Transceiver and control system

Abstract

The invention provides a transceiver and a control system. An electronic control device (1, 2) is provided with a transceiver (4) that communicates with a communication device. The transceiver is provided with a detection unit (423) and a setting unit (421). The detection unit is configured so as to detect control data transmitted from the communication device by means of communication, said control data being at least for controlling the state transition of the electronic control device. The setting unit is configured to enable and disable a sleep function and a wake-up function of the transceiver. The setting unit enables and disables the sleep function and the wake-up function on the basis of whether or not the control data is detected by the detection unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to transceivers. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles are equipped with multiple electronic control units (ECUs), which control onboard devices. By connecting these ECUs to a communication bus, a network system is constructed with the ECUs as nodes. A known technology in such a network system is that if no data packets flow on the network for a certain period of time, the ECU's operating mode switches from normal mode to power-saving mode. In normal mode, various functions operate. In power-saving mode, some functions that operate in normal mode are disabled. This deactivation of some functions reduces power consumption.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a network system that forms a local network as a power supply control method based on communication control based on the CAN (registered trademark, Controller Area Network) protocol standard specified in ISO 11898-6, and enables or disables nodes forming the network individually as needed, thereby achieving low power consumption.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-069980 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Each ECU has a transceiver as a communication interface for communicating with other ECUs. When the transceiver is in a link-disconnected state (where the link to another ECU on the network is interrupted), it may transmit a wake-up request to the other ECU requesting it to switch to normal mode, assuming that the other ECU has switched to power-saving mode.

[0008] When the transceiver mistakenly recognizes that a link is in a link-down state due to, for example, deterioration of the communication status of the network, it may also send a wakeup request to the ECU that is transitioning from the normal mode to the power saving mode.

[0009] Therefore, a problem has been discovered in that if the ECU receives a wakeup request before executing a process of partially stopping the normal mode operation of the ECU while transitioning to the power saving mode, the execution of the process may be unexpectedly hampered.

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure is to prevent a situation in which, in an electronic control device having a mode that partially disables functions, such as a power saving mode, the electronic control device's transition to the mode is unexpectedly blocked by a transceiver mounted in the electronic control device.

[0011] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a transceiver mounted on an electronic control unit for a vehicle and configured to communicate with a communication device. The transceiver includes a detection unit and a setting unit. The detection unit is configured to detect control data for controlling at least a state transition of the electronic control unit, transmitted from the communication device via communication. The setting unit is configured to enable and disable a sleep function and a wake-up function of the transceiver.

[0012] The state transition is a transition between a plurality of states including at least a first state, a second state, and a third state.

[0013] The electronic control device transitions between multiple states and operates in any of the multiple states. After transitioning to the first state, if a state in which no communication is performed continues, the electronic control device sequentially transitions to the second state and the third state depending on the duration of the state in which no communication is performed. The electronic control device is configured to execute processing to partially stop functions operating in the first state in the third state and to transition to the first state in the second state if communication occurs between the transceiver and the communication device due to the sleep function or wake-up function of the transceiver.

[0014] The setting unit is configured to enable or disable the sleep function and the wake-up function based on whether the control data is detected by the detection unit.

[0015] Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a control system, which is configured to include a plurality of electronic control devices having at least one transceiver, wherein the plurality of electronic control devices function as nodes constituting an on-vehicle network, and wherein the plurality of electronic control devices are respectively configured to serve as the communication device and communicate with the adjacent electronic control devices among the plurality of electronic control devices on the on-vehicle network.

[0016] With this configuration, during the transition from the first state to the third state, the sleep and wake-up functions of the transceiver can be prevented from causing a transition to the first state. This prevents the sleep and wake-up functions of the transceiver from unintentionally preventing the electronic control unit from transitioning to the third state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system.

[0018] Figure 2This is a block diagram showing the configuration of a transceiver.

[0019] Figure 3 This is a flowchart for enabling and disabling the sleep function and the wake-up function in the transceiver according to the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 4 It is a state transition diagram that represents the operating mode of the controller.

