COMMUNICATION NODE IN THE VEHICLE NETWORK AND OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES OF THE COMMUNICATION NODE

Abstract

Communication node (810) in a vehicle network, comprising: a Media Access Control (MAC) layer (MC1), a physical (PHY) layer (PH1), a first port (P11) which is connected to the PHY layer (PH1), a second port (P12) that is connected to the PHY layer (PH1), and a switch (SW11) which controls a connection between the first port (P11) and the second port (P12), where the switch (SW11) enables or disables the connection between the first port (P11) and the second port (P12) under control by the MAC layer (MC1), wherein, when the communication node (810) is in a sleep mode, the switch (SW11) transmits a signal received through the first port (P11) to the second port (P12) and the signal received through the first port (P11) is transmitted to another communication node (812) through the second port (P12), without a system startup process for the communication node (810), and the switch (SW11) has: a first transistor (TR1) which has a source, a drain and a gate that receives a signal from the PHY layer (PH1), a second transistor (TR2) which has a gate connected to the source of the first transistor (TR1), a source connected to the first port (P11), and a drain connected to the second port (P12), and a resistor (R) which is connected between the source of the first transistor (TR1) and a ground electrode.

Description

Cross-reference to related registration

[0001] This application is based on and claims the priority benefit of the Korean patent application filed with the Korean Patent Office (KIPO) on May 4, 2017, application no. 10-2017-0056779. Technical field

[0002] The present invention relates to a vehicle network technology and in particular to an operating method of a communication node for supporting a switching functionality in a vehicle network. background

[0003] The number and variety of electronic devices installed in vehicles have increased significantly with the recent digitization of vehicle components. Generally, electronic devices can be used throughout the vehicle, such as in a powertrain control system (e.g., an engine control system, an automatic transmission control system, or similar), a body control system (e.g., a body electronics control system, a comfort device control system, a lighting control system, or similar), a chassis control system (e.g., a steering device control system, a brake control system, a suspension control system, or similar), a vehicle network (e.g.,a control unit area network (CAN for short; English "Controller Area Network" - also "control unit network"), a FlexRay-based network, a MOST-based network (MOST = "Media Oriented Systems Transport") or the like), a multimedia system (e.g. a navigation device system, a telematics system, an infotainment system or the like) and so on.

[0004] The electronic devices used in each of these systems are connected via a vehicle network that supports the functions of the electronic devices. For example, CAN can support a transmission rate of up to 1 Mbps (megabits per second) and automatic retransmission of conflicting messages, error detection based on a Cyclic Redundancy Control (CRC) interface, and similar features. The FlexRay-based network can support a transmission rate of up to 10 Mbps and can support simultaneous data transmission through two channels, synchronous data transmission, and similar features. The MOST-based network is a communication network for high-quality multimedia that supports a transmission rate of up to 150 Mbps.

[0005] The telematics and infotainment systems, like most advanced vehicle safety systems, require higher data rates and system expandability. CAN, FlexRay-based networks, and similar technologies cannot adequately support these requirements. MOST-based networks, in particular, can support higher data rates than CAN or FlexRay. However, implementing MOST-based networks in vehicle networks can be costly. Because of these limitations, Ethernet-based networks are frequently used in vehicle networks. Ethernet-based networks can support bidirectional communication over a single pair of wires (e.g., twisted-pair cables) and can achieve data rates of up to 10 Gbps (gigabits per second).

[0006] The vehicle network described above can have multiple communication nodes (e.g., electronic devices), and a first communication node can send a wake-up signal to a second communication node when a specific event is detected. Upon receiving the wake-up signal, the second communication node can transition from a sleep mode to a normal mode. The second communication node can then perform operations (e.g., processes, procedures) according to the wake-up reason, provided it is aware of the reason. However, it is possible that the second communication node is unaware of the wake-up reason, even if it is awake, in which case the operations cannot be performed correctly.

[0007] From DE 10 2015 206 483 A1, a communication node in a vehicle network is known, comprising: a Media Access Control (MAC) layer, a Physical (PHY) layer, a first port connected to the PHY layer, a second port connected to the PHY layer, and a switch that controls a connection between the first and second ports. Further communication nodes are known from US 2012 / 0 023 340 A1, US 2006 / 0 282 690 A1, US 8 862 921 B1, and US 2016 / 0 179 166 A1. Explanation of the invention

[0008] The present invention / disclosure provides an operating method for a communication node which supports a switching function in a vehicle network.

[0009] This problem is solved by a communication node in a vehicle network according to claim 1, by an operating method of a first communication node according to claim 11, and by a communication node in a vehicle network according to claim 16. Further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] According to embodiments of the present invention / disclosure, a communication node in a vehicle network comprises: a media access control layer (abbreviated MAC layer), a physical layer (abbreviated PHY layer), a first port (e.g. first connection) which is connected to the PHY layer, a second port (e.g. second connection) which is connected to the PHY layer, and a switch which controls a connection between the first port and the second port, wherein the switch activates or deactivates the connection between the first port and the second port under control by the MAC layer (e.g. controlled by the MAC layer).

[0011] The PHY layer can apply a signal to the switch to change (e.g., toggle, switch) an ON / OFF state of the switch when the communication node has finished booting up.

[0012] The switch can activate the connection between the first port and the second port when the communication node is in sleep mode, and deactivate the connection between the first port and the second port when the communication node is awake and in normal mode.

[0013] When the communication node is in sleep mode, the switch transmits a signal received through the first port to the second port, and the signal received through the first port is transmitted to another communication node through the second port.

[0014] The switch can have a first sub-switch which receives a signal from the PHY layer, and at least one second sub-switch which controls the connection between the first port and the second port according to an ON / OFF state of the first sub-switch.

[0015] The first sub-switch can include an N-channel metal oxide silicon field-effect transistor (N-channel MOSFET for short), and the at least one second sub-switch can include a P-channel MOSFET.

[0016] The switch comprises: a first transistor, which has a source (e.g., also referred to in the literature as source terminal; hereinafter referred to simply as "source"), a drain (e.g., also referred to in the literature as drain terminal; hereinafter referred to simply as "drain"), and a gate (e.g., also referred to in the literature as gate terminal; hereinafter referred to simply as "gate"), which receives a signal from the PHY layer; a second transistor, which has a gate connected to the source of the first transistor, a source connected to the first port, and a drain connected to the second port; and a resistor connected between the source of the first transistor and a ground electrode (e.g., an earth electrode / an electrode providing an electrical ground potential).

[0017] The first transistor can be an N-channel MOSFET and the second transistor can be a P-channel MOSFET.

[0018] The switch may further include a third transistor, which has a gate connected to the source of the first transistor, a source connected to the second port, and a drain connected to the first port.

[0019] The first transistor can be an N-channel MOSFET, and the second and third transistors can be P-channel MOSFETs.

