Detecting automotive communication cable degradation without interrupting normal operation

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to detecting automotive communication cable degradation without interrupting normal operation. A computer system of a vehicle including a physical layer (PHY) device is configured to perform the following steps to detect degradation in a cable: communicate with another component of the vehicle using the PHY device and the cable at a first timing; capture a first characteristic of at least one first signal communicated with the other component and use the first characteristic to determine a first degradation parameter; communicate with the other component of the vehicle using the PHY device and the cable at a second timing after the first timing; capture a second characteristic of at least one second signal communicated with the other component and use the second characteristic to determine a second degradation parameter; and compare the first degradation parameter with the second degradation parameter and generate a degradation warning if a difference between the first and second degradation parameters indicates degradation in the cable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to vehicles, and more specifically, to detecting the degradation of automotive communication cables without interrupting normal operation. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicles typically contain automotive communication cables used to transmit data between different electronic systems, sensors, control units, and other components. Over time, these cables often deteriorate, sometimes to the point of impaired or complete disruption of communication between components. For example, one or two wires in the cable may break, one or two wires may short-circuit, sections of the cable may come loose, connectors in the cable may become loose, the cable may be squeezed or bent, or the cable may be damaged in other ways, such as through exposure to moisture or through normal wear and tear. Detecting cable deterioration can be critical, as the integrity of the cable can directly impact the performance and safety of the vehicle's electronic systems. Furthermore, detecting this deterioration is often difficult, requiring the interruption of data communication through the cable and thus disrupting normal vehicle operation. Therefore, it is desirable to detect deterioration in a way that prevents communication failures and avoids such interruptions, enabling seamless and timely notification of deterioration and facilitating maintenance or replacement of damaged cables to prevent safety issues for vehicle operators. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One or more embodiments provide a computer system for a vehicle, the computer system including a processor and a physical layer (PHY) device configured to communicate with other components of the vehicle via at least a first cable. The computer system is configured to detect degradation in the first cable by performing the following steps: communicating with another component of the vehicle using the PHY device and the first cable in a first timing sequence; capturing a first characteristic of at least one first signal communicating with the other component in the first timing sequence, and using the first characteristic to determine a first degradation parameter; communicating with the other component of the vehicle using the PHY device and the first cable in a second timing sequence following the first timing sequence; capturing a second characteristic of at least one second signal communicating with the other component in the second timing sequence, and using the second characteristic to determine a second degradation parameter; and comparing the first degradation parameter with the second degradation parameter, and generating a degradation warning if the difference between the first and second degradation parameters indicates degradation in the first cable.

[0004] A further embodiment includes a method comprising the steps described above and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions that cause a computer system to perform the following steps: identifying a first characteristic of the at least one first signal and using the first characteristic to determine a first degradation parameter; identifying a second characteristic of the at least one second signal and using the second characteristic to determine a second degradation parameter; and comparing the first degradation parameter with the second degradation parameter, and generating the degradation warning if the difference between the first and second degradation parameters indicates degradation in the first cable. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a computer system for a vehicle that can implement the first and second embodiments.

[0006] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of the PHY device of a computer system according to the first embodiment.

[0007] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a PHY device according to the second embodiment.

[0008] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a computer system in which the third embodiment can be implemented.

[0009] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of a PHY device according to a third embodiment.

[0010] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method, according to some embodiments, that can be executed by a computer system to detect deterioration in automotive communication cables. Detailed Implementation

[0011] This paper describes a technique for detecting degradation of automotive communication cables. According to the technique, the PHY device of a vehicle communicates with other components of the vehicle. As used herein, a PHY device is hardware configured to transmit and receive data via a medium such as an automotive communication cable. Other components of the vehicle are sometimes referred to herein as "link partners," which are the PHY devices at the other end of such communication.

[0012] When a PHY device communicates with its link partner, it captures characteristics of, for example, its internal signals. These characteristics are used to determine diagnostic information useful for identifying whether cable degradation has begun to impair communication. This diagnostic information is referred to herein as “degradation parameters.” Various types of degradation parameters for detecting degradation are described herein, as well as various characteristics for determining such degradation parameters.

[0013] Degradation parameters are determined at different times. For example, degradation parameters can be determined shortly after the vehicle is manufactured, creating a baseline for degradation parameters. The degradation parameters can then be determined periodically, for example, each time the vehicle begins operation, for comparison with the baseline. If differences between degradation parameters indicate degradation in the cable, a warning indicating that the cable is deteriorating can be generated.

