Information processing apparatus

Abstract

The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus. An execution device of the information processing apparatus executes a process of acquiring a temperature of the information processing apparatus. The execution device executes, as a condition that the acquired temperature of the information processing apparatus has crossed a threshold value that is predetermined as a value outside a range of a temperature region, a link training again. The execution device executes a process of updating and storing, in a storage device, new setting information calculated by the link training again.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to information processing devices. Background Technology

[0002] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-005376 discloses a communication system. The communication system includes multiple communication devices with communication interfaces. The communication system sets communication settings calculated based on communication test results onto the communication interfaces.

[0003] In communication systems as described in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-005376, communication settings are sometimes set when a communication device establishes communication with other communication devices. In this case, once communication is established, the temperature of the communication device may change. Sometimes, the communication settings become unsuitable due to the temperature change of the communication device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The information processing apparatus for solving the above-mentioned problem is an information processing apparatus that communicates with a counterpart device via a communication bus. It includes a communication port for connection to the communication bus, an execution device, and a storage device. The storage device stores setting information for communication via the communication port, calculated through link training performed during communication with the counterpart device. The execution device performs the following processes: obtaining the temperature of the information processing apparatus; performing the link training again, assuming that the obtained temperature of the information processing apparatus has changed from a value outside a predetermined temperature range to a value approaching the range of the predetermined temperature range, based on a predetermined threshold value; and updating and storing the new setting information calculated through the re-training in the storage device.

[0005] Based on the above configuration, after the setting information is calculated through link training once communication is established, the information processing device performs link training again when the temperature of the information processing device changes. Then, the new setting information calculated through this retraining is updated and stored in the storage device. Thus, the setting information corresponding to the state after the temperature change can be used for communication via the communication port. Therefore, even if the temperature of the information processing device changes, the information processing device can use appropriate communication settings to communicate. Attached Figure Description

[0006] The features, advantages, and technical and industrial significance of the preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same parts, wherein:

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a communication system in one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes performed by the execution device of the information processing apparatus in this embodiment when the information processing apparatus is started.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a series of processes in this embodiment, including link training performed by the execution device of the information processing device again.

[0010] Figure 4 These are examples and graphs illustrating the temperature variations of the device in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0011] One implementation method

[0012] Hereinafter, one embodiment of the information processing apparatus will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 As shown, vehicle 10 includes a communication system 20. The communication system 20 obtains signals from each switch of vehicle 10 and controls each actuator of vehicle 10 based on the obtained signals.

[0013] The communication system 20 includes multiple communication devices 30. These multiple communication devices 30 communicate with each other via a communication bus 50 according to the PCIe standard. PCIe is an abbreviation for Peripheral Component Interconnect Express.

[0014] The communication device 30 is an ECU that controls the various actuators of the vehicle 10 and performs calculations based on values ​​obtained from the various sensors of the vehicle 10. For example, one of the multiple communication devices 30 is an engine ECU. The engine ECU controls the engine of the vehicle 10. Additionally, for example, one of the multiple communication devices 30 is a multimedia ECU. The multimedia ECU controls the display and audio equipment of the vehicle 10.

[0015] In this embodiment, the multiple communication devices 30 consist of an information processing device 30A and a counterpart device 30B. The information processing device 30A is an engine ECU, and the counterpart device 30B is a multimedia ECU. Therefore, the information processing device 30A communicates with the counterpart device 30B via a communication bus 50.

[0016] Information processing device 30A functions as a root complex. On the other hand, counterpart device 30B functions as an endpoint. Thus, information processing device 30A and counterpart device 30B communicate with each other according to the PCIe standard.

[0017] The communication device 30 includes an execution device 31, a storage device 32, and a communication port 40. The execution device 31 is a CPU. Therefore, the execution device 31 includes processing circuitry. The execution device 31 executes various programs stored in the storage device 32 to output instruction signals for controlling the actuators of the vehicle 10 and to perform various arithmetic operations. For example, in the case of the communication device 30 serving as an engine ECU, the execution device 31 outputs instruction signals for controlling the engine.

[0018] Storage device 32 stores configuration information SP for communication via communication port 40 in communication via communication bus 50.

[0019] The configuration information SP includes the transmitting-side correction value TCV and the receiving-side correction value RCV. The transmitting-side correction value TCV is used to correct the data to be transmitted when transmitting data through communication port 40. The receiving-side correction value RCV is used to correct the received data when receiving data through communication port 40.