[0020] The first port can receive a message indicating a wake-up reason from another communication node that has detected an event.

[0021] When the communication node is in sleep mode, the switch can transfer the message received through the first port to the second port, and the message received through the first port can be transferred to another communication node through the second port.

[0022] Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention / disclosure, an operating method (e.g., operational method) of a first communication node comprises a media access control layer (abbreviated: MAC layer), a physical layer (abbreviated: PHY layer), a first port (e.g., first connection) which is connected to the PHY layer, and a second port (e.g.,second port), which is connected to the PHY layer, has: Receiving, through the first port, a signal from a second communication node; if the first communication node is in a sleep mode, transmitting the signal received through the first port to the second port by electrically connecting the first port and the second port by means of a switch which controls a connection between the first port and the second port; and transmitting, through the second port, the signal transmitted from the first port to a third communication node which is connected to the second port.

[0023] The switch can activate the connection between the first port and the second port when the communication node is in sleep mode, and deactivate the connection between the first port and the second port when the communication node is awake and in normal mode.

[0024] The operating procedure may further include: receiving, through the first port, a message indicating a wake-up reason, from the second communication node.

[0025] When the communication node is in sleep mode, the switch transmits the message received through the first port to the second port, and the message received through the first port is transmitted to the third communication node through the second port.

[0026] The switch can have a first sub-switch which receives a signal from the PHY layer, and at least one second sub-switch which controls the connection between the first port and the second port according to an ON / OFF state of the first sub-switch.

[0027] The switch comprises: a first transistor having a source, a drain, and a gate that receives a signal from the PHY layer; a second transistor having a gate connected to the source of the first transistor, a source connected to the first port, and a drain connected to the second port; and a resistor connected between the source of the first transistor and a ground electrode, wherein the PHY layer can deactivate the connection between the first port and the second port by applying a signal to the gate of the first transistor when the first communication node is awake and in a normal state.

[0028] The switch may further include a third transistor, which has a gate connected to the source of the first transistor, a source connected to the second port, and a drain connected to the first port.

[0029] The first transistor can be an N-channel MOSFET, and the second and third transistors can be P-channel MOSFETs.

[0030] According to embodiments of the present invention / disclosure, the switches can be used to manage the electrical connections between the PHY layers of the switches (network switching devices). When the switches are in sleep mode, signals are transmitted between the PHY layers through the switches, thereby reducing the time required to wake up the end nodes. Furthermore, a message indicating the reason for waking up can be transmitted to the end nodes without being lost. Brief description of the drawings

[0031] Embodiments of the present invention / disclosure are made more vivid by describing them in detailed embodiments of the present invention / disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 is a block diagram which represents a first embodiment of a vehicle network topology, Fig. 2 is a block diagram which represents a first embodiment of a communication node belonging to a vehicle network, Fig. 3 is a block diagram which represents a second embodiment of a communication node belonging to a vehicle network, Fig. 4 is a block diagram which represents a first embodiment of a protocol structure of a communication node forming a vehicle network, Fig. 5 is a block diagram, which represents a second embodiment of a vehicle network topology, Fig. 6 is a time sequence diagram which represents an embodiment of a system startup process that is carried out at a communication node, Fig. 7 is a sequence diagram which shows a process of transmitting a wake-up signal in the Fig. The vehicle network shown in section 5 represents Fig. 8 is a conceptual diagram which represents a topology of a vehicle network according to an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 9 is a timing diagram which compares the states of switches with the one in Fig. The system startup process shown in section 6 represents Fig. 10 is a circuit diagram which shows a first embodiment of the switch SW11, Fig. 11 is a circuit diagram which shows a second embodiment of the switch SW11, Fig. 12 is a circuit diagram which shows a third embodiment of the switch SW11, Fig. 13 is a circuit diagram which shows a fourth embodiment of the switch SW11, Fig. 14 is a sequence diagram which shows a process of transmitting a wake-up signal in a vehicle network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] It should be understood that the attached drawings are not necessarily to scale and represent a somewhat simplified depiction of various properties in order to illustrate the basic principles of the invention. The specific design features of the present invention, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes as disclosed herein, are (at least) partially determined by the respective intended application and usage environment. Detailed description

[0033] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, as will be clear to those skilled in the art, the described embodiments can be modified in numerous different ways without departing from the essence or scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals throughout the description refer to identical or similar elements.

[0034] The terminology used herein serves only to describe certain embodiments and is not intended to limit the invention. The singular forms "a," "an," "one," and "the" are used herein to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the terms "have" and / or "having" as used in this description specify the presence of the aforementioned features, integers, steps, processes, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more features, integers, steps, processes, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related items.

[0035] It is to be understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicle-..." or any similar term used herein includes motor vehicles in general, such as passenger cars, including so-called sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, numerous commercial vehicles, watercraft, including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft and the like, and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, internal combustion engine vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other vehicles for alternative fuels (e.g. fuels produced from resources other than petroleum).

[0036] Although embodiments are described as utilizing multiple units to perform the exemplary operations, it is understood that the exemplary operations can also be performed by a single module or multiple modules. It is also understood that a control device / control unit can perform one or more of the operations described below, and that the term control device / control unit refers to a hardware device comprising memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store the modules, and the processor is specifically configured to execute the modules to perform one or more of the operations described below. Furthermore, it is understood that the units or modules described herein can represent a control device / control unit for controlling the operation of the unit or module (e.g.,as such (may be executed / embodied).

[0037] Furthermore, the control logic of the present invention can be implemented as non-volatile, computer-readable media on a computer-readable medium (e.g., a data carrier) containing executable program instructions that are executed by means of a processor, a control unit, or the like. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), compact disc (CD)-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, flash memory, chip cards (e.g., smart cards, memory cards), and optical data storage devices. The computer-readable recording medium can also be distributed in networked computer systems, so that the computer-readable media can be stored and executed in a distributed manner, e.g.,by means of a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN; English "Controller Area Network" - also "control unit network").

[0038] Since the present invention / disclosure can be modified in numerous ways and can take various forms, certain embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, it should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the present invention / disclosure to these specific embodiments, but rather that the present invention / disclosure is intended to cover all modifications and alternatives that fall within the scope of the present invention / disclosure.

[0039] Relational terms, including, for example, "first / first / first", "second / second / second", and the like, can be used to describe different elements; however, the elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first component may be called a second component without altering the scope of the present invention, and the second component may similarly be called the first component. The term "and / or" means any of, or a combination of, a plurality of related and described items.

[0040] When a particular component is described as "connected to" or "coupled / connected to" another component, it means that the component is directly connected to or coupled / connected to the other component, or that another component may be located between them. Conversely, when a particular component is described as "directly connected to" or "directly coupled / connected to" another component, it means that no other component is located between them.

