Apparatus, method and computer program for communicating over wired network

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (20), a method and a computer program for communicating via a wired network, to a control device (30), to a control method and to a corresponding computer program, and to a vehicle (200) having one or both of the aforementioned devices. The apparatus comprises at least one interface (22) for communicating with at least one counterpart station (205a-d) over a wired network. The apparatus includes a control circuit (24). The control circuit is designed to carry out signal processing for communication with the at least one counterpart station by means of at least one predetermined signal processing module for the physical layer. The control circuit is designed to receive an external control signal. The control circuit is designed to set, on the basis of the external control signal, a parameter used by the at least one predetermined signal processing module for setting an idle frame time interval.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device, a method and a computer program for communicating via a wired network, to a control device, a control method and a corresponding computer program, and to a vehicle having one of the aforementioned devices or having both of the aforementioned devices. Background Art

[0002] In its original form (IEEE 802.3, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers standard), Ethernet, a communications protocol for wired communication, continuously transmits messages. If no user data is present, so-called idle frames containing dummy data are transmitted. This results in high energy consumption. To reduce this, the updated Ethernet standard, IEEE 802.3-2018, added Section 6, which specifies Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), which avoids and reduces these idle frames. This can save up to 90% of energy.

[0003] EP 3860045 A1, referenced in the EEE, describes a method and system for optimizing energy efficiency in Ethernet-based communication networks. This document focuses on reducing energy consumption by adjusting time parameters related to the duration or total duration of quiet or refresh states. These adjustments aim to effectively manage the network's current consumption by, for example, optimizing the intervals between power-saving modes (LPIs).

[0004] US11637713 B1 describes a system designed to improve energy efficiency and network performance in vehicles and similar environments exposed to extreme environmental conditions. The document focuses on monitoring changes in environmental conditions such as temperature, vibration, and mechanical load, and adjusting network parameters accordingly. The system utilizes a power meter to monitor energy consumption patterns and dynamically adjust network communications to conserve energy and optimize performance under changing environmental conditions.

[0005] US2009 / 0282277 A relates to an energy-saving operating mode for network transceivers, specifically a low-power idle mode (LPI), which aims to reduce the energy consumption of network equipment. This is achieved by repeatedly turning the transceiver's transmitter on and off based on a specific pattern determined by the receiver's characteristics. The goal is to save energy by deactivating the transmitter during periods of inactivity and enable rapid reactivation when communication is needed again. The document emphasizes flexibility in designing quiet and refresh times and provides methods for more efficient use of refresh cycles, supporting noise reduction, and providing additional energy savings.

[0006] In modern vehicles, Ethernet is often used as the bus protocol for communication between controllers. Because communication between controllers often needs to be as low as possible during vehicle operation, signal processing modules for the physical layer (PHY) are often used to achieve this low latency. In these modules, the timing requirements related to EEE are designed to achieve the required latency even when using EEE. However, this low latency is only required during vehicle operation, as the timing requirements for communication between controllers during periods such as parking and charging are less stringent. However, because the same PHY is used in all situations, the energy savings in vehicles using EEE are lower than they could be when the vehicle is not in motion. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Therefore, there is a need to provide an improved method for communicating over a wired network, particularly in a vehicle.

[0008] The technical solutions of the independent claims take this need into consideration.

[0009] The present invention is based on the recognition that while the latency requirements in a vehicle depend on whether the vehicle is driving (or at least active) or parked, the physical layer (PHY) used in both scenarios is the same, and therefore the time interval between idle frames is irrelevant to this distinction. Therefore, the present invention provides for parameterizing the time interval between idle frames in the PHY used, so that different latency is achieved during driving and when parked. For example, an external control signal is used to centrally set the different time intervals across controllers. In some cases, if the settings are propagated between devices connected via a link, they only need to be set at one of the respective communication partners in the link (communication connection). This allows for greater energy savings, particularly in vehicles.