[0021] Figure 5 This is a flowchart for enabling and disabling the sleep function and the wake-up function in the transceiver according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] [1. First embodiment]

[0024] [1-1. Composition]

[0025] [1-1-1. Overall composition]

[0026] Figure 1 The control system 100 of the illustrated embodiment is mounted on a vehicle. The control system 100 includes a first ECU 1 and a second ECU 2. The first ECU 1 and the second ECU 2 are connected to the same in-vehicle network. For example, the first ECU 1 and the second ECU 2 may be ECUs that process information acquired from sensors such as cameras and radars for autonomous driving, ECUs that process information to be output to display devices such as the vehicle's display and meters, or ECUs that communicate with external terminals.

[0027] The first ECU 1 and the second ECU 2 each include a controller 3 and at least one transceiver 4 .

[0028] The controller 3 is a microcontroller having a processor 31 and a memory 32. The processor 31 is configured to execute processing according to a computer program stored in the memory 32. The memory 32 can include, for example, RAM (Random Access Memory) and flash memory. The RAM is used as a work area when the processor 31 executes processing. The flash memory can store computer programs.

[0029] Transceiver 4 is a communication interface configured to communicate with other transceivers 4 via an in-vehicle network. Transceiver 4 is configured to communicate with other transceivers 4 using a specified communication protocol. Communication herein includes the transmission and reception of various signals, data, and the like. Each transceiver 4 communicates one-to-one with other transceivers 4. The specified communication protocol may be, for example, Ethernet. The communication protocol is not limited to Ethernet and may also include CAN (Controller Area Network) or FlexRay. Ethernet is a registered trademark. CAN is a registered trademark. FlexRay is a registered trademark.

[0030] The first ECU 1 and the second ECU 2 are connected to each other via a link 5 serving as a transmission path in the vehicle network. The first ECU 1 can communicate with the second ECU 2 via the transceiver 4 of the first ECU 1 and the link 5. The second ECU 2 can communicate with the first ECU 1 via the transceiver 4 of the second ECU 2 and the link 5.

[0031] [1-1-2. Transceiver Configuration]

[0032] Figure 2 The transceiver 4 shown is an interface implemented in the physical layer of the OSI reference model and includes an MII 41 , a detection module 42 , a PCS 43 , and a PMA 44 .

[0033] MII 41 stands for Media Independent Interface. It serves as the interface between the physical layer and the MAC layer (Media Access Control Layer). The MAC layer is a layer implemented in the data link layer of the OSI reference model based on IEEE 802.3, the Ethernet standard. MII 41 is configured to forward transmit data from the MAC layer to the detection module 42 and forward receive data from the detection module 42 to the MAC layer.

[0034] The detection module 42 is configured to detect control data used to control the state transitions of the controller 3 of at least the first ECU 1 and the second ECU 2. The detection module 42 is configured to transmit transmit data from the MII 41 to the PCS 43 and transmit receive data from the PCS 43 to the MII 41. An example of control data is an NM (Network Management) frame. While the following description uses NM frames as control data, the control data is not limited to NM frames and may also include data other than NM frames.

[0035] NM frames are Ethernet frames used in UDP Network Management (UDPNm), a standard defined by AUTOSAR (AUTomotive Open System ARchitecture), a global automotive development partnership. UDP stands for User Datagram Protocol. NM frames are primarily used for transitions related to ECU power saving modes.

[0036] The detection module 42 includes a setting unit 421 , a timer 422 , a detection unit 423 , a storage unit 424 , and a control unit 425 .

[0037] The setting unit 421 is configured to enable and disable a sleep function and a wake-up function of the transceiver 4 , which will be described later.

[0038] The timer 422 is configured to be reset and start counting when the NM frame is detected by the detector 423 , and to calculate the elapsed time until a predetermined expiration time.

[0039] The detection unit 423 is configured to determine whether the transmit data transmitted from the MII 41 and the receive data transmitted from the PCS 43 are NM frames. Whether the transmit data or receive data is an NM frame is determined by comparing at least one of the source port number and the destination port number in the UDP header of the transmit data or receive data. The source port number and the destination port number corresponding to an NM frame are pre-assigned by the network administrator. If the source port number and the destination port number of the transmit data or receive data correspond to an NM frame, the detection unit 423 determines that the transmit data or receive data is an NM frame. If the source port number and the destination port number of the transmit data or receive data do not correspond to an NM frame, the detection unit 423 determines that the transmit data or receive data is not an NM frame.

