potential).

[0016] The signal processing device also includes a signal generating circuit having at least one signal generating controller. The signal generating controller (hereinafter also referred to as the controller) is designed to encode the control command provided by the corresponding transmitting device through the corresponding transmitting terminal into a control signal that meets the requirements of the communication system, and provide it at the receiving terminal of the equipped receiving device. Therefore, the control command can be converted into a message signal by means of the signal generating circuit, especially the equipped controller, for example, for input into a data line for transmission to the receiving device. Signal encoding can be performed according to the corresponding communication standard of the communication system. Signal encoding can be performed using electrical energy provided in the form of an energy supply signal at the energy supply terminal.

[0017] In order to realize the controllability function of the receiving device in accordance with the requirements, the signal processing device also includes a bridge circuit. The bridge circuit is designed to provide the trigger signal provided by the transmitting device through the transmitting terminal directly to the receiving terminal in the activated state while bypassing the signal generating circuit, and the signal type of the trigger signal is different from the control signal. In other words, the signal at the transmitting terminal is directly transmitted to the receiving terminal without signal encoding according to the corresponding communication standard. In particular, the trigger signal is not a message signal. Instead, the trigger signal can be, for example, a power supply signal / supply signal. In the activated state, the bridge circuit is, for example, conductive or switched to conductive. The opposite is, for example, a deactivated state, in which the bridge circuit is electrically isolated or switched to non-conductive.

[0018] In order to activate or deactivate the bridge circuit, the signal processing device comprises an activation circuit. The activation circuit is designed to monitor the energy supply signal provided by the energy supply device according to a preset activation criterion, and the energy supply signal can be obtained at the energy supply terminal. The activation circuit is designed to activate the bridge circuit according to the monitoring result. In particular, the signal generating circuit is deactivated by activating the bridge circuit. Therefore, the activation circuit provides the function of switching between the signal generating circuit and the bridge circuit.

[0019] Therefore, the trigger signal can be provided directly to the receiving device instead of the coded control signal according to the state of energy supply. Thus, for example, in an emergency, the communication system can be used to directly power on the corresponding receiving device. The advantage obtained is that the energy used to supply the signal generating controller is not consumed when necessary. Instead, the energy can be directly transmitted to the receiving device for introducing or adjusting the receiving device to, for example, a specific state (such as a safe state). Therefore, the trigger signal can be used to trigger or adjust, for example, a preset emergency state of the receiving device. For example, the emergency state can be deactivated or unlocked or other measures for placing the receiving device in a preset safe state. In a specific example of unlocking the door of a vehicle, if the vehicle is in an accident in which the vehicle battery has been cut off or damaged, for example, the motor for the Bowden cable can be directly controlled by the trigger signal to unlock the door ("pop up" the Bowden cable).

[0020] In this context, a signal processing device is a component in a communication system for coupling a plurality of, i.e., two or more, terminal devices for signal or data transmission. Data transmission can be performed unidirectionally or bidirectionally, depending on the type of communication system selected or communication standard provided. Data transmission can include the transmission of device settings, device status, fault diagnosis, or status information.

[0021] The data processing device can, as described above, transmit or provide two different signals or signal types: on the one hand a control signal and on the other hand a trigger signal.

[0022] In particular, the control signal is an electrical signal of the type of a message signal or a data signal. That is, in particular, energy is not transmitted with the aid of a control signal. Instead, the control command, i.e. the message and / or the message, is preferably encoded only in the desired signal form. In particular, the control signal is a known digital signal or a binary signal. That is, the control signal is a signal modulated from or composed of voltage pulses with a predetermined pulse pattern. Preferably, the voltage pulse changes only between two discrete states or levels, i.e., for example, the state "high" and the state "low". For example, the above-mentioned pulse potential of the energy supply device can be associated with the state "high", while the state "low" is associated with the ground potential.

[0023] In this context, the control signal "meets the communication system requirements". That is, the control signal encodes the control command in a signal form or specification permitted in the communication system. Thus, the control signal complies with the rules or standards for data transmission in the communication system. The signal form of the control signal may depend on the type of communication system. For example, if the communication system is a known LIN bus, the control signal may be constructed in accordance with the so-called LIN standard.

[0024] In contrast, the trigger signal is preferably a signal of the type of a drive signal or energy (supply) signal. That is, the trigger signal can drive or supply an actuator of the receiving device with energy. Therefore, the trigger signal does not need to conform to the communication system. It is sufficient for the trigger signal to satisfy the receiving device and be processed or executed by the receiving device. For example, the trigger signal can be generated by means of the sending device or a component of the sending device.

[0025] For example, the trigger signal can include or contain only a single signal pulse, in particular a short signal pulse of a few milliseconds. When this signal pulse is received by the receiving device, the adoption of a preset default setting or basic setting corresponding to the emergency state can be triggered. In this case, the electrical energy for implementing the default setting is transmitted or delivered via the trigger signal. In contrast, the control signal can be an alternating signal with a plurality of consecutive signal pulses combined in a predetermined pulse pattern.

