Communication gateway asic with integrated high-side switch

Abstract

A communication gateway ASIC (100) is disclosed, configured with a communication interface (102) for serial communication, for data transmission between a control unit (114) and multiple peripheral devices (110). The communication interface (102) is configured for forward communication from the control unit (114) to the peripheral devices (110) and reverse communication from the peripheral devices (110) to the control unit (114). Communication in one direction is achieved through voltage variations, and communication in the other direction is achieved through current variations. The communication gateway ASIC (100) also includes an integrated high-side switch (104) and is further configured to use the high-side switch (104) to switch the power supply to the peripheral devices (110).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical engineering, and more particularly to communication gateway ASICs and electronic components having communication gateway ASICs. Background Technology

[0002] The operation of peripheral devices (such as sensors in a vehicle) places different demands on the required circuitry. Firstly, it requires a data transmission device to transfer data between the peripheral device and the control unit that controls its operation. Secondly, it requires an energy source to supply power to the peripheral device. For example, a communication gateway ASIC is used to implement data transmission, while the power supply, which is not inherently related to data transmission, is typically implemented independently of data transmission and therefore independently of the communication gateway ASIC.

[0003] The object of this invention is to provide an improved communication gateway ASIC and an electronic component having the improved communication gateway ASIC. This object is achieved through the features of the independent claims. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, a communication gateway ASIC is disclosed, configured as a communication interface for serial communication, for data transmission between a control unit and multiple peripheral devices. The communication interface is configured for forward communication from the control unit to the peripheral devices and reverse communication from the peripheral devices to the control unit. Communication in one of the two directions is achieved through voltage variations, while communication in the other direction is achieved through current variations.

[0005] The communication gateway ASIC also includes an integrated high-side switch and is configured to use the high-side switch to switch the power supply to peripheral devices. The communication gateway ASIC also includes a boost circuit for increasing the supply voltage to peripheral devices via the high-side switch.

[0006] Using different changes or modulations of measurable electrical quantities (i.e., voltage changes on one hand and current changes on the other) to achieve communication in both forward and reverse directions has the following advantages: It allows for a simple and efficient way to clearly separate communication in two different directions. If a voltage change exists, the direction in which data encoded in the form of voltage changes should be transmitted can be clearly determined. If a current change exists, the direction in which data encoded in the form of current changes should be transmitted can be clearly determined.

[0007] The integration of the high-side switch means that the power supply to the peripheral devices (which is independent of data transmission) is circuitically connected to the circuitry used to control the peripheral devices, particularly their data transmission, i.e., the communication gateway ASIC. This allows the control unit to use the same communication gateway ASIC to control data transmission with the peripheral devices and switch their power supply. For example, the control unit can be configured to switch the high-side switch integrated into the communication gateway ASIC.

[0008] For example, data transmission between the communication gateway ASIC and peripheral devices, as well as power supply to the peripheral devices, are achieved via the same one or more electronic lines between the communication gateway ASIC and the peripheral devices. Alternatively, different electronic lines may be used for data transmission and power supply.

[0009] Integrating the high-side switch into the communication gateway ASIC offers several advantages, particularly in eliminating the need for separate components supplying current to peripheral devices. Instead of being provided as a separate component, the high-side switch is integrated into the communication gateway ASIC. This integration also allows for a more compact and space-saving layout compared to typical standalone implementations. For example, space savings can be achieved on a printed circuit board on which the communication gateway ASIC, the high-side switch, and a control unit (e.g., a controller) are mounted. Integration also reduces the weight of the resulting layout. Finally, integration eliminates the need for port pins on the control unit (e.g., a controller such as a microcontroller) used to control the high-side switch.

[0010] An ASIC is an application-specific integrated circuit, meaning an electronic circuit manufactured as an integrated circuit. The function of an ASIC can therefore not be changed. This has the following advantages: the manufacturing cost of multiple ASICs can be kept low, with a relatively high initial one-time cost, such as the cost of providing the appropriate photomask for manufacturing the ASIC.