[0041] Unless otherwise stated or evident from the context, the term "approximately" (or "about") used herein is to be understood as being within a normal tolerance in engineering, e.g., within two standard deviations of the mean. "Approximately" (or "about") may be understood as being within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. Unless otherwise clear from the context, all numerical values ​​provided herein are modified by the term "approximately".

[0042] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meanings as generally understood by a person skilled in the art in which this invention / disclosure relates. Terms such as those commonly used and found in dictionaries should be interpreted as having meanings consistent with their context-dependent meanings in engineering. Unless clearly defined, terms in this description are not to be interpreted fully and disproportionately as their formal meanings.

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. When describing the invention / disclosure, the same reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent elements throughout the description of the figures, and a further description is omitted to facilitate the overall understanding of the invention / disclosure.

[0044] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram representing a first embodiment of a vehicle network topology.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, a communication node forming a vehicle network can be a gateway (e.g., network transition device), a switch (or bridge; where in technical terms "switch" or "bridge" are also referred to as network switch / network switch / network switching device or network bridge), or an end node. Gateway 100 can be connected to at least one switch 110, 110-1, 110-2, 120, and 130 and can be configured to connect different networks. The Gateway 100, for example, can support connections between a switch that supports a CAN (or FlexRay, MOST, or LIN network) and a switch that supports an Ethernet protocol. Each of the switches 110, 110-1, 110-2, 120, and 130 can be connected to at least one of the end nodes 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, and 133.Each of the switches 110, 110-1, 110-2, 120 and 130 can connect the end nodes 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, 123, 131, 132 and 133 (e.g., the end nodes assigned to it) and control at least one of the end nodes 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, 123, 131, 132 and 133 that is connected to the switch.

[0046] Each of the terminal nodes 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, and 133 can have an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to control numerous types of devices installed in a vehicle (e.g., motor vehicle, especially a passenger vehicle). For example, each of the terminal nodes 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, and 133 can have an ECU located in an infotainment device (e.g., a display device, a navigation device, and an AVM device).

[0047] The communication nodes forming the vehicle network (i.e., gateways, switches, end nodes, etc.) can be connected in a star topology, bus topology, ring topology, tree topology, mesh topology, or similar configuration. Furthermore, each communication node forming the vehicle network can support the CAN protocol, FlexRay protocol, MOST protocol, LIN protocol, Ethernet protocol, or similar protocols. A communication node belonging to the vehicle network can be configured as follows.

[0048] Fig. Figure 2 is a block diagram representing a first embodiment of a communication node belonging to a vehicle network.

[0049] As in Fig. As shown in section 2, a communication node 200, which is part of a vehicle network, can be located in, for example, a vehicle network. Fig. The communication node 200, as shown in Figure 1, comprises a physical layer (PHY layer) 210 and a control unit 220. The communication node 200 may also include a regulator (not shown) for power supply. In particular, the control unit 220 may be implemented as a media access control (MAC) layer. The PHY layer 210 may be configured to receive signals from or transmit signals to another communication node. The control unit 220 may be configured to control the PHY layer 210 and perform various functions (e.g., an infotainment function or the like). The PHY layer 210 and the control unit 220 may be implemented as a single system-on-a-chip (SoC) or alternatively as separate chips.

[0050] The PHY layer 210 and the control device 220 can be connected via a media-independent interface (MII) 230. The MII 230 can have an interface defined in IEEE 802.3 and can include a data interface and a management interface between the PHY layer 210 and the control device 220. A reduced MII (RMII), a Gigabit MII (GMII), a reduced GMII (RGMII), a serial GMII (SGMII), or a 10-GMII (XGMII) can be used instead of the MII 230. The data interface can have a transmit channel and a receive channel, each of which can carry an independent clock, data, and control signal. The management interface can be a two-signal interface, with one signal for the clock and one signal for the data.

[0051] The PHY layer 210 can include a PHY layer interface 211, a PHY layer processor 212, and a PHY layer memory 213. The configuration of the PHY layer 210 is not limited to these and can be designed in numerous ways. The PHY layer interface 211 can be configured to send a signal received from the control unit 220 to the PHY layer processor 212 and to send a signal received from the PHY layer processor 212 back to the control unit 220. The PHY layer processor 212 can be configured to control operations (e.g., process sequences) of the PHY layer interface 211 and the PHY layer memory 213. The PHY layer processor 212 can be configured to modulate a signal to be sent or to demodulate a received signal. The PHY layer processor 212 can be configured to control the PHY layer memory 213 to input or output a signal.The PHY layer memory 213 can be configured to store the received signal and output the stored signal based on a request from the PHY layer processor 212.

[0052] The control unit 220 can be configured to monitor and control the PHY layer 210 using the MII 230. The control unit 220 can have a control unit interface 221, a control unit processor 222, a main memory 223, and an auxiliary memory 224. The control unit processor 222 is an electrical circuit that performs various functions described below. The design of the control unit 220 is not limited to this, and the control unit 220 can be configured in numerous ways. The control unit interface 221 can be configured to receive a signal from the PHY layer 210 (e.g., the PHY layer interface 211) or a higher layer.The upper layer (not shown) receives the signal, sends the received signal to the control device processor 222, and sends the signal received by the control device processor 222 to the PHY layer 210 or the higher layer. The control device processor 222 may further comprise independent memory control logic or integrated memory control logic for controlling the control device interface 221, main memory 223, and auxiliary memory 224. The memory control logic may be implemented such that it is contained in the main memory 223 and auxiliary memory 224, or it may be implemented such that it is contained within the control device processor 222.

[0053] Each of the main memory 223 and the auxiliary memory 224 can be configured to store a signal processed by the control device processor 222 and to output the stored signal based on a request from the control device processor 222. The main memory 223 can be volatile memory (e.g., RAM) configured to temporarily store data required for the operation of the control device processor 222. The auxiliary memory 224 can be non-volatile memory in which operating system code (e.g., a system kernel and a device driver) and application program code for performing a function of the control device 220 can be stored. Flash memory, which has a high processing speed, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a compact disc read-only storage device (CD-ROM) can be used for large-capacity data storage.(for large-volume data storage) can be used as the non-volatile memory. The control device processor 222 can typically include a logic circuit comprising at least one processor core. A core from an ARM family (where ARM stands for "Advanced RISC Machines") or a core from an Atom family can be used as the control device processor 222.

[0054] The communication node 200 can also consist solely of the control unit 220, and the PHY layer 210 can be located outside the communication node 200. For example, the communication node 200 can be configured as follows.

[0055] Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram that represents a second embodiment of a communication node belonging to a vehicle network.

[0056] With reference to Fig. 3. The communication node 200 shown therein can include the control unit 220 and furthermore a regulator (not shown) for supplying power. The control unit 220 can be connected to the PHY layer 210, which is located outside the communication node 200, and can control the PHY layer 210. Functions of the PHY layer 210 and the control unit 220, which are shown in Fig. The components shown in 3 may be the same or similar to those of the PHY layer 210 and the control unit 220, which are shown in Fig. 2 are shown.

