Edge component based on a vehicle network system and vehicle network system

Abstract

The application relates to an edge component based on a vehicle network system and the vehicle network system. The edge component comprises a protocol conversion module, a signal acquisition module and a load driving module; the protocol conversion module is connected with a control chip of the vehicle network system; the signal acquisition module is connected with the protocol conversion module and a sensor; the load driving module is connected with the protocol conversion module and an actuator; the signal acquisition module acquires monitoring data of the sensor, the protocol conversion module transmits the monitoring data to the control chip after protocol conversion; the protocol conversion module receives a control instruction transmitted by the control chip, transmits the control instruction to the load driving module after protocol conversion, and the load driving module controls the actuator according to the control instruction. The protocol conversion module only has the functions of protocol conversion and data forwarding, all monitoring data are collected to the control chip, and then the actuator is controlled based on the control instruction of the control chip, so that the control precision is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of communication technology, and in particular to an edge component based on a vehicle network system and the vehicle network system itself. Background Technology

[0002] Vehicle electronic and electrical architectures include distributed electronic and electrical architectures and domain-centralized electronic and electrical architectures. In a distributed electronic and electrical architecture, each functional module has an independent control unit responsible for specific tasks, such as engine management, braking system, and door control. In a domain-centralized electronic and electrical architecture, the entire vehicle is divided into multiple domains, each corresponding to different functions, such as powertrain domain, chassis domain, body domain, and autonomous driving domain.

[0003] Current vehicle electronic and electrical architectures, whether distributed or domain-centralized, all feature multiple independent control units. Each control unit connects to sensors and actuators corresponding to its function. During actual control, it acquires monitoring data from the sensors and generates control commands for the corresponding actuators based on this data. These control commands then control the actuators, enabling the control unit to perform its assigned function. However, current technologies dedicate a separate control unit to each function, resulting in high design costs. Utility Model Content

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an edge component based on a vehicle network system and a vehicle network system to address the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0005] In a first aspect, this application provides an edge component based on a vehicle network system. The edge component is disposed within the vehicle near an actuator or sensor. The edge component includes: a protocol conversion module, a signal acquisition module, and a load driving module. The protocol conversion module is connected to the control chip of the vehicle network system. The signal acquisition module is connected to the protocol conversion module and sensors within a preset range. The load driving module is connected to the protocol conversion module and actuators within the preset range. The signal acquisition module acquires monitoring data from the sensors, and the protocol conversion module performs protocol conversion on the monitoring data before transmitting it to the control chip. The protocol conversion module receives control commands transmitted by the control chip, performs protocol conversion on the control commands, and transmits them to the load driving module. The load driving module controls the actuators according to the control commands.

[0006] In one embodiment, the load driving module includes a high-side driving chip and a low-side driving chip; the high-side driving chip is connected to a protocol conversion module and an actuator of a first driving type; the low-side driving chip is connected to a protocol conversion module and an actuator of a second driving type; the power of the actuator of the first driving type is greater than the power of the actuator of the second driving type.

[0007] In one embodiment, the signal acquisition module includes: a digital signal acquisition chip and an analog signal acquisition chip; the digital signal acquisition chip is connected to a protocol conversion module and a digital signal type sensor; the analog signal acquisition chip is connected to the protocol conversion module and an analog signal type sensor.

[0008] In one embodiment, the digital signal acquisition chip includes: a high-level active digital signal acquisition chip and a low-level active digital signal acquisition chip; the high-level active digital signal acquisition chip is connected to a protocol conversion module and a high-level active sensor; the low-level active digital signal acquisition chip is connected to the protocol conversion module and a low-level active sensor.

[0009] In one embodiment, the edge component further includes: an interface matching circuit; the interface matching circuit is connected to the protocol conversion module, the signal acquisition module, and the load driving module respectively; the interface matching circuit is used to filter and amplify the monitoring data acquired by the signal acquisition module and then transmit it to the protocol conversion module; and to filter and amplify the control commands transmitted by the protocol conversion module and then transmit them to the load driving module.

[0010] In one embodiment, the edge component further includes: a Power over Ethernet (PoE) power supply; the protocol conversion module is connected to the control chip via a dedicated cable; the dedicated cable simultaneously transmits the monitoring data, the control commands, and electrical energy; the input terminal of the PoE power supply is connected to the dedicated cable, and the output terminal of the PoE power supply is connected to at least one of the protocol conversion module, the signal acquisition module, or the load drive module; for receiving electrical energy transmitted by the dedicated cable and providing a first voltage to at least one of the protocol conversion module, the signal acquisition module, or the load drive module.

[0011] In one embodiment, the edge component further includes: a power management module and a power distribution module; the power management module is connected to an external power source and the power distribution module respectively, and is used to transmit electrical energy provided by the external power source to the power distribution module; the power distribution module is connected to the sensor and the actuator respectively, and is used to supply power to the sensor and the actuator respectively.

