Air bag restraint system controller and vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses an air bag restraint system controller and a vehicle. The air bag restraint system controller comprises a power interface, an ignition chip, an MCU chip, an energy storage capacitor and a switching circuit. The power interface is connected with a power supply; the first end of the ignition chip is connected with the power interface, and the second end of the ignition chip is grounded through the energy storage capacitor; the first end of the MCU chip is connected with the power interface; the first end of the switching circuit is connected with the energy storage capacitor, and the second end of the switching circuit is connected with the first end of the MCU chip; the MCU chip is selectively connected with the energy storage capacitor through the switching circuit, and the MCU chip is used for controlling the switching circuit to work, so that the power supply or the energy storage capacitor supplies power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip. According to the scheme, the switching circuit is controlled to work according to the actual condition of the power supply, so that the power supply or the energy storage capacitor supplies power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip, and the power supply requirement and the power supply stability of the MCU chip are met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle safety technology, and more particularly to an airbag controller and a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The airbag controller is an important safety device in a vehicle. After a collision, it processes the data it senses and deploys irreversible restraint systems (such as airbags and pretensioners) to provide safety protection for occupants.

[0003] As users place increasingly higher demands on vehicle safety performance, the limitations of traditional passive safety deployment algorithms are becoming apparent. This necessitates functional expansion and integration of airbag controllers, as well as improvements and even reforms to the airbag deployment algorithm. This has led to the ongoing research into integrated active and passive safety algorithms, which require the use of high-performance MCU chips. However, traditional airbag controllers typically use an ignition chip to power the MCU chip or other built-in chips, which cannot meet the power supply requirements and stability needs of high-performance MCU chips. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an airbag controller and a vehicle to solve the problem that the power distribution scheme of existing airbag controllers cannot meet the power supply requirements and power supply stability of high-performance MCU chips.

[0005] An airbag controller includes a power interface, an ignition chip, an MCU chip, an energy storage capacitor, and a switching circuit. The power interface is used to connect to the power supply. The first end of the ignition chip is connected to the power interface, and the second end of the ignition chip is grounded through the energy storage capacitor. The first end of the MCU chip is connected to the power interface; The first terminal of the switching circuit is connected to the energy storage capacitor, and the second terminal of the switching circuit is connected to the first terminal of the MCU chip. The MCU chip can be selectively connected to the energy storage capacitor through the switching circuit. The MCU chip is used to control the operation of the switching circuit so that the power supply or the energy storage capacitor supplies power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip.

[0006] Preferably, the MCU chip is used for: Obtain the first detection data corresponding to the power supply; Based on the first detection data, the power supply detection result is determined; If the power supply detection result is that the power supply is normal, then the switching circuit is controlled to disconnect so that the power supply can supply power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip. If the power detection result indicates a power abnormality, the switching circuit is activated to allow the energy storage capacitor to supply power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip.

[0007] Preferably, the first detection data includes the power detection voltage corresponding to the power interface; Determining the power supply detection result based on the first detection data includes: If the power supply detection voltage is within the supply voltage range, then the power supply detection result is determined to be that the power supply is normal. If the power supply detection voltage is not within the range of the supply voltage, the power supply detection result is determined to be a power supply abnormality.

[0008] Preferably, the power interface includes a first power interface and a second power interface; the first power interface is used to connect to a first power supply and is also connected to the ignition chip and the MCU chip; the second power interface is used to connect to a second power supply and is also connected to the ignition chip and the MCU chip. The first detection data includes the first power supply voltage corresponding to the first power interface and the second power supply voltage corresponding to the second power interface; Determining the power supply detection result based on the first detection data includes: If both the first power supply voltage and the second power supply voltage are within the supply voltage range, or if either the first power supply voltage or the second power supply voltage is within the supply voltage range and the other is less than the supply voltage range, then the power supply detection result is determined to be that the power supply is normal. If both the first power supply voltage and the second power supply voltage are less than the supply voltage range, or if at least one of the first power supply voltage and the second power supply voltage is greater than the supply voltage range, then the power supply detection result is determined to be a power supply abnormality.

[0009] Preferably, the MCU chip is used for: Obtain the second detection data corresponding to the switching circuit; Based on the second detection data, the circuit detection result is determined; When the circuit detection result indicates that the circuit is fault-free, the switching circuit is controlled to be turned on so that the energy storage capacitor supplies power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip.

[0010] Preferably, the second detection data includes the measured voltage difference; Determining the circuit detection result based on the second detection data includes: Based on the measured voltage difference, the measured voltage fluctuation range corresponding to a preset time period is obtained; If the measured voltage fluctuation range is within the preset voltage fluctuation range, then the circuit test result is determined to be that the circuit is fault-free. If the measured voltage fluctuation range is not within the preset voltage fluctuation range, the circuit detection result is determined to be a circuit fault.

[0011] Preferably, the switching circuit includes a first switching circuit and a second switching circuit; The first terminal of the first switching circuit is connected to the energy storage capacitor, and the second terminal of the first switching circuit is connected to the MCU chip. The first terminal of the second switching circuit is connected to the energy storage capacitor, and the second terminal of the second switching circuit is connected to the MCU chip. The first switching circuit and the second switching circuit are heterogeneous circuits.

[0012] Preferably, the ignition chip is used for: Based on the first detection cycle, the first detection voltage corresponding to the input terminal of the ignition chip is collected; Based on the first detection voltage and the first voltage range, the ignition chip detection result is obtained and sent to the MCU chip.