[0011] A communication gateway ASIC is a dedicated integrated circuit that implements a communication gateway for an application. A communication gateway is a component that establishes a communication connection for data exchange between two systems (in this case, a control unit and peripheral devices). In this case, a communication gateway is implemented and configured as a communication interface for serial communication, for data transmission between the control unit and peripheral devices. The communication gateway ASIC implements the communication interface, for example, in the form of a serial bus.

[0012] For example, the communication interface is configured to use the DSI3 protocol to enable communication between the control unit and peripheral devices. The DSI3 (Distributed System Interface 3) protocol is described in "DSI3 Bus Standard Revision 1.00" dated February 16, 2011 (https: / / www.dsiconsortium.org / downloads / DSI3_%20Bus_Standard_r1.00.pdf). The Distributed System Interface (DSI) is a bus protocol configured to connect multiple distributed systems, sensors, and / or actuators to a central control unit.

[0013] For example, the communication interface is configured to use the PSI5 standard to enable communication between the control unit and peripheral devices.

[0014] The PSI5 standard (https: / / www.psi5.org / ) defines a digital interface for peripheral sensors. In automotive electronics, PSI5 is used to connect peripheral sensors to electronic control units or controllers. It supports point-to-point and bus configurations with both asynchronous and synchronous communication. PSI5 operates on the principle of a power interface, where the transmission current is modulated to transmit data to the power line. A relatively high signal current of 26 mA and bit encoding in Manchester code enable a high level of interference immunity.

[0015] A high-side switch is a semiconductor switch positioned in an upper circuit relative to a load (such as one or more peripheral devices), i.e., such that the load is in a circuit between the high-side switch and ground. For example, in a circuit where different loads are connected to a single supply voltage, such as in a vehicle with a fixed battery voltage and a grounding electrode, the output may be susceptible to ground faults. A high-side switch is suitable for detecting such ground faults.

[0016] The high-side switch used can be, for example, a transistor that connects or disconnects a high-voltage (e.g., 12V in a vehicle) power line to or from a load. This is achieved by using, for example, an n-channel FET operating within its saturation range. To control the high-side switch, an on / off signal for switching the high-side switch is sent from a control unit (e.g., a microcontroller) to the high-side switch. For example, the control unit sends a low-voltage on / off signal to the controller circuitry of the high-side switch (i.e., the controller IC), which then delivers the higher gate voltage required to turn the high-side switch on and off as needed.

[0017] An integrated high-side switch is used to supply power to peripheral devices. Therefore, in this example, the communication gateway ASIC with an integrated high-side switch is used not only to enable communication between the control unit and peripheral devices, but also to power the peripheral devices.

[0018] A control unit is, for example, a controller. A controller is, for example, a microcontroller, which is a semiconductor chip that includes a processor and also includes additional functions or components. A controller generally refers to an electronic hardware unit used to control certain processes and / or components. If the controller is implemented in the form of an integrated circuit, it is usually called a microcontroller.

[0019] Compared to known communication gateway ASICs, communication gateway ASICs with integrated high-side switches additionally include, for example, the output of the high-side switch with additional pins. To integrate the high-side switch into the communication gateway ASIC, additional pads and / or pins for the integrated high-side switch are therefore provided on the applicable ASIC. These pins are, for example, separate pins for the integrated high-side switch. This is especially true if different lines are used for data transmission and for powering peripheral devices.

[0020] Data transmission is always initiated by the control unit, for example, when the peripheral device responds to a corresponding start or start signal from the control unit.

[0021] The boost circuit, also included in the communication gateway ASIC, offers the advantage of ensuring a sufficient supply voltage for peripheral devices via the high-side switch. This is particularly advantageous when peripheral devices are connected in series, such as in a daisy-chain topology. In this case, the boost circuit can also be used to ensure adequate power supply to all peripheral devices when powered via the high-side switch.