[0040] Storage unit 424 is configured to store NM frame information. This NM frame information is used by detection unit 423 to determine whether transmitted or received data is an NM frame. The NM frame information includes at least one of the source port number and the destination port number for the NM frame. The NM frame information is pre-set by the user in storage unit 424.

[0041] The control unit 425 executes the processing of enabling and disabling the sleep function and the wake-up function described later.

[0042] PCS 43 stands for Physical Coding Sublayer. PCS 43 converts the transmit data received from detection module 42 into a transmit code and transmits it to PMA 44. Furthermore, PCS 43 is configured to inversely convert the receive code received from PMA 44 and transmit the resulting inversely converted data as receive data to detection module 42. For example, in 100BASE-T1, PCS 43 is configured to perform 4B / 3B conversion, scrambling, and other operations.

[0043] PMA 44 stands for Physical Media Attachment. PMA 44 converts the transmission code received from PCS 43 into a physical signal and transmits it to the physical transmission medium via the Medium Dependent Interface (MDI). Furthermore, PMA 44 converts the signal received from the physical transmission medium via the MDI into a received code and transmits it to PCS 43.

[0044] [1-2. Processing]

[0045] [1-2-1. Transceiver operating status and functions]

[0046] Transceiver 4 operates in one of multiple states. These states include a normal state and a sleep state. Transceiver 4 transitions between the normal state and the sleep state according to a prescribed protocol. An example of a prescribed protocol is TC10 (Technical Committee 10) defined by the non-profit OPEN Alliance (One-Pair Ether-Net Alliance). Transceiver 4 also has a sleep function and a wake-up function.

[0047] The normal state allows transceiver 4 to communicate with other transceivers 4. The sleep state disables the designated functions of transceiver 4, which are normally active. Examples of designated functions of transceiver 4 include transmitting various signals and data to other transceivers 4. The sleep state is a state where no power is supplied to operate the disabled designated functions, resulting in a power-saving state with lower power consumption than the normal state. Transceiver 4 transitions to the sleep state when the vehicle's ignition switch is switched from off to on.

[0048] The sleep function is executed in response to a request from the controller 3 of the ECU (hereinafter referred to as the present ECU) to which the transceiver 4 belongs. Execution of the sleep function causes processing to stop specified functions of the transceiver 4. In other words, the sleep function causes the transceiver 4 to transition from a normal state to a sleep state in response to a request from the controller 3.

[0049] The wakeup function is a function for performing processing for restarting a predetermined function of the transceiver 4 that was stopped by the sleep function. In other words, the wakeup function is a function for shifting the transceiver 4 from the sleep state to the normal state.

[0050] The wakeup function is executed when the transceiver 4 receives a wakeup request. The wakeup request is a signal requesting the controller 3 to transition to the network mode A101 described later.

[0051] The wakeup requests received by the transceiver 4 include not only those sent from ECUs that are adjacent nodes in the in-vehicle network (hereinafter referred to as adjacent ECUs), but also those sent from the controller 3 of the own ECU to the adjacent ECUs. When the transceiver 4 receives a wakeup request from a neighboring ECU, it notifies the controller 3 of the receipt of the wakeup request. When the transceiver 4 receives a wakeup request from the controller 3 of the own ECU to the adjacent ECU, it transmits the wakeup request to the adjacent ECU.

[0052] After completing the process of reactivating the predetermined function that was stopped by the sleep function, the transceiver 4 transitions from the sleep state to the normal state.

[0053] [1-2-2. Transceiver State Transition]

[0054] use Figure 3 The flowchart of FIG. 4 illustrates the validation and invalidation processing of the sleep function and the wake-up function performed by the control unit 425 of the detection module 42.

[0055] The control unit 425 of the detection module 42 starts to detect the status of the transceiver 4 when the transceiver 4 changes from the sleep state to the normal state. Figure 3 The control unit 425 of the detection module 42 also starts when the transceiver 4 is reset and the ignition switch of the vehicle is switched from off to on. Figure 3 The processing shown.

[0056] First, in S100 , the control unit 425 enables the sleep function and the wake-up function via the setting unit 421 .

[0057] Next, in S102 , the control unit 425 determines whether the detection unit 423 has detected an NM frame.

[0058] When the control unit 425 determines that the NM frame has not been detected (No in S102 ), the control unit 425 repeatedly determines whether the NM frame has been detected until it determines that the NM frame has been detected ( S102 ).

