Universal data bus serializer

Abstract

Embodiments of an integrated circuit are described. The integrated circuit can include a universal data bus serializer. Further, the universal data bus serializer can include an input to receive data for transmission over a data bus of a vehicle, a memory to store a plurality of protocol operation instructions, where each protocol operation instruction corresponds to a given operational protocol, a selection unit coupled to the input and the memory to select one of the plurality of protocol operation instructions based on a given protocol, and a serial data output coupled to the data bus to output serial data based at least in part on the given protocol.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to techniques for data serialization using a general-purpose data bus serializer. Background Technology

[0002] To provide greater safety and more convenient transportation options, many automakers are incorporating additional sensors and / or features into their vehicles. For example, autonomous vehicles typically include a wide variety of sensors, such as acoustic and / or electromagnetic sensors that monitor the surrounding environment to detect other vehicles, people, animals, or obstacles. Furthermore, many vehicles include sensors that monitor vehicle operation (such as parking sensors or seat adjustment sensors), and more generally, components that provide various features or functions (such as interior lighting).

[0003] Electrically connecting these sensors and components in a vehicle to one or more integrated circuits is typically challenging. It's worth noting that sensors and components in existing vehicles are often located in different places. Furthermore, sensors and components in existing vehicles are usually electrically connected to one or more integrated circuits using separate wiring. However, as the number of sensors and components continues to increase, the wiring becomes increasingly complex and expensive, and installation and maintenance become increasingly cumbersome. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An embodiment of an integrated circuit is described. This integrated circuit includes a general-purpose data bus serializer. Furthermore, the general-purpose data bus serializer includes: an input for receiving data for transmission via a vehicle's data bus; a memory storing a plurality of protocol operation instructions, each protocol operation instruction corresponding to a given operation protocol; a selection unit coupled to the input and the memory, the selection unit selecting one of the plurality of protocol operation instructions based on a given protocol; and a serial data output, coupled to the data bus and outputting serial data at least partially based on the given protocol.

[0005] Furthermore, the integrated circuit may include an indicator signal input terminal, wherein the selection unit selects the given protocol at least in part based on the indicator signal input.

[0006] In addition, the input terminal can receive data from the module's processor.

[0007] In some embodiments, the input terminal may receive binary input signals.

[0008] Note that the selection unit may include a multiplexer.

[0009] In addition, the selection unit may include a modulation processor that modulates data at least in part based on one of the given protocols.

[0010] Furthermore, the memory may store instructions for the selection unit to select the given protocol.

[0011] Additionally, the integrated circuit can be included in a vehicle.

[0012] Another embodiment provides an electronic device (such as a vehicle or vehicle module) comprising: a processor for generating data for transmission; a bus connector coupled to a data bus of the vehicle; and the integrated circuit.

[0013] Another embodiment provides a system including the said integrated circuit.

[0014] Another embodiment provides a method for transmitting modulated data along a serial bus. The method includes at least some of the operations performed by the integrated circuit.

[0015] This overview is provided to illustrate some exemplary embodiments in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the subject matter described herein. Therefore, it should be appreciated that the above features are examples and should not be construed as narrowing the scope or spirit of the subject matter described herein in any way. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating an example of a system providing a general-purpose data bus serializer according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating examples of methods for transmitting modulated data along a serial bus according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Note that throughout the accompanying drawings, similar reference numerals refer to corresponding parts. Furthermore, multiple instances of the same part are designated by a common prefix separated by a dash and the instance number. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Modern vehicles have various modules located throughout the vehicle. These modules can be communicatively coupled to each other via one or more data buses, rather than using point-to-point connections between individual modules and switches. Data buses enable modules to communicate with other modules and / or the control systems used by those modules. For example, a main controller can communicate with several modules so that the main module can issue commands to other modules. In another example, many modules can be daisy-chained along a single bus. Additionally, some vehicles may include more than one data bus. In some cases, when a vehicle includes multiple data buses, the various data buses may operate based on different bus communication standards.

[0020] Two example data buses are Controller Area Network (CAN) and Local Interconnect Network (LIN). This description will primarily discuss CAN and LIN, but the same applies to other data buses.