[0012] In one embodiment, the power management module is connected to at least one of the protocol conversion module, signal acquisition module, or load drive module; the power management module is used to provide a second voltage to at least one of the protocol conversion module, signal acquisition module, or load drive module.

[0013] In one embodiment, the edge component further includes: a LIN communication chip and / or a CAN communication chip; the LIN communication chip is connected to the protocol conversion module and a LIN communication protocol sensor or a LIN communication protocol actuator, respectively; the CAN communication chip is connected to the protocol conversion module and a CAN communication protocol sensor or a CAN communication protocol actuator, respectively.

[0014] Secondly, this application also provides a vehicle network system, the vehicle network system comprising: a control chip and any of the edge components described in the first aspect; each edge component is respectively disposed within a preset range of a corresponding sensor and actuator; the control chip is sequentially connected to a plurality of edge components to form a data loop.

[0015] The aforementioned edge component based on the vehicle network system, along with the vehicle network system itself, places the edge component within the vehicle near actuators or sensors. The edge component includes a protocol conversion module, a signal acquisition module, and a load drive module. The protocol conversion module connects to the control chip of the vehicle network system; the signal acquisition module connects to the protocol conversion module and sensors within a preset range; and the load drive module connects to the protocol conversion module and actuators within a preset range. The signal acquisition module collects monitoring data from the sensors, and the protocol conversion module converts the monitoring data according to the protocol before transmitting it to the control chip. The protocol conversion module receives control commands transmitted from the control chip, converts the control commands according to the protocol, and transmits them to the load drive module. The load drive module controls the actuators according to the control commands. By placing the edge component within the vehicle near actuators or sensors, replacing the control unit in related technologies, design costs are reduced. The protocol conversion module sends monitoring data to the control chip and receives control commands from the control chip to control the actuators. Thus, the protocol conversion module only performs protocol conversion and data forwarding functions, aggregating all monitoring data to the control chip, and then controlling the actuators based on the control commands from the control chip, further improving control accuracy. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an edge component in one embodiment;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the edge component in another embodiment;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the edge component in yet another embodiment;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an edge component with an interface matching circuit in one embodiment;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an edge component equipped with an Ethernet power supply in one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an edge component in one embodiment where a power management module is provided;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an edge component with a communication chip in one embodiment;

[0023] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a vehicle network system in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the application is described and illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the application. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments provided in this application without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, it is understood that although the efforts made in such a development process may be complex and lengthy, for those skilled in the art related to the content disclosed in this application, modifications to design, manufacturing, or production based on the technical content disclosed in this application are merely conventional technical means and should not be construed as insufficient disclosure of the content of this application.

[0026] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment that is mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application may be combined with other embodiments without conflict.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, the technical or scientific terms used in this application shall have the ordinary meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains. The terms “a,” “an,” “an,” “the,” and similar words used in this application do not indicate quantity limitation and may indicate singular or plural. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” and any variations thereof used in this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or modules (units) is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may also include steps or units not listed, or may include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices. The terms “connected,” “linked,” “coupled,” and similar words used in this application are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect. “Multiple” used in this application means two or more. “And / or” describes the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships may exist; for example, “A and / or B” can represent: A alone, A and B simultaneously, and B alone. The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., used in this application are merely to distinguish similar objects and do not represent a specific ordering of the objects.

[0028] Vehicle electrical / electronic architecture (E / E Architecture) is a core component of modern automotive design, defining the connections between various electronic control units (ECUs), sensors, actuators, and other electronic devices within the vehicle. Current technologies include distributed E / E architecture and domain-centralized E / E architecture.

[0029] Distributed electrical and electronic architecture (EDA) represents an early form of vehicle EEA architecture. In DEA, the vehicle's electrical and electronic system consists of multiple independent control units, each controlling a specific vehicle function. For example, the engine control unit controls the engine's operating status, while the brake control unit controls the braking system's operating status. Control units exchange data via a control bus. While DEA offers high reliability, good security, and simple system design, with the further development of vehicle electrification and intelligence, it has become insufficient to meet the demands of vehicle system integration and control.

[0030] In a domain-centralized electrical and electronic architecture, the vehicle's electrical and electronic system is divided into different domains, each responsible for controlling specific vehicle functions. For example, the body control domain controls the vehicle's body functions, while the driver information domain controls the vehicle's information display system. Different domains exchange data via a domain bus and coordinate control among themselves, forming relatively independent subsystems. This domain-centralized architecture improves the integration and efficiency of the vehicle's electrical and electronic system, reduces the number of control units compared to a distributed architecture, simplifies system design and maintenance, and enhances system reliability.