[0014] In some cases, such as when a PHY device communicates with a link partner via a full-duplex cable that supports bidirectional communication, the PHY device may communicate with a link partner via a simplex cable that supports only unidirectional communication. Therefore, the cable to be degraded could be a full-duplex cable through which the PHY device transmits and receives signals to and from the link partner. Alternatively, the cable being analyzed could be a simplex cable through which the PHY device transmits signals only to the link partner or through which the PHY device receives signals only from the link partner.

[0015] The technology allows for the detection of signs of degradation because these signs occur or worsen over time—even before the degradation impairs or completely disrupts further communication. Furthermore, such a technology does not interrupt normal communication over the cable. In other words, internal signals can be captured and degradation parameters can be determined and compared in the background while the vehicle is being operated and the PHY device is communicating with its link partners to support the typical operation of the vehicle. These and further aspects of the invention are discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a computer system 100 of a vehicle in which the first and second embodiments can be implemented. The computer system 100 includes a PHY device 110 configured to communicate with a link partner 120 via a vehicle communication cable 102. According to the first and second embodiments, cable 102 is a full-duplex cable. Therefore, the PHY device 110 transmits signals to and receives signals from the link partner 120 via cable 102. The following will be combined with… Figure 2 and 3 The differences between the first and second embodiments are discussed.

[0017] Computer system 100 further includes processor 130, memory 140, and storage device 150. Memory 140 is a volatile data storage device, such as random access memory (RAM). Storage device 150 is a non-volatile data storage device, such as flash memory. Processor 130 is a processing device, such as a central processing unit (CPU), configured to execute instructions (e.g., executable instructions) that perform one or more operations described herein, which may be stored in memory 140. For example, processor 130, memory 140, and storage device 150 may be components of an electronic control unit (ECU) of a vehicle. An ECU is a dedicated computer that manages and controls functions within a vehicle. In this case, for example, PHY device 110 may communicate with processor 130 via a wired connection. As another example, processor 130, memory 140, and storage device 150 may be components of a computer separate from a vehicle, such as a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, smartphone, etc. In this case, for example, PHY device 110 may communicate wirelessly with processor 130.

[0018] At various time points, while PHY device 110 communicates with link partner 120, PHY device 110 captures characteristics. These characteristics are based on signals transmitted to and received from link partner 120. Computer system 100 uses these characteristics to determine degradation parameters associated with different time points. Processor 130 may store such degradation parameters in storage device 150, including, for example, degradation parameters associated with a baseline. For example, degradation parameters associated with a baseline may be determined based on communications occurring shortly after the manufacture of the vehicle. According to an embodiment, processor 130 compares the degradation parameters determined at different time points. Based on this comparison, degradation in cable 102 can be identified.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a PHY device 110 according to a first embodiment. According to the first embodiment, the adaptive filter of the PHY device 110 is used to determine some of the degradation parameters, as discussed further below. The PHY device 110 includes various blocks for transmitting, receiving, and processing signals. For example, each of these blocks may be implemented as a circuit or a combination of circuits.

[0020] The data transmission (TX) block 200 prepares digital data to be transmitted by the PHY device 110. This preparation may include, for example, encoding the data, packaging the data, and applying error correction coding to the data.

[0021] Modulator block 202 converts digital data into a modulated signal, which includes mapping the digital data to signal characteristics such as amplitude, frequency and phase.

[0022] The digital-to-analog converter (DAC) block 204 converts digital signals into analog signals suitable for transmission over a communication medium (e.g., cable 102).

[0023] The mixing block 210 combines and separates the signal transmitted by the PHY device 110 via cable 102 (referred to herein as the "transmitted signal") and the signal received by the PHY device 100 via cable 102 (referred to herein as the "received signal"). The mixing block 210 thus enables the transmitted and received signals to coexist with reduced interference.

[0024] The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) block 230 converts the received signal from analog to digital.

[0025] Echo canceller block 220 estimates (i.e., predicts or approximates) the unwanted echo signal in the received signal and eliminates (i.e., neutralizes or removes) the echo signal from it. Such echo signals are reflected or delayed versions of the transmitted signal. Echo canceller block 220 includes an adaptive filter 222. An adaptive filter is a digital filter containing coefficients that are adjusted in response to changes in the input signal. Such adjustments are performed continuously to minimize the difference between the output of the adaptive filter and the desired reference signal. Adaptive filter 222 performs these adjustments based on the output from modulator block 202 to aid in the removal of echo signals.

[0026] The summing block 232 combines the signals output from the echo canceller block 220 and the ADC block 230 to form the signal.