[0026] Herein, a signal generating circuit with a controller provided is understood, for example, as a translator / interpreter between a control command and a control signal. The controller implements the corresponding communication principle according to the type of the communication system. That is, the signal form of the control signal of the controller is adjusted. In addition to the pulse mode, the signal form may also include, for example, frequency, level, duty cycle and information structure. For example, the signal generating controller may be a microcontroller or a microprocessor. If the communication system specifies a so-called master-slave configuration scheme, the controller may be a master controller. Conversely, a drive circuit or a control unit of a receiving device may, for example, form a slave controller.

[0027] For example, the transmitting device can form a control device or an electronic computing unit (Electronic Control Unit, Electronic Control Unit, ECU) for one (or more) associated receiving devices. In particular, the transmitting device can be a central computing unit (Central Processing Unit, Central Processing Unit, CPU), for example a central onboard computer in the vehicle field.

[0028] The receiving device can be designed as an actuator or an actuator unit. The receiving device can include an adjusting element or an actuator. For example, the adjusting element can be an adjusting motor or a switch. The drive circuit or control unit of the receiving device can be designed to process the signal transmitted from the sending device. For example, the drive circuit can decode the control command from the control signal in order to control the adjusting element accordingly. Examples of receiving devices in the automotive field include window lifts, door openers or windshield wipers or lighting systems. Of course, sensors or sensor units can also be provided as receiving devices in the electrical network.

[0029] In an electrical network, a transmitting device can be coupled, for example, by means of a communication system to a plurality of, ie, two or more, receiving devices (or vice versa). The topology of the coupling can depend in particular on the type of communication system selected.

[0030] For example, the bridge circuit comprises a wire coupling the first connection terminal to the second connection terminal. The bridge circuit may also comprise, for example, a component for signal conditioning of the trigger signal, in particular a passive component such as a resistor or a diode. It is only important that the bridge circuit does not comprise an additional controller.

[0031] The activation circuit is designed to monitor the energy supply by detecting and evaluating the energy supply signal according to the above-mentioned activation criteria. How the monitoring can be performed will also be described in detail below. For example, the activation criteria include such rules and / or algorithms, that is, when applying or executing this rule and / or algorithm, it is determined whether the bridge circuit is activated or deactivated. Therefore, the activation criteria are executed to determine activation or deactivation.

[0032] The connection terminals of the signal processing device can in particular form electrical contacts for electrical connection or coupling with a terminal device or an energy supply device. In the electrical network, the corresponding connection pair can include complementary or corresponding connection terminals for connecting to the corresponding connection terminals of the signal processing device. These connection terminals can jointly form a connection interface.

[0033] The invention also includes embodiments that provide additional advantages.

[0034] According to one embodiment, the activation circuit is designed to check, according to an activation criterion, whether the energy supply signal has a curve associated with a preset emergency state of the electrical network according to the check condition. And if, in particular, only if the check result is positive, the activation circuit is designed to activate the bridge circuit. Thus, a trigger signal can be provided and the receiving device can be brought to a preset default setting. Conversely, if the check result is negative, the bridge circuit remains deactivated or is deactivated. Subsequently, a control signal is provided.

[0035] In this context, a positive check result means that the energy supply signal has a curve associated with an emergency state. Conversely, a negative check result means that the energy supply signal has a curve that differs from a curve associated with an emergency state.

[0036] For example, the association between the curve and the emergency state can be stored in an association rule. For example, the association rule can be implemented as an association table or a lookup table.

[0037] For example, an emergency state can be a network state in which the energy supply of the network can no longer be ensured or guaranteed. For example, the emergency state can be manifested as a reduction in the energy supply, i.e., for example, a reduction in the supply voltage. Therefore, the emergency state can be read or derived from the energy supply signal. An emergency state may occur when the network or a component of the network, such as an energy supply device or one of the terminal devices, has a malfunction or is damaged. Alternatively, an emergency state may also occur, for example, when the energy supply device is cut off or deactivated. For example, in a battery-operated vehicle, an emergency state occurs when the vehicle is involved in an accident or when the vehicle battery as an energy supplier overheats. It is advantageous at this time to unlock the doors, for example, so that the occupants can leave the vehicle in the accident.

[0038] For example, the above-mentioned check condition includes such a rule and / or algorithm, that is, when the rule and / or algorithm is applied or executed, it is determined whether to activate or deactivate the bridge circuit. The check condition is executed to determine activation or deactivation.