[0031] Current vehicle electronic and electrical architectures, whether distributed or centralized, all feature multiple independent control units. Each control unit connects to sensors and actuators corresponding to its function. During actual control, it acquires monitoring data from the sensors and generates control commands for the actuators based on this data. These commands then control the actuators, enabling the control unit to perform its assigned function. However, current technologies, with each function having its own control unit, suffer from high design costs. Furthermore, the independent control of multiple units fails to integrate all vehicle data, resulting in low control precision.

[0032] The vehicle network system provided in this application further integrates control units based on a domain-centralized electronic and electrical architecture. The vehicle's electronic and electrical systems are integrated into a single control chip for control. This control chip simultaneously controls multiple vehicle functions, forming a highly integrated system. For example, multiple onboard sensors are connected to the same control chip via edge components, allowing the control chip to simultaneously control the data acquisition and processing of these sensors, achieving efficient data sharing. Furthermore, the software and hardware of this vehicle network system can be modularly designed, enabling rapid software upgrades and maintenance, and improving the scalability and upgradeability of the entire vehicle's hardware and software.

[0033] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1As shown, an edge component 1 based on a vehicle network system is provided. The edge component 1 is located inside the vehicle near the actuator 30 or sensor 20. Specifically, the edge component 1 is located inside the vehicle, and its position is close to the corresponding actuator 30 or sensor 20. It is understood that the location of the edge component 1 needs to be determined based on the structural environment surrounding the corresponding actuator 30 or sensor 20 inside the vehicle. Its location should be as close as possible to the corresponding actuator 30 or sensor 20, following the principle of proximity design. The closer it is to the corresponding actuator 30 or sensor 20, the fewer wiring harnesses are used, and the faster the data transmission. For example, the actuator 30 can be a window controller, and the corresponding sensor 20 can be a sensor for detecting window opening / closing and a sensor for monitoring the window opening size, etc. In this case, the edge component 1 needs to be placed near the window. Similarly, the actuator 30 can be a headlight controller, and the corresponding sensor 20 can be a sensor for detecting headlight on / off and a light sensor, etc. In this case, the edge component 1 needs to be placed near the headlight. Actuator 30 can be a controller for the charging port cover, with corresponding sensor 20 detecting the opening and closing of the charging port cover. In this case, edge component 1 needs to be placed near the charging port cover. Actuator 30 can be a controller for the vehicle door, with corresponding sensor 20 detecting door opening / closing and door opening position, etc. In this case, edge component 1 needs to be placed near the vehicle door. Actuator 30 can be a controller for the air conditioning system, with corresponding sensor 20 being an air conditioning temperature sensor and an air conditioning on / off sensor, etc. In this case, edge component 1 needs to be placed near the air conditioning system. Actuator 30 can be a controller for the rearview mirror, with corresponding sensor 20 being a rain sensor and a rearview mirror tilt angle sensor, etc. In this case, edge component 1 needs to be placed near the rearview mirror. Actuator 30 can be a controller for the windshield wipers, with corresponding sensor 20 being a rain sensor and a windshield wiper on / off sensor, etc. In this case, edge component 1 needs to be placed near the windshield wipers. Understandably, for the entire vehicle environment, edge components 1 need to be set for all actuators 30 and their corresponding sensors 20. During setup, one edge component 1 can be set for each hardware actuator 30 and its corresponding sensor 20; alternatively, based on the distance between the hardware components, one edge component 1 can be set for multiple hardware actuators 30 and their corresponding sensors 20 that are close together. For example, since the distance between the car door and the window is relatively short, one edge component 1 can be set for both the door and the window.

[0034] Edge component 1 includes a protocol conversion module 100, a signal acquisition module 200, and a load drive module 300. The protocol conversion module 100 is connected to the control chip 10 of the vehicle network system, the signal acquisition module 200 is connected to the protocol conversion module 100 and sensors 20 within a preset range, and the load drive module 300 is connected to the protocol conversion module 100 and actuators 30 within a preset range.

[0035] The protocol conversion module 100 serves as the communication hub for the edge component 1, used for data interaction and protocol conversion with the control chip 10. To improve data transmission speed, the protocol conversion module 100 can connect to the control chip 10 of the vehicle network system via Ethernet or fiber optic cable. The Ethernet link can provide at least 10 Mbps bandwidth, and the fiber optic link can provide at least 25 Gbps or 50 Gbps bandwidth.

[0036] The signal acquisition module 200 is connected to the sensors 20 within a preset range of the edge component 1 at the corresponding vehicle position. For example, if the edge component 1 is located near the rearview mirror, the signal acquisition module 200 is connected to a rain sensor and a rearview mirror tilt angle sensor. If the edge component 1 is located near the air conditioner, the signal acquisition module 200 is connected to an air conditioner temperature sensor and an air conditioner on / off sensor. If the edge component 1 is located near the headlights, the signal acquisition module 200 is connected to a headlight on / off sensor and a light sensor. The signal acquisition module 200 is used to acquire monitoring data from the corresponding sensors 20 and transmit the monitoring data to the protocol conversion module 100. The signal acquisition module 200 can be a chip with signal acquisition function or a circuit capable of signal acquisition. This embodiment does not impose specific limitations, as long as the signal acquisition module 200 can acquire monitoring data from the sensors 20.

