Controller and control system

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of controller and control system.Controller includes main control chip, electronic device and connector piece.Main control chip has serial port.Electronic device is electrically connected with serial port.Connector piece is electrically connected with electronic device.Electronic device has first state and second state, when electronic device is in first state, serial port cannot be electrically connected with connector piece, when electronic device is in second state, serial port can be electrically connected with connector piece.The controller can effectively protect serial port function, improve the security of controller.Moreover, simple structure, convenient operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of circuit technology, and in particular relates to a controller and control system. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of intelligent, electric, and connected vehicles, the SOC (System on Chip) chip used on the ECU (Electronic Control Unit) in automobiles needs to be debugged and have its system image flashed via serial port.

[0003] Because serial ports can easily obtain basic information about system startup and operation, they have high access privileges. Therefore, flashing a system image onto a chip via a serial port poses a high information security risk. It could be stolen by attackers, or attackers could flash programs containing Trojan viruses onto the controller, affecting its normal operation. Utility Model Content

[0004] This utility model aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the related art.

[0005] This utility model provides a controller, including: The main control chip has a serial port; Electronic device, the electronic device being electrically connected to the serial port; and A connector, which is electrically connected to the electronic device, and is used to connect to an external device; The electronic device has a first state and a second state. When the electronic device is in the first state, the serial port cannot be electrically connected to the connector. When the electronic device is in the second state, the serial port can be electrically connected to the connector.

[0006] The controller of this invention includes a main control chip, electronic components, and connectors. The electronic components have a first state and a second state. By configuring the electronic components, they can switch between the first and second states to electrically connect or disconnect the serial port from the connector. When serial port debugging or flashing operations are required, the main control chip controls the electronic components to switch from the first state to the second state, establishing an electrical connection between the serial port and the connector. Once the serial port is electrically connected to the connector, debugging or flashing operations can be performed on the controller via the connector, effectively protecting the serial port function and improving the controller's security. Furthermore, the structure is simple and the operation is convenient.

[0007] In some embodiments, a control signal line is further included, which is electrically connected to both the main control chip and the electronic device. The main control chip uses the control signal line to switch the electronic device between the first state and the second state.

[0008] By setting control signal lines, the main control chip can use these lines to switch electronic devices between the first and second states, which provides strong anti-interference capabilities and enables low-voltage operation.

[0009] In some embodiments, the main control chip has a main system and a backup system, and both the main system and the backup system can control the electronic device to switch between the first state and the second state through the control signal line.

[0010] By configuring the main control chip to have a main system and a backup system, the backup system automatically switches when the main system fails, thus improving the reliability of the main control chip.

[0011] In some embodiments, an Ethernet network is also included, through which the main control chip is connected to the connector.

[0012] By including Ethernet in the controller, it is possible to connect the controller to connectors, and remote access can be easily achieved at a low cost and with fast access speed.

[0013] In some embodiments, the main control chip includes a SOC main control chip.

[0014] By configuring the main control chip, including the SOC main control chip, the high integration and comprehensive functions of the SOC main control chip can be achieved.

[0015] In some embodiments, the electronic device includes either a transistor or an electronic switch chip.

[0016] By incorporating either a transistor or an electronic switch chip into the electronic device, it is convenient to switch the electronic device between a first state and a second state.

[0017] In some embodiments, RX and TX lines are also included, through which electronic devices are electrically connected to the serial port.

[0018] By setting up the RX and TX lines, real-time performance is enhanced and transmission efficiency is improved.

[0019] This utility model also provides a control system, including: Controller, the controller includes: The main control chip has a serial port; Electronic device, the electronic device being electrically connected to the serial port; and Connector, the connector being electrically connected to the electronic device; and The host computer is electrically connected to the connector and network connected to the main control chip. The electronic device has a first state and a second state. When the electronic device is in the first state, the serial port cannot be electrically connected to the connector. When the electronic device is in the second state, the serial port is electrically connected to the connector.

[0020] The control system provided by this utility model includes a controller and a host computer. The host computer can control the main control chip through a network connection, enabling the main control chip to switch electronic devices between a first state and a second state. When debugging or flashing operations are required using the serial port, the host computer connects to the main control chip through the network and controls the main control chip to switch the electronic devices from the first state to the second state. At this time, the serial port can be electrically connected to the connector, and the host computer can control the serial port to perform debugging or flashing operations on the controller.