[0039] With regard to the check condition, it is provided in another embodiment that the activation circuit is designed to check, according to the check condition, whether the current value of the energy supply signal is below a preset minimum limit value. The minimum limit value indicates that an emergency state has occurred. If or in particular only if the check result is positive, the activation circuit is designed to activate the bridge circuit. Otherwise, as described above, the bridge circuit remains inactive or is deactivated.

[0040] Thus, a limit value comparison can be performed to determine whether an emergency state has occurred. The minimum limit value can be a limit value or a threshold value which separates a value range of the energy supply signal associated with an emergency state from a value range not associated with an emergency state. The minimum limit value can be preset by the energy demand of the network. The energy demand can be determined by tests or calculated by simulations. In a network with a nominal voltage of 12 volts, the minimum limit value can be, for example, 3 volts. Of course, other minimum limit values, for example 5 V or 9 V, are also conceivable.

[0041] In this context, a positive check result means that the value of the energy supply signal is below a minimum limit value. Conversely, a negative check result means that the signal value exceeds the minimum limit value or, for example, corresponds to the minimum limit value.

[0042] The activation circuit can actively or passively perform a check for switching between the signal generating circuit and the bridge circuit. For active monitoring, the activation circuit can, for example, include an additional comparison circuit, for example, with a comparator or a controller and a sensor element (such as, for example, a current sensor or a voltage sensor). The energy supply signal can be measured by the comparison circuit and evaluated according to the activation criterion.

[0043] In contrast, passive monitoring can be realized, for example, by means of a switching element coupled to the energy supply terminal. The switching element can be operated, for example, in a voltage-controlled or current-controlled manner in such a way that it switches as a function of an energy supply signal.

[0044] In another embodiment, in the case of passive monitoring, the activation circuit for activating or deactivating the bridge circuit comprises at least one switching element, in particular an electronic switching element or a semiconductor switching element. Thus, switching can be performed in a particularly simple manner, for example using the switching characteristics of typical switching elements.

[0045] In this article, a switching element refers in particular to a component for switching between at least two switching states, such as, for example, an activated or connected switching state and a deactivated or disconnected switching state. In the connected switching state, the switching element has essentially no resistance. Therefore, current can flow through the switching element essentially without obstacles. On the contrary, in the disconnected switching state, the switching element has essentially infinite resistance. Therefore, current can be prevented or blocked from flowing through the switching element. The switching element can be implemented in particular as a transistor, such as, for example, a bipolar transistor or a field effect transistor, in particular a MOSFET (metal oxide field effect transistor), or a thyristor or a relay.

[0046] The switching element is connected to the energy supply terminal in such a way that the energy supply signal can be used as a switching signal or control signal for bringing the switching element into an on or off switching state. The above-mentioned minimum limit value can be a switching value depending on the switching characteristic of the switching element.

[0047] According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to a method for operating a signal processing device as described above. The method comprises the following steps: First, an energy supply signal provided by means of an energy supply device is monitored according to a preset activation standard, and the energy supply signal can be obtained at the energy supply terminal. Subsequently, one of the following two measures is taken according to the result of the monitoring. That is, or especially if the result of the monitoring is negative, the control command provided by the corresponding transmitting device through the corresponding transmitting terminal is encoded into a control signal that meets the requirements of the communication system. Next, a control signal is provided at the corresponding receiving terminal. In other words, the control signal can be obtained at the receiving terminal. As an alternative, if the result of the check is positive, the bridge circuit is activated. In the activated state of the bridge circuit, the trigger signal provided by the transmitting device through the corresponding transmitting terminal is directly provided to the corresponding receiving terminal while bypassing the signal generating circuit. Therefore, the trigger signal can be obtained at the transmitting terminal. Here, the trigger signal is different from the control signal.

[0048] For application cases or application scenarios that can occur in the method and are not explicitly described here, it can be provided that according to the method an error message is output and / or a user feedback is requested and / or a standard setting and / or a predetermined initial state is adjusted.

[0049] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a communication system for an electrical network. The communication system comprises a signal processing device as described above. In addition, the communication system comprises at least one signal line network, which in particular has at least one data line. The signal line network is designed to interconnect at least one transmitting device as described above and at least one configured receiving device in the electrical network in a topology that meets the requirements of the communication system. Thus, the communication system can couple the terminal devices in the network to each other, specifically in a manner that meets the requirements of the communication system, i.e., according to the type or form of the selected communication system.

[0050] Therefore, the signal line network can be a physical transmission path for signal transmission in the network. To this end, the signal line network can include one or more lines or cables, such as the above-mentioned data lines. The data line can be used to transmit control signals and trigger signals to the corresponding terminal devices. For example, another line can be an energy supply line, by means of which the energy supply signal is guided or transmitted in the communication network. If two or more data lines are provided, the topological structure describes the interconnection or arrangement of the lines in the signal line network. For example, the signal processing device can be connected to the receiving device via the signal line network, in particular the corresponding data line, using the receiving terminal. For example, the transmitting device can be directly connected to the transmitting terminal.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the communication system is designed as a bus system. In particular, the bus system is a bus system according to the LIN standard or the CAN standard or the FlexRay standard or the Ethernet standard. This has the advantage that standardized networking of terminal devices in a network for communication and signal transmission can be achieved. Of course, the use of other bus system standards can also be envisaged or realized.