[0022] The boost circuit is configured such that the absolute value of the output voltage from the boost circuit is greater than the absolute value of the input voltage of the boost circuit, and this output voltage is used as the supply voltage for peripheral devices via a high-side switch. Such a boost circuit is, for example, a boost converter. This boost converter can be implemented, for example, using an inductor connected in series with a freewheeling diode, downstream of which a charging capacitor sums the output voltage.

[0023] For example, forward communication is achieved through voltage changes, while reverse communication is achieved through current changes. If a voltage change exists in this case, then there is clearly forward data transmission from the control unit to the peripheral device. If a current change exists, then there is clearly reverse data transmission from the peripheral device to the control unit.

[0024] For example, forward communication is achieved through current changes, while reverse communication is achieved through voltage changes. If a current change exists in this case, then there is clearly forward data transmission from the control unit to the peripheral device. If a voltage change exists, then there is clearly reverse data transmission from the peripheral device to the control unit.

[0025] Using variations or modulations of different electrical characteristics (i.e., voltage variations on one hand and current variations on the other) to achieve communication in both forward and reverse directions has the advantage of clearly separating communication in two different directions in a simple and efficient manner. For example, communication using current variations can allow for cost-effective, fast, and / or low-radiation implementations.

[0026] For example, time division multiplexing (TDM) or time division multiple access (TDMA) methods can be used to implement communication in the forward and / or reverse directions. Specifically, TDM methods can be used to implement both forward and reverse communication. In TDM methods, data from different transmitters is transmitted on a shared transmission channel during certain time periods or time slots. For example, synchronous TDM methods allocate a fixed time period to each transmitter for transmitting data on the shared transmission channel. For example, asynchronous TDM methods can also be used. In asynchronous TDM methods, time periods can be occupied by other data streams. For example, only transmitters that actually send data can access the transmission channel. This helps reduce or avoid unused time periods. For example, channel information or a channel ID (e.g., in the form of a header) can be added to each data packet. Using the channel ID, the receive demultiplexer at the destination of the transmission channel can assign the data packet to the correct data stream.

[0027] For example, half-duplex communication with time division multiplexing or time division multiple access (TDMA) methods can be used to separate the transmitted data.

[0028] For example, a communication gateway ASIC is configured to power peripheral devices using a daisy-chain topology. For example, a communication gateway ASIC is also configured to communicate with peripheral devices using a daisy-chain topology.

[0029] A daisy-chain topology is a topology in which multiple peripheral devices, in which the applicable topology is applied, are connected in series to a single port of a communication gateway ASIC. If the daisy-chain topologies for power supply and communication are identical, the communication gateway ASIC includes, for example, a single port for both power supply and communication. If the daisy-chain topologies for power supply and communication are inconsistent, the communication gateway ASIC includes, for example, separate ports for power supply and communication.

[0030] For example, in a daisy-chain topology, the first peripheral device is directly connected to the communication gateway ASIC. Other peripheral devices are connected to their predecessors in a daisy-chain topology, each following the principle of a series circuit, thus forming a peripheral device chain called a daisy chain. Signals to and from one of the peripheral devices are routed through its predecessor all the way to the communication gateway ASIC.

[0031] For example, a daisy-chain topology may include three lines connecting serially connected peripheral devices to each other. The first of the three lines is configured, for example, to transmit data between the control unit and the peripheral devices via a communication gateway ASIC. The second of the three lines is configured, for example, to supply power to the peripheral devices via a high-side switch of the communication gateway ASIC. The third of the three lines is used, for example, to ground the peripheral devices via the communication gateway ASIC.

[0032] The example can have the following advantages: despite the high-side switch being integrated into the communication gateway ASIC and the resulting advantages, the power supply and data transmission to peripheral devices can remain independent of each other.

[0033] For example, communication with peripheral devices and power supply to peripheral devices are each achieved via the same line between the communication gateway ASIC and the applicable peripheral device. Alternatively, communication with peripheral devices and power supply to peripheral devices are each achieved via different lines between the communication gateway ASIC and the applicable peripheral device.