[0027] Equalizer block 240 adjusts the received signal to compensate for its distortion, which is attributed to effects such as inter-symbol interference. Adjusting the received signal improves the accuracy of its interpretation.

[0028] Decision block 242 interprets the received signal to determine the expected bits of the received signal, i.e. the bits expected to be conveyed by link partner 120, as accurately as possible.

[0029] The data receiving (RX) block 250 manages the reception of incoming data from the received signal, including, for example, organizing the data into frames and performing error correction on the data.

[0030] Channel estimator block 260 is an optional block that estimates the conditions of a communication channel, such as noise. A communication channel is the logical or conceptual path through which data travels, such as via cable 102. Noise is the level of random interference added to a signal. Estimating the channel conditions allows for more accurate interpretation of received signals traveling across the channel. Channel estimator block 260 includes an adaptive filter 262, which contains coefficients adjusted based on the output from decision block 242.

[0031] Summing block 264 combines the signals output from summing block 232 and channel estimator block 260 to form the signal.

[0032] When the PHY device 110 transmits and receives signals, it provides information to the processor 130, which can determine degradation parameters from the information. Examples of such degradation parameters include echo cancellation (EC) vector, channel estimation (CE) vector, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and the ratio of encountered forward error correction (FEC) errors. The EC vector is a vector used to estimate and cancel the echo from the transmitted signal. The CE vector is a vector used to estimate the impulse response of the communication channel based on the received signal. SNR is a measure that compares the level of the received signal with the noise level associated with it.

[0033] FEC (Fault-Oriented Evidence) is a technique used to detect and correct errors that occur during data transmission. Various FEC schemes exist that use different types of codes for this functionality, including trellis write-code modulation, convolutional codes, Hamming codes, Reed-Solomon (RS) codes, low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes, and turbine codes. PHY device 110 can apply FEC to the transmitted signal to ensure that link partner 120 correctly decodes it. Similarly, link partner 120 can apply FEC to the received signal to ensure that PHY device 110 correctly decodes it.

[0034] FEC errors are errors that occur during signal transmission. The FEC mechanism detects and attempts to correct FEC errors; some FEC errors can be corrected by the FEC mechanism, while others cannot. For example, the FEC decoder (not shown) in data RX block 250 can detect FEC errors in the received signal, but may be unable to correct them due to limitations in the FEC scheme used. On the other hand, the FEC decoder can successfully correct FEC errors. Regardless of whether the FEC decoder can correct the errors, RX block 250 can report the number of FEC errors encountered by the FEC decoder to processor 130.

[0035] According to the first embodiment, the adaptive filter 222 can determine the EC vector, which is described as W within time n. EC (n). The adaptive filter 222 determines W based on the characteristics X(n) and e(n) captured by the adaptive filter 222. EC (n). At time n, X(n) is a vector of the values ​​of the transmitted signal after modulation, while e(n) is the estimator residual error value after removing the estimated echo from the received signal. Specifically, the adaptive filter 222 can determine the EC vector according to the following equation, where µ is the least mean square (LMS) step size.

[0036]

[0037] According to the first embodiment, the adaptive filter 262 can determine the CE vector, which is described as W within time n. CE (n). The adaptive filter 262 determines W based on the characteristics D(n) and e(n) captured by the adaptive filter 262. CE D(n) is a vector of the values ​​of the received signal recovered from decision block 242 at time n. D(n) has been interpreted by decision block 242 after being adjusted by equalizer block 240 based on the distortion of the received signal. Specifically, adaptive filter 262 can determine the CE vector according to the following equation.

[0038]

[0039] According to the first embodiment, decision block 242 can determine the SNR based on the characteristics of the signal output from equalizer block 240, which has been adjusted based on distortion. Decision block 242 can determine the SNR by comparing the level of the signal with the level of noise therein. Data RX block 250 can determine the number of FEC errors based on the characteristics of the signal output from decision block 242, which is the received signal after being decoded by decision block 242. Specifically, data RX block 250 can apply FEC decoding to correct any FEC errors in the signal and can report the number of errors encountered to processor 130. When PHY device 110 receives a signal from link partner 120 and data RX block 250 detects an error, data RX block 250 can repeatedly report the number of FEC errors encountered within a time interval. Processor 130 can calculate the FEC error rate based on the total number of FEC errors encountered within the time interval and the length of the time interval.