[0052] The functionality and design of bus systems for transmitting signals in electrical networks are known. The known bus systems differ from one another according to the form or type of communication standard used or the communication protocol based on, for example, as already described above. These are in particular standardized protocols or standards which, among other things, for example prescribe the above-mentioned signal coding, topology and / or hierarchy in the network.

[0053] Preferably, only short-circuit-proof bus systems are used for the communication system at operating potential (ie energy supply signal), that is, buses are used which have, for example, switching elements for limiting the maximum current and / or protective circuits for disconnecting when the maximum current in the network is exceeded.

[0054] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a transmitting device having a signal processing device as described above. Here, the transmitting terminals of the signal processing device are implemented or designed as control terminals of the transmitting device. The transmitting device can be coupled to a correspondingly equipped receiving device via the control terminals by means of data lines of the signal line network described above, for example. Therefore, the signal processing device is integrated into the transmitting device as a component or member. Such chips or members with an integrated communication unit are known. For example, there is a controller with an integrated LIN transceiver.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the transmitting device comprises an electrical energy storage unit designed to provide or generate the trigger signal. The energy storage unit can thus be understood as an emergency supply device for the receiving device, in particular in an emergency state of the network. The receiving device can thus be connected to the transmitting device in such a way that the transmitting device automatically discharges in an emergency state of the network to operate the receiving device. Thus, in the event of a drop in supply, the trigger signal is automatically output. Alternatively, the transmitting device can, for example, comprise an activation circuit for activating or deactivating the energy storage unit, similar to the signal processing device.

[0056] Here, the energy storage of the energy storage unit has a much smaller energy storage capacity than the energy supply device, for example, the above-mentioned energy supply device. For example, the energy storage capacity of the energy storage unit is just enough to generate or produce the trigger signal. For example, the energy storage capacity of the energy storage unit can be in the range of a few milliampere hours or milliwatt hours. In contrast, the energy storage capacity of the energy storage device can be in the range of a few watt hours or ampere hours up to several thousand ampere hours or kilowatt hours or more. Therefore, the energy storage device is designed for continuous operation of the network. In contrast, the energy storage unit is only designed for emergency pulses, i.e., trigger signals. The energy storage unit includes, for example, a capacitor or a battery as an electrical energy storage device.

[0057] According to another aspect, the present invention also relates to an electrical network comprising at least one transmitting device and at least one assigned receiving device as described above. In addition, the electrical network also comprises a communication system as mentioned above. For the transmission of signals, the transmitting device and the assigned receiving device are connected to each other in the manner described for the above-mentioned signal processing device and are coupled to each other by means of the communication system. For example, the electrical network can be a sensor network, a home power grid, a computer network, a computer system, an onboard electrical system of a vehicle or an automation device for industrial equipment (such as a robot for manufacturing vehicle components, for example).

[0058] The present invention also includes the improvements of the method, the transmitting device, the communication system and the electrical network according to the present invention as already described in conjunction with the improvements of the signal processing device according to the present invention. For this reason, the corresponding improvements of the method, the transmitting device, the communication system and the electrical network according to the present invention are not described again here.

[0059] The present invention also includes combinations of features of the described embodiments. Therefore, the present invention also includes implementations which each have a combination of features of a plurality of the described embodiments, as long as these embodiments are not described as mutually exclusive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] The following describes an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an electrical network for emergency powering of a receiving device via a LIN bus,

[0062] Figure 2 A schematic method flow chart is shown for operating a signal processing device for signal encoding for a LIN bus, and

[0063] Figure 3 A schematic diagram is shown containing exemplary signal curves for different electrical signals that may be transmitted in a network. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] The embodiments described below are preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the embodiments, the components described in the embodiments are respectively individual features of the present invention that can be regarded as independent of each other, and these features also improve the present invention independently of each other. Therefore, the present disclosure should also include feature combinations that are different from the feature combinations of the illustrated embodiments. In addition, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by other features in the already described features of the present invention.

[0065] In the figures, the same reference numerals respectively denote elements with the same function.

[0066] Figure 1 An electrical network 10 is shown schematically. The electrical network may be included, for example, in an on-board electrical system of a vehicle, such as, for example, a motor vehicle. For example, the motor vehicle may be a passenger car or a truck or a bus or a motorcycle. Figure 1 The network 10 shown in FIG. 1 is formed by way of example for controlling, in particular for unlocking, vehicle components of vehicle doors. With the aid of the network 10 , in particular, an electric actuation of an outer door handle of a vehicle door can be achieved.