[0057] The PHY layer 210 can be connected to the control device 220 via a media-independent interface (MII) 230. The MII 230 can refer to an interface defined in IEEE 802.3 and can be configured as a data interface and a management interface between the PHY layer 210 and the control device 220. An RMII, GMII, RGMII, SGMII, or XGMII can be used instead of the MII 230. The data interface can have a transmit channel and a receive channel, each of which can carry an independent clock, data, and control signal. The management interface can be configured as a two-signal interface, with one signal for the clock and one signal for the data.

[0058] A protocol structure of the in Fig. The communication nodes shown in 1 to 3 can be as follows.

[0059] Fig. Figure 4 is a block diagram, which represents a first embodiment of a protocol structure of a communication node forming a vehicle network.

[0060] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a communication node can have layers 1 through 7. Layer 1 of the communication node can support PHY functions and a transmission rate of 100 megabits per second (Mbps). Layer 2 of the communication node can support the IEEE 802.1Q protocol, the IEEE 802.1p protocol, the IEEE 802.3 protocol, the Audio / Video Bridging (AVB) protocol (e.g., the IEEE 802.1Qav protocol, the IEEE 802.1Qat protocol), and similar protocols. Layer 3 of the communication node can support Internet Protocol version 4 (IPv4), the Address Resolution Protocol (ARP), Internet Control Message Protocol version 4 (ICMPv4), IEEE 802.1AS, IEEE 1722, and similar protocols. Layer 4 of the communication node can support the Transmission Control Protocol (TCP), the User Datagram Protocol (UDP), IEEE 802.1AS, IEEE 1722 and the like.Layers 5 to 7 of the communication node can support the Diagnostics over Internet Protocol (DoIP), the EthCC protocol, the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP), the SD protocol, the Network Management (NM) protocol, IEEE 802.1AS, IEEE 1722 and the like.

[0061] The communication node described above can operate in a sleep mode (e.g., idle state, such as standby mode) or a normal mode (e.g., normal operating mode). In sleep mode, the communication node's PHY layer can be enabled, while the control unit can be disabled. Alternatively, both the PHY layer and the control unit can be disabled in sleep mode. In normal mode, both the PHY layer and the control unit can be enabled. This means that normal mode can indicate a state in which the communication node has woken up. When a wake-up signal is received or a specific event is detected, the communication node's operating mode can transition from sleep mode to normal mode.In this case, a system startup procedure (e.g., system booting procedure) of the communication node can be performed. The system startup procedure of the communication node can be performed as follows.

[0062] Fig. Figure 5 is a block diagram representing a second embodiment of a vehicle network topology.

[0063] With reference to Fig. A vehicle network can have a first switch 510, a second switch 520, a third switch 530, a first end node 511, a second end node 512, a third end node 521, a fourth end node 531, and so on. The switches 510, 520, and 530 can have the same or similar functions as those in Fig. The switches shown in section 1 can be executed, and the end nodes 511, 512, 521, and 531 can perform the same or similar functions as the one shown in section 1. Fig. Execute the end nodes shown in section 1. Each of the switches 510, 520, and 530 and the end nodes 511, 512, 521, and 531 can be configured to be identical or similar to one of the respective end nodes shown. Fig. The communication nodes shown are 2 to 4.

[0064] The first switch 510 can be connected to the first end node 511 via port P11, to the second end node 512 via port P12, and to the second switch 520 via port P13. Communication between the first switch 510 and the second switch 520 can be established using an interface under the MII, RMII, GMII, RGMII, SGMII, and XGMII standards. The second switch 520 can be connected to the first switch 510 via port P21, to the third end node 521 via port P22, and to the third switch 530 via port P23. Communication between the second switch 520 and the third switch 530 can be established using an interface under the MII, RMII, GMII, RGMII, SGMII, and XGMII standards.The third switch 530 can be connected to the second switch 520 via a port P31 and can be connected to the fourth end node 531 via a port P32.

[0065] The first end node 511 can operate in sleep mode and can detect an event (e.g., a local event). If an event is detected, the first end node 511 can initiate a system startup process. Therefore, the operating mode of the first end node 511 can transition from sleep mode to normal mode. This means that the first end node 511 can be woken up. Afterward, the first end node 511 can transmit a wake-up signal. The wake-up signal transmitted by the first end node 511 can be input into port P11 of the first switch 510. When port P11 receives the wake-up signal, the first switch 510 can initiate a system startup process.

[0066] Fig. Figure 6 is a time sequence diagram that represents one embodiment of a system startup process performed at a communication node.

[0067] Referring to Fig. 6. The system startup process can be performed at a switch (or an end node or a gateway) and may include a signal detection step S510, a power supply step S520, a power stabilization step S530, a phase-locked loop (PLL) step S540, a switch core startup step S550, a PHY encoding step S560, a switch setting encoding step S570, a signal transmission step S580, and the like. For example, in step S510, power can be supplied to the switch, and the switch's control unit (e.g., the switch core) can be activated when a wake-up signal is received from another communication node (e.g., an end node) or a specific event is detected. Afterward, the switch can transmit signals over the PHY link following an encoding operation (e.g.,Steps S550, S560 and S570 were performed.

[0068] The system startup process described above can be completed within a maximum of 150 milliseconds if the switch (or an end node or gateway) is connected to the specified network. Fig. The communication node shown is (i.e., the case where the PHY layer is located inside the switch). In contrast, the system startup process can be completed within a maximum of 200 ms if the switch (or an end node or gateway) is the one shown. Fig. The communication node shown is (i.e., the case where the PHY layer is located outside the switch).

[0069] Since the communication node needs a certain amount of time to start up its system, as described above, it takes time to wake up the other end nodes 512, 521 and 531 after the first end node 511 has woken up.

[0070] Fig. Figure 7 is a sequence diagram which depicts the process of transmitting a wake-up signal in the Fig. The vehicle network shown in section 5 is represented.

[0071] With reference to Fig. In step S700, the first end node 511 can detect an event (e.g., a local event). If an event is detected, the first end node 511 can initiate a system startup process. After waking up, the first end node 511 can send a wake-up signal in step S710. The wake-up signal sent by the first end node 511 can be input into port P11. The first switch 510 can receive the wake-up signal from the first end node 511 and initiate a system startup process. As described above, it can take 150 ms or 200 ms to power up the first switch 510 (e.g., to complete a boot process of the first switch 510).

[0072] In step S720, the first 510 switch can also send a wake-up signal. This wake-up signal can be transmitted in broadcast mode. For example, the wake-up signal can be sent through ports P12 and P13 of the first 510 switch.

[0073] The second end node 512 can receive the wake-up signal from the first switch 510 and initiate a system startup process (i.e., the one described in Fig. The system startup process shown in section 6 is performed based on the wake-up signal. As previously described, the startup of the system or system boot (hereinafter referred to simply as "system booting") of the second end node 512 may be delayed because the startup of the system of the first switch 510 is time-consuming.