[0040] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of the PHY device 110 according to the second embodiment. Figure 2 Items identical or similar to those in the text contain the same reference figures and will not be explained further. According to the second embodiment, the PHY device 110 utilizes the debug memory space 300 to determine some of the degradation parameters instead of an adaptive filter. Specifically, regarding the EC vector and CE vector, the PHY device 110 stores characteristics in the debug memory space 300. The PHY device 110 then transmits these characteristics to the processor 130 for further processing, as discussed further below. Similar to the first embodiment, the decision block 242 can determine the SNR based on the signal output from the equalizer block 240, and the data RX block 250 can determine the number of FEC errors based on the signal output from the decision block 242.

[0041] Regarding the EC vector, PHY device 110 can capture characteristics based on a pair of transmitted signals and a received signal received shortly after the transmission of the transmitted signals. PHY device 110 can then store these characteristics in debug memory space 300. Such characteristics at time n may include x. n and y n Characteristic x n It is one of the values ​​of the transmitted signal after modulation, and characteristic y n This is one of the values ​​of the received signal after it has been converted to digital by ADC block 230. The received signal before the echo is eliminated by echo canceller block 220 is also referred to herein as the "original version" of the received signal. n It is one of the values ​​of the original version of the received signal.

[0042] Later, for example when debug memory space 300 is full, PHY device 110 can read features from debug memory space 300 and transmit those features to processor 130. Then, processor 130 can calculate the EC vector at time n according to the following equation, where z n h represents noise. l This indicates the EC tap, and N represents the capture length of a pair of transmitted and received signals. It should be noted that the received signal may be delayed relative to the transmitted signal. Therefore, as an optimization, the PHY device 110 can capture x... n Examples after and in capturing y n Examples are allowed to wait for a predetermined period of time beforehand. This prevents the capture of bits that are not useful for determining the EC vector.

[0043]

[0044] The features stored in the debug memory space 300 by the PHY device 110 may alternatively include x n and e n In this case, processor 130 may instead compute the EC vector at time n according to the following equation, where h r,l This represents the residual coefficients of the filter not included in the echo canceller block 220. Note that e n Relative to x n Delay. Therefore, as an optimization, the PHY device 110 can capture x n Examples after and in capturing e n Examples of waiting for a pre-booked time period.

[0045]

[0046] Regarding the CE vector, the PHY device 110 can capture characteristics based on the received signal and store these characteristics in the debug memory space 300. Such characteristics at time n may include r. n and d n Characteristic r n It is one of the values ​​of the received signal after the echo is canceled, the echo originating from the transmitted signal. Characteristic d n It is one of the values ​​of the received signal recovered from decision block 242.

[0047] Similar to the EC vector, the PHY device 110 can read features from the debug memory space 300 and transmit those features to the processor 130. The processor 130 then calculates the CE vector at time n according to the following equation, where g l This indicates the CE tap. Note that d... n Relative to r n Delay. Therefore, as an optimization, the PHY device 110 can capture r n Examples after and in capturing d n Examples of waiting for a pre-booked time period.

[0048]

[0049] The features stored in the debug memory space 300 by the PHY device 110 may alternatively include d n and e n In this case, processor 130 can instead calculate the CE vector at time n according to the following equation, where g r,l This represents the residual coefficients of the filter not included in the channel estimator block 260. Note that d n Relative to e n Delay. Therefore, as an optimization, the PHY device 110 can capture e n Examples after and in capturing d n Examples of waiting for a pre-booked time period.

[0050]

[0051] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a computer system 100 in which the third embodiment can be implemented. Figure 1 Items identical or similar to those in the text contain the same reference numerals and will not be interpreted further. According to a third embodiment, the PHY device 110 is configured to communicate with a link partner 120 via automotive communication cables 400 and 402. According to the third embodiment, cables 400 and 402 are simplex cables. The PHY device 110 transmits signals to the link partner 120 via cable 400 and receives signals from the link partner 120 via cable 402.

[0052] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the PHY device 110 according to the third embodiment. Figure 3 Items identical or similar to those in the text contain the same reference numerals and will not be interpreted further. According to a third embodiment, the PHY device 110 includes an ADC Low Effective Bits (ENOB) block 500. The ADC Low ENOB block 500 is an ADC with low effective resolution. The ADC Low ENOB block 500 captures the echo of the transmitted signal transmitted via cable 400 and converts the echo into digital data.

[0053] Similar to the first and second embodiments, decision block 242 can determine the SNR based on the signal output from equalizer block 240, and data RX block 250 can determine the number of FEC errors based on the signal output from decision block 242. Regarding the EC vector, PHY device 110 can capture characteristics based on the transmitted signal and its echo. PHY device 110 can then store these characteristics in debug memory space 300. Such characteristics at time n may include x n and y n Characteristic x n It is one of the values ​​of the transmitted signal, and characteristic y n It is one of the values ​​of the echo of the signal transmitted after being converted to digital by the ADC low ENOB block 500.