[0059] When the control unit 425 determines in S102 that an NM frame has been detected ( S102 : Yes), the process proceeds to S104 and disables the sleep function and the wake-up function via the setting unit 421 .

[0060] Next, in S106 , the control unit 425 resets the count of the timer 422 and starts counting.

[0061] Next, in S108 , the control unit 425 determines whether the detection unit 423 has detected NM frames.

[0062] If the control unit 425 determines in S108 that an NM frame has been detected (Yes in S108 ), the process returns to S106 .

[0063] On the other hand, if the control unit 425 determines in S108 that no NM frame has been detected (No in S108), the process proceeds to S110 to determine whether the timer 422 has reached a predetermined expiration time. The predetermined expiration time is the sum of the first predetermined time in the transition condition C2 described below and the second predetermined time in the transition condition C4 described below. Alternatively, the predetermined expiration time is the third predetermined time in the transition condition C4 described below. The predetermined expiration time may be equal to or longer than the sum of the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time.

[0064] If the control unit 425 determines in S110 that the timer 422 has not reached the predetermined expiration time (S110: No), the process returns to S108, thereby again determining whether an NM frame has been detected.

[0065] On the other hand, when the control unit 425 determines in S110 that the timer 422 has reached the predetermined expiration time (YES in S110 ), the process proceeds to S100 and enables the sleep function and the wake-up function via the setting unit 421 .

[0066] In this way, when the transceiver 4 detects an NM frame, the sleep function and the wake-up function are disabled. When the transceiver 4 does not detect an NM frame within a predetermined time, the sleep function and the wake-up function are enabled.

[0067] [1-2-3. Controller operating mode]

[0068] like Figure 4As shown, the controller 3 has a network mode A101, a bus sleep preparation mode A102, a bus sleep mode A103, and a sleep mode A104 as operating modes. The controller 3 transitions between the network mode A101, the bus sleep preparation mode A102, the bus sleep mode A103, and the sleep mode A104 according to a prescribed protocol. An example of a prescribed protocol is UdpNm, which is defined by AUTOSAR, a global development partner of the automotive industry.

[0069] Network mode A101 is an operating mode in which the controller 3 communicates with adjacent ECUs via the transceiver 4. In network mode A101, the controller 3 performs processes related to communication with adjacent ECUs. Examples of these communication-related processes include generating various signals and data to be sent to adjacent ECUs and transmitting them to the transceiver 4, and acquiring various signals and data received by the transceiver 4 from adjacent ECUs. Network mode A101 is maintained until a first predetermined time has elapsed since the termination of communication with the adjacent ECU. This first predetermined time may range from a few milliseconds to several thousand milliseconds.

[0070] Preparation bus sleep mode A102 is an operating mode in which an ECU waits for a second predetermined time to elapse while no communication is taking place between the ECU and adjacent ECUs. This second predetermined time may range from a few milliseconds to several thousand milliseconds, but may also differ from the first predetermined time in network mode A101. Network mode A101 and preparation bus sleep mode A102 are normal modes in which various ECU functions operate.

[0071] Bus sleep mode A103 is an operating mode in which, upon transitioning from preparation bus sleep mode A102, processing is performed to stop some functions operating in network mode A101. An example of a function to be stopped is the function of generating various signals and data to be sent to adjacent ECUs and transmitting them to transceiver 4. Examples of the processing required to stop these functions include invalidating the settings held by controller 3 related to the functions sent to transceiver 4 and stopping the operating clock used by the functions to be stopped.

[0072] Furthermore, bus sleep mode A103 is an operating mode in which the processing required to commence operation in network mode A101 is performed when a transition is made from sleep mode A104 or when power is supplied to controller 3. Examples of the processing required to commence operation in network mode A101 include validating the settings of controller 3 related to functions transmitted to transceiver 4 and activating the operating clock used for generating various signals and data to be transmitted to adjacent ECUs and transmitting them to transceiver 4. The processing performed by controller 3 in bus sleep mode A103 in this situation includes reactivating functions that were disabled after the transition from preparation bus sleep mode A102 to bus sleep mode A103. Furthermore, controller 3 transmits a wakeup request to the adjacent ECU via transceiver 4. This causes controller 3 of the adjacent ECU to transition to network mode A101, enabling communication.