[0013] Preferably, the airbag controller further includes a sensing unit, the first end of which is connected to the ignition chip, and the second end of the ignition chip is connected to the MCU chip; The ignition chip is used to convert the first input voltage of the power interface and output the first output voltage to the sensing unit. The sensing unit is used to operate based on the first output voltage, collect sensing data, and send the sensing data to the MCU chip; The MCU chip is used to control the ignition chip to operate based on the sensed data.

[0014] Preferably, the sensing unit includes multiple sensors, including an accelerometer, an IMU sensor, and a pressure sensor; The ignition chip includes multiple voltage conversion circuits, with the first terminal of each voltage conversion circuit connected to the power interface and the second terminal of each voltage conversion circuit connected to a sensor.

[0015] Preferably, the airbag controller further includes a power management chip, the first terminal of which is connected to the power interface and the switching circuit, and the second terminal of which is connected to the MCU chip. The power management chip is used to perform voltage conversion on the second input voltage output by the power interface or the switching circuit, and output the second output voltage to the MCU chip. The MCU chip is used to operate based on the second output voltage.

[0016] Preferably, the power management chip is used for: Based on the second detection cycle, the second detection voltage corresponding to the input terminal of the power management chip is collected; Based on the second detection voltage and the second voltage range, the detection result of the management chip is obtained, and the detection result of the management chip is sent to the MCU chip.

[0017] Preferably, the airbag controller further includes a CANFD transceiver, which is connected to the power management chip; The power management chip is also used to perform voltage conversion on the second input voltage output by the power interface or the switching circuit, and output a third output voltage to the CANFD transceiver; The CANFD transceiver is used to operate based on the third output voltage.

[0018] Preferably, the airbag controller further includes a first filter protection circuit and a second filter protection circuit; The first filtering and protection circuit is disposed between the power interface and the power management chip; The second filter protection circuit is disposed between the power interface and the switching circuit.

[0019] A vehicle including the aforementioned airbag controller.

[0020] In the aforementioned airbag controller and vehicle, the ignition chip and MCU chip are directly connected to the power interface, allowing the power supply to directly power the ignition chip and MCU chip without requiring the ignition chip to power the MCU chip. This ensures that the ignition chip has more spare power to support the power supply needs of the connected sensing units. Furthermore, the ignition chip is grounded through an energy storage capacitor, which is also connected to the MCU chip through a switching circuit. This switching circuit can be controlled to switch between the power supply or the energy storage capacitor to power the ignition chip and MCU chip. This ensures that in the event of a power supply failure, the energy storage capacitor can still power the ignition chip and MCU chip, supporting the airbag controller in performing safety functions such as airbag deployment and meeting the power supply requirements and stability of the MCU chip. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an airbag controller according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is another principle block diagram of the airbag controller in one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0024] It should be understood that the invention can be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, providing these embodiments will make the disclosure thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, for clarity, the dimensions and relative dimensions of layers and regions may be exaggerated, and the same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout.

[0025] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as "on," "adjacent to," "connected to," or "coupled to" other elements or layers, it may be directly on, adjacent to, connected to, or coupled to other elements or layers, or there may be intervening elements or layers. Conversely, when an element is referred to as "directly on," "directly adjacent to," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" other elements or layers, there are no intervening elements or layers. It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used to describe various elements, components, areas, layers, and / or portions, these elements, components, areas, layers, and / or portions should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, area, layer, or portion from another element, component, area, layer, or portion. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of this invention, the first element, component, area, layer, or portion discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, area, layer, or portion.

[0026] Spatial relation terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “under,” “above,” “above,” etc., are used herein for convenience of description to describe the relationship between one element or feature shown in the figure and other elements or features. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure, spatial relation terms are intended to also include different orientations of the device in use and operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, then the element or feature described as “below,” “under,” or “below” other elements or features will be oriented “above” other elements or features. Therefore, the exemplary terms “below” and “under” can include both above and below orientations. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or otherwise) and the spatial descriptive terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0027] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the invention. When used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising” and / or “including,” when used in this specification, identify the presence of the stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups. When used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0028] To fully understand this invention, detailed structures and steps will be presented in the following description to illustrate the technical solution proposed by this invention. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in detail below; however, in addition to these detailed descriptions, the invention may have other embodiments.

[0029] This invention provides an airbag controller, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the airbag controller includes a power interface, an ignition chip, an MCU chip, an energy storage capacitor, and a switching circuit. The power interface is used to connect to a power supply. The first end of the ignition chip is connected to the power interface, and the second end of the ignition chip is grounded through the energy storage capacitor. The first end of the MCU chip is connected to the power interface. The first end of the switching circuit is connected to the energy storage capacitor, and the second end of the switching circuit is also connected to the first end of the MCU chip. The MCU chip can be selectively connected to the energy storage capacitor through the switching circuit. The MCU chip is used to control the operation of the switching circuit so that the power supply or the energy storage capacitor supplies power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip.