[0021] In some embodiments, a serial cable is also included, through which the host computer communicates with the serial port.

[0022] By configuring the serial cable, the host computer can communicate with the serial port and control the serial port, and the connection is stable and highly reliable.

[0023] In some embodiments, an Ethernet cable is also included, through which the host computer communicates with Ethernet.

[0024] By setting up an Ethernet cable, the host computer can communicate with the Ethernet network and control the main control chip, and the connection is stable and highly reliable. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the controller provided in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a control system provided in one embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the usage method of the control system of this utility model.

[0027] Figure label: 1. Main control chip; 11. Serial port; 12. Main system; 13. Backup system; 2. Electronic components; 3. Connectors; 4. Host computer; 5. Ethernet cable; 6. Serial cable; 7. RX line; 8. TX cable; 9. Control signal lines. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be particularly noted that the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the application. Similarly, the following embodiments are only some, not all, embodiments of the present application, and all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0029] The terms "first," "second," and "third" used in the embodiments of this application are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Therefore, a feature defined as "first," "second," or "third" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified. All directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.) in the embodiments of this application are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movement of components in a specific posture (as shown in the figures). If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly. The terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, in the embodiments of 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 units is not limited to the listed steps or units, but may optionally include steps or units not listed, or may optionally include other steps or components inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0030] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a controller including a main control chip 1, an electronic device 2, and a connector 3. The main control chip 1 has a serial port 11. The electronic device 2 is electrically connected to the serial port 11. The connector 3 is electrically connected to the electronic device 2 and is used to connect to external devices. The electronic device 2 has a first state and a second state. When the electronic device 2 is in the first state, the serial port 11 cannot be electrically connected to the connector 3; when the electronic device 2 is in the second state, the serial port 11 can be electrically connected to the connector 3.

[0031] The controller of this invention includes a main control chip 1, an electronic component 2, and a connector 3. The electronic component 2 has a first state and a second state. By configuring the electronic component 2, it can switch between the first and second states to electrically connect or disconnect the serial port 11 from the connector 3. When debugging or flashing is required using the serial port 11, the main control chip 1 controls the electronic component 2 to switch from the first state to the second state, thus electrically connecting the serial port 11 to the connector 3. Once the serial port 11 is electrically connected to the connector 3, debugging or flashing operations can be performed on the controller via the connector 3, effectively protecting the functionality of the serial port 11 and improving the controller's security. Furthermore, the structure is simple and the operation is convenient.

[0032] In some embodiments, the controller is an in-vehicle controller. Of course, in other embodiments, the controller may also be an industrial controller or an aerospace controller.

[0033] In some embodiments, by providing a serial port 11 to the main control chip 1, debugging or flashing operations can be performed on the controller using the serial port 11. Specifically, the flashing operation can be flashing a system image.

[0034] In some embodiments, the controller further includes a TX (Transmit) line and an RX (Receive) line. The TX line 8 is electrically connected to the serial port 11. The RX line 7 is electrically connected to the serial port 11. The serial port 11 transmits signals through the TX line 8 and receives signals through the RX line 7.

[0035] In some embodiments, the main control chip 1 has a main system 12 and a backup system 13. Both the main system 12 and the backup system 13 can control the serial port 11 to debug the controller or flash the system image. By configuring the main control chip 1 to have a main system 12 and a backup system 13, the backup system 13 automatically switches when the main system 12 fails, thereby improving the reliability of the main control chip 1.

[0036] In some embodiments, the main control chip 1 includes a System-on-a-Chip (SOC) main control chip. By configuring the main control chip 1 to include a SOC main control chip, the SOC main control chip has high integration and comprehensive functions.

[0037] In some embodiments, the electronic device 2 includes either a transistor or an electronic switch chip. By including either a transistor or an electronic switch chip in the electronic device 2, it is convenient to switch the electronic device 2 between a first state and a second state.

[0038] In some embodiments, electronic device 2 is electrically connected to the serial port 11 of the main control chip 1 via RX line 7 and TX line 8. Electronic device 2 is also electrically connected to connector 3 via RX line 7 and TX line 8. This provides strong real-time performance and high transmission efficiency.