[0067] For this purpose, the network 10 comprises, by way of example, a transmitting device 20 , an associated receiving device 30 , a communication system 40 and an energy supply device 50 .

[0068] Here, the transmitting device 20 is designed as an electronic door controller (eTSG), for example. That is, one or more receiving devices 30 assigned to the door can be controlled by means of the transmitting device 20. For this purpose, the transmitting device 20 includes a computing device 21. The computing device can include, for example, a microprocessor or a microcontroller. In order to control the correspondingly assigned receiving device 30, the transmitting device 20 can generate a control command B, in particular, by means of the computing device 21. In the present embodiment, the control command can be, for example, "unlock the door" or "lock the door".

[0069] The situations in which locking or unlocking is required can be determined by means of the computing device 21 by evaluating the sensor data of the vehicle sensors provided to the computing device 21. For example, unlocking is desired when, for example, the driver unlocks the vehicle with his vehicle key. Conversely, locking is desired when, for example, the driver locks the vehicle with the vehicle key. Alternatively, unlocking may also be desired, for example, when the vehicle is involved in an accident or a collision. It can thus be ensured that the occupants can leave the vehicle involved in the accident.

[0070] As an example of the receiving device 30, Figure 1. The door unlocking device comprises, for example, a so-called Bowden cable, which can be moved or adjusted for locking or unlocking. In particular, the Bowden cable can be ejected for unlocking. The receiving device 30 comprises an adjusting element 31 for operating the Bowden cable. The adjusting element is designed, for example, as an adjusting motor for the Bowden cable. The adjusting element 31 can be operated or driven by controlling it with a control command. In addition to the adjusting element 31, the receiving device 30 can also comprise, for example, a drive circuit (in Figure 1 The driver circuit can be used in a known manner to apply the control command to the adjustment element 31. Figure 1 Unlike what is shown in FIG. 1 , the network 10 may also include more than one receiving device, for example, two or more receiving devices.

[0071] The energy supply device 50 is used to supply electrical energy to the components of the network 10. To this end, the energy supply device 50 may include, for example, an electrical energy supplier, such as a battery or a storage battery. In the present embodiment, the energy supplier may be, for example, a 12V starting battery of a vehicle.

[0072] In order to supply energy, the energy supply device 50 provides an energy supply signal E to the components of the network 10. Here, the energy supply signal E can be, for example, a voltage signal with a rated voltage of 12 V. Here, the rated voltage can be acquired or measured, for example, between a positive potential and a negative potential (ground potential), which are provided by the energy supplier of the energy supply device 50.

[0073] The communication system 40 couples or connects the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30. The communication system 40 is used, in particular, for communication or data transmission between the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30. In addition, the communication system 40 can realize a topology in which terminal devices are interconnected.

[0074] In this context, the communication system 40 is designed, for example, as a so-called bus system, in particular as a so-called LIN bus (single-wire system). That is, the signal transmission in the network 10 and the topology for interconnecting the terminal devices are implemented according to the known LIN standard.

[0075] according to Figure 1, the communication system 40 includes a signal processing device 41 and a signal line network 49. The signal line network 49 forms a physical transmission path or wiring for transmitting signals between the sending device 20 and the receiving device 30. To this end, the signal line network 49 includes one or more data lines 49a. Here, the data lines 49a are interconnected in a network structure in a topological structure that meets the requirements of the communication system (i.e., it is allowed to be used for a LIN bus in this article). In addition, the data line 49a connects the terminal devices of the network 10 to each other. In the present embodiment, the sending device 20 is connected to the receiving device 30 (especially through the control terminal of the receiving device (in the control terminal 22) via the data line 49a, for example. Figure 1 Not shown)) are connected.

[0076] The signal processing device 41 forms an adaptation circuit or a connection circuit for the transmitting device 20. In the present embodiment, the signal processing device 41 is an integral component of the transmitting device 20. That is, the components of the signal processing device 41 are completely integrated into the structure of the transmitting device 20. For example, the signal processing device 41 and the computing device 21 can have a common energy supply terminal 44 for receiving the energy supply signal E.

[0077] In order to connect the transmitting device 20, the signal processing device 41 is connected to the computing device 21 by means of a transmitting terminal 42. Thus, the transmitting terminal 42 forms an electrical contact for the transmitting device 20. The signal processing device 41 is connected to the control terminal 22 of the transmitting device 20 by means of a receiving terminal 43. Thus, the signal processing device 41 is coupled to the receiving device 30 via the receiving terminal 43.

[0078] Here, the signal processing device 41 has two functions: On the one hand, the signal processing device should be used as a translator for converting the control command B provided by the computing device 21 into a control signal S that meets the requirements of the communication system (communication function). That is, the control command is converted into a signal form that conforms to the corresponding communication standard, in this example, the LIN standard. It can thus be ensured that, for example, the correct receiving device is controlled, or that the sending device and the receiving device are synchronized for data transmission. The second function is to transmit electrical energy for operating the receiving device 30 at least for a short period of time when necessary (emergency operation function).