[0074] The second Switch 510 can receive the wake-up signal from the first Switch 510 via port P21 and can initiate a system startup process (i.e., the one described in the original text). Fig. The system startup process shown in Figure 6 is performed based on the wake-up signal to operate in normal mode. As previously described, the startup of the system on the second switch 520 may be delayed because the startup of the system on the first switch 510 is time-consuming.

[0075] Up to 150 ms or 200 ms may be required to complete the system startup process. After the system has started up, the second 520 switch can also send a wake-up signal in step S730. The wake-up signal can be transmitted in a broadcast manner. For example, the wake-up signal can be sent via ports P22 and P23 of the second 520 switch.

[0076] The third end node 521 can receive the wake-up signal from the second switch 520 and initiate a system startup process (i.e., the one described in Fig. The system (shown in Figure 6) performs the startup process based on the wake-up signal to operate in normal mode. Since the startup of the first and second switches 510 and 520 is time-consuming, the startup of the third end node 521 may be further delayed compared to the first and second end nodes.

[0077] The third switch 530 can receive the wake-up signal from the second switch 520 via port P31 and initiate a system startup process (i.e., the one in Fig. The system will perform the startup process (shown in step 6) based on the wake-up signal to operate in normal mode. Up to 150 ms or 200 ms may be required to complete the system startup process.

[0078] In step S740, the third switch 530 can also send a wake-up signal. The wake-up signal can be transmitted in a broadcast manner. For example, the wake-up signal can be sent via port P32 of the third switch 530. The fourth end node 531 can receive the wake-up signal from the third switch 530 and initiate a system startup process (i.e., the one described in step S740). Fig. The system (shown in Figure 6) performs the startup process based on the wake-up signal to operate in normal mode. Since the startup of the first, second, and third switches (510, 520, and 530) is time-consuming, the startup of the fourth end node (531) may be further delayed compared to the first, second, and third end nodes.

[0079] In step S750, the woken-up first end node 511 can generate a message and transmit the message in a broadcast manner (S750). A wake-up reason specified by the message could include, for example, the following: - a door operation (e.g. door open (e.g. door opening operation), door closed (e.g. door closing operation)), - a telematics process (e.g. remote start), - a media company - a vehicle energy mode transition (e.g. ACC, IGN (e.g. ignition switch position change to position “ACC”, “IGN”, etc.)), and - a theft detection system.

[0080] If the message indicating the wake-up reason is transmitted before another communication node in the vehicle network (e.g., the first switch 510, the second switch 520, the third switch 530, the second end node 512, the third end node 521, the fourth end node 531, or similar) has been woken up, the message cannot be received at the other communication node in step S760. As a result, the other communication node will not be aware of its wake-up reason. Therefore, the message indicating the wake-up reason can only be transmitted after all communication nodes comprising the vehicle network have been woken up. However, the time required to wake up all communication nodes comprising the vehicle network can vary depending on the network's configuration.Therefore, in some cases, the message indicating the reason for waking up cannot be transmitted to some communication nodes.

[0081] Fig. Figure 8 is a conceptual diagram representing the topology of a vehicle network according to an embodiment of the present invention. The communication nodes, which are in Fig. Figure 8 shows communication nodes, each of which performs the functions of the first switch 510, the second switch 520, and the third switch 530, which are in Fig. Execute the steps shown in section 5. The following description of Fig. 8 will become one Fig. 5 redundant descriptions omitted.

[0082] With reference to Fig. 8. A communication node can have a Media Access Control (MAC) layer, a Physical Automation (PHY) layer, a plurality of ports (e.g., interface sockets, interface plugs of the communication node) which are connected to the PHY layer, and at least one switch for managing connections between the ports. For example, the first switch 810 can have a MAC layer MC1, a PHY layer PH1, ports P11, P12, and P13, a switch SW11, and a switch SW12. The PHY layer PH1 can process signals received through ports P11, P12, and P13 and can transmit a processing result to the MAC layer MC1. The PHY layer PH1 can also operate under the control of the MAC layer MC1. The PHY layer PH1 can receive signals from a first end node 811 and a second end node 812 via port P11 and port P12.The PHY layer PH1 can send a signal to the second switch 820 via port P13. The PHY layer PH1 can apply signals to switches SW11 and SW12. The ON / OFF states (e.g., conducting / non-conducting states) of switches SW11 and SW12 can be changed (e.g., switched) depending on whether the signal from PHY layer PH1 is applied or not.

[0083] Switch SW11 can enable or disable an electrical connection between port P11 and port P12 (e.g., turn it on or off). Switch SW12 can enable or disable an electrical connection between port P12 and port P13 (e.g., turn it on or off). The PHY layer PH1 of the first switch 810 can change the ON / OFF states of switches SW11 and SW12 by applying signals to switches SW11 and SW12.

[0084] The second 820 switch can have one switch SW21 and one switch SW22. Switch SW21 can enable or disable an electrical connection between port P21 and port P22. Switch SW22 can enable or disable an electrical connection between port P22 and port P23. The PH2 PHY layer of the second 820 switch can change the ON / OFF states of switches SW21 and SW22 by applying signals to these switches.

[0085] The third 830 switch can have a switch SW31. Switch SW31 can enable or disable an electrical connection between port P31 and port P32. The PH3 PHY layer of the third 830 switch can change the ON / OFF states of switch SW31 by applying signals to switch SW31.

[0086] When switches 810, 820, and 830 are in sleep mode, switches SW11–SW31 may be in an ON state. Consequently, the PHY layers of switches 810, 820, and 830 may be electrically connected. When the first end node, 811, sends a wake-up signal, the wake-up signal can be input into port P11 of the first switch, 810. Since switches SW11, SW12, SW21, SW22, and SW31 may be in an ON state at this time, the wake-up signal can be transmitted (forwarded) to the other ports, P12, P13, P21, P22, P23, P31, and P32, before the system startup of switches 810, 820, and 830 is complete. Therefore, the wake-up signal entered into port P11 of the first switch can also be transmitted to the second switch and the third switch.

[0087] The wake-up signal can be transmitted to end nodes 812, 821, and 832, which are each connected to ports P12, P22, and P32, respectively. Before the system of switches 810, 820, and 830 is powered on, the wake-up signal can be transmitted to the second end node 812, the third end node 821, and the fourth end node 831. The second end node 812, the third end node 821, and the fourth end node 831 can then perform the system power-up process almost simultaneously.