[0073] Sleep mode A104 is an operating mode in which some functions operating in network mode A101 are deactivated. Alternatively, power is not supplied to controller 3. Functions deactivated in sleep mode A104 are functions that have undergone the necessary processing to be deactivated in bus sleep mode A103. Sleep mode A104 is a power-saving mode in which power consumption is reduced compared to normal mode due to the deactivation of some functions.

[0074] [1-2-4. Transition of the controller's operating mode]

[0075] use Figure 4 The transition of the operation mode of the controller 3 will be described.

[0076] The controller 3 transitions to the bus sleep mode A103 as the initial mode when the vehicle ignition switch is turned on. Alternatively, the controller 3 may be configured such that the initial mode is the sleep mode A104 and transitions to the bus sleep mode A103 when the vehicle ignition switch is turned on.

[0077] In bus sleep mode A103, controller 3 executes the processing required to initiate operation in network mode A101. This processing includes at least one of transmitting and receiving NM frames. Examples of the processing required to initiate operation in network mode A101 are described above. Upon completion of this processing, controller 3 determines that transition condition C1 has been met and transitions to network mode A101. Transition condition C1 indicates that the processing required to initiate operation in network mode A101 has been completed.

[0078] Since NM frames are transmitted or received before the transition condition C1 is satisfied, the sleep function and wakeup function of the transceiver 4 are disabled after the controller 3 transitions from the bus sleep mode A103 to the network mode A101 .

[0079] If controller 3 determines that transition condition C2 is satisfied in network mode A101, it transitions to preparation bus sleep mode A102. Transition condition C2 is the elapse of a first predetermined time (e.g., several milliseconds to several thousand milliseconds) without communication with a neighboring ECU. Transition condition C2 may also include the ECU receiving information or an instruction from a neighboring ECU indicating a transition to preparation bus sleep mode A102.

[0080] If the controller 3 determines that the transition condition C3 is satisfied in the preparation bus sleep mode A102, it transitions to the network mode A101. The transition condition C3 is that communication has occurred with an adjacent ECU. The communication with the adjacent ECU may be the transmission or reception of an NM frame.

[0081] If controller 3 determines that transition condition C4 is satisfied in preparation bus sleep mode A102, it transitions to bus sleep mode A103. Transition condition C4 is that a second predetermined time (e.g., several milliseconds to several thousand milliseconds) has elapsed since the transition to preparation bus sleep mode A102 without communication with adjacent ECUs. The second predetermined time in transition condition C4 may be different from the first predetermined time in transition condition C2, or may be omitted. In other words, the second predetermined time may be 0 seconds.

[0082] In transition condition C4, a third predetermined time may be used instead of the second predetermined time. The third predetermined time in transition condition C4 begins counting at the time when the last communication occurred in network mode A101. In other words, the third predetermined time is equivalent to the sum of the first and second predetermined times. The third predetermined time in transition condition C4 is equal to or longer than the first predetermined time in transition condition C2.

[0083] When transition conditions C2 and C4 are met, timer 422 reaches a predetermined expiration time while NM frames are not being transmitted or received, and thus the sleep and wakeup functions of transceiver 4 are enabled. Specifically, when controller 3 transitions from network mode A101 to bus sleep mode A103 via preparation bus sleep mode A102, the sleep and wakeup functions of transceiver 4 are enabled.

[0084] If the controller 3 determines that transition condition C5 has been met in bus sleep mode A103, it transitions to sleep mode A104. Transition condition C5 indicates that the processing required to stop a portion of the functions operating in network mode A101 has been completed. Examples of the processing required to stop this portion of the functions are described above. Transition condition C5 includes the condition that a predetermined function of the transceiver 4 (e.g., the function of transmitting various signals and data to other transceivers 4) has been stopped due to the sleep function.

[0085] When the controller 3 determines that the transition condition C6 is met in the sleep mode A104, it transitions to the bus sleep mode A103. The transition condition C6 is a condition in which a factor for restoring from the power saving mode to the normal mode (hereinafter referred to as the recovery factor) is generated. The recovery factor also includes receiving a wake-up request from an adjacent ECU. The recovery factor may also be different for each ECU. As an example of a recovery factor, the vehicle door lock is unlocked and the TCU (Telematics Control Unit) mounted on the vehicle receives a specified signal from the outside of the vehicle (for example, an operation signal of the vehicle's engine, air conditioner, etc.).