[0037] The load drive module 300 is connected to the actuator 30 of the edge component 1 within a preset range corresponding to the vehicle position. For example, if the edge component 1 is located near the rearview mirror, the load drive module 300 is connected to the rearview mirror controller. If the edge component 1 is located near the air conditioner, the load drive module 300 is connected to the air conditioner controller. If the edge component 1 is located near the headlights, the load drive module 300 is connected to the headlight controller. The load drive module 300 is used to acquire control commands transmitted by the protocol conversion module 100 and control the corresponding actuator 30 according to the control commands. The load drive module 300 can be a chip with driving function or a circuit capable of driving. This embodiment does not make specific limitations, as long as the load drive module 300 can achieve driving control of the actuator 30.

[0038] In practical use, when edge component 1 needs to send monitoring data from sensor 20 to control chip 10, signal acquisition module 200 acquires the monitoring data from sensor 20 and transmits it to protocol conversion module 100. Protocol conversion module 100 converts the monitoring data according to the protocol before transmitting it to control chip 10. The monitoring data from sensor 20 acquired by signal acquisition module 200 is monitoring data of a first protocol type. Taking the connection between protocol conversion module 100 and control chip 10 via an Ethernet link as an example, in order to enable the protocol type of the monitoring data to be transmitted to control chip 10 via the Ethernet link, the monitoring data of the first protocol type needs to be converted to monitoring data of a second protocol type, which is compatible with the Ethernet link. The first protocol type is a bus protocol or an input / output interface protocol. Protocol conversion module 100 receives the monitoring data of the first protocol type transmitted by signal acquisition module 200, converts the monitoring data of the first protocol type to monitoring data of the second protocol type, and sends the monitoring data of the second protocol type to control chip 10.

[0039] In practical use, when edge component 1 needs to send control commands from control chip 10 to load drive module 300, protocol conversion module 100 receives the control commands transmitted by control chip 10, performs protocol conversion on the control commands, and then transmits them to load drive module 300. Load drive module 300 controls actuator 30 according to the control commands. Specifically, the control commands transmitted by control chip 10 are of a second protocol type. To enable the control commands to be transmitted to load drive module 300, the second protocol type control commands need to be converted to a first protocol type control commands. The first protocol type is a bus protocol or input / output interface protocol, while the second protocol type is compatible with Ethernet links. Protocol conversion module 100 receives the second protocol type control commands transmitted by control chip 10, converts them to the first protocol type control commands, and transmits the first protocol type control commands to load drive module 300. Load drive module 300 then controls actuator 30 according to the control commands.

[0040] The protocol conversion module 100 can be an E2B (Ethernet to Bus) type chip. It converts Ethernet protocol message content into various standard bus protocols or I / O interface protocols via hardware and transmits them to the sensor 20 or actuator 30. No coding is required within the protocol conversion module 100; configuration is changed by adjusting internal registers. The protocol conversion method can be any existing protocol conversion method; this embodiment does not impose a specific limitation.

[0041] This embodiment places the edge component 1 within the vehicle near the actuator 30 or sensor 20. The edge component 1 includes a protocol conversion module 100, a signal acquisition module 200, and a load drive module 300. The protocol conversion module 100 is connected to the control chip 10 of the vehicle network system. The signal acquisition module 200 is connected to the protocol conversion module 100 and the sensors 20 within a preset range. The load drive module 300 is connected to the protocol conversion module 100 and the actuators 30 within a preset range. The signal acquisition module 200 acquires monitoring data from the sensors 20. The protocol conversion module 100 converts the monitoring data according to a protocol and transmits it to the control chip 10. The protocol conversion module 100 receives control commands transmitted from the control chip 10, converts the control commands according to a protocol, and transmits them to the load drive module 300. The load drive module 300 controls the actuator 30 according to the control commands. By placing the edge component 1 within the vehicle near the actuator 30 or sensor 20, it replaces the control unit in related technologies, thereby reducing design costs. The protocol conversion module 100 sends the monitoring data to the control chip 10 and receives the control commands from the control chip 10 to control the actuator 30. Thus, the protocol conversion module 100 only performs protocol conversion and data forwarding functions, summarizes all monitoring data to the control chip 10, and then controls the actuator 30 based on the control commands of the control chip 10, thereby further improving the control accuracy.

[0042] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the load drive module 300 includes a high-side drive chip 310 and a low-side drive chip 320; the high-side drive chip 310 is connected to the protocol conversion module 100 and the first drive type actuator 30; the low-side drive chip 320 is connected to the protocol conversion module 100 and the second drive type actuator 30; the power of the first drive type actuator 30 is greater than the power of the second drive type actuator 30.