[0039] In some embodiments, the controller further includes a control signal line 9. The control signal line 9 is electrically connected to the main control chip 1 and to the electronic device 2. The main control chip 1 can switch the electronic device 2 between a first state and a second state via the control signal line 9. By setting the control signal line 9, the main control chip 1 can use the control signal line 9 to switch the electronic device 2 between the first and second states, which provides strong anti-interference capability and enables low-voltage operation.

[0040] In some embodiments, the controller also includes an Ethernet connection. The main control chip 1 is connected to the connector 3 via an Ethernet connection. By including an Ethernet connection in the controller, not only can the controller be connected to the connector 3, but it also offers low cost, fast access speed, and easy remote access.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the control system includes a controller and a host computer 4. The host computer 4 can be electrically connected to the controller. The host computer 4 can also be network connected to the controller. After the host computer 4 is electrically or network connected to the controller, it can control the controller.

[0042] In some embodiments, the host computer 4 is a computer. The computer can be a desktop computer or a laptop computer. Of course, in other embodiments, the host computer 4 can also be a mobile terminal or a server.

[0043] The controller is electrically or network-connected to external devices (such as the host computer 4) via connector 3. When electronic device 2 is in the first state, serial port 11 cannot be electrically connected to connector 3, meaning the host computer 4 cannot use serial port 11 to debug or flash the controller. When electronic device 2 is in the second state, serial port 11 can be electrically connected to connector 3, meaning the host computer 4 can use serial port 11 to debug or flash the controller.

[0044] In some embodiments, the control system further includes an Ethernet cable 5. The host computer 4 is connected to an Ethernet network via the Ethernet cable 5. The host computer 4 achieves network connection with the Ethernet network via the Ethernet cable 5, thereby achieving network connection with the main control chip 1. By setting up the Ethernet cable 5, the host computer 4 can communicate with the Ethernet network via the Ethernet cable 5, thereby controlling the main control chip 1, and the connection is stable and highly reliable.

[0045] In some embodiments, the control system further includes a serial cable 6. The host computer 4 communicates with the serial port 11 via the serial cable 6. By setting the serial cable 6, the host computer can communicate with the serial port 11 and control the serial port 11, and the connection is stable and highly reliable.

[0046] In operation, the host computer 4 first establishes a network connection with the main control chip 1 via Ethernet cable 5 and Ethernet. After the network connection is established, the host computer 4 controls the main control chip 1 to switch the electronic device 2 from the first state to the second state via control signal line 9. Once the electronic device 2 is switched to the second state, the serial port 11 of the main control chip 1 is electrically connected to the connector 3. After the serial port 11 of the main control chip 1 is electrically connected to the connector 3, the host computer 4 controls the serial port 11 via serial cable 6 to complete the debugging or flashing operation of the controller. After the debugging or flashing operation is completed, the host computer 4 then controls the main control chip 1 to switch the electronic device 2 from the second state to the first state.

[0047] In use, when electronic device 2 is in the first state, the host computer 4 connects to the main control chip 1 via the network and performs authentication. When authentication is successful, the main control chip 1 controls electronic device 2 to switch from the first state to the second state. When electronic device 2 is in the second state, serial port 11 is electrically connected to connector 3, and the controller can perform debugging and flashing operations through serial port 11.

[0048] By default, electronic device 2 is in the first state, connected to the main control chip 1 via a network using the host computer 4. After successful authentication, the host computer 4 controls the main control chip 11 to switch electronic device 2 to the second state. At this time, the host computer 4 can communicate with serial port 11, enabling debugging and flashing operations on the controller via the host computer 4 controlling the serial port 11.

[0049] In some embodiments, authentication includes authentication using an SSH login key or authentication using a username and password. Authentication using either an SSH login key or a username and password offers strong resistance to brute-force attacks and provides high flexibility and controllability.

[0050] In some embodiments, when the controller needs to perform debugging and flashing operations via serial port, and when the main system fails to start normally, the backup system is started.

[0051] Specifically, the criteria for determining if the main system cannot start normally are: when the number of abnormal startups of the main system reaches a preset number. Abnormal system startup means that the system fails to complete the initialization according to the standard procedure during the startup process.

[0052] Specifically, the preset number can be 3 times, 5 times, or fewer or more times.