[0021] CAN bus is a widely used communication protocol in vehicles for connecting various electronic control units (ECUs), modules, and sensors (as used throughout this disclosure, the term module may refer to an ECU, module, or sensor, but is not limited thereto). It is a high-speed, robust bus system designed for real-time and safety-critical applications. CAN bus typically operates in a multi-master architecture, allowing multiple modules to transmit data simultaneously.

[0022] The CAN bus typically operates at a high baud rate, varying from 125 kbps to 1 Mbps depending on the specific application and requirements. This high speed enables fast and reliable communication between different ECUs, modules, and sensors within a vehicle. The CAN bus uses a differential signaling method, where data is transmitted using the voltage difference between two wires. This signaling mode helps reduce noise and interference, ensuring accurate data transmission. One of the main advantages of the CAN bus is its ability to support complex and time-critical applications.

[0023] LIN bus is a commonly used communication protocol in vehicles for connecting various ECUs, control modules, and sensors. Compared to CAN bus, LIN is a lower-cost, lower-speed bus system primarily designed for non-critical applications such as interior lighting, climate control, and seat control. LIN bus typically operates in a master-slave architecture, where one module acts as the master module and controls communication with multiple slave modules.

[0024] The LIN bus typically operates at a baud rate of 19.2 kbps, which is significantly slower than other bus systems such as CAN. This lower speed is suitable for less time-critical tasks, allowing for cost-effective communication between different vehicle components. The LIN bus can communicate using a single wire, which simplifies wiring and reduces the overall complexity of the vehicle's electrical system.

[0025] One of the main advantages of the LIN bus is its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The protocol is relatively easy to implement, making it an attractive option for manufacturers to incorporate into their vehicles. Furthermore, the LIN bus facilitates diagnostics and troubleshooting because it supports error detection and reporting. This makes identifying and resolving problems in communication between modules much easier, contributing to efficient maintenance and repair processes.

[0026] Each data bus within a vehicle can form a network of interconnected devices. These devices can communicate with each other based on the corresponding protocols of the data bus. Data can be transferred unidirectionally or bidirectionally between modules. For example, a window control switch module can use the data bus to send signals to the window motor module to raise or lower the window. In another example, a turn signal switch module can use the data bus to send turn signal indication signals to the turn signal light control module. In yet another example, a master module may be able to control several different modules simultaneously. Additionally, the bus can be used to provide vehicle data to a given module. For example, a vehicle's dashboard may contain an ECU or module that receives data (such as vehicle speed, engine speed, oil temperature, etc.) from other modules on the bus and displays this data to the driver. Many other examples of ECUs, modules, and sensors communicating via the bus are also possible.

[0027] Generally, most vehicle buses operate serially. Serial data is transmitted one bit at a time, sequentially. In some cases, data can be manipulated or processed in parallel while modules operate on or process it. Therefore, it may be desirable to have circuitry within a given module to convert data from parallel to serial for communication on the bus. Furthermore, the protocol followed for transmitting serial data is specified by the given protocol of the bus (e.g., CAN or LIN).

[0028] In a typical system, the ECU, module, or sensor will have dedicated circuitry configured to create serial data for output on a bus. In some examples, this dedicated circuitry may be an integrated circuit configured to receive data and output a serialized form of the data for transmission over the bus. Therefore, a module configured to operate on a CAN bus may include a CAN dedicated integrated circuit. Similarly, a module configured to operate on a LIN bus may include a LIN dedicated integrated circuit. Additionally, in some examples, the bus-specific serializer may be a single integrated circuit (i.e., a microchip), or the bus-specific serializer may be a block of intellectual property (IP) of a larger integrated circuit.

[0029] In practice, vehicle module manufacturers might build a given module to support a specific function. However, depending on the end use, the module might need to run on a LIN bus or a CAN bus. Therefore, a vehicle module manufacturer might have to build two different modules, one configured to run on a CAN bus and the other on a LIN bus, even though both modules have similar functionality. For example, one vehicle manufacturer might use a CAN bus system to control the operation of vehicle windows, while a second vehicle manufacturer might use a LIN bus system to control the operation of vehicle windows. If a supplier wants to sell window control modules to both vehicle manufacturers, they will have to produce both CAN and LIN versions.