[0088] Switches SW11-SW31 can be switched to the OFF state after the system of switches 810, 820, and 830 has finished booting up. For example, the PHY layer PH1 of the first switch 810 can send signals to switches SW11 and SW12 after the system of the first switch 810 has finished booting up, and switches SW11 and SW12 can be switched to the OFF state. The PHY layer PH2 of the second switch 820 can send signals to switches SW21 and SW22 after the system of the second switch 820 has finished booting up, and switches SW21 and SW22 can be switched to the OFF state. Additionally, the PHY layer PH3 of the third switch 830 can switch switch SW31 to the OFF state by sending a signal to switch SW31 after the system of the third switch 830 has finished booting up.

[0089] When switches SW11 and SW12 are in the OFF state, ports P11, P12, and P13 of the first switch 810 can be electrically isolated. Consequently, the first switch 810 can apply signals to ports P11, P12, and P13 independently. Furthermore, the first switch 810 can send signals independently to the first end node 811 and the second end node 812.

[0090] When switches SW21 and SW22 are in the OFF state, ports P21, P22, and P23 of the second switch 820 can be electrically isolated. Consequently, the second switch 820 can apply signals to ports P21, P22, and P23 independently of each other.

[0091] When switch SW31 is in the OFF state, port P31 of the third switch 830 can be electrically isolated. Consequently, the third switch 830 can apply signals to ports P31 and P32 independently of each other.

[0092] Fig. 9 is a timing diagram which compares the states of switches with the one in Fig. Figure 6 illustrates the system startup process. Fig. 9 will be the description which corresponds to that of Fig. The 6 redundant ports have been omitted. The following is an example of a case for the first 810 switch.

[0093] With reference to Fig. 9. The first switch 810 can receive a wake-up signal from the first end node 811 and perform a system startup process. Once the system startup process of the first switch 810 is complete, the PHY layer PH1 can generate a signal (S560) to be transmitted through ports P11, P12, and P13. When the system startup process is complete, the PHY layer PH1, under the control of the MAC layer MC1, can apply the signal to switches SW11 and SW12. When the signal is applied to switches SW11 and SW12, these switches can be switched to the OFF state. Therefore, when the first switch 810 wakes up and enters normal mode, switches SW11 and S12 can disable the electrical connections between ports P11, P12, and P13. The first switch 810 can then transmit signals through ports P11, P12, and P13 independently.

[0094] The following describes circuit configurations for switches SW11, SW12, SW21, SW22, and SW31. For simplicity, the following description uses switch SW11 between port P11 and port 12 as an example. The embodiments described below can also be applied to the other switches SW12, SW21, SW22, and SW31.

[0095] Fig. Figure 10 is a circuit diagram showing a first embodiment of the SW11 switch.

[0096] With reference to Fig. In the 10th embodiment, switch SW 11 can include a transistor TR0, which connects port P11 and port P12. The transistor TR0 can be a P-channel metal-oxide-silicon field-effect transistor (MOSFET). However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and the transistor TR0 can be another type of transistor.

[0097] A drain (e.g., drain terminal; labeled "D") of transistor TR0 can be connected to port P12. A source (e.g., source terminal; labeled "S") of transistor TR0 can be connected to port P11. A resistor R can be connected between a gate (e.g., gate terminal; labeled "G") of transistor TR0 and a ground electrode (e.g., an electrode providing an electrical ground potential). If no signal is applied to the gate of transistor TR0, the gate potential of transistor TR0 can be equal to ground potential. For example, when the wake-up signal from the first end node 811 is applied to port P11, the source potential can be increased. A potential difference between the gate and the source becomes negative, allowing current to flow from the source to the drain of transistor TR0.The wake-up signal can therefore be transmitted from port P11 to port P12.

[0098] Once the system of the first switch 810 has finished booting up, the PHY layer PH1 can apply a signal to the gate of transistor TR0. When a current is applied to resistor R, a potential difference can be created across resistor R. A positive potential can therefore be applied to the gate of transistor TR0. Even if a signal is applied to port P11, the potential difference between the gate and the source cannot be less than a reference potential difference. Therefore, transistor TR0 can disable or switch off the electrical connection between port P11 and port P12.

[0099] Fig. Figure 11 is a circuit diagram showing a second embodiment of the SW11 switch.

[0100] With reference to Fig. In the SW11 configuration, switch SW11 can have one (e.g., first) transistor TR01 and one (e.g., second) transistor TR02, which connect port P11 and port P12. Each of transistors TR01 and TR02 can be a P-channel MOSFET. However, the embodiment is not limited to this, and each of transistors TR01 and TR02 can be a different type of transistor.

[0101] A drain of transistor TR01 can be connected to port P12. A source of transistor TR01 can be connected to port P11. Current can flow from the source to the drain in transistor TR01 if transistor TR01 is a P-channel MOSFET. This allows transistor TR01 to transmit a signal input to port P11 to port P12.

[0102] Again, a drain of transistor TR02 can be connected to port P11. A source of transistor TR02 can be connected to port P12. Current can flow from the source to the drain of transistor TR02 if it is a P-channel MOSFET. This allows transistor TR02 to transmit a signal input to port P12 to port P11. Therefore, it is possible to transmit signals in both directions between ports P11 and P12, since switch SW11 incorporates transistors TR01 and TR02.

[0103] Once the system of the first switch 810 has finished booting, the PHY layer PH1 can apply a signal to the gate of transistor TR01 and the gate of transistor TR02. When current is applied to resistor R, a potential difference can be created across resistor R. Therefore, a positive potential can be applied to the gate of transistor TR01 and the gate of transistor TR02. Even if a signal is applied to port P11 or port P12, transistors TR01 and TR02 cannot conduct current in this case. Therefore, transistors TR01 and TR02 can disable or switch off the electrical connection between port P11 and port P12.

[0104] Fig. Figure 12 is a circuit diagram showing a third embodiment of the SW11 switch.

[0105] With reference to Fig. 12. Switch SW11 can have a first sub-switch for receiving a signal from the PHY layer PH1 and a second sub-switch for controlling the electrical connection between port P11 and port P12 according to the ON / OFF state of the first sub-switch. The first sub-switch can be (e.g., first) transistor TR1, and the second sub-switch can be (e.g., second) transistor TR2. Transistor TR1 can be an N-channel MOSFET, and transistor TR2 can be a P-channel MOSFET.

[0106] The signal from PHY layer PH1 can be applied to a gate of transistor TR1. A drain of transistor TR1 can be connected to a power source to apply a drain potential V. DDThe following connections are possible: A source of transistor TR1 can be connected to a gate of transistor TR2. A resistor R can be placed between the source of transistor TR1 and a ground electrode. A resistor can also be placed between the gate of transistor TR2 and the ground electrode. A source of transistor TR2 can be connected to port P11. Additionally, a drain of transistor TR2 can be connected to port P12.

[0107] If transistor TR1 is an N-channel MOSFET, no current can flow through it (i.e., current flow through TR1 is blocked) unless a signal is applied to its gate. The gate potential of transistor TR2 can be equal to ground. If transistor TR2 is a P-channel MOSFET, then current can flow from the source to the drain of transistor TR2 if a signal is applied to port P11. Therefore, transistor TR2 can transmit a signal input to port P11 to port P12.