[0010] One aspect of the present invention relates to a device for communicating via a wired network. The device includes at least one interface for communicating with at least one other station via the wired network. The device includes a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to perform signal processing for communication with the at least one other station using at least one predetermined signal processing module for a physical layer. The control circuit is configured to receive an external control signal. The control signal is configured to set parameters used by the at least one predetermined signal processing module for setting an idle frame time interval based on the external control signal. By setting the parameters, the idle frame time interval can be used while using the same PHY. Since the parameters are set based on an external control signal that can be distributed to different devices, the time interval can be changed synchronously at multiple devices in a system such as a vehicle at the same time.

[0011] The predetermined signal processing module can be the same before and after the parameter setting. In other words, the signal processing module (i.e., PHY) is parameterized instead of using a different PHY. This avoids the cost and delay of switching PHYs and multiple verifications of communication within the vehicle.

[0012] For example, the at least one interface may have multiple links. The control circuit may be configured to independently set parameters for each link for setting the idle frame time interval. This allows, for example, different applications to be differentiated when setting the parameters, thereby enabling savings even during driving or enabling time-critical applications to be implemented with low latency even when the vehicle is parked.

[0013] In communication between two communication partners, it is advantageous for both communication partners to use the same communication parameters. This can be achieved, for example, by predefining these communication parameters via a central (control) instance. For example, the control circuit can be designed to receive external control signals from a central control instance, particularly from a central control instance of the vehicle. This allows parameters to be set centrally in the vehicle, ensuring that the communication partners use the same parameters.

[0014] Alternatively or additionally, parameters can also be propagated between communication partners. For example, the control circuit can be configured to receive an external control signal from a counterpart station and set parameters for setting the idle frame interval for communication with the counterpart station. Thus, parameters can be propagated from the counterpart station, eliminating the need for the device to be controlled by a central control instance.

[0015] As mentioned above, different delay requirements exist in a vehicle during driving and during parking. Accordingly, the control signal may be related to the operating state of the vehicle.

[0016] The proposed solution can be applied to various wired network protocols, but is particularly important for Ethernet and EEE. Thus, the wired network can be an Ethernet network. Accordingly, the parameter for setting the idle frame interval can set the idle frame interval in an Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) implementation of the signal processing module. Therefore, the proposed solution can be applied to EEE.

[0017] One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for controlling a signal processing module for a physical layer (PHY) to communicate over a wired network. The method includes receiving an external control signal. The method also includes setting parameters for determining an idle frame interval based on the external control signal. The idle frame interval is used by the signal processing module. By setting the parameters, the idle frame interval can be used while using the same physical layer (PHY). Because the parameters are set based on an external control signal that can be distributed to different devices, the interval can be changed simultaneously across multiple devices in a system, such as a vehicle.

[0018] One aspect of the invention relates to a corresponding program having a program code for carrying out the above-described method when the program code is executed on a computer, a processor, a control module or a programmable hardware component.

[0019] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a control device for a vehicle. The control device includes at least one interface for communicating with at least one device for communicating via a wired network. The control device includes control circuitry configured to determine the vehicle's operating state. The control circuitry is configured to provide a control signal to the at least one device for communicating via the wired network by setting a parameter for determining an idle frame interval based on the vehicle's operating state. This allows the idle frame intervals used by various controllers in the vehicle to be adjusted based on the vehicle's operating state, thereby achieving energy savings.

[0020] One aspect of the present invention relates to a control method for a vehicle. The control method includes determining an operating state of the vehicle. The control method includes providing a control signal to at least one device for communicating via a wired network by setting a parameter for determining an idle frame interval based on the operating state of the vehicle. This allows the idle frame intervals used by various controllers of the vehicle to be adjusted according to the operating state of the vehicle, thereby achieving energy savings.

[0021] One aspect of the invention relates to a corresponding program with a program code for implementing the control method when the program code is executed on a computer, a processor, a control module or a programmable hardware component. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Some examples of the apparatus and / or method are further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are merely exemplary.

[0023] Figure 1 A timing diagram showing communication via Ethernet using Energy Efficient Ethernet;

[0024] Figure 2a A schematic diagram illustrating an apparatus for communicating via a wired network;

[0025] Figure 2b A schematic diagram showing a vehicle having a device and a control device for communicating via a wired network;

[0026] Figure 2c A flow chart illustrating a method for controlling a signal processing module for a physical layer to communicate over a wired network;

[0027] Figure 3a a schematic diagram showing the control arrangement; and

[0028] Figure 3b A flow chart showing a control method. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] Some examples will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, other possible examples are not limited to the features of the embodiments described in detail. These examples may include modifications of the features as well as equivalents and substitutes for the features. In addition, the terms used herein to describe specific examples do not limit other possible examples.