[0086] When the controller 3 determines that the transition condition C7 is satisfied in the bus sleep mode A103, it transitions to the network mode A101. The transition condition C7 is a condition that the processing required for transitioning to the network mode A101 based on the recovery factor has been completed. The required processing is, for example, a process of setting the setting values ​​related to the function of sending to the transceiver 4 among the setting values ​​possessed by the controller 3 to be valid, and a process of starting the working clock used in the function of generating various signals and data to be sent to the adjacent ECU and sending them to the transceiver 4. The transition condition C7 includes the condition that the specified function of the transceiver 4 (for example, the function of sending various signals and data to other transceivers 4) is turned on again due to the wake-up function.

[0087] [1-3. Actions and Effects]

[0088] According to the embodiment described in detail above, the following actions and effects can be obtained.

[0089] (1a) After the controller 3 transitions from bus sleep mode A103 to network mode A101, the sleep and wakeup functions of the transceiver 4 are disabled. When the controller 3 transitions from network mode A101 to bus sleep mode A103 via preparation bus sleep mode A102, the sleep and wakeup functions of the transceiver 4 are enabled.

[0090] That is, until the controller 3 transitions from network mode A101 to bus sleep mode A103 via preparation bus sleep mode A102, the sleep function and wakeup function of the transceiver 4 are disabled. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the controller 3 from accidentally being blocked by the sleep function and wakeup function of the transceiver 4 while transitioning from network mode A101 to bus sleep mode A103 via preparation bus sleep mode A102.

[0091] (1b) The transceiver 4 autonomously enables or disables the sleep and wakeup functions of the transceiver 4 depending on whether the communication data passing through the transceiver 4 is an NM frame. In other words, the controller 3 does not perform any specific processing for enabling or disabling the sleep and wakeup functions of the transceiver 4.

[0092] According to such a configuration, the load on the controller 3 can be reduced when activating and deactivating the sleep function and the wake-up function of the transceiver 4 .

[0093] [1-4. Correspondence between terms]

[0094] In the above embodiment, the NM frame is equivalent to an example of control data, the specified expiration time is equivalent to an example of specified time, the network mode A101 is equivalent to an example of the first state, the preparation bus sleep mode A102 is equivalent to an example of the second state, and the bus sleep mode A103 is equivalent to an example of the third state.

[0095] [2. Second embodiment]

[0096] [2-1. Structure]

[0097] In the second embodiment, the basic configuration of the control system 1 is the same as that of the first embodiment. The following selectively describes the configurations of the control system 1 of the second embodiment that differ from those of the first embodiment. Configurations in the second embodiment that are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment and are not described below should be understood to be the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0098] [2-2. Processing]

[0099] [2-2-1. Sleep handshake state]

[0100] The transceiver 4 in the second embodiment transitions between a plurality of states including the sleep handshake state. That is, the transceiver 4 transitions between the normal state, the sleep state, and the sleep handshake state according to a predetermined protocol (eg, the aforementioned TC10).

[0101] The sleep handshake state is the state passed through during the transition from the normal state to the sleep state. In the sleep handshake state, transceiver 4 performs the following handshake. The handshake is the process of notifying a neighboring ECU of the transition to the sleep state and receiving a response to the notification. After the handshake is completed, transceiver 4 ceases its specified functions and transitions to the sleep state. If the transceiver 4 does not complete the handshake within a specified time (e.g., within 16 milliseconds), the handshake is deemed to have failed and the device transitions to the normal state.

[0102] The sleep function in the second embodiment is a function for causing the transceiver 4 to transition from the normal state to the sleep state via the sleep handshake state based on a request from the controller 3 .

[0103] The sleep function in the second embodiment includes notifying neighboring ECUs of a transition to a sleep state as part of a handshake-related process. Specifically, when the transceiver 4 executes the sleep function, it transmits a signal (hereinafter referred to as a sleep signal) to the neighboring ECU notifying the neighboring ECU of the execution of the sleep function. The transceiver 4 then ceases a specific function upon receiving a signal (hereinafter referred to as a sleep response) from the neighboring ECU in response to the sleep signal. Transceiver 4 notifies the neighboring ECU of the transition to a sleep state by transmitting the sleep signal.