[0030] As an example, an airbag controller includes a power interface, an ignition chip, an MCU chip, an energy storage capacitor, and a switching circuit. The power supply is connected to the power interface, which is also connected to the first terminal of the ignition chip and the first terminal of the MCU chip. The second terminal of the ignition chip is grounded through the energy storage capacitor, allowing the power supply to power the ignition chip and the MCU chip through the power interface, and to power the energy storage capacitor through the ignition chip. For example, the 12V output voltage of the power supply is converted into energy storage to bring the voltage of the energy storage capacitor to a preset operating voltage (e.g., 20V). The first terminal of the switching circuit is connected to the energy storage capacitor, and the second terminal of the switching circuit is connected to the first terminal of the MCU chip. Specifically, the first terminal of the switching circuit can be connected to the connection node between the ignition chip and the energy storage capacitor, and the second terminal can be connected to the connection node between the power interface and the MCU chip. This allows the energy storage capacitor to power the ignition chip and, through the conducting switching circuit, power the MCU chip when the power supply is abnormal. The MCU chip is also connected to the switching circuit, which can evaluate whether the power supply can provide normal power based on the actual test data. When the power supply can provide normal power, the switching circuit can be controlled to disconnect so that the power supply can provide power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip. When the power supply cannot provide normal power, the switching circuit can be controlled to conduct so that the energy storage capacitor can provide power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip to support the airbag controller in performing safety functions such as airbag deployment.

[0031] Compared to the traditional approach of placing the ignition chip between the power interface and the MCU chip, directly connecting the ignition chip and the MCU chip to the power interface allows the power supply to directly power both chips, eliminating the need for the ignition chip to power the MCU chip. This gives the ignition chip more spare power to support the power needs of its connected sensing units. Furthermore, the ignition chip is grounded via an energy storage capacitor, which is connected to the MCU chip through a switching circuit. This circuit can be controlled to switch between the power supply and the energy storage capacitor to power both chips. This ensures that even in the event of a power supply failure, the energy storage capacitor can still power the ignition chip and the MCU chip, supporting the airbag controller in performing safety functions such as airbag deployment and meeting the power supply requirements and stability of the MCU chip.

[0032] In one embodiment, the MCU chip is configured to: acquire first detection data corresponding to the power supply; determine the power supply detection result based on the first detection data; if the power supply detection result is that the power supply is normal, control the switching circuit to disconnect so that the power supply can supply power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip; if the power supply detection result is that the power supply is abnormal, control the switching circuit to turn on so that the energy storage capacitor can supply power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip.

[0033] The first detection data refers to real-time data used to assess whether the power supply is functioning properly. As an example, the first detection data may be, but is not limited to, data detected by the power interface, or data used to assess whether a severe impact has occurred in the environment where the power supply is located.

[0034] As an example, the MCU chip obtains the first detection data corresponding to the power supply. Specifically, the MCU chip can be directly connected to the detection point A corresponding to the power interface to directly obtain the first detection data; or, the ignition chip can detect the detection point A corresponding to the power interface to obtain the first detection data and send the first detection data to the MCU chip; or the sensing unit connected to the ignition chip can collect the first detection data and send it to the MCU chip through the ignition chip.

[0035] After acquiring the first detection data, the MCU chip can use a pre-set analysis and processing program to analyze and process the first detection data to obtain the power supply detection result. When the power supply detection result is normal, it means that the power supply can provide power normally. At this time, the control switching circuit is disconnected so that the power supply can provide power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip. When the power supply detection result is abnormal, it means that the power supply cannot provide power normally. At this time, the control switching circuit is turned on so that the energy storage capacitor can provide power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip to support the airbag controller in completing safety functions such as airbag deployment, and to meet the power supply requirements and power supply stability of the MCU chip.

[0036] In one embodiment, the first detection data includes the power detection voltage corresponding to the power interface; based on the first detection data, the power detection result is determined, including: if the power detection voltage is within the supply voltage range, the power detection result is determined to be normal; if the power detection voltage is not within the supply voltage range, the power detection result is determined to be abnormal.

[0037] The power supply detection voltage is the voltage detected in real time at the power interface, specifically the voltage detected at detection point A corresponding to the power interface. The supply voltage range is a pre-set voltage range used to assess whether the power supply is normal; as an example, the supply voltage range can be set to 9V-16V.

[0038] As an example, such as Figure 1As shown, the MCU chip can be connected to detection point A corresponding to the power interface to obtain the power detection voltage corresponding to the power interface; alternatively, the ignition chip can be connected to detection point A corresponding to the power interface and connected to the MCU chip via an SPI bus or other bus to obtain the power detection voltage corresponding to the power interface and send the power detection voltage to the MCU chip. After obtaining the power detection voltage, the MCU chip can compare the power detection voltage with a preset supply voltage range. If the power detection voltage is within the supply voltage range, the power detection result is determined to be normal, and power can be supplied normally. At this time, the switching circuit can be controlled to disconnect, so that the power supply can supply power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip. If the power detection voltage is not within the supply voltage range, the power detection result is determined to be abnormal, and power cannot be supplied normally. At this time, the switching circuit can be controlled to conduct, so that the energy storage capacitor supplies power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip, thereby supporting the airbag controller to complete safety functions such as airbag deployment and ensuring that it meets the power supply requirements and stability of the MCU chip.

[0039] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the power interface includes a first power interface and a second power interface; the first power interface is used to connect to a first power supply and is also connected to the ignition chip and the MCU chip; the second power interface is used to connect to a second power supply and is also connected to the ignition chip and the MCU chip; the first detection data includes the first power supply voltage corresponding to the first power interface and the second power supply voltage corresponding to the second power interface. Based on the first detection data, the power supply detection result is determined, including: if both the first power supply voltage and the second power supply voltage are within the supply voltage range, or if either the first power supply voltage or the second power supply voltage is within the supply voltage range and the other is less than the supply voltage range, then the power supply detection result is determined to be normal; if both the first power supply voltage and the second power supply voltage are less than the supply voltage range, or if at least one of the first power supply voltage and the second power supply voltage is greater than the supply voltage range, then the power supply detection result is determined to be abnormal.