[0053] In some embodiments, when using this control system, electronic device 2 needs to be in the first state by default. When electronic device 2 is in the first state, the host computer 4 cannot communicate with serial port 11, that is, the host computer 4 cannot control serial port 11 to debug the controller or flash the system image. When it is necessary to use serial port 11 to debug the controller or flash the system image, the host computer 4 establishes a network connection with the main control chip 1 and performs authentication. Next, when the authentication is successful, the host computer can control the main control chip through the network connection. At this time, the host computer 4 controls the main control chip 1 to switch electronic device 2 from the first state to the second state. Then, after electronic device 2 switches to the second state, serial port 11 is electrically connected to connector 3, and the host computer 4 can control serial port 11 to debug and flash the controller.

[0054] In some embodiments, the host computer and controller need to be powered on before the default electronic devices are in the first state.

[0055] like Figure 3 As shown, the control system is used as follows: First, the operator needs to power on the host computer 4 and the operating system. Next, the electronic device 2 is in the first state by default. At this time, the host computer 4 cannot control the serial port 11 of the main control chip 1 to perform debugging or flashing operations on the controller. When the operator needs to use the serial port 11 to debug or flash the controller, the operator uses the host computer 4 to establish a network connection with the controller via Ethernet and performs authentication. If the authentication fails, the operation ends. If the authentication succeeds, the host computer 4 uses the controller to switch the electronic device 2 from the first state to the second state. At this time, the serial port 11 is electrically connected to the connector 3. The host computer 4 performs debugging or flashing operations on the controller through the serial port 11. If the host computer 4 fails to debug or flash the controller through the serial port 11, it verifies whether the main system 12 can start normally. If the main system 12 can start normally, the debugging or flashing operation continues. If the main system 12 cannot start normally, the backup system 13 is started. After the backup system 13 starts, the debugging or flashing operation continues. When the debugging or flashing operation is successful, switch electronic device 2 back to the first state and then end the operation.

[0056] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0057] 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 indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0058] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a connection that allows communication between them; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0059] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0060] In this utility model, the terms "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example, which is included in at least one embodiment or example of this utility model. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Moreover, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Furthermore, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0061] 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.

Claims

1. A controller characterized by comprising: include: The main control chip (1) has a serial port (11); Electronic device (2), said electronic device (2) being electrically connected to said serial port (11); and A connector (3) is electrically connected to the electronic device (2) and is used to connect to an external device. The electronic device (2) has a first state and a second state. When the electronic device (2) is in the first state, the serial port (11) cannot be electrically connected to the connector (3). When the electronic device (2) is in the second state, the serial port (11) can be electrically connected to the connector (3).

2. The controller of claim 1, wherein, It also includes a control signal line (9), which is electrically connected to both the main control chip (1) and the electronic device (2). The main control chip (1) uses the control signal line (9) to switch the electronic device (2) between the first state and the second state.

3. The controller of claim 2, wherein, The main control chip (1) has a main system (12) and a backup system (13). Both the main system (12) and the backup system (13) can control the electronic device (2) to switch between the first state and the second state through the control signal line (9).

4. The controller of claim 1, wherein, The main control chip (1) is connected to the connector (3) via Ethernet.

5. The controller of claim 1, wherein, The main control chip (1) includes a SOC main control chip.

6. The controller of claim 1, wherein, The electronic device (2) includes either a transistor or an electronic switch chip.

7. The controller of claim 1, wherein, It also includes an RX line (7) and a TX line (8), through which the electronic device (2) is electrically connected to the serial port (11).

8. A control system characterized by, include: Controller, the controller includes: The main control chip (1) has a serial port (11); Electronic device (2), said electronic device (2) being electrically connected to said serial port (11); and Connector (3), said connector (3) being electrically connected to said electronic device (2); and The host computer (4) is electrically connected to the connector (3) and is network connected to the main control chip (1). The electronic device (2) has a first state and a second state. When the electronic device (2) is in the first state, the serial port (11) cannot be electrically connected to the connector (3). When the electronic device (2) is in the second state, the serial port (11) can be electrically connected to the connector (3).

9. The control system of claim 8, wherein, It also includes a serial cable (6), through which the host computer (4) communicates with the serial port (11).

10. The control system of claim 8, wherein, It also includes an Ethernet cable (5), through which the host computer (4) communicates with the Ethernet network.

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