[0043] The high-side drive chip 310 can be a drive circuit used to control the switching between the positive terminal of the power supply and the load. It can achieve high voltage and high current output by integrating power devices such as MOSFETs. The actuator 30 of the first drive type can be an actuator that requires high voltage, high current, or high power drive. For example, the actuator 30 of the first drive type can include an electric power steering system, a high-pressure fuel injector, a motor, and headlights. The high-side drive chip 310 is connected to both the protocol conversion module 100 and the actuator 30 of the first drive type. The protocol conversion module 100 sends control commands to the high-side drive chip 310, and the high-side drive chip 310 controls the corresponding actuator 30 through the control commands. The load drive module 300 can be equipped with multiple high-side drive chips 310, each of which is connected to a different actuator 30. The specific number of high-side drive chips 310 is not specifically limited in this embodiment and needs to be set according to actual usage requirements.

[0044] The low-side driver chip 320 can be a drive circuit for controlling the connection and disconnection between the load and the ground terminal, and signal transmission can be achieved through transistors or low-cost driver integrated circuits. The actuator 30 of the second drive type can be an actuator with low power requirements. For example, the actuator 30 of the second drive type can include relays and indicator lights, etc. The low-side driver chip 320 is connected to both the protocol conversion module 100 and the actuator 30 of the second drive type. The protocol conversion module 100 sends control commands to the low-side driver chip 320, and the low-side driver chip 320 controls the corresponding actuator 30 through the control commands. The load drive module 300 can be equipped with multiple low-side driver chips 320, and each low-side driver chip 320 is connected to a different actuator 30. The specific number of low-side driver chips 320 is not specifically limited in this embodiment and needs to be set according to actual usage requirements.

[0045] This embodiment achieves power matching between high-power and low-power actuators by employing differentiated hardware design with high-side drive chip 310 and low-side drive chip 320, thereby improving system reliability and enhancing actuator response speed while ensuring control accuracy.

[0046] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the signal acquisition module 200 includes: a digital signal acquisition chip 210 and an analog signal acquisition chip 220; the digital signal acquisition chip 210 is connected to the protocol conversion module 100 and the digital signal type sensor 20; the analog signal acquisition chip 220 is connected to the protocol conversion module 100 and the analog signal type sensor 20.

[0047] The digital signal acquisition chip 210 can be an integrated circuit specifically designed for receiving and processing the output of digital sensors. It directly reads and converts digital signals via a bus protocol or input / output interface protocol. For example, the digital signal acquisition chip 210 may include a dedicated protocol parsing chip supporting SPI or I²C interfaces. The digital signal type sensor 20 can be a sensor that outputs discrete states or encoded data, such as binary switch signals or encoder signals. For example, the digital signal type sensor 20 may include a switch, etc. The digital signal acquisition chip 210 is connected to both the protocol conversion module 100 and the digital signal type sensor 20. The digital signal acquisition chip 210 acquires the monitoring data from the digital signal type sensor 20 and transmits the monitoring data to the protocol conversion module 100. The signal acquisition module 200 can be configured with multiple digital signal acquisition chips 210, each connected to a different digital signal type sensor 20. The specific number of digital signal acquisition chips 210 is not specifically limited in this embodiment and needs to be set according to actual usage requirements.

[0048] The analog signal acquisition chip 220 can be an integrated circuit for receiving and processing the output of a continuous physical quantity sensor. It integrates an operational amplifier, a filter circuit, and an ADC module to read and convert analog signals. For example, the analog signal acquisition chip 220 may include a sensor interface chip integrating a 24-bit high-precision ADC. The analog signal type sensor 20 can be a continuous physical quantity sensor that outputs voltage or current signals. For example, the analog signal type sensor 20 may include a temperature sensor or a pressure sensor. The analog signal acquisition chip 220 is connected to both the protocol conversion module 100 and the analog signal type sensor 20. The analog signal acquisition chip 220 acquires the monitoring data from the analog signal type sensor 20 and transmits the monitoring data to the protocol conversion module 100. The signal acquisition module 200 can be configured with multiple analog signal acquisition chips 220, each connected to a different analog signal type sensor 20. The specific number of analog signal acquisition chips 220 is not specifically limited in this embodiment and needs to be set according to actual usage requirements.

[0049] This embodiment improves the signal acquisition accuracy of the sensor 20 by using a digital signal acquisition chip 210 and an analog signal acquisition chip 220 to adapt to different types of sensors 20.

[0050] In one embodiment, the digital signal acquisition chip 210 includes: a high-level active digital signal acquisition chip 210 and a low-level active digital signal acquisition chip 210; the high-level active digital signal acquisition chip 210 is connected to the protocol conversion module 100 and the high-level active sensor 20; the low-level active digital signal acquisition chip 210 is connected to the protocol conversion module 100 and the low-level active sensor 20.