[0030] Therefore, it is desirable to provide a universal data bus serializer. This universal data bus serializer is configured to output serialized data in many different formats, each for a given data bus. For example, the universal data bus serializer can be configured to selectively output data according to the CAN bus protocol or the LIN bus protocol (or other bus protocols as needed). This universal data bus serializer allows module manufacturers to build single modules that can run on either a CAN bus or a LIN bus. Thus, module manufacturers can create a bus-independent design that can adapt to various types of buses without having to use bus-specific circuitry.

[0031] A general-purpose data bus serializer can take the form of a single integrated circuit (i.e., a microchip), or it can be a block of intellectual property (IP) of a larger integrated circuit. In some examples, a general-purpose data bus serializer can be configured to receive an indication signal from an associated type of bus. In response to this indication signal, the general-purpose data bus serializer can be adapted to output serialized data according to the protocol specified by the indication signal.

[0032] In some cases, the indicator signals can be electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or electronic fuses (eFuse), which manufacturers can use to specify the operating mode of the universal data bus serializer before the module is installed in the vehicle. When the indicator signals are provided by EEPROM or eFuse, the universal data bus serializer circuitry is manufactured to operate according to multiple bus protocols, but the EEPROM data or eFuse locks its functionality to a single bus protocol. The EEPROM or eFuse can be configured by the integrated circuit manufacturer, module manufacturer, vehicle manufacturer, or other parties in the supply chain.

[0033] In other examples, the indicator signal can be set based on instructions or information received by the universal data bus serializer during the startup or operation of the module it targets. These instructions or information can be transmitted via the bus itself. For example, upon power-up, the module (or the universal data bus serializer itself) can wait until it receives a signal via the data bus to determine the format of the data bus protocol. In response to receiving a signal via the data bus, the module can have a processor that determines the operating protocol of the data bus and responsively provides the indicator signal to the universal data bus serializer. In another example, the module can contain software that includes instructions for setting the operating mode of the universal data bus serializer. In some examples, when software is loaded onto the module, which software is loaded can determine the bus protocol of the universal data bus serializer and will include instructions for the universal data bus serializer (i.e., a given module may have protocol-specific software for each bus protocol). In other examples, a computer coupled to the module can be used for module programming. During this programming phase, the appropriate bus protocol can be selected, and instructions can be transmitted to the universal data bus serializer. Therefore, once the Universal Data Bus Serializer receives an instruction indicating the correct operating mode, it will operate according to a single protocol during device operation.

[0034] In some examples, a universal data bus serializer may include a multiplexer (MUX) unit. A MUX functionally acts as a switch between multiple different data paths. In some examples, the MUX may have a path corresponding to each possible bus modulation scheme to which the universal data bus serializer is configured to operate. The indicator signal discussed earlier can be an input to the MUX. When the MUX receives this input signal, it selects the correct path for a given bus protocol. In another example, the universal data bus serializer may include a modulation processor that receives the input signal and appropriately serializes the data for a given bus protocol.

[0035] In various examples, the vehicle module can take many different forms. In some examples, the module may include a bus interface unit. The bus interface unit is configured to couple the module to a data bus. Depending on the application, the data bus may be a CAN bus, LIN bus, or other bus. The data bus is operable to transmit data to the module, transmit data from the module, or both to and from the module. The module may also include a universal serializer. The universal serializer may be a serializer as described above. Additionally, the module may include a processor and / or an ECU. The processor or ECU may be configured to transmit data to or from other parts of the vehicle via the data bus. In some cases, the processor or ECU may also be configured to receive input from outside the module, such as from switches, other input devices, or different electrical components of the vehicle. The processor or ECU can then transmit data from that input via the data bus. In another example, the processor or ECU may be coupled to an output of the module. In some examples, this output may be a display, an audio processor, or other electrical component. The processor or ECU may be configured to receive data via the bus and generate data output. Data output can be displayed on the vehicle's screen, played through the vehicle's speakers, or interacted with other parts of the vehicle.

[0036] Figure 1 An example system providing a universal data bus serializer according to this disclosure is shown. This serializer block is protocol-independent and can service any transmit (TX) or receive (RX) operation on the data bus based on a request from an execution module (also called a command interpreter). Additionally, a register interface can be provided via an internal bus (e.g., Figure 1 The internal bus (AHB / APB) is coupled to the processor. This internal bus can be used to transfer data to and from the processor.