[0020] Communication port 40 is connected to communication bus 50. Communication port 40 transmits and receives data during mutual communication. Communication port 40 has a transaction layer 41, a data link layer 42, a physical layer 43, a transmitter 44, and a receiver 45. Therefore, communication port 40 has a three-layer structure.

[0021] Transaction layer 41 ensures reliable data communication in an end-to-end manner for the upper-level software layer consisting of upper-level drivers and application software. Transaction layer 41 includes a sending-side transaction layer 41 and a receiving-side transaction layer 41. The sending-side transaction layer 41 generates transaction layer packets according to requests from the execution device 31. The receiving-side transaction layer 41 receives transaction layer packets from other communicating communication devices 30.

[0022] Data link layer 42 is located between transaction layer 41 and physical layer 43. Data link layer 42 exchanges transaction layer packets with the communicating devices 30. Data link layer 42 performs flow control. In flow control, data link layer 42 limits the transmission rate based on the processing speed of the communicating devices 30.

[0023] The physical layer 43 transmits and receives data packets for communication over the physical medium. The physical layer 43 includes a transmitting physical layer 43 and a receiving physical layer 43. The transmitting physical layer 43 sends data packets to the transmitter 44. The receiving physical layer 43 receives data packets from the receiver 45.

[0024] In this embodiment, the transmitter 44 of the information processing device 30A is connected to the receiver 45 of the counterpart device 30B via the first line 51 of the communication bus 50. The receiver 45 of the information processing device 30A is connected to the transmitter 44 of the counterpart device 30B via the second line 52 of the communication bus 50.

[0025] Transmitter 44 uses the transmit-side correction value TCV of the setting information SP to transmit data to other communication devices 30 that communicate with each other via communication bus 50. Receiver 45 uses the receive-side correction value RCV of the setting information SP to receive data from other communication devices 30 that communicate with each other via communication bus 50.

[0026] The vehicle 10 is equipped with a temperature sensor 60. The temperature sensor 60 detects the device temperature DT, which is the temperature of the information processing device 30A. The temperature sensor 60 outputs the detected device temperature DT to the information processing device 30A.

[0027] The storage device 32 of the information processing device 30A stores a startup program PR1, a temperature change response program PR2, and temperature information TP. The startup program PR1 is a program executed by the execution device 31 of the information processing device 30A when the information processing device 30A receives a startup request from a switch (not shown). The temperature change response program PR2 is a program executed by the execution device 31 of the information processing device 30A to detect the device temperature DT, which is the temperature T of the information processing device 30A, and to perform processing based on changes in the device temperature DT. The temperature information TP includes time-series data of the device temperature DT and a training temperature TT, described later.

[0028] A series of processes when the information processing device is started

[0029] Next, a series of processes performed when the information processing device 30A is started will be explained. When the information processing device 30A receives a start request from a switch (not shown in the figure), the execution device 31 of the information processing device 30A begins to execute the start-up procedure PR1.

[0030] like Figure 2 As shown, if the execution device 31 starts executing the startup program PR1, the execution device 31 first performs the process S11. In S11, the execution device 31 determines whether the relative device 30B is detected.

[0031] If the relative device 30B is not detected (S11: No), the execution device 31 terminates the current series of processes. On the other hand, if the relative device 30B is detected (S11: Yes), the execution device 31 causes the process to proceed to S12.

[0032] In S12, the execution device 31 performs link training LT. Link training LT is a process used to establish communication between the information processing device 30A and the counterpart device 30B by properly connecting them in communication.

[0033] If execution device 31 initiates link training (LT), it first detects the physical connection of the differential signal according to the PCIe standard. If no response is received at communication port 40, execution device 31 determines that the unresponsive time slot is not in use.

[0034] Next, the execution device 31 begins communication at the minimum speed according to a predetermined frequency band. Then, the counterpart device 30B is configured to receive data without errors by adjusting the correction value of its receiver 45. Furthermore, the execution device 31 is configured to transmit data from the information processing device 30A to the counterpart device 30B without errors by adjusting the correction value of the transmitter 44 of the information processing device 30A.

[0035] Next, the execution device 31 adjusts the correction value of the receiver 45 of the information processing device 30A to enable error-free reception. Then, the execution device 31 calculates the setting information SP by using the correction value of the transmitter 44 (when set to the state of error-free data transmission and reception) as the transmitting-side correction value TCV and the correction value of the receiver 45 as the receiving-side correction value RCV. In this way, the setting information SP is calculated through adaptive adjustment of the transmitter 44 and the receiver 45. Then, the execution device 31 initiates the process in S13.

[0036] In S13, the execution device 31 stores the setting information SP calculated by the link training LT in S12 in the storage device 32. Then, the execution device 31 causes the processing to proceed to S14.

