Vehicle ECU module with communication channel expansion structure

By designing an automotive ECU module with a communication channel extension structure, and utilizing SPDT analog switches and channel switching circuits to achieve adaptive switching between CAN and LIN communication modes, the cost and interface inconsistency issues during communication node expansion are resolved, improving ease of use.

CN223553341UActive Publication Date: 2025-11-14LISHUI FOUNDER INTELLIGENT DRIVE INST CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202423055514.5
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-11
Publication Date
2025-11-14
Estimated Expiration
2034-12-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In the design of automotive communication systems, when temporarily adding communication nodes, existing technologies require additional costs or are inconvenient to operate, and there are also issues with inconsistent communication interfaces.

Method used

Design an automotive ECU module with a communication channel extension structure, including an MCU, input circuit, output circuit, power supply, communication module, connector, channel switching circuit and DB9 interface, and realize adaptive switching between CAN or LIN communication modes through SPDT analog switch and channel switching circuit.

Benefits of technology

It enables flexible expansion of communication nodes and adaptive switching to CAN or LIN communication modes, improving ease of use and the uniformity of communication interfaces.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model relates to a vehicle ECU module with a communication channel expansion structure, which comprises an MCU, an input loop, an output loop, a power supply and a communication module, the input loop, the output loop, the power supply and the communication module are respectively connected with the MCU, the communication module is further connected with a connector, the vehicle ECU module further comprises a channel switching circuit and a DB9 interface, the DB9 interface is connected with the connector through an SPDT analog switch U1, and the SPDT analog switch U1 is connected with the channel switching circuit. And the channel switching circuit provides a switching signal to drive the SPDT analog switch U1 to work, so that the DB9 interface works in a CAN or LIN communication mode. According to the utility model, the DB9 interface and the channel switching circuit are added in the existing ECU module, one communication node is added, and the channel switching circuit can enable the added communication node to work in a CAN communication mode or an LIN communication mode in a self-adaptive switching manner, so that the ECU module has abundant functions and is convenient to use.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of automotive communication technology, and in particular relates to a vehicle ECU module with a communication channel extension structure. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in automotive communication system design, sometimes a CAN bus interface is needed for device interconnection, and sometimes a LIN bus interface is needed. Typically, the communication nodes in a system are fixed. When a node needs to be added temporarily for device communication or technical debugging, insufficient CAN or LIN communication interfaces may not meet the user's needs. In such cases, there are generally two approaches: The first is to select an expansion port to split the node into multiple nodes; however, this method incurs additional costs, and the communication interfaces of each node controller may be inconsistent, requiring different expansion ports. The second method is to modify the wiring harness, adding CAN and LIN communication interfaces to it. However, this method requires custom-made additional debugging wiring harnesses, and both CAN and LIN require a reserved interface, making it inconvenient to operate and suitable only for mass production applications. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention aims to provide an automotive ECU module with a communication channel expansion structure. This ECU module can meet the needs of communication node expansion, and the added communication nodes are applicable to both CAN and LIN communication interfaces.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, this utility model adopts the following technical solution:

[0005] An automotive ECU module with a communication channel extension structure includes an MCU, and an input circuit, an output circuit, a power supply, and a communication module respectively connected to the MCU. The communication module is also connected to a connector, and includes a channel switching circuit and a DB9 interface. The DB9 interface is connected to the connector through an SPDT analog switch U1. The channel switching circuit provides a switching signal to drive the SPDT analog switch U1 to work, so that the DB9 interface works in CAN or LIN communication mode.

[0006] As a preferred embodiment, pin 2 of the DB9 interface is connected to the CANL pin provided by the communication module, pin 7 of the DB9 interface is connected to the CANH pin and LIN pin provided by the communication module through the SPDT analog switch U1, and pin 3 of the DB9 interface is grounded together with the ECU module.

[0007] As a preferred embodiment, pin A of the SPDT analog switch U1 is connected to pin 7 of the DB9 interface, pin S of the SPDT analog switch U1 is connected to the signal output pin of the channel switching circuit, and pins B1 and B2 of the SPDT analog switch U1 are connected to the CANH and LIN pins provided by the communication module, respectively.

[0008] As a preferred embodiment, the S pin of the SPDT analog switch U1 is also connected to the VCC supplied by the power supply via a pull-up resistor R1.