[0108] Conversely, if a signal is applied to the gate of transistor TR1, a current can flow from the drain to the source of transistor TR1. As a result, a positive potential can be applied to the gate of transistor TR2. If transistor TR2 is a P-channel MOSFET, no current can flow through transistor TR2 (i.e., current flow through TR2 is blocked) because the positive potential is applied to the gate of transistor TR2. Therefore, transistor TR2 can disable or switch off the connection between port P11 and port P12.

[0109] If the gate potential of transistor TR2 is set by transistor TR1, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 12, the gate potential of transistor TR2 can be easily adjusted by a current amplification effect of transistor TR1, even if only a low-strength signal is input into the gate of transistor TR1.

[0110] Fig. Figure 13 is a circuit diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the SW11 switch.

[0111] With reference to Fig. 13. Switch SW11 can have a first sub-switch and a second sub-switch for controlling the electrical connection between port P11 and port P12 according to the ON / OFF state of the first sub-switch. The first sub-switch can be a transistor TR1 (e.g., the first one), and the second sub-switch can have a transistor TR2 (e.g., the second one) and a transistor TR3 (e.g., the third one). Transistor TR1 can be an N-channel MOSFET, and transistors TR2 and TR3 can be P-channel MOSFETs.

[0112] A signal from the PHY layer PH1 can be applied to a gate of transistor TR1. A drain of transistor TR1 can be connected to a power source to apply a drain potential V. DDThe source of transistor TR1 can be connected to a gate of transistor TR2 and to a gate of transistor TR3. A resistor R can be placed between the source of transistor TR1 and a ground electrode. The resistor can be placed between the gate of transistor TR2 and the ground electrode. The resistor can be placed between the gate of transistor TR3 and the ground electrode. The source of transistor TR2 can be connected to port P11. The drain of transistor TR2 can be connected to port P12. A source of transistor TR3 can be connected to port P12. The drain of transistor TR3 can be connected to port P11.

[0113] If transistor TR1 is an N-channel MOSFET, no current can flow through it (i.e., current flow through TR1 is blocked) unless a signal is applied to its gate. The gate potential of transistor TR2 and the gate potential of transistor TR3 can be equal to ground. If transistor TR2 is a P-channel MOSFET, then current can flow from its source to its drain if a signal is applied to port P11. This allows transistor TR2 to transmit a signal input to port P11 to port P12. If transistor TR3 is a P-channel MOSFET, then current can flow from its source to its drain if a signal is applied to port P12. This allows transistor TR3 to transmit a signal input to port P12 to port P11.This means that it is possible to transmit signals in both directions between ports P11 and P12, since switch SW11 has transistors TR2 and TR3.

[0114] Conversely, if a signal is applied to the gate of transistor TR1, a current can flow from the drain to the source of transistor TR1. This can apply a positive potential to the gate of transistor TR2 and the gate of transistor TR3. If transistor TR2 is a P-channel MOSFET, no current can flow through transistor TR2 (i.e., current flow through TR2 is blocked) because the positive potential is applied to the gate of transistor TR2. Similarly, if transistor TR3 is a P-channel MOSFET, no current can flow through transistor TR3 (i.e., current flow through TR3 is blocked) because the positive potential is applied to the gate of transistor TR3. Therefore, transistors TR2 and TR3 can disable or switch off the connection between port P11 and port P12.

[0115] If the gate potential of transistor TR2 and the gate potential of transistor TR3 are set by transistor TR1, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, the gate potential of transistor TR2 and the gate potential of transistor TR3 can be easily adjusted by a current amplification effect of transistor TR1, even if only a low-strength signal is input into the gate of transistor TR1.

[0116] Fig. Figure 14 is a sequence diagram showing a process of transmitting a wake-up signal in a vehicle network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0117] In step S810, the first end node 811 can detect an event. The first end node 811 can detect an event and perform a system startup process.

[0118] In step S820, the first end node 811 can send a wake-up signal. The wake-up signal sent by the first end node 811 can be input into port P11 of the first switch 810. When the first end node 811 sends the wake-up signal, switches SW11, SW12, SW21, SW22, and SW31 can be in an ON state. The wake-up signal sent by the first end node 811 can be transmitted through ports P11, P12, P13, P21, P22, P23, P31, and P32 of switches 810, 820, and 830. The second end node 812, the third end node 821, and the fourth end node 831 can receive the wake-up signal. Since ports P11, P12, P13, P21, P22, P23, P31 and P32 of switches 810, 820 and 830 are electrically connected through switches SW11, SW12, SW21, SW22 and SW31, the first end node 811, the second end node 812, the third end node 821 and the fourth end node 831 can receive the wake-up signal almost simultaneously.Furthermore, the first end node 811, the second end node 812, the third end node 821 and the fourth end node 831 can perform the system startup process almost simultaneously.

[0119] In step S830, the first end node 811 can transmit a message. This message can specify a wake-up reason. When the first end node 811 transmits the message, switches SW11, SW12, SW21, SW22, and SW31 can be in the ON state. Therefore, the message sent by the first end node 811 can be transmitted through ports P11, P12, P13, P21, P22, P23, P31, and P32 of switches 810, 820, and 830. The second end node 812, the third end node 821, and the fourth end node 831 can receive the message. Since ports P11, P12, P13, P21, P22, P23, P31 and P32 of switches 810, 820 and 830 are electrically connected through switches SW11, SW12, SW21, SW22 and SW31, the first end node 811, the second end node 812, the third end node 821 and the fourth end node 831 can receive this message almost simultaneously.Furthermore, since the message is transmitted without the system of switches 810, 820, and 830 needing to be powered on, the message sent by the first end node 811 can be forwarded to the other end nodes 812, 821, and 831 without any loss of the message. End nodes 812, 821, and 831 can then determine the reason for the wake-up from the received message.

[0120] In step S840, switches 810, 820, and 830 can turn the switches to the OFF state. The first switch, 810, can turn switches SW11 and SW12 to the OFF state. When switches SW11 and SW12 are in the OFF state, ports P11, P12, and P13 can be electrically isolated from each other. The second switch, 820, can turn switches SW21 and SW22 to the OFF state. When switches SW21 and SW22 are in the OFF state, ports P21, P22, and P23 can be electrically isolated from each other. The third switch, 830, can turn switch SW31 to the OFF state. When switch SW31 is in the OFF state, ports P31 and P32 can be electrically isolated from each other.

[0121] In steps S850 and S860, the first end node 811 can additionally send the wake-up signal and message after the switches have been turned off. The reason the first end node 811 continues to send the wake-up signal and message (e.g., again) is that one channel uses a PHY layer that is not connected by the switches. For example, in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, an external PHY layer not connected via switches SW11-SW31 cannot receive the wake-up signal and message until the system of switches 810, 820, and 830 has finished booting up. Once the system of switches 810, 820, and 830 has finished booting up, the first end node 811 can continue to send the wake-up signal and message, allowing the wake-up signal and message to be transmitted through the channel using the external PHY layer. The first end node 811 can also send the wake-up signal and message multiple times.