[0037] For example, the processor can transfer data to a general-purpose data bus serializer via the AHB / APB internal data bus for transmission via the TX on the data bus. Similarly, the general-purpose data bus serializer can receive transmissions via the RX on the data bus, which include data that will eventually be transmitted to the processor via the AHB / APB internal data bus.

[0038] The execution module is also a general-purpose module, but it is configured to execute commands that implement various protocols. The execution module can modulate data according to the requirements of a given protocol on the data bus. Figure 1 During operation, commands can be received from the processor. These commands originate from the processor via the AHB / APB internal data bus and are pushed into a First-In-First-Out (FIFO) buffer. The execution module can then read the command from the FIFO.

[0039] When the execution module reads commands, it can balance timing differences in the signals because the execution module specifies the timing required by the data bus protocol. Furthermore, during the operation of the general-purpose data bus serializer, Figure 1 The serializer module can pop payloads from / push payloads into the RX / TX FIFO as needed without any external interaction.

[0040] Figure 1 It may include fewer or additional components, two or more components may be combined into a single component, a single component may be implemented using two or more independent components, and / or the position of one or more sub-components may be changed.

[0041] We will now describe an embodiment of one method. Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating an example of a method 200 for transmitting modulated data along a serial bus using an integrated circuit is presented. During operation, the integrated circuit can determine a desired protocol for serial data transmission from multiple protocols (operation 210). The integrated circuit can then modulate the data based on the determined protocol (operation 212) to form modulated data. Next, the integrated circuit can transmit the modulated data along the serial bus (operation 214).

[0042] In some embodiments of method 200, there may be additional or fewer operations. Furthermore, the order of operations may be changed, and / or two or more operations may be combined into a single operation.

[0043] The disclosed integrated circuits and circuit technologies can be any electronic device or system (or can be included in any electronic device or system). For example, electronic devices can include: cellular phones or smartphones, tablets, laptops, notebooks, personal or desktop computers, netbooks, media player devices, e-book devices, MiFi® devices, smartwatches, wearable computing devices, portable computing devices, consumer electronic devices, access points, routers, switches, communication equipment, testing equipment, vehicles, ships, aircraft, automobiles, trucks, buses, motorcycles, manufacturing equipment, agricultural equipment, construction equipment, or other types of electronic devices.

[0044] Although specific components are used to describe embodiments of the integrated circuit, in alternative embodiments, different components and / or subsystems may be present in the integrated circuit. Therefore, embodiments of the integrated circuit may include fewer components, additional components, different components, two or more components that can be combined into a single component, a single component that can be separated into two or more components, one or more locations of one or more sub-components that can be changed, and / or components of different types may be present.

[0045] Furthermore, the circuits and components in the integrated circuit embodiments can be implemented using any combination of analog and / or digital circuits, including bipolar, PMOS, and / or NMOS gates or transistors. Additionally, the signals in these embodiments can include digital signals with approximately discrete values ​​and / or analog signals with continuous values. Furthermore, components and circuits can be single-ended or differential, and power supplies can be unipolar or bipolar. Note that the electrical coupling or connection in the foregoing embodiments can be direct or indirect. In the foregoing embodiments, a single line corresponding to a route can indicate one or more single lines or routes.

[0046] As mentioned above, an integrated circuit can implement some or all of the functions of circuit technology. The integrated circuit may include hardware and / or software mechanisms for implementing the functions associated with the circuit technology.

[0047] In some embodiments, the output of the process for designing an integrated circuit or a portion thereof (including one or more circuits described herein) may be a computer-readable medium, such as magnetic tape, optical disc, or magnetic disk. The computer-readable medium may be encoded with data structures or other information describing circuits that can be physically instantiated as an integrated circuit or a portion thereof. While various formats may be used for such encoding, these data structures are typically written in the following formats: Caltech Intermediate Format (CIF), Calma GDS II Stream Format (GDSII), Electronic Design Exchange Format (EDIF), Open Access (OA), or Open Layout Systems Exchange Standard (OASIS). Those skilled in the art of integrated circuit design can develop such data structures based on the schematic diagrams and corresponding descriptions of the types detailed above and encode these data structures onto a computer-readable medium. Those skilled in the art of integrated circuit manufacturing can use such encoded data to manufacture integrated circuits that include one or more circuits described herein.