[0037] In S14, the execution device 31 begins normal data transmission. That is, since communication between the information processing device 30A and the counterpart device 30B has been established through link training LT, after the processing in S14, the execution device 31 begins normal data transmission as requested. Then, the execution device 31 causes the processing to proceed to S15.

[0038] In S15, the execution device 31 obtains the device temperature DT from the temperature sensor 60 and stores the obtained device temperature DT as the temperature T during link training LT, i.e., the training temperature TT, in the storage device 32. Then, the execution device 31 ends the current series of processes.

[0039] A series of treatments, including those for handling temperature changes.

[0040] like Figure 1As shown, after the execution of the startup program PR1 is completed, the actuator 31 repeatedly executes the temperature change program PR2 in each predetermined cycle.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, if the actuator 31 starts executing the temperature change procedure PR2, the actuator 31 first performs the process S21. In S21, the actuator 31 obtains the device temperature DT from the temperature sensor 60. Then, the actuator 31 causes the process to proceed to S22.

[0042] In S22, the execution device 31 determines whether the device temperature DT has changed by crossing a predetermined threshold L and approaching the range of a predetermined temperature region TA. In S22, the execution device 31 performs the determination based on the device temperature DT obtained in S21 and the device temperature DT obtained in the past.

[0043] like Figure 4 As shown, the temperature region TA includes a first temperature region TA1 and a second temperature region TA2. The first temperature region TA1 does not overlap with the second temperature region TA2 and is a temperature region TA that is closer to the higher temperature side than the second temperature region TA2.

[0044] The first temperature zone TA1 is defined as the temperature zone TA where the resistance to communication via the communication bus 50 is insufficient due to excessively high temperature T. The upper limit temperature UL1 of the first temperature zone TA1 is set as the highest conceivable temperature as the device temperature DT. The lower limit temperature LL1 of the first temperature zone TA1 is set as the lower limit temperature T at which the resistance to communication via the communication bus 50 cannot meet a predetermined baseline due to excessively high temperature T.

[0045] The second temperature zone TA2 is defined as the temperature zone TA where the resistance to communication via the communication bus 50 is insufficient due to excessively low temperature T. The lower limit temperature LL2 of the second temperature zone TA2 is set as the lowest conceivable temperature for the device temperature DT. The upper limit temperature UL2 of the second temperature zone TA2 is set as the upper limit temperature T at which the resistance to communication via the communication bus 50 cannot meet a predetermined benchmark due to excessively low temperature T.

[0046] Furthermore, a first threshold L1 is predetermined as the threshold L for the first temperature region TA1. The first threshold L1 is predetermined as a temperature T that is lower than the lower limit temperature LL1 of the first temperature region TA1 and higher than the upper limit temperature UL2 of the second temperature region TA2.

[0047] As a threshold L for the second temperature region TA2, a second threshold L2 is predetermined. The second threshold L2 is predetermined to be a temperature T that is higher than the upper limit temperature UL2 of the second temperature region TA2 and lower than the lower limit temperature LL1 of the first temperature region TA1.

[0048] The actuator 31 determines whether the device temperature DT has changed by crossing the first threshold L1 and approaching the range of the first temperature region TA1, and whether the device temperature DT has changed by crossing the second threshold L2 and approaching the range of the second temperature region TA2.

[0049] For example, if the device temperature DT increases, even if it crosses the second threshold L2, it still moves away from the range of the second temperature region TA2. Therefore, in this case, the execution device 31 determines that the device temperature DT has not changed to move closer to the range of the second temperature region TA2, even if it crosses the second threshold L2.

[0050] If the device temperature DT increases, and if the device temperature DT crosses the first threshold L1, then the device temperature moves closer to the range of the first temperature region TA1. In this case, the execution device 31 determines that the device temperature DT has changed by crossing the first threshold L1 and moving closer to the range of the first temperature region TA1.

[0051] On the other hand, if the device temperature DT decreases, even if it crosses the first threshold L1, the device temperature DT will still move away from the range of the first temperature region TA1. Therefore, in this case, the execution device 31 determines that the device temperature DT will not change towards the range of the first temperature region TA1, even if it crosses the first threshold L1.

[0052] If the device temperature DT decreases and then crosses the second threshold L2, the temperature will move closer to the range of the second temperature region TA2. In this case, the execution device 31 determines that the device temperature DT has moved closer to the range of the second temperature region TA2 after crossing the second threshold L2.