[0030] Throughout the description of the drawings, identical or similar reference numerals denote identical or similar elements or features, which may be implemented identically or in modified forms while providing identical or similar functions. Furthermore, in the drawings, the thickness of lines, layers, and / or regions may be exaggerated for clarity.

[0031] When two elements A and B are combined using "or", it should be understood that all possible combinations are disclosed, i.e., only A, only B, and A and B, unless expressly stated otherwise in individual cases. As alternative expressions for the same combination, "at least one of A and B" or "A and / or B" can be used. The same applies to combinations of more than two elements.

[0032] If singular forms such as "a", "an" and "the" are used and the use of a single element is not explicitly or implicitly defined as mandatory, other examples may also use multiple elements to achieve the same function. If a function is described below as being achieved using multiple elements, other examples may achieve the same function using a single element or a single processing entity. It should also be understood that when the terms "include" and / or "have" are used, the terms describe the presence of a given feature, integer, step, operation, process, element, component and / or its group thereof, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more additional features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components and / or its group.

[0033] The present disclosure relates to a wired network that can operate under different settings regarding idle frame time intervals. In a specific example, the present solution can be used to implement multi-level Energy Efficient Ethernet. In particular, the present solution relates to energy-efficient operation of functions in vehicles.

[0034] Ethernet, as a communication protocol for wired communication, continuously transmits messages in its original form (IEEE 802.3). If no user data is present, so-called idle frames with dummy data are transmitted. This results in high energy consumption. To reduce the high energy consumption, the updated Ethernet standard IEEE802.3-2018 has added Chapter 6, which specifies Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), in which these idle frames are avoided. This can save up to 90% of energy. Figure 1 The role of EEE is shown in FIG.

[0035] Figure 1 The following diagram shows a timing diagram of communication via Ethernet when using Energy Efficient Ethernet. Figure 1 The first frame is shown from left to right in the figure. This frame can be a data frame or an idle frame. Here, the physical layer (PHY) that is transmitting is in active mode. Subsequently, the PHY switches to low power mode, which contains a length of T s Sleep frame (the frame instructs the PHY station to switch to low energy mode) and multiple frames of length T r The sleep frame and refresh frame are considered as idle frames in this application because they do not transmit valid data (Payload). Then there is a frame with a length of T w An idle frame (for wake-up) is used by the transmitting PHY to inform the receiving PHY to end low energy mode and to "wake up" the receiving PHY, followed by another data frame or an idle frame in which both PHYs are active again.

[0036] There is a T interval between the sleep frame and the first refresh frame, between each refresh frame, and between the last refresh frame and the wake-up idle frame. q The duration of these silent periods (and similar silent periods in other wired communication protocols) is the focus of this article. This disclosure also refers to them as idle frame intervals. In other words, the idle frame interval refers to the duration of the silent period between consecutive idle frames (including sleep frames and refresh frames), such as during a low-power phase or low-power mode of the PHY.

[0037] In IEEE 802.3-2018, the following values are used for different selected Ethernet modes and therefore also for different PHYs implementing these modes. If 100BASE-TX is used, T is specified as a minimum value. s 200μs, T q is 20ms and T r If 1000BASE-T1 is used, T s The minimum value is 3.6μs, T q is 84.95μs, and T rIf 1000BASE-T is used, T s The minimum value is 182μs, T q is 20ms, and T r is 198μs. Different physical layers (PHY) are used in different applications. Therefore, T q The values also vary: 20 ms for 1000BASE-T and 84.95 μs for 1000Base-TX. 1000BASE-T was designed for conventional Ethernet applications using CAT-6 cabling (4 twisted pairs) and, therefore, for conventional IT (Information Technology) applications. Its response times are suitable for office applications and data streaming. 1000BASE-T1 was designed for automotive applications using UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) or STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) cabling and also has very short delays from a message transmission timing perspective.