[0048] While some operations in the foregoing embodiments are implemented in hardware or software, in general, the operations in the foregoing embodiments can be implemented using a wide variety of configurations and architectures. Therefore, some or all of the operations in the foregoing embodiments can be performed in hardware and / or software. For example, at least some operations in circuit technology can be implemented using program instructions executed by a processor or firmware in an integrated circuit.

[0049] Furthermore, while numerical examples have been provided in the foregoing discussion, different numerical values ​​have been used in other embodiments. Therefore, the numerical values ​​provided are not intended to be limiting.

[0050] In the foregoing description, we refer to "some embodiments". Note that "some embodiments" describes a subset of all possible embodiments, but does not always specify the same subset of embodiments.

[0051] The foregoing description is intended to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use this disclosure, and is provided in the context of a particular application and its requirements. Furthermore, the foregoing description of embodiments of this disclosure is presented for illustrative and descriptive purposes only. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit this disclosure to the forms disclosed. Consequently, many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Additionally, the discussion of the foregoing embodiments is not intended to limit this disclosure. Therefore, this disclosure is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but should be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. An integrated circuit, wherein the integrated circuit includes a general-purpose data bus serializer, and the general-purpose data bus serializer comprises: The input terminal is configured to receive data for transmission via the vehicle's data bus; A memory that stores multiple protocol operation instructions, each corresponding to a given operation protocol; A selection unit, coupled to the input and the memory, is configured to select one of the plurality of protocol operation instructions based on a given protocol. as well as A serial data output terminal is configured to be coupled to the data bus and to output serial data at least in part based on the given protocol.

2. The integrated circuit according to claim 1 further includes an indicator signal input, wherein the selection unit is configured to select the given protocol at least in part based on the indicator signal input.

3. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein the input terminal is configured to receive data from the module's processor.

4. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein the input terminal is configured to receive a binary input signal.

5. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit comprises a multiplexer.

6. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein the selection unit includes a modulation processor configured to modulate data at least in part based on one of the given protocols.

7. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein the memory is configured to store instructions for the selection unit to select the given protocol.

8. The integrated circuit according to claim 1, wherein the integrated circuit is included in a vehicle.

9. A method for transmitting modulated data along a serial bus, comprising: From integrated circuits: Determine the desired protocol for serial data transmission from multiple protocols; Modulated data is formed based on the determined protocol modulation data; as well as The modulated data is transmitted along the serial bus.

10. The method according to claim 9, wherein the method includes receiving an indicator signal; and The determination is based, at least in part, on the received indicator signal.

11. The method according to claim 9, wherein the method includes receiving data for transmission; and The modulation data includes the modulation of the received data.

12. The method of claim 9, wherein the method includes using a multiplexer to select a data path based at least in part on a desired protocol.

13. The method of claim 9, wherein the method includes reading an indicator signal from a memory; and The determination is at least in part based on the indicator signal.

14. A vehicle module, comprising: A processor configured to generate data for transmission; A bus connector configured to be coupled to the vehicle's data bus; as well as An integrated circuit, the integrated circuit including a general-purpose data bus serializer, wherein the general-purpose data bus serializer includes: The input terminal is configured to receive input data from the processor; A memory that stores multiple protocol operation instructions, each corresponding to a given operation protocol; A selection unit, coupled to the input and the memory, is configured to select one of the plurality of protocol operation instructions at least partially based on a given protocol; and A serial data output terminal is configured to be coupled to the bus connector, wherein the general-purpose data bus serializer is configured to output serial data from the serial data output terminal by modulating the input data at least in part based on the given protocol.

15. The vehicle module according to claim 14, wherein the integrated circuit further includes an indicator signal input terminal; and The selection unit is configured to select the given protocol based at least in part on an indicator signal received via the indicator signal input.

16. The vehicle module of claim 14, wherein the processor is configured to generate the indicator signal.

17. The vehicle module of claim 16, wherein the vehicle module includes a bus detection circuit coupled to the bus connector; and wherein the bus detection circuit is configured to determine the protocol of the bus and transmit a bus indication signal to the indicator signal input.

18. The vehicle module according to claim 14, wherein the selection unit includes a multiplexer.

19. The vehicle module of claim 14, wherein the selection unit includes a modulation processor configured to modulate data at least in part based on the given protocol.

20. The vehicle module of claim 14, wherein the memory is configured to store instructions for the selection unit to select the given protocol.

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