[0054] Later, for example when debug memory space 300 is full, PHY device 110 can read features from debug memory space 300 and transmit those features to processor 130. Processor 130 can then calculate the EC vector at time n according to the following equation. Note that y n Relative to x n Delay. Therefore, as an optimization, the PHY device 110 can capture x n Examples after and in capturing y n Examples of waiting for a pre-booked time period.

[0055]

[0056] Similar to the second embodiment, regarding the CE vector, the PHY device 110 can capture characteristics based on the received signal and store said characteristics in the debug memory space 300. Such characteristics at time n may include r n and d n Characteristic r n It is one of the values ​​of the received signal after being converted to digital by ADC block 230. Characteristic d n It is one of the values ​​of the received signal recovered from decision block 242.

[0057] Similar to the EC vector, the PHY device 110 can read features from the debug memory space 300 and transmit those features to the processor 130. The processor 130 then calculates the CE vector at time n according to the following equation. Note that d n Relative to r n Delay. Therefore, as an optimization, the PHY device 110 can capture r n Examples after and in capturing d n Examples of waiting for a pre-booked time period.

[0058]

[0059] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a method 600, executable by a computer system 100, to detect degradation in an automotive communication cable according to some embodiments. Regarding method 600, the cable being analyzed may be either cable 102 of the first and second embodiments or cables 400 and 402 of the third embodiment. In step 602, the PHY device 110 communicates with a link partner 120 in a first timing sequence. For example, the first timing sequence may be shortly after the manufacture of the vehicle. The communication may include transmitting and receiving signals via cable 102. Alternatively, the communication may include transmitting signals via cable 400 and receiving signals via cable 402.

[0060] In step 604, PHY device 110 captures characteristics of at least one signal communicating with link partner 120 in the first timing sequence. The characteristics captured in the first timing sequence are referred to herein as "raw characteristics". As discussed above, some characteristics are based on only transmitted signals or only received signals, while others are based on both transmitted and received signals. In step 606, computer system 100 uses the raw characteristics to determine degradation parameters. These degradation parameters are referred to herein as "raw degradation parameters". Processor 130 may store the raw degradation parameters in storage device 150.

[0061] For example, as discussed above, if the initial degradation parameter is SNR, then the PHY device 110 can determine the initial degradation parameter, for example, by calculating the SNR. The PHY device 110 can then transmit the initial degradation parameter to the processor 130. The processor 130 can then store the transmitted SNR in the storage device 150. As another example, as discussed above, if the initial degradation parameter is an EC or CE vector, then the PHY device 110 can transmit the initial characteristic to the processor 130. The processor 130 can then calculate the EC or CE vector based on the initial characteristic and store the EC or CE vector in the storage device 150.

[0062] In step 608, PHY device 110 communicates with link partner 120 in a second timing sequence following the first timing sequence. For example, the second timing sequence could be the next time the vehicle operator starts the vehicle or the end of a monitoring cycle during vehicle operation. Similar to the first timing sequence, the communication may include transmitting and receiving signals via cable 102, or alternatively, transmitting and receiving signals via cable 400. In step 610, PHY device 110 captures a characteristic of at least one signal communicated with link partner 120 in the second timing sequence. The characteristic captured in the second timing sequence is referred to herein as a “new characteristic.”

[0063] In step 612, computer system 100 uses the new feature to determine a degradation parameter. This degradation parameter is referred to herein as the "new degradation parameter". Like the original degradation parameter, the new degradation parameter may be determined by PHY device 110 and communicated to processor 130, or may be determined by processor 130 itself. In step 614, computer system 100 compares the original degradation parameter with the new degradation parameter to determine whether the difference between them indicates degradation, for example, in cable 102 or in one of cables 400 and 402. Processor 130 may read the original degradation parameter from storage device 150 for comparison.

[0064] For example, if the original and new degradation parameters are EC or CE vectors, then processor 130 can compare the values ​​of the original and new degradation parameters. If the difference is greater than a threshold, then the difference indicates the presence of degradation. Otherwise, the difference indicates no degradation or no significant degradation. As another example, if the original and new degradation parameters are SNR, then processor 130 can compare the values ​​of SNR. If the difference is greater than a threshold, then the difference indicates degradation. Otherwise, the difference indicates no degradation or no significant degradation.