[0038] There are many states in a vehicle, such as parked, occupied (using the vehicle while parked), and driving. In the parked state, the vehicle should consume as little current as possible, so controllers and communications should be reduced. The response time of the functions should be within a range that allows for timely feedback to the user. For some functions, the response time is less than 100ms, for example. Therefore, for a local range of communication, such as the 20ms T used in 100BASE-TX and 1000BASE-T, the response time should be less than 100ms. q In the driving state, a fast control loop is used, which may require a delay of less than 100 μs. It is advantageous here that T q It can be selected to be less than the 84.95 μs of 1000BASE-T1. Consequently, it is particularly advantageous in automobiles to parameterize the EEE independently of the physical layer and to adapt it to the vehicle state or even the functions communicated via the respective link, implementing different parameterizations for each physical layer. Parameterization can be performed hierarchically or independently. Different Ethernet links in a vehicle can also have different parameterizations depending on the vehicle state and activated functions.

[0039] Figure 2aA schematic diagram of an apparatus 20 for communicating via a wired network is shown. The apparatus includes at least one interface 22 for communicating via a wired network with at least one other station 205a; 205b; 205c; 205d (such as at least one other controller of a vehicle or a network component of the vehicle). For example, the at least one interface 22 may include one or more Ethernet links (Ethernet connections) 22a-22d. The apparatus also includes a control circuit 24 coupled to the at least one interface 22. The control circuit 24 controls the at least one interface 22. The control circuit 24 is configured to perform signal processing for communication with the at least one other station using at least one predetermined signal processing module for the physical layer. The control circuit 24 is configured to receive an external control signal. The control circuit 24 is configured to set parameters used by the at least one predetermined signal processing module for setting an idle frame time interval based on the external control signal.

[0040] The device (and the one or more counterpart stations 205a - 205d ) may in particular be part of a vehicle 200 , as shown in FIG. 2 . Figure 2b A schematic diagram of a vehicle 200 is shown having a device 20 for communicating via a wired network. Optionally, the vehicle 200 may further include a control device 30 that is combined with Figure 3a Detailed description. The control device 30 can, for example, provide an external control signal. Some aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system, which can include, for example, the device 20 and one or more counterpart stations 205a-205d, or the device 20 and the control device 30, or the device 20, one or more counterpart stations 205a-205d, and the control device 30. The system can, for example, be part of a vehicle 200.

[0041] Figure 2c A flow chart of a method for controlling a signal processing module for a physical layer to communicate over a wired network is shown. The method comprises receiving 210 an external control signal. The method comprises setting 220 a parameter used by the signal processing module for setting an idle frame time interval based on the external control signal.

[0042] The functions of the device 20, the functions of the vehicle 200, and the features of the corresponding method and the corresponding computer program are explained below with reference to the device 20. The features explained with reference to the device 20 can also be incorporated into the corresponding vehicle, the corresponding method or the corresponding computer program.

[0043] Figure 2a to Figure 2bThis relates to a component for parameterizing idle frame time intervals. Device 20 is, for example, a network interface controller (NIC) (e.g., part of a vehicle 200 controller) or a network distributor, such as an Ethernet switch used in vehicle 200. Within device 20, two components are distinguished: the one or more physical interfaces 22 and the control circuitry that performs signal processing for the interfaces. The control circuitry uses one or more signal processing modules (PHYs) for the physical layer (PHY). A PHY is a hardware component or chip (of the control circuitry) that is responsible for sending and receiving data frames in an (Ethernet) network. It is the part of the device that is connected to the physical medium or cabling via an interface and is responsible for the physical signaling, encoding, and decoding of data at the physical layer. The PHY operates at the lowest layer of the OSI model and is responsible for establishing and maintaining physical connections between devices in the network. The signal processing modules or PHYs used are predetermined—predetermined signal processing modules are used for communication using a protocol. If the wired communication network is an Ethernet network, the signal processing module used can be, for example, a 100BASE-TX signal processing module, a 1000BASE-T1 signal processing module, or a 1000BASE-T signal processing module. In some cases, a PHY can support multiple (Ethernet) modes. In this case, the signal processing module corresponds to the corresponding mode of the PHY. Typically, the PHY or the mode of the PHY cannot be changed without re-establishing the connection between the device and the other station. Therefore, the PHY or its mode is predetermined and does not change. In other words, the predetermined signal processing module is the same signal processing module before and after setting the parameters.