[0053] That is, in S22, the execution device 31 makes a positive determination in the following cases: the device temperature DT changes by crossing the first threshold L1 and approaching the range of the first temperature region TA1, or the device temperature DT changes by crossing the second threshold L2 and approaching the range of the second temperature region TA2. On the other hand, in S22, the execution device 31 makes a negative determination in the following cases: the device temperature DT does not change by crossing the first threshold L1 and approaching the range of the first temperature region TA1, and the device temperature DT does not change by crossing the second threshold L2 and approaching the range of the second temperature region TA2.

[0054] like Figure 3 As shown, when the device temperature DT does not change towards the temperature region TA corresponding to the threshold L (S22: No), the execution device 31 terminates the current series of processes. On the other hand, when the device temperature DT changes towards the temperature region TA corresponding to the threshold L (S22: Yes), the execution device 31 causes the process to proceed to S23.

[0055] In S23, the execution device 31 determines whether the temperature difference TD between the device temperature DT and the training temperature TT obtained in S21 is greater than or equal to a predetermined temperature difference RTD. The predetermined temperature difference RTD is determined in advance through testing or simulation as the temperature T that should update the setting information SP.

[0056] When the temperature difference TD is less than the specified temperature difference RTD (S23: No), the actuator 31 terminates the current series of processes. On the other hand, when the temperature difference TD is greater than or equal to the specified temperature difference RTD (S23: Yes), the actuator 31 causes the process to proceed to S24.

[0057] In S24, the execution device 31 performs link training LT again. That is, the execution device 31 performs link training LT again based on the conditions that the device temperature DT changes to approach the corresponding temperature region TA by crossing the threshold L, and the temperature difference TD is above the specified temperature difference RTD. In S24, the same process as in S12 is performed again. Therefore, since the details of the process are the same as in S12, detailed explanation is omitted. If the execution device 31 calculates the setting information SP by performing link training LT again, the process proceeds to S25.

[0058] In S25, the execution device 31 updates the value of the setting information SP stored in the storage device 32 to the value of the setting information SP calculated in S24 and stores it. Then, the execution device 31 causes the process to proceed to S26.

[0059] In S26, the execution device 31 updates the value of the training temperature TT stored in the storage device 32 to the value of the device temperature DT obtained in S21 and stores it. Then, the execution device 31 ends the current series of processes.

[0060] The function of this implementation method

[0061] The following explanation will be given using the example of starting the vehicle 10 in a cooled state and activating the communication system 20.

[0062] like Figure 4 As shown, the device temperature DT when vehicle 10 is started is temperature T0. Temperature T0 is a temperature T lower than the upper limit temperature UL2 of the second temperature region TA2. Then, when time t becomes time t1, the device temperature DT exceeds the upper limit temperature UL2 and becomes the second threshold L2. Then, if vehicle 10 is used further and time t2 is reached, the device temperature DT becomes the first threshold L1. Then, through further use of vehicle 10, during the period until time t3, the device temperature DT approaches the range of the first temperature region TA1. Then, if time t3 is reached, it becomes the lower limit temperature LL1 of the first temperature region TA1. Then, the device temperature DT becomes a temperature T within the range of the first temperature region TA1.

[0063] In this case, if the execution device 31 executes the temperature change procedure PR2 during the period from time t2 to time t3, a positive determination is made in the processing of S22. Furthermore, since the temperature difference TD between temperature T0 and the lower limit temperature LL1 of the first temperature region TA1 is greater than or equal to the specified temperature difference RTD, the execution device 31 performs link training LT again in S24. As a result, the setting information SP is updated to the value calculated by the link training LT performed at a temperature T where the device temperature DT is higher than the first threshold L1 and lower than the lower limit temperature LL1 of the first temperature region TA1.

[0064] Effects of this implementation method

[0065] (1) The execution device 31 of the information processing device 30A performs link training LT again, based on the condition that the obtained device temperature DT has changed from crossing the threshold L to approaching the temperature range TA. Then, the execution device 31 updates and stores the new setting information SP calculated by performing link training LT again in the storage device 32.

[0066] Based on the above configuration, after calculating the setting information SP through link training LT once communication is established, the information processing device 30A performs link training LT again when the device temperature DT changes. Then, the information processing device 30A updates and stores the new setting information SP calculated through the re-training LT in the storage device 32. Thus, the information processing device 30A can use the setting information SP corresponding to the state after the change in device temperature DT for communication via the communication port 40. Therefore, even if the device temperature DT changes, the information processing device 30A can use the appropriate communication setting value for communication.