[0040] Wherein, the first power supply voltage is the voltage corresponding to the first power supply detected in real time, specifically the voltage detected by detection point A1 corresponding to the first power interface; correspondingly, the second power supply voltage is the voltage corresponding to the second power supply detected in real time, specifically the voltage detected by detection point A2 corresponding to the second power interface.

[0041] As an example, the power supply includes a first power supply and a second power supply, and the power interface includes a first power interface and a second power interface. The first power interface and the second power interface are respectively connected to the first power supply and the second power supply, and both the first power interface and the second power interface are connected to the ignition chip and the MCU chip, so that the first power supply can supply power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip independently, or the second power supply can supply power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip independently. Through the two independently set power supplies, 12V voltage is provided to the ignition chip and the MCU chip. If either power supply is abnormal, the other power supply can continue to supply power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip to ensure the normal operation of the airbag controller.

[0042] As an example, such as Figure 2 As shown, the MCU chip can be connected to detection point A1 corresponding to the first power interface and detection point A2 corresponding to the second power interface to obtain the first power supply voltage corresponding to the first power interface and the second power supply voltage corresponding to the second power interface; alternatively, the ignition chip can be connected to detection point A1 corresponding to the first power interface and detection point A2 corresponding to the second power interface to obtain the first power supply voltage corresponding to the first power interface and the second power supply voltage corresponding to the second power interface, and send the first and second power supply voltages to the MCU chip via the SPI bus or other buses. After obtaining the first and second power supply voltages, the MCU chip can compare the first and second power supply voltages with a preset supply voltage range, and perform corresponding control based on the comparison result, specifically including the following situations: The first scenario is that when both the first and second power supply voltages are within the power supply voltage range, it indicates that both power supplies can supply power normally. Therefore, the switching circuit can be disconnected so that either of the two power supplies can supply power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip.

[0043] The second scenario is when either the first power supply voltage or the second power supply voltage is within the power supply voltage range, while the other is below the power supply voltage range. This indicates that one of the two power supplies can supply power normally, while the other voltage is too low. In this case, the switching circuit can be controlled to disconnect so that the power supply voltage within the power supply voltage range can supply power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip.

[0044] The third scenario is that when both the first and second power supply voltages are below the power supply voltage range, it can be determined that both power supply voltages are too low and cannot provide the ignition chip and MCU chip with the voltage required for chip operation. Therefore, the power supply detection result is determined to be an abnormal power supply, and the switching circuit can be controlled to conduct so that the energy storage capacitor can supply power to the ignition chip and MCU chip to support the airbag controller in completing safety functions such as airbag deployment.

[0045] Fourthly, if at least one of the first and second power supply voltages is greater than the power supply voltage range, it can be determined that at least one of the two power supply voltages is too high. Since the power supply is in a state of excessive voltage, the risk is relatively high. Therefore, if the power supply detection result is determined to be an abnormal power supply, the switching circuit can be controlled to conduct so that the energy storage capacitor supplies power to the ignition chip and MCU chip to support the airbag controller in completing safety functions such as airbag deployment.

[0046] Furthermore, when the power supply detection result indicates a power supply abnormality, a warning reminder operation needs to be performed. Specifically, depending on the different types of abnormalities, the airbag fault light will emit different colors of light so that users can understand the specific fault type of different power supplies.

[0047] In this example, the airbag controller's power distribution supports two independent power supplies, and it is equipped with a dedicated diagnostic strategy to monitor the two power supplies separately. The system combines the power detection results of the two power supplies to report faults and issue warnings. These two independent power supplies ensure that even if a severe collision causes one power supply's power line to break or one power supply to fail, the other power supply can still power the airbag controller. This better ensures that the airbag controller can still provide occupant protection, send collision door unlocking signals, and record collision accident data in extreme situations.

[0048] In one embodiment, the MCU chip is configured to: acquire second detection data corresponding to the switching circuit; determine the circuit detection result based on the second detection data; and control the switching circuit to conduct when the circuit detection result indicates that the circuit is fault-free, so that the energy storage capacitor supplies power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip.

[0049] The second detection data is real-time data used to assess whether the switching circuit is functioning correctly. As an example, the second detection data can be data directly collected by the MCU chip connected to the detection point corresponding to the switching circuit, or data directly collected by the ignition chip connected to the detection point corresponding to the switching circuit. The ignition chip will send the collected second detection data to the MCU chip via the SPI bus or other buses.

[0050] As an example, after the MCU chip obtains the second detection data corresponding to the switching circuit, it can use a pre-set analysis and processing program to analyze and process the second detection data to determine the circuit detection result corresponding to the switching circuit. Only when the circuit detection result is confirmed to be fault-free will the switching circuit be controlled to conduct so that the energy storage capacitor can supply power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip. Conversely, when the circuit detection result is confirmed to be faulty, corresponding early warning and reminder operations need to be performed, such as controlling the airbag fault light to illuminate or the buzzer to sound an alarm.

[0051] Furthermore, when the airbag controller is powered on, it generally needs to control the operation of its built-in chips (including but not limited to the ignition chip and MCU chip) and charge the energy storage capacitor. When the voltage across the energy storage capacitor reaches the preset operating voltage (e.g., 20V), it is also necessary to acquire the second detection data corresponding to the switching circuit. Based on the second detection data, the circuit detection result corresponding to the switching circuit is determined so that in the event of a power failure, the fault-free switching circuit can be controlled to conduct, so that the energy storage capacitor can supply power to the ignition chip and MCU chip, supporting the airbag controller to complete safety functions such as airbag deployment, so as to meet the power supply requirements and power supply stability of the MCU chip.