[0104] The sleep function in the second embodiment is also executed when the transceiver 4 receives a sleep signal from an adjacent ECU. In this case, the transceiver 4 notifies the controller 3 of the receipt of the sleep signal and sends a sleep response to the adjacent ECU, then stops its own specified function.

[0105] The transceiver 4 transitions from the normal state to the sleep handshake state when it transmits or receives a sleep signal, and transitions from the sleep handshake state to the sleep state after it receives or transmits a sleep response and completes processing for stopping a predetermined function of the transceiver 4 .

[0106] The transceiver 4 of the second embodiment transitions to the sleep handshake state based on whether or not the detection module 42 detects an NM frame, in addition to the request from the controller 3 .

[0107] [2-2-2. Transceiver State Transition]

[0108] use Figure 5 The transition process to the sleep handshake state based on whether or not an NM frame is detected, which is executed by the transceiver 4 of the second embodiment, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0109] The control unit 425 in the detection module 42 of the transceiver 4 of the second embodiment starts to control the transceiver 4 when the transceiver 4 changes from the sleep state to the normal state. Figure 5The control unit 425 also starts the process when the transceiver 4 is reset and the ignition switch of the vehicle is switched from off to on. Figure 5 The processing shown.

[0110] Figure 5 The processing of S200, S202, S204, S206 and S208 in Figure 3 The processes of S100 , S102 , S104 , S106 , and S108 (ie, the processes of the first embodiment) are the same.

[0111] First, in S200 , the control unit 425 enables the sleep function and the wake-up function via the setting unit 421 .

[0112] Next, in S202 , the control unit 425 determines whether the detection unit 423 has detected an NM frame.

[0113] When the control unit 425 determines that the NM frame has not been detected (No in S202 ), the control unit 425 repeatedly determines whether the NM frame has been detected until it determines that the NM frame has been detected ( S202 ).

[0114] On the other hand, when the control unit 425 determines in S202 that an NM frame has been detected ( S202 : Yes), the process proceeds to S204 and disables the sleep function and the wake-up function via the setting unit 421 .

[0115] Next, in S206 , the control unit 425 resets the count of the timer 422 and starts counting.

[0116] Next, in S208 , the control unit 425 determines whether the detection unit 423 has detected NM frames.

[0117] If the control unit 425 determines in S208 that an NM frame has been detected (Yes in S208), the process returns to S206. Thus, if an NM frame has been detected, the count of the timer 422 is reset.

[0118] On the other hand, if the control unit 425 determines in S208 that no NM frame has been detected (S208: No), the process proceeds to S210 to determine whether the timer 422 has reached a predetermined expiration time. The predetermined expiration time is the sum of the first predetermined time in the aforementioned transition condition C2 and the second predetermined time in the aforementioned transition condition C4. Alternatively, the predetermined expiration time is the third predetermined time in the aforementioned transition condition C4. The predetermined expiration time may also be greater than the sum of the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time.

[0119] If the control unit 425 determines in S210 that the timer 422 has not reached the predetermined expiration time (S210: No), the process returns to S208. In this way, it is again determined whether an NM frame has been detected.

[0120] On the other hand, when the control unit 425 determines in S210 that the timer 422 has reached the predetermined expiration time (YES in S210 ), the process proceeds to S212 and enables the sleep function and the wake-up function via the setting unit 421 .

[0121] Next, in S214, the control unit 425 executes a process for making the transceiver 4 transition to the sleep handshake state. By executing this process, the transceiver 4 sends a sleep signal to the adjacent ECU and transitions to the sleep handshake state. After that, the control unit 425 ends Figure 5 The processing shown.

[0122] Thus, if the transceiver 4 detects an NM frame, it disables the sleep and wakeup functions. If the transceiver 4 does not detect an NM frame within a specified time, it enables the sleep and wakeup functions, sends a sleep signal to the adjacent ECU, and then transitions to the sleep handshake state.

[0123] At the time when the transceiver 4 sends the sleep signal, the controller 3 transitions to the bus sleep mode A103. Therefore, the controller 3 transitions from the preparation bus sleep mode A102 to the bus sleep mode A103 without being hindered by the transceiver 4 sending the sleep signal.

[0124] [2-3. Effect]

[0125] The second embodiment described in detail above achieves the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, the transceiver 4 autonomously transitions from the normal state to the sleep state via the sleep handshake state, even without receiving a request from the controller 3. This reduces the load on the controller 3 when the ECU transitions to power-saving mode.