[0034] For example, the communication interface is configured to communicate with peripheral devices via power line communication through a power line used to supply power to the peripheral devices, which can be switched using a high-side switch.

[0035] This can have the following advantages: for example, if communication and power supply are carried out over the same line, the wire can be eliminated. Such communication via power line can be implemented, for example, using a point-to-point topology for connecting the communication gateway ASIC to peripheral devices. Such communication via power line can also be implemented, for example, using a daisy-chain topology for connecting the communication gateway ASIC to peripheral devices.

[0036] For example, a daisy-chain topology may include two lines connecting serially connected peripheral devices to each other. For instance, the first line is configured to power the peripheral devices via a high-side switch of the communication gateway ASIC and to transmit data between the communication gateway ASIC and the peripheral devices via power line communication through the same line. The second line is used, for example, to ground the peripheral devices via the communication gateway ASIC.

[0037] For example, a communication gateway ASIC is configured to power peripheral devices using a point-to-point topology. For example, a communication gateway ASIC is also configured to communicate with peripheral devices using a point-to-point topology.

[0038] Point-to-point topology is based on point-to-point (P2P) connections, which are direct connections between the communication gateway ASIC and various peripheral devices. A direct connection is a direct and immediate connection between the communication gateway ASIC and the applicable peripheral devices, without any intermediate stations.

[0039] The example can have the following advantages: the communication gateway ASIC can communicate directly with and / or power each peripheral device via independent wires.

[0040] For example, a communication gateway ASIC includes a shared interface configured to control high-side switches and communication interfaces.

[0041] The example can offer the following advantages: a high-side switch for powering peripheral devices and a communication interface for communicating with peripheral devices can be provided through the same interface. This shared interface allows, for example, a control unit to control the applicable power supply and applicable communication. For instance, the use of a shared interface allows for a more compact design of the communication gateway ASIC.

[0042] Control via a shared interface can be implemented, for example, using the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) protocol. The communication interface of the communication gateway ASIC is implemented, for example, as a serial bus.

[0043] Control via a shared interface can, for example, be achieved using inter-integrated circuits (I / O). 2 C) The communication interface of the communication gateway ASIC is implemented as a serial bus, for example, using a protocol.

[0044] In another aspect, an electronic component is disclosed, comprising a communication gateway ASIC with an integrated high-side switch, according to one of the examples described above for a communication gateway ASIC with an integrated high-side switch. The electronic component also includes one or more peripheral devices. For example, the electronic component includes all peripheral devices connected to the communication gateway ASIC.

[0045] According to the example, one or more of the included peripheral devices are sensors. For example, one or more of the included sensors are proximity sensors. For example, one or more of the included sensors are ultrasonic sensors.

[0046] For example, an ultrasonic sensor is an ultrasonic sensor in a vehicle (such as a motor vehicle). For example, electronic components with ultrasonic sensors are part of a parking assistance system, which is a system that supports and facilitates parking of a motor vehicle, especially in confined spaces.

[0047] Suitable electronic components for ultrasonic sensors are integrated, for example, into vehicle skirts, such as the front or rear skirts. Suitable systems can be, for example, two-channel, four-channel, or six-channel systems, i.e., systems with two, four, or six ultrasonic sensors per skirt. The ultrasonic sensors are, for example, in the form of circular sensors, preferably painted in the vehicle's color. The following principle applies: the more sensors there are, the more accurate or reliable the measurement results. The number of sensors installed depends, for example, on the width of the vehicle. Suitable ultrasonic sensors transmit and receive ultrasonic signals and transmit the acquired ultrasonic data to a control unit, which can determine, for example, the distance between the ultrasonic sensor and an object within its detection range based on the ultrasonic signal propagation time.

[0048] For this purpose, a corresponding ultrasonic sensor can be used, for example, to transmit a measurement signal or an ultrasonic signal and to receive an ultrasonic signal reflected by an object. The propagation time between the transmission of the ultrasonic signal and the reception of the ultrasonic signal reflected by one of the objects can be used to determine the distance to the applicable object.