[0065] In step 616, if the difference indicates degradation, then method 600 proceeds to step 618. In step 618, processor 130 generates a degradation warning indicating degradation in cable 102 or one of cables 400 and 402. In step 620, processor 130 communicates the degradation warning information to, for example, the driver of the vehicle or a technician servicing the vehicle. For example, if processor 130 is the CPU of the vehicle's ECU, then processor 130 may update the vehicle's monitor to display the warning. As another example, if processor 130 is the CPU of a standalone computer, then processor 130 may update the computer's display or a monitor connected to said computer to display the warning.

[0066] After step 620, method 600 ends. Returning to step 616, if the difference between the original and new degradation parameters indicates no degradation or no significant degradation, then method 600 ends. As mentioned above, the original and new degradation parameters can be the ratio of FEC errors encountered. Therefore, communication with link component 120 in step 602 can include receiving several signals from link component 120 within a time interval; that is, the first timing can be a first time interval. Similarly, communication with link component 120 in step 608 can include receiving several signals within a second time interval. During such time intervals, PHY device 110 can transmit several encountered FEC errors to processor 130.

[0067] Processor 130 can calculate the original degradation parameter as the rate of encountering FEC errors within a first time interval and the new degradation parameter as the rate of encountering FEC errors within a second time interval. According to this example, in step 614, processor 130 can determine whether the rate of the new degradation parameter is greater than the rate of the original degradation parameter or whether the rate of the new degradation parameter is greater than a threshold amount. If so, this determination indicates degradation. Otherwise, the determination indicates no degradation or no significant degradation.

[0068] It should be noted that method 600 can be performed without interrupting the normal operation of the vehicle. In fact, method 600 can be performed in the background while the vehicle is being operated and the PHY device 110 is communicating with link partner 120 to support typical operation of the vehicle. It should also be noted that degradation parameters can be determined periodically, for example, each time the operator starts the vehicle or at the end of a monitoring period while the vehicle is operating. Each time degradation parameters are determined, they can be compared with, for example, a baseline. For example, steps 608 to 616 can be repeated periodically and compared with the original degradation parameters, and then, if the difference indicates degradation, steps 618 to 620 can be performed.

[0069] It should also be noted that although method 600 has been discussed with respect to a single original degradation parameter and a single new degradation parameter, the embodiments are not thereby limited. For example, in step 606, computer system 100 may use original characteristics (e.g., CE vector and EC vector) to determine multiple original degradation parameters. Later, in step 612, computer system 100 may use new characteristics (e.g., another CE vector and EC vector) to determine multiple new degradation parameters. Then, in step 614, computer system 100 may compare the original degradation parameters with the corresponding new degradation parameters. For example, if either of such comparisons indicates degradation, then computer system 100 may perform steps 618 and 620.

[0070] It should also be noted that although method 600 has been discussed in relation to determining a single original degradation parameter and a single new degradation parameter, multiple parameters of the same type can be determined. For example, near a first timing, PHY device 110 can capture multiple pairs of original characteristics of transmitted and received signals. Computer system 100 can then determine degradation parameters based on these original characteristics and combine the degradation parameters, for example, by averaging them, to determine combined original degradation parameters. Near a second timing, PHY device 110 can then capture multiple pairs of new characteristics of transmitted and received signals. Computer system 100 can then determine degradation parameters based on these new characteristics and combine the degradation parameters, for example, by averaging them, to determine combined new degradation parameters. Then, in step 614, computer system 100 can compare the combined original degradation parameters with the combined new degradation parameters. If the difference indicates degradation, then computer system 100 can perform steps 618 and 620.

[0071] The embodiments described herein can be operated using various computers that involve data stored in a computer system. For example, these operations may require physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, but not necessarily, these quantities are electrical or magnetic signals that can be stored, transmitted, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated. Such manipulation is generally referred to in terms such as generating, identifying, determining, or comparing. Any operation described herein that forms part of one or more embodiments can be useful machine operations.

[0072] The embodiments described herein also relate to devices for performing these operations. These devices may be specifically configured for a desired purpose, or they may be general-purpose computers selectively activated or configured by computer programs stored in a computer. The embodiments described herein can also be practiced with computer system configurations including mobile computing devices, personal computers, server computers, microprocessor systems, mainframe computers, and combinations thereof, which can communicate across one or more networks.

[0073] The embodiments described herein also relate to one or more computer programs or as one or more computer program modules embodied in a computer-readable storage medium. The term computer-readable medium refers to any data storage device capable of storing data that can subsequently be input into a device or computer system. Computer-readable media can be based on any existing or subsequently developed technology that embodies a computer program in a manner that enables a computer to read the program. Examples of computer-readable media include disk drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), network-attached storage (NAS) systems, RAM, read-only memory (ROM), optical discs (CDs), digital versatile optical discs (DVDs), and other optical and non-optical data storage devices. Computer-readable media can also be distributed across a network-coupled computer system to enable distributed storage and execution of computer-readable code.