[0126] Furthermore, the own ECU and adjacent ECUs can be synchronized to transition to the power saving mode while complying with a standard specification (for example, TC10) for handshaking when the ECU transitions to the power saving mode.

[0127] [3. Other Implementation Methods]

[0128] As mentioned above, although embodiment of this disclosure was described, this disclosure is not limited to the said embodiment, It is a matter of course that it can adopt various forms.

[0129] (3a) In the above embodiment, if the transceiver 4 detects an NM frame, the sleep function and the wake-up function are disabled. If the transceiver 4 does not detect an NM frame within a specified time, the sleep function and the wake-up function are enabled. However, it is not necessary to enable and disable the sleep function and the wake-up function of the transceiver 4 in all ECUs among the multiple ECUs in the vehicle network. That is, the transceiver 4 installed on some of the multiple ECUs in the vehicle network may not disable the sleep function and the wake-up function when an NM frame is detected. The transceiver 4 installed on some of the multiple ECUs in the vehicle network may not enable the sleep function and the wake-up function when an NM frame is detected.

[0130] For example, when the in-vehicle network has a PN (Partial Networking) function for selectively enabling and disabling the sleep and wake-up functions of the transceivers 4 on the network, it is also possible not to switch the sleep and wake-up functions of some transceivers 4 between enabled and disabled.

[0131] (3b) In the above-described embodiments, multiple functions of one component may be implemented by multiple components, or one function of one component may be implemented by multiple components. Furthermore, multiple functions of multiple components may be implemented by one component, or one function implemented by multiple components may be implemented by one component. Furthermore, a portion of the components of the above-described embodiments may be omitted. Furthermore, at least a portion of the components of the above-described embodiments may be added to or replaced with the components of other above-described embodiments.

[0132] (3c) The present disclosure may be implemented in various forms other than the aforementioned transceiver and control system. For example, the present disclosure may be implemented in the form of a control system including the transceiver as a component, a computer program for causing a computer to function as the transceiver, a non-transitory physical recording medium such as a semiconductor memory recording the computer program, a control method, and the like.

Claims

1. A transceiver mounted on an electronic control device for a vehicle and configured to communicate with a communication device, characterized in that: have: a detection unit configured to detect control data for controlling a state transition of at least the electronic control device, which is transmitted from the communication device through the communication; and a setting unit configured to enable and disable the sleep function and the wake-up function of the transceiver; The state transition is a transition between a plurality of states including at least a first state, a second state and a third state. The electronic control device is configured as follows: transition between the plurality of states, and operate in any of the plurality of states, After transitioning to the first state, if the state in which the communication is not performed continues, transitioning to the second state and the third state in sequence according to the duration of the state in which the communication is not performed, In the third state, a process for stopping a part of the functions operating in the first state is executed. In the second state, when communication occurs between the transceiver and the communication device due to the sleep function or the wake-up function of the transceiver, the state transitions to the first state. The setting unit is configured to enable or disable the sleep function and the wake-up function based on whether the control data is detected by the detection unit.

2. The transceiver according to claim 1, wherein: The setting unit is configured to disable the sleep function and the wake-up function on the condition that the detection unit detects the control data.

3. The transceiver according to claim 2, wherein: The electronic control device is configured to transition to the third state when the state in which the communication is not performed continues for a predetermined time after transitioning to the first state. The setting unit is configured to enable the sleep function and the wake-up function on the condition that the detection unit does not detect the control data within the predetermined time.

4. The transceiver according to claim 3, wherein: The setting unit is configured to transmit a sleep signal to the communication device on the condition that the detection unit does not detect the control data within the predetermined time. The sleep signal notifies that a part of the functions of the transceiver are stopped by the sleep function.

5. The transceiver according to claim 4, wherein: The transceiver is configured to stop a portion of its functions by the sleep function after receiving a response to the sleep signal from the communication device.

6. A control system comprising a plurality of electronic control devices each having at least one transceiver according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of electronic control devices function as nodes constituting an in-vehicle network, wherein: Each of the plurality of electronic control devices is configured to function as the communication device and to communicate with the adjacent electronic control device on the in-vehicle network among the plurality of electronic control devices.

Images