[0049] According to the example, the electronic component also includes a control unit, such as a controller, like a microcontroller.

[0050] It goes without saying that, as long as the embodiments are not mutually exclusive, one or more of the above embodiments can be combined with each other. Attached Figure Description

[0051] The example is explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] Figure 1 A block diagram of an exemplary component with an exemplary communication gateway ASIC is shown, the communication gateway ASIC having an integrated high-side switch.

[0053] Figure 2 A block diagram of another exemplary component with an exemplary communication gateway ASIC is shown, the communication gateway ASIC having an integrated high-side switch.

[0054] Figure 3 A block diagram of another exemplary component with an exemplary communication gateway ASIC is shown, the communication gateway ASIC having an integrated high-side switch.

[0055] Figure 4 A block diagram of an exemplary component with a daisy-chain topology is shown.

[0056] Figure 5 A block diagram of another exemplary component with a daisy-chain topology is shown.

[0057] Figure 6 A block diagram of an exemplary component with a point-to-point topology is shown.

[0058] Figure 7 A block diagram showing an exemplary component arranged in the skirt of a vehicle is illustrated, and

[0059] Figure 8 A block diagram of another exemplary component arranged in the skirt of a vehicle is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0060] In the following text, similar elements are labeled with the same reference numerals.

[0061] Figure 1 An exemplary component 120 is shown with an exemplary communication gateway ASIC 100 having an integrated high-side switch 104. The communication gateway ASIC 100 serves as a communication interface 102 for serial communication, for the purpose of data transfer between a control unit 114 (e.g., a microcontroller) and multiple peripheral devices 110 of multiple peripheral devices 112 connected to the communication gateway ASIC 100. For example, the communication gateway ASIC 100 is arranged on a printed circuit board. For example, the communication gateway ASIC 100 is arranged on a printed circuit board together with the control unit 114. The communication interface 102 is configured for forward communication from the control unit 114 to the peripheral devices 110 and reverse communication from the peripheral devices 110 to the control unit 114. Communication in one direction is achieved through voltage variations, while communication in the other direction is achieved through current variations. For example, forward communication is achieved through voltage variations, and reverse communication is achieved through current variations. For example, forward communication is achieved through current variations, and reverse communication is achieved through voltage variations.

[0062] The communication gateway ASIC 100 also includes an integrated high-side switch 104 and is configured to use the high-side switch 104 to switch the power supply for the peripheral device 110.

[0063] Integrating the high-side switch 104 into the communication gateway ASIC 100 offers several advantages: it eliminates the need for an additional, separate component for powering the peripheral device 110. The high-side switch 104 is not provided as a separate component but as part of the communication gateway ASIC 100. Compared to typical standalone implementations, integration of the high-side switch 104 also allows for a more compact and space-saving arrangement. For example, space savings can be achieved on the printed circuit board housing the communication gateway ASIC 100, the high-side switch 104, and the control unit 114. Integration also reduces the weight of the resulting arrangement.

[0064] For example, electronic component 120 is implemented in a vehicle (e.g., a motor vehicle). For example, peripheral device 110 is a sensor, such as an ultrasonic sensor.

[0065] Peripheral device 110 is electrically connected to communication gateway ASIC 100, for example, using a daisy-chain topology for power supply purposes. For example, for communication purposes, peripheral device 110 is electrically connected to communication gateway ASIC 100 using a daisy-chain topology.

[0066] Peripheral device 110 is electrically connected to communication gateway ASIC 100, for example, using a point-to-point topology for power supply purposes. For example, for communication purposes, peripheral device 110 is electrically connected to communication gateway ASIC 100 using a point-to-point topology.

[0067] For example, communication interface 102 is configured to communicate with peripheral device 110 via power line communication via a power line used to supply power to peripheral device 110, which can be switched using high-side switch 104. For example, communication interface 102 is configured to communicate with peripheral device 110 via a separate communication line independent of the power line.