[0074] Although one or more embodiments of the invention have been described in some detail for clarity of understanding, certain changes may be made within the scope of the claims. Therefore, the described embodiments should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive, and the scope of the claims is not limited to the details given herein, but may be modified within the scope of the claims and their equivalents. In the claims, unless expressly stated in the claims, elements and steps do not imply any particular order of operation.

[0075] The boundaries between components, operations, and data storage are somewhat arbitrary, and specific operations are described within the context of a particular illustrative configuration. Other functional arrangements are contemplated and may fall within the scope of this invention. Generally, structures and functionalities presented as individual components can be implemented as combined components. Similarly, structures and functionalities presented as single components can be implemented as single components. These and other variations, additions, and modifications may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A computer system for a vehicle, comprising a processor and a physical layer PHY device configured to communicate with other components of the vehicle via at least a first cable, wherein the computer system is configured to perform the following steps to detect degradation in the first cable: The PHY device and the first cable are used in a first timing sequence to communicate with another component of the vehicle. A first characteristic is captured of at least one first signal communicating with the other component in the first timing sequence, and the first characteristic is used to determine a first degradation parameter; The PHY device and the first cable are used to communicate with the other component of the vehicle in a second timing sequence following the first timing sequence; Capture a second characteristic of at least one second signal communicating with the other component in the second timing sequence, and use the second characteristic to determine a second degradation parameter; and The first degradation parameter is compared with the second degradation parameter, and a degradation warning is generated if the difference between the first and second degradation parameters indicates degradation in the first cable.

2. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the first cable is a full-duplex cable, and communication with the other component of the vehicle in the first timing includes transmitting a first transmitted signal and receiving a first received signal via the first cable, and communication with the other component of the vehicle in the second timing includes transmitting a second transmitted signal and receiving a second received signal via the first cable.

3. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the first cable is a simplex cable, and communication with the other component of the vehicle in the first timing includes transmitting a first transmitted signal via the first cable and receiving a first received signal via a second cable separate from the first cable, and communication with the other component of the vehicle in the second timing includes transmitting a second transmitted signal via the first cable and receiving a second received signal via the second cable.

4. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the first cable is a simplex cable, and communication with the other component of the vehicle in the first timing includes transmitting a first transmitted signal via a second cable separate from the first cable and receiving a first received signal via the first cable, and communication with the other component of the vehicle in the second timing includes transmitting a second transmitted signal via the second cable and receiving a second received signal via the first cable.

5. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the adaptive filter of the PHY device captures the first and second characteristics and determines the first and second degradation parameters.

6. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the step further comprises: The first characteristic is stored in the debug memory space of the PHY device, and the first characteristic is read from the debug memory space to determine the first degradation parameter; and The second characteristic is stored in the debug memory space and read from the debug memory space to determine the second degradation parameter.

7. The computer system of claim 1, wherein the step further comprises: The PHY device waits for a predetermined period of time after capturing one of the first characteristics and before capturing the other of the first characteristics; and The PHY device waits for the predetermined time period after capturing one of the second characteristics and before capturing the other of the second characteristics.

8. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein Capturing the first characteristic includes capturing the original version of the value of the first received signal received by the PHY device via the first cable, and Capturing the second characteristic includes capturing the original version of the value of the second received signal received by the PHY device via the first cable.

9. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein Capturing the first characteristic includes capturing the value of a first version of a first received signal received by the PHY device via the first cable, eliminating a first echo in the first version of the first received signal, and capturing the first characteristic further includes capturing the value of a second version of the first received signal that has been decoded after adjustments based on the distortion of the first received signal. Capturing the second characteristic includes capturing the value of a first version of a second received signal received by the PHY device via the first cable, eliminating a second echo in the first version of the second received signal, and capturing the second characteristic further includes capturing the value of a second version of the second received signal that has been interpreted after adjustment based on the distortion of the second received signal.

10. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein Capturing the first characteristic includes capturing a value for estimating the channel of the first received signal received by the PHY device via the first cable, and Capturing the second characteristic includes capturing the value of the channel used to estimate the second received signal received by the PHY device via the first cable.