[0052] In one embodiment, the second detection data includes the measured voltage difference; Based on the second detection data, the circuit detection result is determined, including: based on the measured voltage difference, obtaining the measured voltage fluctuation range corresponding to a preset time period; if the measured voltage fluctuation range is within the preset voltage fluctuation range, the circuit detection result is determined to be fault-free; if the measured voltage fluctuation range is not within the preset voltage fluctuation range, the circuit detection result is determined to be faulty.

[0053] The measured voltage difference is the voltage difference across the switching circuit detected in real time. Specifically, a detection point B is set at the connection node between the ignition chip and the energy storage capacitor, and another detection point C is set between the power interface and the MCU chip. The MCU chip or the ignition chip is connected to detection points B and C to collect the voltage difference between the two detection points and determine it as the measured voltage difference of the switching circuit.

[0054] The preset time period is a pre-set time interval. The measured voltage fluctuation range is a voltage fluctuation range determined based on multiple measured voltage differences, which can be calculated using, but is not limited to, standard deviation or other algorithms. The preset voltage fluctuation range is a pre-set range used to assess whether the measured voltage fluctuation range is normal.

[0055] As an example, such as Figure 1As shown, the MCU chip can be directly connected to detection points B and C corresponding to the switching circuit to collect the measured voltage difference corresponding to the switching circuit. Alternatively, it can be connected to the ignition chip, which in turn connects to detection points B and C corresponding to the switching circuit, allowing the ignition chip to collect the measured voltage difference and send it to the MCU chip. After acquiring the measured voltage difference, the MCU chip can calculate multiple measured voltage differences within a preset time period to determine their corresponding measured voltage fluctuation range. Then, it compares the measured voltage fluctuation range with a preset voltage fluctuation range. If the measured voltage fluctuation range is within the preset range, the fluctuation of the collected measured voltage differences is considered small, indicating a low probability of a fault in the switching circuit. Therefore, the circuit detection result corresponding to the switching circuit can be determined as fault-free. Conversely, if the measured voltage fluctuation range is outside the preset range, the fluctuation of the collected measured voltage differences is considered large, indicating a high probability of a fault in the switching circuit. Therefore, the circuit detection result corresponding to the switching circuit can be determined as faulty.

[0056] In this example, when the airbag controller is powered on, its built-in chip is activated to charge the energy storage capacitor. When the voltage across the energy storage capacitor reaches a preset operating voltage (e.g., 20V), the switching circuit is activated. Within a preset time period, the measured voltage difference across the switching circuit is collected. Based on multiple measured voltage differences, the measured voltage fluctuation range is determined. Based on the measured voltage fluctuation range and the preset voltage fluctuation range, it is determined whether the switching circuit is faulty, thus obtaining the corresponding circuit detection results. Understandably, each time the airbag controller is powered on, a fault detection of the switching circuit must be performed first to ensure that if a subsequent power supply failure occurs, the energy storage capacitor can supply power to the ignition chip and MCU chip through a fault-free switching circuit. This supports the airbag controller in performing safety functions such as airbag deployment, ensuring that it meets the power supply requirements and stability of the MCU chip.

[0057] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the switching circuit includes a first switching circuit and a second switching circuit; the first terminal of the first switching circuit is connected to the energy storage capacitor, and the second terminal of the first switching circuit is connected to the MCU chip; the first terminal of the second switching circuit is connected to the energy storage capacitor, and the second terminal of the second switching circuit is connected to the MCU chip; the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit are heterogeneous circuits.

[0058] Heterogeneous circuits refer to two circuits with different structures and / or drives. For example, one of the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit is driven by current, while the other is driven by voltage.

[0059] As an example, the switching circuit includes a first switching circuit and a second switching circuit, which are connected in parallel. The first terminal of the first switching circuit is connected to the energy storage capacitor, and the second terminal is connected to the MCU chip. Specifically, the first terminal of the first switching circuit is connected to the connection node between the energy storage capacitor and the ignition chip, and the second terminal is connected to the connection node between the power interface and the MCU chip. Similarly, the first terminal of the second switching circuit is connected to the energy storage capacitor, and the second terminal is connected to the MCU chip. In the event of an abnormality in the power supply connected to the power interface, either the first or second switching circuit can be activated to allow the energy storage capacitor to supply power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip, thus supporting the airbag controller in performing safety functions such as airbag deployment.

[0060] In this example, as Figure 2 As shown, a detection point B is provided between the connection nodes of the energy storage capacitor, the ignition chip, and the switching circuit; a detection point C1 is provided between the first switching circuit and the MCU chip; and a detection point C2 is provided between the second switching circuit and the MCU chip. When the airbag controller is powered on, its built-in chip is controlled to work and charge the energy storage capacitor. When the voltage across the energy storage capacitor reaches the preset working voltage (e.g., 20V), the first switching circuit can be controlled to conduct first, and the first measured voltage difference between the two ends of the first switching circuit is collected within a preset time period, i.e., the measured voltage difference between detection point B and detection point C1. Then, based on the collected multiple first measured voltage differences, the first measured voltage fluctuation range is determined. Based on the first measured voltage fluctuation range and the preset voltage fluctuation range, the circuit detection result corresponding to the first switching circuit is obtained. Similarly, the second switching circuit is controlled to be turned on, and the second measured voltage difference between the two ends of the second switching circuit is collected within a preset time period, that is, the measured voltage difference between detection point B and detection point C2. Then, based on the multiple second measured voltage differences collected, the second measured voltage fluctuation range is determined. Based on the second measured voltage fluctuation range and the preset voltage fluctuation range, the circuit detection result corresponding to the second switching circuit is obtained.