[0079] In order to perform the communication function, the signal processing device includes a signal generating circuit 45. The signal generating circuit 45 includes, for example, a (signal processing) controller 46, which can be designed as a so-called LIN transceiver. The signal generating circuit 45 is connected to the transmitting terminal 42 at one end and to the receiving terminal 43 at the other end.

[0080] The controller 46 is designed to encode the control command B provided by the transmitting device 20 through the transmitting terminal 42 into a control signal S that meets the requirements of the communication system under the condition of using the energy supply signal E. Subsequently, the control signal S is provided at the receiving terminal 43 for transmission to the receiving device 30. Here, the encoding is carried out in accordance with the specifications or standards specified in the LIN standard.

[0081] The receiving device 30 can receive the control signal S and can decode it, for example, with the aid of a driver circuit, to obtain a control command B. The control command can then be used to actuate the adjusting element 31 .

[0082] Here, the control signal S is a message signal or a data signal. That is, it is not the transmission of electrical energy that supplies energy to the receiving device 30. In this context, the control signal S is in particular a digital signal that switches between the voltage levels "high" and "low" in a preset pulse pattern. For example, the level "high" is preset by the positive potential of the energy supply signal E. Conversely, the state "low" is preset by the ground potential of the energy supply signal E (see also Figure 3 ).

[0083] In order to realize the emergency operation function, the signal processing device 41 further includes a bridge circuit 47. The bridge circuit 47 bridges or bypasses the signal generating circuit 45, especially the controller 46. Figure 1 In the embodiment of the invention, the bridge circuit 47 is connected to the transmission terminal 42 and the reception terminal 43 in a circuit parallel to the signal generating circuit 45. In particular, the bridge circuit 47 does not include an additional controller, that is, in particular, does not include active electrical structural elements that require the supply signal E to operate. Preferably, the bridge circuit 47 includes at most passive electrical components that can be used for signal conditioning, such as, for example, resistors or diodes.

[0084] Therefore, in the activated state of the bridge circuit, the trigger signal provided by the transmission device 20, in particular the computing device 21, via the transmission terminal 42 can be provided or transmitted directly to the receiving terminal 43 by means of the bridge circuit 47 while bypassing the signal generating circuit 45. The trigger signal A differs from the control signal S in terms of its signal type. For example, the trigger signal A is a supply signal or an energy signal. Thus, the trigger signal A is not a signal encoded in a manner that meets the requirements of the communication system.

[0085] The trigger signal A can also be referred to as a drive signal and drives or supplies an actuator of the receiving device 30 with electrical energy. Here, the trigger signal A is designed so that the receiving device 30 can be put into an emergency state by applying the trigger signal A to the adjustment element 31. The emergency state can be a defined state to which the receiving device 30 is adjusted when the network 10 is in an emergency state. For example, an emergency state may occur when the supply signal E decreases, i.e., when the voltage is interrupted. In a vehicle, for example, an emergency state occurs when the vehicle is involved in an accident that requires emergency disconnection of the battery, i.e., the energy supply device 50.

[0086] In order to generate the trigger signal A, the transmitting device preferably comprises an energy storage unit which can be used for emergency supply. That is to say, the energy storage unit can have, for example, an energy storage capacity of a few milliwatt hours, which is just enough or at most sufficient to provide the trigger signal A. For example, when the energy supply device 50 is operating normally, the energy storage unit can be charged by means of the energy supply signal E. For this purpose, the energy storage unit can, for example, comprise an electrical buffer, such as, for example, a battery or a capacitor.

[0087] In order to switch between the communication function and the emergency operation function, the signal processing device 41 further includes an activation circuit 48. The activation circuit 48 is designed to monitor the energy supply signal E according to a preset activation standard, and can activate or deactivate the bridge circuit 47 according to the monitoring result. Figure 2 The monitoring of the energy supply signal E is described in more detail.

[0088] In order to realize the switching function, herein, the activation circuit 48 includes a switching element, in particular a semiconductor switch thereof. The semiconductor switch is connected between the bridge circuit 47 and the signal generating circuit 45, so that the bridge circuit and the signal generating circuit are coupled through the semiconductor switch. For example, the switching element can be designed as a field effect transistor, in particular a MOSFET (metal oxide field effect transistor). In order to activate the bridge circuit 47, the switching element can be placed in a switched state of on, and thereby switched to electrical conduction. Conversely, in order to deactivate, the switching element can be placed in a switched state of off, and thereby switched to electrical isolation.