[0009] As a preferred embodiment, the channel switching circuit includes a comparator U2A, a latch U4, resistors R2 and R3, and a MOSFET Q1. Resistors R2 and R3 are connected in series between ground and the power supply VCC. The IN- pin of comparator U2A is connected between resistors R2 and R3, and the IN+ pin of comparator U2A is connected to the CANL pin provided by the communication module. The drain and source of MOSFET Q1 are connected to ground and the power supply VCC, respectively, and a resistor R5 is connected in series between the power supply VCC and the drain of MOSFET Q1. The gate of MOSFET Q1 is connected to the OUT pin of comparator U2A, and a resistor R4 is connected in series between the gate of MOSFET Q1 and pin 1 of comparator U2A. The LE pin of latch U4 is connected to resistor R5. Between the drain of MOSFET Q1 and the gate of MOSFET Q1, the LE pin of latch U4 is connected between resistor R4 and the gate of MOSFET Q1, the Q pin of latch U4 is connected to the S pin of SPDT analog switch U1, and the OE pin of latch U4 is grounded.

[0010] As a preferred embodiment, the SPDT analog switch U1 uses the SN74LVC1G3157 chip, the latch U4 uses the SN74LVC1G373 chip, the MOSFET Q1 is model S-LN2308LT1G, and the comparator U2A is model LM2903.

[0011] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0012] This invention adds a DB9 interface and a channel switching circuit to the existing ECU module, adding a communication node. The channel switching circuit enables the added communication node to adaptively switch between CAN and LIN communication modes. The ECU module of this invention is feature-rich and easy to use. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this application, are used to provide a further understanding of this application. The illustrative embodiments of this application and their descriptions are used to explain this application and do not constitute a limitation thereof.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic block diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0015] Figure 2 This is the circuit connection diagram of the DB9 interface and SPDT analog switch of this utility model;

[0016] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the channel switching circuit of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0017] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of this application. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0018] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0019] Furthermore, in the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0020] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise expressly defined.

[0021] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0024] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an automotive ECU module with a communication channel extension structure includes an MCU, and an input circuit, an output circuit, a power supply, and a communication module respectively connected to the MCU. The communication module is also connected to a connector, and includes a channel switching circuit and a DB9 interface. The DB9 interface is connected to the connector through an SPDT analog switch U1. The channel switching circuit provides a switching signal to drive the SPDT analog switch U1 to work, so that the DB9 interface works in CAN or LIN communication mode.

[0025] Pin 2 of the DB9 interface is connected to the CANL pin provided by the communication module, and pin 3 of the DB9 interface is grounded together with the ECU module. Pin A of the SPDT analog switch U1 is connected to pin 7 of the DB9 interface, pin S of the SPDT analog switch U1 is connected to the signal output pin of the channel switching circuit, and pins B1 and B2 of the SPDT analog switch U1 are connected to the CANH and LIN pins provided by the communication module, respectively. Pin S of the SPDT analog switch U1 is also connected to VCC provided by the power supply through a pull-up resistor R1. Initially, CAN communication is used by default; the pull-up resistor R1 is added to prevent voltage level confusion during initial power-on.

[0026] Since pin 7 of the DB9 interface corresponds to the CANH and LIN signals, an SPDT analog switch is used to switch between CAN and LIN communication. When the signal output pin of the channel switching circuit is high, pins B2 and A of the SPDT analog switch U1 are connected, thus connecting to CAN communication. When the signal output pin of the channel switching circuit is low, pins B1 and A of the SPDT analog switch U1 are connected, thus connecting to LIN communication. The S pin of the SPDT analog switch U1 controls whether pin A is connected to pin B1 or pin B2.

[0027] The channel switching circuit includes a comparator U2A, a latch U4, resistors R2 and R3, and a MOSFET Q1. Resistors R2 and R3 are connected in series between ground and the power supply VCC. The IN- pin of comparator U2A is connected between resistors R2 and R3, and the IN+ pin of comparator U2A is connected to the CANL pin provided by the communication module. The drain and source of MOSFET Q1 are connected to ground and the power supply VCC, respectively, and a resistor R5 is connected in series between the power supply VCC and the drain of MOSFET Q1. The gate of MOSFET Q1 is connected to the OUT pin of comparator U2A, and a resistor R4 is connected in series between the gate of MOSFET Q1 and pin 1 of comparator U2A. The LE pin of latch U4 is connected to resistor R5. Between the drain of MOSFET Q1 and the gate of MOSFET Q1, the LE pin of latch U4 is connected between resistor R4 and the gate of MOSFET Q1, the Q pin of latch U4 is connected to the S pin of SPDT analog switch U1, and the OE pin of latch U4 is grounded.