[0068] Component 120 also includes a boost circuit for increasing the supply voltage of peripheral device 110 via high-side switch 104. For simplicity, in Figure 1 The boost circuit is not shown in the diagram.

[0069] Figure 2 Another exemplary component 120 is shown, which has an exemplary communication gateway ASIC 100 with an integrated high-side switch 104. Figure 2 The component 120 shown corresponds to Figure 1 Component 120, Figure 2 A boost circuit 106 is explicitly shown for increasing the supply voltage of peripheral device 110 via high-side switch 104. The boost circuit 106 is configured such that the absolute value of the output voltage from the boost circuit 106 is greater than the absolute value of the input voltage of the boost circuit 106, which is used as the supply voltage for peripheral device 110 via high-side switch 104. Such a boost circuit 106 is, for example, a boost converter. Using this additional boost circuit 106 to increase the voltage has the advantage that when power is supplied via high-side switch 104, all peripheral devices 110 can be ensured to supply voltage.

[0070] Sufficient power supply. In particular, when the peripheral devices 110 are connected in series with each other, such as in a daisy-chain topology, the boost circuit 106 can be used to ensure sufficient power supply to all peripheral devices 110 when powered via the high-side switch 104.

[0071] Figure 3Another exemplary component 120 is shown, which has an exemplary communication gateway ASIC 100 with an integrated high-side switch 104. Figure 3 The component 120 shown corresponds to Figure 1 The difference is in component 120. Figure 3 The communication gateway ASIC 100 includes a shared interface 108 configured for control of a high-side switch 104 and a communication interface 102 by a control unit 114. This offers the advantage that the high-side switch 104 for powering the peripheral device 110 and the communication interface 102 for communicating with the peripheral device 110 can be provided through the same interface 108. This shared interface allows, for example, the control unit 114 to control both the applicable power supply and the applicable communication. For example, the use of the shared interface 108 allows for a more compact design of the communication gateway ASIC 100. Control via the shared interface 108 can, for example, use the SPI protocol or I... 2 Implemented using the C protocol. (And) Figure 1 Component 120 is similar. Figure 3 Component 120 also includes a boost circuit for increasing the supply voltage of peripheral device 110 via high-side switch 104. For simplicity, in Figure 3 The boost circuit is not shown in the diagram.

[0072] Figure 4 An exemplary component 112 with a daisy-chain topology 150 is shown. The communication gateway ASIC 100 corresponds, for example, to... Figures 1 to 3 This is one of the exemplary communication gateway ASICs 100 shown, featuring an integrated high-side switch. A peripheral device 110 is electrically connected to the communication gateway ASIC 100 using a daisy-chain topology 150 for power supply and communication. For example, for communication purposes, the peripheral device 110 is electrically connected to the communication gateway ASIC 100 using a daisy-chain topology.

[0073] Multiple peripheral devices 110 are connected in series to the communication gateway ASIC 100 according to a daisy-chain topology 150. The first peripheral device among the multiple peripheral devices 112 is directly connected to the communication gateway ASIC 100. The other peripheral devices 110 among the multiple peripheral devices 112 are connected to their predecessors according to the principle of series circuits, thereby forming a chain of peripheral devices 110 known as a daisy chain. Signals to and from one of the peripheral devices 110 are routed through its predecessor to the communication gateway ASIC 100.

[0074] For example, such as Figure 4As shown, the daisy-chain topology 150 may include two lines 142 and 146 connecting the serially connected peripheral devices 110 to each other. The first power line 142 of the two lines 142 and 146 is configured, for example, to supply power to the peripheral device 110 via a high-side switch integrated in the communication gateway ASIC 100, and to transmit data between the communication gateway ASIC 100 and the peripheral device 110 via power line communication through the same line 142. This can have the advantage that, for example, additional lines for data transmission can be eliminated if communication and power supply are implemented via the same line 142. The second ground line 146 of the two lines 142 and 146 is used, for example, to connect the peripheral device 110 to ground via the communication gateway ASIC 100. In the case of a vehicle, grounding is provided, for example, by the vehicle body.