11. The computer system of claim 1, wherein comparing the first and second degradation parameters comprises one of the following: (1) comparing an echo cancellation (EC) vector for estimating and eliminating a first echo from a first transmitted signal transmitted by the PHY device via the first cable with an EC vector for estimating and eliminating a second echo from a second transmitted signal transmitted by the PHY device via the first cable; (2) comparing a channel estimation (CE) vector for estimating a first impulse response of a communication channel based on a first received signal received by the PHY device via the first cable with a CE vector for estimating a second impulse response of the communication channel based on a second received signal received by the PHY device via the first cable; (3) comparing a first signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) associated with the first received signal with a second SNR associated with the second received signal; and (4) determining that the rate of encountering forward error correction (FEC) errors in the second time interval is greater than the rate of encountering FEC errors in the first time interval.

12. A method for detecting degradation in a first cable, wherein a physical layer PHY device of a vehicle's computer system is configured to communicate with other components of the vehicle via the first cable, the method comprising: The PHY device and the first cable are used in a first timing sequence to communicate with another component of the vehicle. A first characteristic is captured of at least one first signal communicating with the other component in the first timing sequence, and the first characteristic is used to determine a first degradation parameter; The PHY device and the first cable are used to communicate with the other component of the vehicle in a second timing sequence following the first timing sequence; Capture a second characteristic of at least one second signal communicating with the other component in the second timing sequence, and use the second characteristic to determine a second degradation parameter; and The first degradation parameter is compared with the second degradation parameter, and a degradation warning is generated if the difference between the first and second degradation parameters indicates degradation in the first cable.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first cable is a full-duplex cable, and communication with the other component of the vehicle in the first timing includes transmitting a first transmitted signal and receiving a first received signal via the first cable, and communication with the other component of the vehicle in the second timing includes transmitting a second transmitted signal and receiving a second received signal via the first cable.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the first cable is a simplex cable, and communication with the other component of the vehicle in the first timing includes transmitting a first transmitted signal via the first cable and receiving a first received signal via a second cable separate from the first cable, and communication with the other component of the vehicle in the second timing includes transmitting a second transmitted signal via the first cable and receiving a second received signal via the second cable.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein the first cable is a simplex cable, and communication with the other component of the vehicle in the first timing includes transmitting a first transmitted signal via a second cable separate from the first cable and receiving a first received signal via the first cable, and communication with the other component of the vehicle in the second timing includes transmitting a second transmitted signal via the second cable and receiving a second received signal via the first cable.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising: The first characteristic is stored in the debug memory space of the PHY device and read from the debug memory space to determine the first degradation parameter; and The second characteristic is stored in the debug memory space and read from the debug memory space to determine the second degradation parameter.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising: The PHY device waits for a predetermined period of time after capturing one of the first characteristics and before capturing the other of the first characteristics; and The PHY device waits for the predetermined time period after capturing one of the second characteristics and before capturing the other of the second characteristics.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein Capturing the first characteristic includes capturing the original version of the value of the first received signal received by the PHY device via the first cable, and Capturing the second characteristic includes capturing the original version of the value of the second received signal received by the PHY device via the first cable.

19. A non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising instructions executable in a computer system of a vehicle, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the computer system to perform a method for detecting degradation in a first cable, the physical layer PHY device of the computer system being configured to communicate with other components of the vehicle via the first cable, and wherein the method comprises: Identify a first characteristic of at least one first signal transmitted between the PHY device and another component of the vehicle using the first cable in a first timing sequence, and use the first characteristic to determine a first degradation parameter; Identify a second characteristic of at least one second signal transmitted between the PHY device and the other component using the first cable in a second timing sequence following the first timing sequence, and use the second characteristic to determine a second degradation parameter; and The first degradation parameter is compared with the second degradation parameter, and a degradation warning is generated if the difference between the first and second degradation parameters indicates degradation in the first cable.

20. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 19, wherein comparing the first and second degradation parameters comprises one of: (1) comparing an echo cancellation (EC) vector for estimating and eliminating a first echo from a first transmitted signal transmitted by the PHY device via the first cable with an EC vector for estimating and eliminating a second echo from a second transmitted signal transmitted by the PHY device via the first cable; (2) comparing a channel estimation (CE) vector for estimating a first impulse response of a communication channel based on a first received signal received by the PHY device via the first cable with a CE vector for estimating a second impulse response of the communication channel based on a second received signal received by the PHY device via the first cable; (3) comparing a first signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) associated with the first received signal with a second SNR associated with the second received signal; and (4) determining that the rate of encountering forward error correction (FEC) errors in the second time interval is greater than the rate of encountering FEC errors in the first time interval.

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