[0044] Although the signal processing modules remain unchanged, an important parameter of the signal processing modules changes during operation, namely, a parameter used by the at least one predetermined signal processing module to set the idle frame time interval. This parameter (T q ) is fixedly bound to the PHY or PHY mode according to the IEEE802.3-2018 standard, but in the present invention, this parameter is decoupled and can be changed during operation. The parameter used to set the idle frame time interval here can set the idle frame time interval of the Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) implementation of the signal processing module, such as in combination Figure 1 If the wired communication network is not an Ethernet network, the corresponding parameters of the network type may be adjusted.

[0045] The parameter used to set the idle frame interval defines the (minimum or maximum) duration of the silent period between two consecutive idle frames (i.e. frames without valid data, including control frames). In EEE, this parameter is also called Tq In this embodiment, the scheme is set (i.e., set, changed, adjusted) based on an external control signal. For example, a predetermined number of different parameters can be used, such as time intervals of 84.95 μs, 20 ms, and 100 ms. The signal processing module can then switch between these values according to the set parameters.

[0046] The control signal can be received from various sources. For example, the control signal can be received from a central control instance that specifies one or more parameters to be used system-wide, i.e., across multiple devices, for example within the (entire) vehicle. Accordingly, the control circuit can be designed to receive external control signals from a central control instance 30, and in particular from a central control instance of the vehicle 200. Such a central control instance 30 is combined with the control device 30. Figure 3a This central control instance can, for example, provide the control signal based on the operating state of vehicle 200, thereby setting different parameters based on the operating state and the delay requirements in the corresponding operating mode. Accordingly, the control signal can be related to the operating state of vehicle 200. The operating states driving and parking can be distinguished, or at least one of driving, parking, and living and charging can be distinguished.

[0047] Obviously, different controllers in a vehicle, and in particular, the functions provided by them, may have different latency requirements (in different operating states). To prevent the entire Ethernet network from being bound to a link (i.e., connection) that must meet the most stringent latency requirements, parameters may be set differently for different links, for example. For example, the at least one interface may have multiple (Ethernet) links 22a, 22b, 22c, and 22d. The control circuit may be configured to independently set the parameters for setting the idle frame interval for the different links, for example, depending on the latency requirements imposed on communication via the respective link. Different parameters for different links may be indicated via external control signals.

[0048] To avoid having to configure each network component of the system through a control instance, parameters can be propagated between network devices. Thus, one or more parameters can be set at a central distributor, and connected stations can configure their parameters based on the parameters used there. Therefore, the control circuitry can be configured to receive an external control signal from a station 205a; 205b; 205c; 205d and set parameters for setting idle frame intervals for communicating with the station. In this case, the external control signal can include the parameter in such a way that the corresponding station adheres to the interval. The control circuitry 24 can be configured to determine the interval used by the station and use it for future communications over the link.

[0049] The at least one interface 22 may, for example, correspond to one or more inputs and / or one or more outputs for receiving and / or transmitting information, such as digital bit values, within a module, between modules, or between modules of different entities based on code. For example, the at least one interface may comprise one or more Ethernet links 22a-22d. Communication between the device 20, the one or more counterpart stations 205a-d, and the control instance 30 may occur via a wired network, i.e., control signals may be received via the wired network. Alternatively, communication between the device 20 and the control instance 30 may occur via a separate communication connection.

[0050] For example, the control circuit 24 may correspond to any controller, processor, or programmable hardware component. For example, the control circuit 24 may also be implemented as software programmed for the corresponding hardware component. In this regard, the control circuit 24 may be implemented as programmable hardware with corresponding adapted software. Any processor, such as a digital signal processor (DSP), may be used. The embodiments herein are not limited to a particular type of processor. Any processor or multiple processors are contemplated for implementation.

[0051] Before combining (e.g. Figure 1 and Figure 3a-3b ) described in the embodiments or examples, providing more details and aspects of the apparatus 20 or method. The apparatus 20 and / or method may include one or more additional optional features that correspond to one or more aspects of the proposed embodiments or described examples, as described above or below.