[0075] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the communication gateway ASIC 100 has two connection pins 101 for connecting to the peripheral device 110, and each of the peripheral devices 110 has four connection pins 111 for connecting to one or two adjacent peripheral devices 110 or the communication gateway ASIC 100.

[0076] An arrangement with six peripheral devices 110 spaced 40 cm apart requires, for example, a total of 12 line segments with a total length of 2. 50 cm + 10 40 centimeters = 5 meters. Here it is assumed that the distance between the communication gateway ASIC 100 and the first peripheral device 110 is 50 centimeters.

[0077] Figure 5 Another exemplary component 120 with a daisy-chain topology 150 is shown. (With) Figure 4 Compared to the daisy chain topology 150 shown, Figure 5 The daisy-chain topology 150 shown includes three lines 142, 144, and 146 connecting peripheral devices 110 in series with each other. The first power line 142 of the three lines 142, 144, and 146 is configured, for example, to supply power to the peripheral devices 110 via a high-side switch integrated in the communication gateway ASIC 100. The second communication line 144 of the three lines 142, 144, and 146 is configured, for example, to transmit data between a control unit (e.g., a microcontroller) and the peripheral devices 110 via the communication gateway ASIC 100. The third ground line 146 of the three lines 142, 144, and 146 is used, for example, to connect the peripheral devices 110 to ground via the communication gateway ASIC 100.

[0078] This arrangement with three lines 142, 144, and 146 can, for example, have the advantage that, despite the high-side switch being integrated into the communication gateway ASIC 100 and the resulting advantages, the power supply and data transmission to the peripheral device 110 can remain independent of each other.

[0079] In this case, the arrangement of six peripheral devices 110, which are spaced 40 cm apart, would require, for example, a total of 21 line segments, i.e., 3+3. 6, total length is 3 1.25m+5 40cm+2 6 1.25m = 20.75m. For example... Figure 5 As shown, two connectors 113 are assumed here, with an average distance of 1.25m between connector 113 and peripheral device 110 and between communication gateway ASIC 100 and connector 113.

[0080] exist Figure 5 In the example shown, the communication gateway ASIC 100 has three connection pins 101 for connecting to the peripheral device 110, and each of the peripheral devices 110 has four connection pins 111 for connecting to one or two adjacent peripheral devices 110 or the communication gateway ASIC 100.

[0081] Figure 6 An exemplary component 120 with a point-to-point topology 152 is shown. This point-to-point topology 152 is based on a direct connection between a communication gateway ASIC 100 and various peripheral devices 110. A direct connection is a direct, immediate connection between the communication gateway ASIC 100 and the applicable peripheral devices 110, without intermediate stations, and particularly without traversing another peripheral device 110. This can have the advantage that the communication gateway ASIC 100 can directly communicate with and power each of the various peripheral devices 110 via independent wires. Figure 6In the example shown, each of the peripheral devices 110 is electrically connected to the communication gateway ASIC 100 via three lines 142, 144, and 146. The first power line 142 of the three lines 142, 144, and 146 is configured, for example, to power the applicable peripheral device 110 among the plurality of peripheral devices 112 via a high-side switch integrated in the communication gateway ASIC 100. The second communication line 144 of the three lines 142, 144, and 146 is used, for example, for data transmission between a control unit (e.g., a microcontroller) and the applicable peripheral device 110 among the plurality of peripheral devices 112 via the communication gateway ASIC 100. The third ground line 146 of the three lines 142, 144, and 146 is used, for example, for connecting the applicable peripheral device 110 among the plurality of peripheral devices 112 to ground via the communication gateway ASIC 100.