[0051] The high-level active digital signal acquisition chip 210 can be a digital signal processing chip whose input port is in a high-level logic valid state. The low-level active digital signal acquisition chip 210 can be a digital signal processing chip whose input port is in a low-level logic valid state. The high-level active sensor 20 can include a switch that is in an on state when the output level is high. The low-level active sensor 20 can include a switch that is in an on state when the output level is low. The high-level active digital signal acquisition chip 210 acquires the monitoring data of the high-level active sensor 20 and transmits the monitoring data to the protocol conversion module 100. The low-level active digital signal acquisition chip 210 acquires the monitoring data of the low-level active sensor 20 and transmits the monitoring data to the protocol conversion module 100.

[0052] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the edge component 1 also includes an interface matching circuit 400. The interface matching circuit 400 is connected to the protocol conversion module 100, the signal acquisition module 200, and the load drive module 300, respectively.

[0053] The interface matching circuit 400 can be an intermediate circuit used to achieve signal adaptation between different modules, and may include conventional signal processing circuits such as filtering circuits, impedance matching circuits, isolation circuits, and amplification circuits. The specific circuits in the interface matching circuit 400 can be configured according to actual usage requirements; this embodiment does not impose specific limitations. For example, when the load driving module 300 includes a high-side driver chip 310, the interface matching circuit 400 includes the recommended circuit given in the datasheet of the high-side driver chip 310. When the signal acquisition module 200 is an analog signal acquisition chip 220, the interface matching circuit 400 includes the recommended circuit given in the datasheet of the analog signal acquisition chip 220. Both the signal acquisition module 200 and the load driving module 300 are connected to the protocol conversion module 100 through the interface matching circuit 400.

[0054] When the signal acquisition module 200 needs to transmit monitoring data to the protocol conversion module 100, the interface matching circuit 400 receives the monitoring data transmitted by the signal acquisition module 200, filters and amplifies the monitoring data acquired by the signal acquisition module 200, and then transmits it to the protocol conversion module 100. When the protocol conversion module 100 needs to transmit control commands to the load drive module 300, the interface matching circuit 400 receives the control commands transmitted by the protocol conversion module 100, filters and amplifies the control commands transmitted by the protocol conversion module 100, and then transmits them to the load drive module 300.

[0055] In this embodiment, the interface matching circuit 400 is electrically connected to the protocol conversion module 100, the signal acquisition module 200, and the load drive module 300, thereby improving signal compatibility between the modules. By filtering and amplifying the monitoring data, the signal transmission quality is improved. By filtering and amplifying the control commands, the integrity of the drive signals is enhanced.

[0056] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, edge component 1 also includes: a Power over Ethernet (PoE) power supply 500. Protocol conversion module 100 is connected to control chip 10 via a dedicated cable; the dedicated cable simultaneously transmits monitoring data, control commands, and electrical energy. The input terminal of PoE power supply 500 is connected to the dedicated cable, and the output terminal of PoE power supply 500 is connected to at least one of protocol conversion module 100, signal acquisition module 200, or load drive module 300; it is used to receive electrical energy transmitted via the dedicated cable and provide a first voltage to at least one of protocol conversion module 100, signal acquisition module 200, or load drive module 300.

[0057] The dedicated cable can be a twisted-pair cable. When the protocol conversion module 100 is connected to the control chip 10 via an Ethernet link, Ethernet power supply is implemented through the twisted-pair cable. For example, one implementation is that data signals are typically transmitted at a higher frequency, while DC power is 0Hz. Because they occupy different frequency bands, they can coexist in parallel within the same twisted-pair cable without interfering with each other. Another implementation is that a standard Ethernet cable contains four twisted pairs; two pairs are used for data signal transmission, and the remaining two pairs are used for power transmission.

[0058] The protocol conversion module 100 is connected to the control chip 10 via a dedicated cable. It is used to acquire control commands transmitted by the control chip 10 via the dedicated cable, or to transmit monitoring data to the control chip 10 via the dedicated cable. The dedicated cable can be connected to the protocol conversion module 100 via a filter circuit. This filter circuit can be a filter circuit composed of capacitors and / or inductors.

[0059] The Power over Ethernet (PoE) power supply 500 can be a power conversion and distribution device that converts AC or DC power transmitted via a dedicated cable into a first voltage that meets the requirements of each module in the edge component 1. For example, it can be a dedicated PoE chip. The input of the PoE power supply 500 is connected to the dedicated cable to draw power from it. The PoE power supply 500 provides the first voltage to at least one of the protocol conversion module 100, signal acquisition module 200, or load drive module 300 via its output. In one embodiment, the PoE power supply can power all protocol conversion modules 100, signal acquisition modules 200, and load drive modules 300. In another embodiment, the first voltage is relatively low, thus it can power chips and circuits in the protocol conversion module 100, signal acquisition module 200, or load drive module 300 that require low voltage.