[0052] Figure 3a A schematic diagram of a control device 30 for a vehicle 200 is shown. The control device 30 comprises at least one interface 32 for communicating with at least one device 20 (eg, in combination with a controller) via a wired network (eg, an Ethernet network). Figure 2a and 2b The control device 30 includes a control circuit 34 coupled to the at least one interface 32. The control circuit 34 is configured to determine an operating state of the vehicle and provide a control signal to the at least one device for communicating via a wired network by setting a parameter for setting an idle frame time interval based on the operating state of the vehicle.

[0053] Figure 3b A flow chart of a corresponding control method for a vehicle is shown. The control method includes determining 310 an operating state of the vehicle. The control method includes providing 320 a control signal to at least one device for communicating via a wired network by setting a parameter for setting an idle frame time interval based on the operating state of the vehicle.

[0054] The functions of the control device 30, the features of the corresponding control method and the corresponding computer program are explained below with reference to the control device 30. The features explained with reference to the control device 30 can also be incorporated into the corresponding method or the corresponding computer program.

[0055] Figure 2a and 2b The device 20 and Figure 2c The corresponding method of performs the actual parameterization of the signal processing module, while Figure 3a and 3b The control device 30, control method, and corresponding computer program are concerned with generating and providing control signals. This is currently achieved based on the operating state of vehicle 200. In other words, control circuit 34 is configured to determine the vehicle's operating state. This can be done, for example, by querying the vehicle's operating state from a central control unit. Alternatively, control device 30 can correspond to a central control unit of the vehicle, which determines or specifies the corresponding operating state. As previously mentioned, a distinction can be made between the operating states driving and parking, or at least one of driving, parking, dwelling, and charging.

[0056] Based on the operating state, the control circuit 34 now generates a control signal and provides it to the device 20. For example, the control circuit 34 can determine the control signal based on a lookup table that defines one or more parameters to be used depending on the operating state. The one or more parameters to be used can be related to the latency requirements of the vehicle controller. Thus, the control signal can also be provided so that different parameters are set for different links in the vehicle (between the vehicle controllers). Alternatively, the same parameters can be used for every link in the vehicle.

[0057] The at least one interface 32 may, for example, correspond to one or more inputs and / or one or more outputs for receiving and / or transmitting information, such as digital bit values, within a module, between modules, or between modules of different entities based on code. For example, the at least one interface may comprise one or more Ethernet links. Communication between the control device 30 and the device 20 may occur via a wired network, i.e., control signals may be transmitted via the wired network.

[0058] For example, the control circuit 34 may correspond to any controller, processor, or programmable hardware component. For example, the control circuit 34 may also be implemented as software programmed for the corresponding hardware component. In this regard, the control circuit 34 may be implemented as programmable hardware with corresponding adapted software. Any processor, such as a digital signal processor (DSP), may be used. The embodiments herein are not limited to a particular type of processor. Any processor or multiple processors are contemplated for implementation.

[0059] Before combining (e.g. Figure 1 and2a 2c) to 2c) describe the solution or example, providing more details and aspects of the control device 30 or the control method. The control device 30 or the control method may include one or more additional optional features, which correspond to one or more aspects of the proposed solution or the described example, as described before or after.

[0060] The aspects and features described in conjunction with one of the foregoing examples may also be combined with one or more other examples to replace the same or similar features in another example or to additionally introduce the features into another example.

[0061] Example can also be or relate to a kind of (computer) program with program code, which is used to perform one or more of the above methods when the program is executed on a computer, processor or other programmable hardware component.The steps, operations or processes of the above different methods can then also be performed by a programmed computer, processor or other programmable hardware component.Example can also encompass program storage devices, such as digital data storage media, which are machine, processor or computer readable and encode or include them for machine-executable, processor-executable or computer-executable programs and instructions.Program storage devices, for example, can include or can be digital memories, magnetic storage media such as disks and tapes, hard drives or optically readable digital data storage media.Other examples can also include computers, processors, control units, field programmable logic arrays ((F) PLAs), field programmable gate arrays ((F) PGAs), graphics processing units (GPUs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), integrated circuits (ICs) or system on chips (SoCs), which are programmed for performing the steps of the above methods.