[0061] In this example, a set of heterogeneous redundancy switching circuits allows either the first or second switching circuit to be current-driven while the other is voltage-driven. This reduces common-cause failures among multiple channels in the redundant structure. The heterogeneous design ensures the physical independence and design diversity of different channels. Under the heterogeneous redundancy design, as long as one switching circuit operates reliably, the entire system can be guaranteed to have high reliability. This means that when the reliability of the switching circuit decreases, the reliability of the entire system does not change much, thus the system reliability has a certain stability, meaning the probability of both switching circuits failing is lower.

[0062] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the third terminal of the switching circuit is also connected to the power interface. As an example, the third terminal of the switching circuit is also connected to the power interface to control the first and third terminals of the switching circuit to conduct when the airbag controller is powered on and the power supply is supplying power to the built-in chips (including but not limited to the MCU chip) through the power interface. This allows the power supply to charge the energy storage capacitor, enabling the energy storage capacitor to quickly charge to a preset operating voltage (e.g., 20V), ensuring that the energy storage capacitor has sufficient charge to support the ignition chip and MCU chip in performing safety functions such as airbag deployment.

[0063] In one embodiment, the ignition chip is configured to: acquire a first detection voltage corresponding to the input terminal of the ignition chip based on a first detection cycle; obtain the ignition chip detection result based on the first detection voltage and a first voltage range; and send the ignition chip detection result to the MCU chip.

[0064] The first detection voltage is the voltage corresponding to the input terminal of the ignition chip, which is collected in real time. For example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, a detection point D can be set between the power interface and the ignition chip, with the detection point D positioned close to the ignition chip. The built-in detection circuit of the ignition chip is connected to detection point D and is used to collect the first detection voltage corresponding to the input terminal of the ignition chip. The first detection cycle refers to the pre-set cycle for the ignition chip to collect the first detection voltage, which can be understood as the interval between collecting two first detection voltages. The first voltage range is a pre-set range used to evaluate whether the detection voltage of the ignition chip is normal.

[0065] As an example, when the airbag controller is powered on and the power supply provides power to its built-in chips (including but not limited to the ignition chip, MCU chip, and power management chip), the ignition chip periodically collects the first detection voltage corresponding to its input terminal. That is, it collects the first detection voltage corresponding to the input terminal of the ignition chip every first detection cycle. The first detection voltage is compared with a first voltage range. If the first detection voltage is within the first voltage range, the first detection voltage of the ignition chip is considered normal, and the detection result of the ignition chip is determined to be a normal chip input voltage. If the first detection voltage is not within the first voltage range, the first detection voltage of the ignition chip is considered abnormal, and the detection result of the ignition chip is determined to be an abnormal chip input voltage. Finally, the ignition chip transmits the detection result to the MCU chip through the SPI bus or other buses so that the MCU chip can perform corresponding control based on the ignition chip detection result.

[0066] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the airbag controller also includes a sensing unit. The first end of the sensing unit is connected to the ignition chip, and the second end of the ignition chip is connected to the MCU chip. The ignition chip is used to convert the first input voltage of the power interface and output a first output voltage to the sensing unit. The sensing unit is used to operate based on the first output voltage, collect sensing data, and send the sensing data to the MCU chip. The MCU chip is used to control the ignition chip to operate based on the sensing data.

[0067] As an example, the airbag controller also includes a sensing unit. A first terminal of the sensing unit is connected to an ignition chip, and a second terminal is connected to an MCU chip, enabling the ignition chip to power the sensing unit and ensure its normal operation. In this example, the ignition chip can convert the first input voltage output from the power interface into a first output voltage required for the sensing unit to operate, and output this first output voltage to the sensing unit. The sensing unit then collects sensing data and sends it to the MCU chip, which can then assess whether to control the ignition chip based on the sensing data.

[0068] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the sensing unit includes multiple sensors, including an accelerometer, an IMU sensor, and a pressure sensor (not shown in the figure); the ignition chip includes multiple voltage conversion circuits, the first terminal of each voltage conversion circuit is connected to the power interface, and the second terminal of each voltage conversion circuit is connected to a sensor.

[0069] As an example, the sensing unit includes multiple sensors, including but not limited to an accelerometer, an IMU sensor, and a pressure sensor, each requiring a different first output voltage to operate. Correspondingly, the ignition chip includes multiple voltage conversion circuits, each connected at one end to a power interface and at the other end to a sensor. These circuits can perform different voltage conversions depending on the voltage required for each sensor to operate, enabling the ignition chip to supply power to all connected sensors.

[0070] In this example, since both the ignition chip and the MCU chip are directly connected to the power interface, there is no need to use the ignition chip to power the MCU chip. This allows the ignition chip to have more spare power, which can support more sensors and provide more possibilities for its subsequent functional expansion.

[0071] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the airbag controller also includes a power management chip. The first terminal of the power management chip is connected to the power interface and the switching circuit, and the second terminal of the power management chip is connected to the MCU chip. The power management chip is used to convert the second input voltage output by the power interface or the switching circuit and output a second output voltage to the MCU chip. The MCU chip is used to operate based on the second output voltage.