[0089] The switching, i.e. activation or deactivation, of the bridge circuit 47 is preferably carried out by means of the switching characteristics of the switching element. Therefore, passive monitoring can be carried out, and no active structural elements need to be present in the activation circuit 48. In a specific embodiment as a MOSFET, the switching function can be realized by interconnection as follows, for example: for example, the MOSFET can be connected to the energy supply terminal by means of the gate-source connection terminal. Conversely, the MOSFET can be connected to the line connecting the bridge circuit 47 with the signal generating circuit 45 by means of the drain-source connection terminal. The gate-source connection terminal forms the control terminal of the MOSFET. Therefore, the MOSFET can be turned on or off depending on the value of the energy supply signal E. For example, if the supply signal E decreases, i.e., a voltage interruption occurs, the MOSFET is turned on (switched on). Otherwise, the MOSFET remains in the off state and the bridge circuit 47 is deactivated.

[0090] According to the following Figure 2 The conditions or prerequisites under which the communication function and the emergency operation function of the communication system 40 or the signal processing device 41 are used will be described in detail again. Figure 2 A schematic method flow chart of a method for operating a signal processing device 41 is shown.

[0091] In step S1, firstly, the energy supply signal E is received or detected via the energy supply terminal 44 by means of the activation circuit 48. That is, for example, the energy supply signal E may drop at the gate-source connection terminal of the MOSFET. In step S2, the energy supply signal E is evaluated by means of the activation circuit 48. At this point, it is checked whether the energy supply signal E has a curve associated with the emergency state of the network 10 according to the above-mentioned activation criterion. Specifically, the check can be performed in the following way, that is, the current value of the energy supply signal E, that is, for example the voltage value, is compared with a preset minimum limit value. The minimum limit value is a limit value for the supply signal E that symbolizes an emergency state. In Figure 1 In the network 10 shown in FIG. 1 with a nominal voltage of 12 V, the minimum limit value G is, for example, approximately 3 V. For example, the minimum limit value G corresponds to the voltage value at which the switching element switches as described above.

[0092] If the result of the check in step S2 is negative (N), that is, the check result is that the supply signal value is higher than the minimum limit value G (greater than or equal to G), the method is continued in step S3. In this case, the bridge circuit 47 remains deactivated because the switching element is in the disconnected switching state. Therefore, the signal generation circuit 45 is used to transmit the signal. The signal processing device 41 performs a communication function. That is, the control command B is received through the transmission terminal 42.

[0093] Next, in step S4, the control command is encoded into a control signal S that meets the requirements of the communication system by means of the controller 46. Finally, in step S5, the control signal S is provided to the receiving terminal 43 for transmission to the receiving device 30 via the data line 49a.

[0094] On the contrary, if the result of the check in step S2 is positive (J), that is, the supply signal value is lower than the limit value G (less than G), the method is continued in step S6. In step S6, the switching element is switched to the switched state according to its switching characteristics. The bridge circuit 47 is thereby activated. The emergency operation function is realized. Since the energy supply device 50 cannot provide or can no longer provide sufficient electrical energy in the form of the energy supply signal E for energy supply, a trigger signal A is received via the transmission terminal 42 in step S7. In step S8, the trigger signal is provided directly to the output connection terminal by the activated bridge circuit 47 while bypassing the controller 46. At this time, the result is that the energy storage unit is forced to discharge in the network 10 to which the receiving device 30 is connected as a load to provide the trigger signal A.

[0095] Figure 3 By way of example, possible signal curves of different signals in the network 10 are shown when performing a communication function on the one hand and when performing an emergency operation function of the signal processing device 41 on the other hand. In this case, the signals are plotted in a voltage-time diagram as a voltage signal U (V) varying over time t [s]. Figure 3 , an input signal Vin, a motor voltage VM and a supply voltage VE are shown as signal curves. The input voltage Vin can be tapped as an input signal for the receiving device 30 at the transmission terminal 42 and thus represents the control signal S and the trigger signal A. The energy supply voltage VE can be tapped at the energy supply terminal 44 and thus represents the energy supply signal E. For example, the motor voltage VM can be tapped at the adjustment motor for the Bowden cable, that is, at the adjustment element 31 during its operation.

[0096] As in Figure 3 As shown in the diagram in , the energy supply voltage VE first has a value of about 12 volts (positive potential). The energy supply voltage is above the minimum limit. Here, the input voltage Vin has a curve of a typical digital signal or AC signal. The energy supply voltage switches back and forth between the state "high" (positive potential) and the state "low" (negative potential) at uniform intervals, for example. This curve of the input voltage represents the control signal S. The adjustment motor can be adjusted by a control command B encoded into a control signal, which is shown by a pulse of the motor voltage VM of about one second in the diagram. For example, the Bowden cable can be guided to lock the door.