[0028] Communication channel adaptive switching implementation:

[0029] If the DB9 interface is connected to CAN communication, pin 2 of the DB9 interface is connected to the CANL signal. The CANL level jumps between 0 and 2.5V. When the CANL level jumps to 2.5V, the voltage of VCANL is greater than the voltage division of R2 and R3, so the comparator U2A outputs a high level. When the comparator U2A outputs a high level, MOSFET Q1 is turned on. At this time, the LE pin of latch U4 is at a low level, entering the latching state. Therefore, the Q pin of latch U4 always outputs a high level, thereby connecting the B2 pin and the A pin of latch U4 and entering CAN communication.

[0030] When switching to LIN communication, pin 2 of the DB9 interface is not connected and is grounded. Therefore, the comparator U2A outputs a low level. At this time, MOSFET Q1 is cut off, and the LE pin of latch U4 is high. The previous latch state is reset, and it enters the follow state (that is, the Q pin of latch U4 follows the D pin of latch U4). At this time, the D pin of latch U4 is always low, and the Q pin of latch U4 is also low, thus connecting the B1 pin and A pin of latch U4 and entering LIN communication.

[0031] In this invention, the SPDT analog switch U1 uses the SN74LVC1G3157 chip, the latch U4 uses the SN74LVC1G373 chip, the MOSFET Q1 is model S-LN2308LT1G, and the comparator U2A is model LM2903.

[0032] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0033] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle ECU module with a communication channel expansion structure, comprising an MCU, and an input circuit, an output circuit, a power supply, and a communication module respectively connected to the MCU, wherein the communication module is further connected to a connector, characterized in that: It also includes a channel switching circuit and a DB9 interface. The DB9 interface is connected to the connector via an SPDT analog switch U1. The channel switching circuit provides a switching signal to drive the SPDT analog switch U1 to work, so that the DB9 interface works in CAN or LIN communication mode.

2. The vehicle ECU module with communication channel extension structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Pin 2 of the DB9 interface is connected to the CANL pin provided by the communication module. Pin 7 of the DB9 interface is connected to the CANH pin and LIN pin provided by the communication module through the SPDT analog switch U1. Pin 3 of the DB9 interface is grounded together with the ECU module.

3. The vehicle ECU module with communication channel extension structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The A pin of the SPDT analog switch U1 is connected to pin 7 of the DB9 interface, the S pin of the SPDT analog switch U1 is connected to the signal output pin of the channel switching circuit, and the B1 and B2 pins of the SPDT analog switch U1 are connected to the CANH and LIN pins provided by the communication module, respectively.

4. The vehicle ECU module with communication channel extension structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The S pin of the SPDT analog switch U1 is also connected to the VCC supplied by the power supply via a pull-up resistor R1.

5. A vehicle ECU module with a communication channel extension structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The channel switching circuit includes a comparator U2A, a latch U4, resistors R2 and R3, and a MOSFET Q1. Resistors R2 and R3 are connected in series between ground and the power supply VCC. The IN- pin of comparator U2A is connected between resistors R2 and R3, and the IN+ pin of comparator U2A is connected to the CANL pin provided by the communication module. The drain and source of MOSFET Q1 are connected to ground and the power supply VCC, respectively, and the power supply VCC is connected to the drain of MOSFET Q1. A resistor R5 is connected in series between them. The gate of the MOSFET Q1 is connected to the OUT pin of the comparator U2A, and a resistor R4 is connected in series between the gate of the MOSFET Q1 and pin 1 of the comparator U2A. The LE pin of the latch U4 is connected between the resistor R5 and the drain of the MOSFET Q1. The LE pin of the latch U4 is connected between the resistor R4 and the gate of the MOSFET Q1. The Q pin of the latch U4 is connected to the S pin of the SPDT analog switch U1. The OE pin of the latch U4 is grounded.

6. A vehicle ECU module with a communication channel extension structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, The SPDT analog switch U1 uses the SN74LVC1G3157 chip, the latch U4 uses the SN74LVC1G373 chip, the MOSFET Q1 is model S-LN2308LT1G, and the comparator U2A is model LM2903.