[0072] As an example, the airbag controller also includes a power management chip. The first terminal of the power management chip is connected to a power interface and a switching circuit, while the second terminal is connected to an MCU chip. When the power supply is available, the power management chip converts the second input voltage output from the power supply through the power interface into a second output voltage required for the MCU chip to operate, and then outputs this second output voltage to the MCU chip to enable its normal operation. Alternatively, when the power supply is unavailable but the switching circuit is active, the power management chip converts the second input voltage output from the energy storage capacitor through the switching circuit into a second output voltage required for the MCU chip to operate, and then outputs this second output voltage to the MCU chip to enable its normal operation. The power management chip incorporates built-in circuitry for voltage conversion and regulation, enabling both voltage conversion and regulation.

[0073] In this example, since one end of the power management chip is connected to the power interface and switching circuit, and the other end is connected to the MCU chip, there is no need for an ignition chip to power the MCU chip and the power management chip. This allows the ignition chip to have more spare power, supporting more sensors and providing more possibilities for its subsequent functional expansion. Furthermore, the power management chip can perform voltage conversion on the second input voltage to convert it into a second output voltage that meets the operating requirements of the MCU chip, ensuring the power supply safety of the MCU chip. This eliminates the need to integrate corresponding functional circuits into the MCU chip, helping to save power consumption and enabling it to adapt to higher computing power requirements.

[0074] In one embodiment, the power management chip is configured to: acquire a second detection voltage corresponding to the input terminal of the power management chip based on a second detection cycle; obtain the detection result of the management chip based on the second detection voltage and the second voltage range; and send the detection result of the management chip to the MCU chip.

[0075] The second detection voltage is the voltage corresponding to the input terminal of the power management chip, which is acquired in real time. Specifically, a detection point E can be set between the connection node between the power interface and the switching circuit and the power management chip, with detection point E positioned close to the power management chip. The built-in detection circuit of the power management chip is connected to detection point E and is used to acquire the second detection voltage corresponding to the input terminal of the power management chip. The second detection cycle refers to the pre-set cycle for the power management chip to acquire the second detection voltage, which can be understood as the interval between acquiring two second detection voltages. The second voltage range is a pre-set range used to evaluate whether the detection voltage of the power management chip is normal.

[0076] As an example, when the airbag controller is powered on, and the power supply is supplying its built-in chips (including but not limited to the ignition chip, MCU chip, and power management chip), the power management chip periodically collects the second detection voltage corresponding to its input terminal. That is, it collects the second detection voltage corresponding to the input terminal of the power management chip every second detection cycle. The second detection voltage is compared with a second voltage range. If the second detection voltage is within the second voltage range, the second detection voltage of the power management chip is considered normal, and the chip input voltage is considered normal. If the second input voltage is not within the second voltage range, the second detection voltage of the power management chip is considered abnormal, and the chip input voltage is considered abnormal. Finally, the power management chip transmits the detection results to the MCU chip via the SPI bus or other buses, so that the MCU chip can perform corresponding control based on the detection results.

[0077] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the airbag controller also includes a CANFD transceiver, which is connected to a power management chip. The power management chip is also used to convert the second input voltage output from the power interface or switching circuit and output a third output voltage to the CANFD transceiver. The CANFD transceiver is used to operate based on the third output voltage.

[0078] As an example, the airbag controller also includes a CANFD transceiver. The CANFD transceiver is connected to the power management chip and, when the power supply is available, converts the second input voltage output from the power supply interface into a third output voltage required for the CANFD transceiver to operate, thus enabling the CANFD transceiver to function normally. Alternatively, when the power supply is unavailable but the switching circuit is active, it converts the second input voltage output from the energy storage capacitor through the switching circuit into the third output voltage required for the CANFD transceiver to operate, thus enabling the CANFD transceiver to function normally. In this example, the power management chip converts the second input voltage output from the power interface or the switching circuit into a third output voltage to power the CANFD transceiver, eliminating the need for power supply through the ignition chip. This allows the ignition chip to have more power available to support the power needs of more sensors.

[0079] In the power distribution scheme provided in this example, since the ignition chip is not used to power the MCU chip and CANFD transceiver, the ignition chip has more spare power to support more sensors. Furthermore, with the support of the power management chip, it can provide more power supply capacity for the chip, providing more possibilities for future functional expansion. This is because the power consumption that traditional airbag controllers can support is quite limited. When the functions of the airbag controller are upgraded, and new chips or greater power consumption support are required, the current power distribution mode of the traditional airbag controller architecture has significant limitations.

[0080] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the airbag controller also includes a first filtering protection circuit and a second filtering protection circuit; the first filtering protection circuit is located between the power interface and the power management chip; the second filtering protection circuit is located between the power interface and the switching circuit.

[0081] The first and second filter protection circuits are used to implement filtering and protection functions, specifically overvoltage protection, undervoltage protection, or overcurrent protection.

[0082] As an example, a first filtering protection circuit is provided between the power interface and the power management chip to filter and process the signal between the power interface and the power management chip for safety purposes; a second filtering protection circuit is provided between the power interface and the switching circuit to filter and process the signal between the power interface and the switching circuit for safety purposes, so as to ensure the safety of the airbag controller.

[0083] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit it. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, and should all be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An airbag controller, characterized in that, This includes the power interface, ignition chip, MCU chip, energy storage capacitor, and switching circuit. The power interface is used to connect to the power supply. The first end of the ignition chip is connected to the power interface, and the second end of the ignition chip is grounded through the energy storage capacitor. The first end of the MCU chip is connected to the power interface; The first terminal of the switching circuit is connected to the energy storage capacitor, and the second terminal of the switching circuit is connected to the first terminal of the MCU chip. The MCU chip can be selectively connected to the energy storage capacitor through the switching circuit. The MCU chip is used to control the operation of the switching circuit so that the power supply or the energy storage capacitor supplies power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip.