[0097] After about three seconds, a voltage interruption occurs and the energy supply voltage VE drops to essentially zero volt (ground potential). This is below a minimum limit value of, for example, 3 V. An emergency state occurs in the network 10. As a result of the drop in the energy supply voltage VE, the input signal Vin is also adjusted to approximately zero volt.

[0098] Shortly after the voltage interruption, the input voltage Vin can be seen to have a single voltage pulse. This pulse remains at a level of approximately 9 volts for a duration of approximately 2.3 seconds, for example. This voltage pulse represents the trigger signal A. The motor voltage VM essentially follows the input voltage Vin, wherein the motor voltage remains at a level of approximately 8 V only for the duration of this voltage pulse, for example. According to the pulse pattern of the trigger signal A, this is a specific signal, which drives the adjustment motor or energizes the adjustment motor in such a way that the default setting is adjusted, i.e., for example, the Bowden cable is ejected. Unlocking the door.

[0099] In summary, the exemplary embodiment shows how emergency powering of a receiving device can be realized via a LIN line with the aid of a LIN bus.

Claims

1. A signal processing device (41) for a communication system (40), the signal processing device being used for processing electrical signals transmittable between at least one transmitting device (20) and at least one associated receiving device (30) in an electrical network (10) by means of the communication system (40), wherein: The signal processing device (41) comprises: a transmission terminal (42) for coupling to a corresponding transmission device (20) and a reception terminal (43) for coupling to a corresponding reception device (30), - an energy supply terminal (44) for coupling to an energy supply device (50) for supplying electrical energy to the electrical network (10), - a signal generating circuit (45) having at least one signal generating controller (46), which is designed to encode a control command (B) provided by a corresponding transmitting device (20) via a transmitting terminal (42) into a control signal (S) that meets the requirements of the communication system and provide it at a receiving terminal (43), Features - a bridge circuit (47) which is designed to, in an activated state, directly supply a trigger signal (A) supplied by the transmitting device (20) via the transmitting terminal (42) to the receiving terminal (43) while bypassing the signal generating circuit (45), the trigger signal being of a different signal type from the control signal (S), - an activation circuit (48) designed to monitor an energy supply signal (E) provided by means of an energy supply device (50) and accessible at an energy supply terminal (44) according to a preset activation criterion and to activate the bridge circuit (47) according to the monitoring result.

2. The signal processing device (41) according to claim 1, wherein: The activation circuit (48) is designed to check, according to an activation criterion, whether the energy supply signal (E) has a curve associated with a preset emergency state of the electrical network (10) according to a check condition and to activate the bridge circuit (47) if the check result is positive.

3. The signal processing device (41) according to claim 2, wherein: The activation circuit (48) is designed to check, according to a check condition, whether the current value of the energy supply signal (E) is below a preset minimum limit value (G), which indicates the existence of an emergency state, and to activate the bridge circuit (47) if the check result is positive.

4. The signal processing device (41) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: An activation circuit (48) for activating the bridge circuit (47) comprises at least one switching element, in particular an electronic switching element or a semiconductor switching element.

5. A method for operating a signal processing device (41) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising the following steps: - monitoring an energy supply signal (E) which is provided by means of an energy supply device (50) and can be picked up at an energy supply terminal (44) according to a preset activation criterion, and based on the result of the monitoring, - or: encoding a control command (B) provided by a corresponding transmitting device (20) via a corresponding transmitting terminal (42) into a control signal (S) that meets the requirements of the communication system, and providing the control signal (S) at a corresponding receiving terminal (43), - Or: the bridge circuit (47) is activated, and in the activated state of the bridge circuit (47), a trigger signal (A) provided by the transmitting device (20) through the corresponding transmitting terminal (42) is directly provided to the corresponding receiving terminal (43) while bypassing the signal generating circuit (45), and the trigger signal is different from the control signal (S).

6. A communication system (40) for an electrical network (10), the communication system comprising a signal processing device (41) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 and at least one signal line network (49), the signal line network being designed to interconnect at least one transmitting device (20) and at least one configured receiving device (30) in the electrical network (10) in a topological structure that meets the requirements of the communication system.

7. The communication system (40) according to claim 6, wherein: The communication system (40) is formed as a bus system, in particular as a bus system according to the LIN standard or the CAN standard or the FlexRay standard or the Ethernet standard.

8. A transmitting device (20) having a signal processing device (41) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: A transmission terminal (42) of a signal processing device (41) is designed as a control terminal (22) of a transmission device (20), wherein the transmission device (20) can be coupled to a correspondingly assigned reception device (30) via the control terminal (22) by means of a data line (49a) of a signal line network (49).

9. The transmitting device (20) according to claim 8, wherein: The transmitting device (20) comprises an electrical energy storage unit which is designed to provide a trigger signal (A).

10. An electrical network (10) comprising at least one transmitting device (20), at least one associated receiving device (30) and a communication system (40) according to claim 6 or 7.

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