[0060] This embodiment achieves multiplexing of power and data transmission by integrating a Power over Ethernet 500, and completes synchronous transmission of power and signals through the twisted pair structure of a dedicated cable and the PoE standard protocol, thereby reducing the number of wiring harnesses in the vehicle.

[0061] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, the edge component 1 also includes a power management module 600 and a power distribution module 700. The power management module 600 is connected to both an external power source and the power distribution module 700, and is used to transmit electrical energy provided by the external power source to the power distribution module 700. The power distribution module 700 is connected to both the sensor 20 and the actuator 30, and is used to supply power to the sensor 20 and the actuator 30, respectively.

[0062] The power management module 600 is the core component for power conversion and distribution, used for power transmission, voltage regulation, overload protection, and power status monitoring. It is implemented through circuit structures such as a DC-DC converter, a low-dropout regulator (LDO), and a switching power supply. The power distribution module 700 is the intermediate link in power distribution, used for independent circuit isolation, load current distribution, and overcurrent protection. It is implemented through components such as multi-output circuits, fuses, or electronic switches.

[0063] The power management module 600 is connected to an external power source to obtain electrical energy. The power management module 600 is also connected to the power distribution module 700 to transmit electrical energy supplied by the external power source to the power distribution module 700. The power distribution module 700 is connected to all sensors 20 and all actuators 30 connected to the corresponding edge components 1 to supply power to all sensors 20 and all actuators 30.

[0064] In this embodiment, the power management module 600 is connected to the external power supply and the power distribution module 700 to achieve stable power conversion and isolated transmission. The power distribution module 700 is connected to the independent circuits of the sensor 20 and the actuator 30 to achieve precise power supply and interference isolation.

[0065] In one embodiment, the power management module 600 is connected to at least one of the protocol conversion module 100, the signal acquisition module 200, or the load drive module 300; the power management module 600 is used to provide a second voltage to at least one of the protocol conversion module 100, the signal acquisition module 200, or the load drive module 300.

[0066] In one embodiment, power can be supplied to all protocol conversion modules 100, signal acquisition modules 200, and load drive modules 300 via power management module 600. In another embodiment, the first voltage value is lower than the second voltage value, meaning the second voltage value is greater than the first voltage value. Therefore, the Ethernet power supply can power the low-voltage chips and circuits in the protocol conversion module 100, signal acquisition module 200, or load drive module 300, while the power management module 600 can power the high-voltage chips and circuits in these modules. This allows power to be supplied to all protocol conversion modules 100, signal acquisition modules 200, and load drive modules 300 via the Ethernet power supply and power management module 600.

[0067] In this embodiment, the power management module 600 provides a second voltage to the edge component 1, thereby meeting the multi-voltage requirements of the edge component 1.

[0068] In one embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the edge component 1 also includes: a LIN communication chip 800 and / or a CAN communication chip 900; the LIN communication chip 800 is connected to the protocol conversion module 100 and the LIN communication protocol sensor or LIN communication protocol actuator respectively; the CAN communication chip 900 is connected to the protocol conversion module 100 and the CAN communication protocol sensor or CAN communication protocol actuator respectively.

[0069] The LIN communication chip 800 is a communication integrated circuit compliant with the LIN bus protocol standard, capable of data interaction with sensors or actuators using the LIN protocol. The CAN communication chip 900 is a communication integrated circuit compliant with the CAN bus protocol standard, capable of data interaction with sensors or actuators using the CAN protocol.

[0070] The LIN communication chip 800 is used to acquire monitoring data from sensors using the LIN communication protocol and transmit this monitoring data to the protocol conversion module 100. It is also used to receive control commands transmitted by the protocol conversion module 100 and transmit these control commands to the LIN communication protocol actuator.

[0071] The CAN communication chip 900 is used to acquire monitoring data from sensors using the CAN communication protocol and transmit this monitoring data to the protocol conversion module 100. It is also used to receive control commands transmitted by the protocol conversion module 100 and transmit these control commands to the CAN communication protocol actuator.

[0072] Understandably, the LIN communication chip 800 can be directly connected to the protocol conversion module 100, or it can be connected to the protocol conversion module 100 through the interface matching circuit 400. Similarly, the CAN communication chip 900 can be directly connected to the protocol conversion module 100, or it can be connected to the protocol conversion module 100 through the interface matching circuit 400.

[0073] This embodiment improves the compatibility of edge component 1 by setting up LIN communication chip 800 and CAN communication chip 900.

[0074] In one embodiment, such as Figure 8 As shown, a vehicle network system is provided, comprising: a control chip 10 and any one of the edge components 1 in the above embodiments. Each edge component 1 is respectively disposed within a preset range of a corresponding sensor and actuator; the control chip 10 is sequentially connected to multiple edge components 1 to form a data loop.