[0082] Figure 7 An exemplary electronic component 120 is shown disposed in or behind a skirt 130 of a vehicle. The applicable skirt 130 is, for example, a front or rear skirt of an applicable vehicle. The applicable component 120 includes a plurality of peripheral devices 112, such as ultrasonic sensors, which are conductively connected to a communication gateway ASIC 100 of the component 120 using a daisy-chain topology. A high-side switch is integrated in the communication gateway ASIC 100, and the communication gateway ASIC 100 is configured to use the applicable integrated high-side switch to switch the power supply of peripheral devices 110 among the plurality of peripheral devices 112.

[0083] Figure 7 The daisy-chain topology shown is implemented, for example, using two conductive lines 140. Figure 7 The arrangement of line 140 in the middle corresponds to Figure 4 The arrangement shown has two lines 142 and 146.

[0084] Figure 8 Another exemplary electronic component 120 is shown arranged in or behind the skirt 130 (e.g., the front or rear skirt of a vehicle). In this case, the line 140 may be, for example, based on having Figure 5 The daisy-chain topology of the three lines 142, 144, and 146 shown, or according to having Figure 6 The three lines 142, 144, and 146 shown are arranged in a point-to-point topology.

[0085] Although the invention has been shown and described in detail in the accompanying drawings and the foregoing description, such illustrations and descriptions should be considered exemplary rather than limiting; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.

[0086] List of reference numerals

[0087] 100 Communication Gateway ASIC

[0088] 101 pins

[0089] 102 Communication Interface

[0090] 104 High-side switch

[0091] 106 Boost Circuit

[0092] 108 Shared Interfaces

[0093] 110 Peripheral Equipment

[0094] 111 pins

[0095] More than 112 peripheral devices

[0096] 113 connector

[0097] 114 Control Unit

[0098] 120 components

[0099] 130 skirt board

[0100] 140 lines

[0101] 142 Power cord

[0102] 144 communication lines

[0103] 146 ground wire

[0104] 150-daisy chain topology

[0105] 152 Point-to-point topology

Claims

1. A communication gateway ASIC (100) configured with a communication interface (102) for serial communication, for data transmission between a control unit (114) and a plurality of peripheral devices (110), the communication interface (102) configured for forward communication from the control unit (114) to the peripheral devices (110) and reverse communication from the peripheral devices (110) to the control unit (114), wherein communication in one of the two directions is achieved by voltage variation, and communication in the other of the two directions is achieved by current variation. The communication gateway ASIC (100) also includes an integrated high-side switch (104) and is configured to use the high-side switch (104) to switch the power supply for the peripheral device (110). The communication gateway ASIC (100) also includes a boost circuit (106) for increasing the supply voltage for the peripheral device (110) via the high-side switch (104).

2. The communication gateway ASIC (100) according to claim 1, wherein the forward communication is achieved through voltage changes, and the reverse communication is achieved through current changes, or The forward communication is achieved through current changes, while the reverse communication is achieved through voltage changes.

3. The communication gateway ASIC (100) according to any one of the preceding claims uses a time-division multiplexing method to implement the forward communication and / or the reverse communication.

4. The communication gateway ASIC (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication gateway ASIC (100) is configured to supply power to the peripheral device (110) using a daisy-chain topology (150).

5. The communication gateway ASIC (100) according to claim 4, wherein the communication interface (102) is configured to communicate with the peripheral device (110) via power line communication via a power line (142) for supplying power to the peripheral device (110), the power line being switchable using the high-side switch (104).

6. The communication gateway ASIC (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the communication gateway ASIC (100) is configured to supply power to the peripheral device (110) using a point-to-point topology (152).

7. The communication gateway ASIC (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, the communication gateway ASIC (100) including a shared interface (108) configured to control the high-side switch (104) and the communication interface (102).

8. An electronic component (120) comprising a communication gateway ASIC (100) having an integrated high-side switch (104) according to any of the preceding claims, the component (120) further comprising one or more of the peripheral devices (110).

9. The electronic component (120) according to claim 8, wherein one or more peripheral devices (110) are sensors, particularly ultrasonic sensors.

10. The electronic component (120) according to any one of claims 8 and 9, wherein the component (120) further comprises the control unit (114).

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