[0067] (2) Storage device 32 stores the training temperature TT when the setting information SP is stored. When performing link training LT, execution device 31 updates the training temperature TT and stores it in storage device 32. Execution device 31 performs link training LT again with the temperature difference TD between device temperature DT and training temperature TT as a predetermined temperature difference RTD as a further condition.

[0068] Based on the above configuration, with the temperature difference TD between the device temperature DT and the previous training temperature TT as a further condition (a temperature difference RTD or higher), the execution device 31 performs link training LT again. Therefore, when the appropriate setting information SP changes significantly due to the change in device temperature DT, the information processing device 30A can update the setting information SP.

[0069] (3) The setting information SP includes a transmitting-side correction value TCV and a receiving-side correction value RCV. The transmitting-side correction value TCV is used to correct the data when transmitting data at the communication port 40. The receiving-side correction value RCV is used to correct the data when receiving data at the communication port 40. According to the above configuration, the information processing device 30A can use the appropriate setting information SP to correct the data in any situation, whether transmitting or receiving.

[0070] (4) Communication with the counterpart device 30B via the communication bus 50 is PCIe standard compliant. Therefore, as a link training LT, the information processing device 30A does not need to develop the processing content of the link training LT separately, since the function is performed by using the root complex compliant with the PCIe standard.

[0071] Change Example

[0072] The above-described embodiments can be implemented by modification as follows. The above-described embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other to implement them within the scope of technical inconsistency.

[0073] Storage device 32 may not store the training temperature TT. Execution device 31 may not perform the process of updating and storing the training temperature TT in storage device 32 during link training LT. It may also not perform link training LT again based on a predetermined temperature difference TD between the device temperature DT and the training temperature TT. That is, execution device 31 may omit the processes S23 and S26.

[0074] The configuration information SP may also omit the transmit-side correction value TCV and the receive-side correction value RCV. For example, the configuration information SP may only contain the value of either the transmit-side correction value TCV or the receive-side correction value RCV. Alternatively, the configuration information SP may include a CTLE (Continuous Time Linear Equalizer) for emphasizing high-frequency components and correcting the signal. Alternatively, the configuration information SP may include a DFE (Decision Feedback Equalization) for correcting errors using previous bit information. Alternatively, the configuration information SP may include an FIR (Finfinite Impulse Response) filter for performing digital filtering to optimize the signal.

[0075] Communication with the counterpart device 30B via the communication bus 50 may also be communication that does not conform to the PCIe standard.

[0076] Temperature region TA may not include the first temperature region TA1 and the second temperature region TA2. Temperature region TA may be only one of the first temperature region TA1 and the second temperature region TA2.

[0077] The ECUs of the information processing device 30A and the counterpart device 30B are not limited to the examples described in the above embodiments. The information processing device 30A can be any communication device that communicates with the counterpart device 30B, such as an engine ECU or a multimedia ECU. Similarly, the counterpart device 30B can be any communication device that communicates with the information processing device 30A, such as a vehicle body ECU or a memory card.

[0078] Information processing apparatus 30A may also be configured as a circuit including one or more processors that perform various processes according to a computer program (software). Specifically, information processing apparatus 30A may be configured as a circuit including one or more dedicated hardware circuits, such as application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or combinations thereof, that perform at least a portion of the various processes. The processor includes a CPU, RAM, and ROM, among other memories. The memories store program code or instructions configured to cause the CPU to perform processes. Memory, or computer-readable medium, includes all available media that can be accessed by a general-purpose or special-purpose computer. The same applies to apparatus 30B.

Claims

1. An information processing device that communicates with a counterpart device via a communication bus, wherein, The information processing device includes a communication port for connection to the communication bus, an execution device, and a storage device. The storage device stores configuration information for communication via the communication port, calculated through link training performed during communication establishment with the counterpart device. The actuator performs the following processes: Obtain the temperature of the information processing device; The link training is performed again, assuming that the temperature of the information processing device has changed from a value outside the predetermined temperature range to a value closer to the range of the predetermined temperature range. as well as The new setting information, calculated by retraining the link, is updated and stored in the storage device.

2. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The storage device stores the training temperature when the set information was stored. The actuator performs the following processes: The training temperature is updated and stored in the storage device during the link training process; and The link training is performed again under the condition that the temperature difference between the information processing device and the training temperature is a predetermined temperature difference or higher.

3. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The setting information includes: a transmitting-side correction value, used to correct the data when transmitting data at the communication port; and a receiving-side correction value, used to correct the data when receiving data at the communication port.

4. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, Communication with the counterpart device via the communication bus is in accordance with the PCIe standard.

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