[0062] It goes without saying that the steps, processes, operations, or functions disclosed in the specification or claims should not be interpreted as necessarily being performed in the order described, unless explicitly stated in individual cases or required to do so for technical reasons. Therefore, the above description does not limit the execution of multiple steps or functions to a specific order. In addition, in more examples, a single step, a single function, a single process, or a single operation may include and / or be decomposed into multiple sub-steps, sub-functions, sub-processes, or sub-operations.

[0063] If aspects related to a device or system have been described in the preceding paragraphs, these aspects should also be understood as descriptions of the corresponding method. For example, blocks, devices, or functional aspects of a device or system may correspond to features of the corresponding method, such as method steps. Accordingly, aspects described in conjunction with the method should also be understood as descriptions of the corresponding blocks, components, characteristics, or functional features of the corresponding device or system.

[0064] The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate example. Furthermore, it should be noted that although dependent claims in the claims relate to specific combinations with one or more other claims, other examples may also include combinations of the dependent claims with the technical solutions of any other dependent or independent claims. Such combinations are expressly set forth herein, unless otherwise specified in individual cases where a specific combination is not intended. Furthermore, features of a claim should also include features of any other independent claim, even if that claim is not directly defined as dependent upon such other independent claim.

[0065] Reference Signs List

[0066] 20 devices

[0067] 22 interfaces

[0068] 24 Control Circuit

[0069] 30 Control device

[0070] 32 interfaces

[0071] 34 Control Circuit

[0072] 200 vehicles

[0073] 210 Receive external control signal

[0074] 220 Setting parameters

[0075] 310 Determine the vehicle's operating status

[0076] 320 provides control signal

Claims

1. An apparatus (20) for communicating via a wired network, the apparatus comprising: at least one interface (22; 22a; 22b; 22c; 22d) for communicating with at least one counterpart station (205a; 205b; 205c; 205d) via the wired network; and A control circuit (24) configured to: performing signal processing for communication with the at least one opposite station by means of at least one predetermined signal processing module for a physical layer; receiving an external control signal, wherein the control signal is related to the operating state of the vehicle (200); Parameters used by the at least one predetermined signal processing module for setting an idle frame time interval are set based on the external control signal.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The predetermined signal processing module is the same signal processing module before and after the parameters are set.

3. The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The at least one interface has a plurality of links (22a; 22b; 22c; 22d), and the control circuit is designed to set the parameters for setting the idle frame time interval for each link independently of one another.

4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein The control circuit is designed to receive the external control signal from a central control instance (30), in particular from a central control instance of a vehicle (200).

5. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The control circuit is configured to receive the external control signal from a counterpart station (205a; 205b; 205c; 205d) and set the parameter for setting the idle frame time interval to communicate with the counterpart station.

6. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The operating state of the vehicle (200) includes driving, parking, living and charging of the vehicle (200).

7. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The wired network is an Ethernet network, and the parameter for setting the idle frame time interval sets the idle frame time interval of the Energy Efficient Ethernet implementation of the signal processing module.

8. A method for controlling a signal processing module for a physical layer to communicate over a wired network, the method comprising: receiving (210) an external control signal, the control signal being related to an operating state of the vehicle (200); and Parameters used by the signal processing module for setting an idle frame time interval are set (220) based on the external control signal.

9. A control device (30) for a vehicle (200), the control device comprising: at least one interface (32) for communicating with at least one device for communicating via a wired network; and A control circuit (34) configured to: Determine the operating status of the vehicle; and A control signal is provided to the at least one device for communicating through a wired network by setting a parameter for setting an idle frame time interval based on an operating state of the vehicle.

10. A control method for a vehicle, the control method comprising: determining (310) the operating state of the vehicle; and A control signal is provided (320) to at least one device for communicating through a wired network by setting a parameter for setting an idle frame time interval based on an operating state of a vehicle. 11 . A program comprising a program code for implementing the method according to claim 8 or the control method according to claim 10 when the program code is executed on a computer, a processor, a control module or a programmable hardware component.

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