2. The airbag controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The MCU chip is used for: Obtain the first detection data corresponding to the power supply; Based on the first detection data, the power supply detection result is determined; If the power supply detection result is that the power supply is normal, then the switching circuit is controlled to disconnect so that the power supply can supply power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip. If the power detection result indicates a power abnormality, the switching circuit is activated to allow the energy storage capacitor to supply power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip.

3. The airbag controller according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first detection data includes the power detection voltage corresponding to the power interface; Determining the power supply detection result based on the first detection data includes: If the power supply detection voltage is within the supply voltage range, then the power supply detection result is determined to be that the power supply is normal. If the power supply detection voltage is not within the range of the supply voltage, the power supply detection result is determined to be a power supply abnormality.

4. The airbag controller according to claim 2, characterized in that, The power interface includes a first power interface and a second power interface; the first power interface is used to connect to a first power supply and is connected to the ignition chip and the MCU chip; the second power interface is used to connect to a second power supply and is connected to the ignition chip and the MCU chip. The first detection data includes the first power supply voltage corresponding to the first power interface and the second power supply voltage corresponding to the second power interface; Determining the power supply detection result based on the first detection data includes: If both the first power supply voltage and the second power supply voltage are within the supply voltage range, or if either the first power supply voltage or the second power supply voltage is within the supply voltage range and the other is less than the supply voltage range, then the power supply detection result is determined to be that the power supply is normal. If both the first power supply voltage and the second power supply voltage are less than the supply voltage range, or if at least one of the first power supply voltage and the second power supply voltage is greater than the supply voltage range, then the power supply detection result is determined to be a power supply abnormality.

5. The airbag controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The MCU chip is used for: Obtain the second detection data corresponding to the switching circuit; Based on the second detection data, the circuit detection result is determined; When the circuit detection result indicates that the circuit is fault-free, the switching circuit is controlled to be turned on so that the energy storage capacitor supplies power to the ignition chip and the MCU chip.

6. The airbag controller according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second detection data includes the measured voltage difference; Determining the circuit detection result based on the second detection data includes: Based on the measured voltage difference, the measured voltage fluctuation range corresponding to a preset time period is obtained; If the measured voltage fluctuation range is within the preset voltage fluctuation range, then the circuit test result is determined to be that the circuit is fault-free. If the measured voltage fluctuation range is not within the preset voltage fluctuation range, the circuit detection result is determined to be a circuit fault.

7. The airbag controller according to claim 5, characterized in that, The switching circuit includes a first switching circuit and a second switching circuit; The first terminal of the first switching circuit is connected to the energy storage capacitor, and the second terminal of the first switching circuit is connected to the MCU chip. The first terminal of the second switching circuit is connected to the energy storage capacitor, and the second terminal of the second switching circuit is connected to the MCU chip. The first switching circuit and the second switching circuit are heterogeneous circuits.

8. The airbag controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ignition chip is used for: Based on the first detection cycle, the first detection voltage corresponding to the input terminal of the ignition chip is collected; Based on the first detection voltage and the first voltage range, the ignition chip detection result is obtained and sent to the MCU chip.

9. The airbag controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airbag controller also includes a sensing unit, the first end of which is connected to the ignition chip, and the second end of the ignition chip is connected to the MCU chip. The ignition chip is used to convert the first input voltage of the power interface and output the first output voltage to the sensing unit. The sensing unit is used to operate based on the first output voltage, collect sensing data, and send the sensing data to the MCU chip; The MCU chip is used to control the ignition chip to operate based on the sensed data.

10. The airbag controller according to claim 9, characterized in that, The sensing unit includes multiple sensing elements, including an accelerometer, an IMU sensor, and a pressure sensor. The ignition chip includes multiple voltage conversion circuits, with the first terminal of each voltage conversion circuit connected to the power interface and the second terminal of each voltage conversion circuit connected to a sensing element.

11. The airbag controller according to claim 1, characterized in that, The airbag controller also includes a power management chip, the first end of which is connected to the power interface and the switching circuit, and the second end of which is connected to the MCU chip. The power management chip is used to perform voltage conversion on the second input voltage output by the power interface or the switching circuit, and output the second output voltage to the MCU chip. The MCU chip is used to operate based on the second output voltage.

12. The airbag controller according to claim 11, characterized in that, The power management chip is used for: Based on the second detection cycle, the second detection voltage corresponding to the input terminal of the power management chip is collected; Based on the second detection voltage and the second voltage range, the detection result of the management chip is obtained, and the detection result of the management chip is sent to the MCU chip.

13. The airbag controller according to claim 11, characterized in that, The airbag controller also includes a CANFD transceiver, which is connected to the power management chip; The power management chip is also used to perform voltage conversion on the second input voltage output by the power interface or the switching circuit, and output a third output voltage to the CANFD transceiver; The CANFD transceiver is used to operate based on the third output voltage.

14. The airbag controller according to claim 11, characterized in that, The airbag controller also includes a first filter protection circuit and a second filter protection circuit. The first filtering and protection circuit is disposed between the power interface and the power management chip; The second filter protection circuit is disposed between the power interface and the switching circuit.

15. A vehicle, characterized in that, Includes the airbag controller according to any one of claims 1-14.

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