[0075] The control chip 10 is sequentially connected to each edge component 1, thus forming a ring-shaped data loop. Alternatively, the edge components 1 can be divided into different device groups, with the control chip 10 sequentially connected to each edge component 1 within each device group, forming a ring-shaped data loop. In other words, multiple data loops can be constructed based on the number of device groups. The data loops can be networked with the control chip 10 in a daisy-chain topology, facilitating the addition or removal of edge components 1.

[0076] This embodiment utilizes edge components in conjunction with a control chip to achieve data acquisition and actuator control. The edge components acquire monitoring data from corresponding sensors and transmit the data to the control chip. The control chip obtains monitoring data from all edge components, generates control commands, and transmits these commands to the edge components, enabling them to control the actuators accordingly. This collaboration between edge components and the control chip improves the overall system response speed and reduces wiring costs. Applying RCP technology to a vehicle based on edge components, compared to traditional architectures, reduces the number of CAN chips and MCUs used, further lowering costs.

[0077] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0078] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed. However, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An edge component based on a vehicle network system, characterized by, The edge component is arranged in the vehicle close to the actuator or sensor, and comprises a protocol conversion module, a signal acquisition module and a load driving module; the protocol conversion module is connected with a control chip of a vehicle network system; the signal acquisition module is connected with the protocol conversion module and a sensor within a preset range; the load driving module is connected with the protocol conversion module and an actuator within a preset range; The signal acquisition module acquires monitoring data of the sensor, and the protocol conversion module transmits the monitoring data to the control chip after protocol conversion; The protocol conversion module receives a control instruction transmitted by the control chip, and transmits the control instruction to the load driving module after protocol conversion, and the load driving module controls the actuator according to the control instruction.

2. The edge assembly of claim 1, wherein, The load driving module comprises a high-side driving chip and a low-side driving chip; The high-side driving chip is connected with the protocol conversion module and an actuator of a first driving type; The low-side driving chip is connected with the protocol conversion module and an actuator of a second driving type; The power of the actuator of the first driving type is greater than that of the actuator of the second driving type.

3. The edge assembly of claim 1, wherein, The signal acquisition module comprises a digital signal acquisition chip and an analog signal acquisition chip; The digital signal acquisition chip is connected with the protocol conversion module and a sensor of a digital signal type; The analog signal acquisition chip is connected with the protocol conversion module and a sensor of an analog signal type.

4. The edge assembly of claim 3, wherein, The digital signal acquisition chip comprises a high-level effective digital signal acquisition chip and a low-level effective digital signal acquisition chip; The high-level effective digital signal acquisition chip is connected with the protocol conversion module and a high-level effective sensor; The low-level effective digital signal acquisition chip is connected with the protocol conversion module and a low-level effective sensor.

5. The edge assembly of claim 1, wherein, The edge component further comprises an interface matching circuit; The interface matching circuit is connected with the protocol conversion module, the signal acquisition module and the load driving module respectively; The interface matching circuit is used for filtering and amplifying the monitoring data collected by the signal acquisition module and transmitting the monitoring data to the protocol conversion module, and is used for filtering and amplifying the control instruction transmitted by the protocol conversion module and transmitting the control instruction to the load driving module.

6. The edge assembly of claim 1, wherein, The edge component further comprises a power over Ethernet power supply; The protocol conversion module is connected with the control chip through a dedicated cable; the dedicated cable simultaneously transmits the monitoring data, the control instruction and electric energy; An input end of the power over Ethernet power supply is connected to the dedicated cable, and an output end of the power over Ethernet power supply is connected with at least one of the protocol conversion module, the signal acquisition module or the load driving module; the power over Ethernet power supply is used for receiving electric energy transmitted by the dedicated cable and providing a first voltage to at least one of the protocol conversion module, the signal acquisition module or the load driving module.

7. The edge assembly of claim 1, wherein, The edge component further comprises a power management module and a power distribution module; The power management module is connected with an external power supply and the power distribution module respectively, and is used for transmitting electric energy provided by the external power supply to the power distribution module; The power distribution module is connected with the sensor and the actuator respectively, and is configured to supply power to the sensor and the actuator respectively.

8. The edge module of claim 7, wherein, The power management module is connected with at least one of the protocol conversion module, the signal acquisition module or the load driving module, and is configured to provide a second voltage to the at least one of the protocol conversion module, the signal acquisition module or the load driving module.

9. The edge assembly of claim 1, wherein, The edge module further comprises a LIN communication chip and / or a CAN communication chip. The LIN communication chip is connected with the protocol conversion module and a sensor of a LIN communication protocol or an actuator of the LIN communication protocol respectively. The CAN communication chip is connected with the protocol conversion module and a sensor of a CAN communication protocol or an actuator of the CAN communication protocol respectively.

10. A vehicle network system characterized by comprising: The vehicle network system comprises a control chip and a plurality of edge modules according to any one of claims 1 to 9. Each of the edge modules is arranged within a preset range of a corresponding sensor and actuator, and the control chip is connected with the plurality of edge modules in sequence to form a data loop.

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