[0122] The above description was made with reference to Fig.Figures 1 to 14 describe the operating procedure of the communication node and the communication node according to the embodiments of the present invention. According to the embodiments described above, the switches can be used to manage the electrical connections between the PHY layers of the switches. When the switches are in sleep mode, the signals between the PHY layers can be transmitted through the switches, thereby reducing the time required to wake up the end nodes. Furthermore, the message indicating the wake-up reason can be transmitted to the end nodes without loss.

[0123] The methods disclosed herein according to embodiments of the present invention / disclosure can be implemented as program instructions that are executable by a plurality of computers and are stored on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can comprise a program instruction, a data file, a data structure, or a combination thereof. The program instructions stored on the computer-readable medium can be specifically designed and configured for the present invention or can be publicly known and accessible to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of the computer-readable medium can include a hardware device, such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory, specifically configured to store and execute the program instructions.Examples of program instructions include machine code, which is generated, for example, by a compiler, as well as code in higher-level programming languages, which can be executed by a computer using an interpreter. The exemplary hardware device described above can be configured to function as at least one software module to carry out the operation / execution of the present invention, and vice versa.

[0124] Although the embodiments of the present invention and its advantages have been described in detail above, it is understood that various changes, substitutions and modifications can be made therein without deviating from the scope of the invention.

Claims

[1] Communication node (810) in a vehicle network, comprising: a Media Access Control (MAC) layer (MC1), a physical (PHY) layer (PH1), a first port (P11) which is connected to the PHY layer (PH1), a second port (P12) that is connected to the PHY layer (PH1), and a switch (SW11) which controls a connection between the first port (P11) and the second port (P12), where the switch (SW11) enables or disables the connection between the first port (P11) and the second port (P12) under control by the MAC layer (MC1), wherein, when the communication node (810) is in a sleep mode, the switch (SW11) transmits a signal received through the first port (P11) to the second port (P12) and the signal received through the first port (P11) is transmitted to another communication node (812) through the second port (P12), without a system startup process for the communication node (810), and the switch (SW11) has: a first transistor (TR1) which has a source, a drain and a gate that receives a signal from the PHY layer (PH1), a second transistor (TR2) which has a gate connected to the source of the first transistor (TR1), a source connected to the first port (P11), and a drain connected to the second port (P12), and a resistor (R) which is connected between the source of the first transistor (TR1) and a ground electrode. [2] Communication node (810) according to claim 1, wherein the PHY layer (PH1) applies a signal to change an ON / OFF state of the switch (SW11) when the startup of the communication node (810) is complete. [3] Communication node (810) according to claim 2, wherein the switch (SW11) activates the connection between the first port (P11) and the second port (P12) when the communication node (810) is in sleep mode, and deactivates the connection between the first port (P11) and the second port (P12) when the communication node (810) is awake and in normal mode. [4] Communication node (810) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the switch (SW11) comprises: a first sub-switch (TR1) which receives a signal from the PHY layer (PH1), and at least one second sub-switch (TR2, TR3) which controls the connection between the first port (P11) and the second port (P12) according to an ON / OFF state of the first sub-switch. [5] Communication node (810) according to claim 4, wherein the first sub-switch (TR1) comprises an N-channel metal oxide silicon field-effect transistor (MOSFET), and the at least one second sub-switch (TR2, TR3) comprises a P-channel MOSFET. [6] Communication node according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first transistor (TR1) is an N-channel MOSFET and the second transistor (TR2) is a P-channel MOSFET. [7] Communication node according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the switch (SW11) further comprises a third transistor (TR3) which has a gate connected to the source of the first transistor (TR1), a source connected to the second port (P12), and a drain connected to the first port (P11). [8] Communication node (810) according to claim 7, wherein the first transistor (TR1) is an N-channel MOSFET and the second and third transistors (TR2, TR3) are P-channel MOSFETs. [9] Communication node (810) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the first port (P11) receives a message indicating a wake-up reason from another communication node (811) that has detected an event. [10] Communication node (810) according to claim 9, wherein when the communication node (810) is in sleep mode, the switch (SW11) transmits the message received through the first port (P11) to the second port (P12) and the message received through the first port (P11) is transmitted to the other communication node (812) through the second port (P12). [11] Operating procedure of a first communication node (810) comprising a media access control (MAC) layer (MC1), a physical (PHY) layer (PH1), a first port (P11) connected to the PHY layer (PH1), and a second port (P12) connected to the PHY layer (PH1), wherein the operating procedure comprises: Receiving, through the first port (P11), a signal from a second communication node (811); when the first communication node (810) is in sleep mode, transmit (S820, S830) the signal received by the first port (P11) to the second port (P12) by electrically connecting the first port (P11) and the second port (P12) by means of a switch (SW11) which controls a connection between the first port (P11) and the second port (P12); and Transmitted (S820, S830), through the second port (P12), the signal transmitted from the first port (P11) to a third communication node (812), which is connected to the second port (P12), wherein, when the first communication node (810) is in sleep mode, the switch (SW11) transmits a first signal received through the first port (P11) to the second port (P12) and the first signal received through the first port (P11) is transmitted to the third communication node (812) through the second port (P12), without a system startup process for the first communication node (810), wherein the switch (SW11) has a first transistor (TR1) which has a source, a drain and a gate which receives a second signal from the PHY layer (PH1), a second transistor (TR2) which has a gate which is connected to the source of the first transistor (TR1), a source which is connected to the first port (P11) and a drain which is connected to the second port (P12), and a resistor (R) which is connected between the source of the first transistor (TR1) and a ground electrode, wherein the PHY layer (PH1) deactivates the connection between the first port (P11) and the second port (P12) by applying the second signal to the gate of the first transistor (TR1) when the first communication node (810) is awake and in a normal state. [12] Operating method according to claim 11, wherein the switch (SW11) activates the connection between the first port (P11) and the second port (P12) when the first communication node (810) is in sleep mode, and deactivates the connection between the first port (P11) and the second port (P12) (S840) when the first communication node (810) is awake and in normal mode. [13] Operating method according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising: Received (S830), through the first port (P11), a message indicating a wake-up reason, from the second communication node (811). [14] Operating method according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the switch (SW11) further comprises a third transistor (TR3) which has a gate connected to the source of the first transistor (TR1), a source connected to the second port (P12) and a drain connected to the first port (P11). [15] Operating method according to claim 14, wherein the first transistor (TR1) is an N-channel MOSFET and the second and third transistors (TR2, TR3) are P-channel MOSFETs. [16] Communication node (810) in a vehicle network, comprising: a Media Access Control (MAC) layer (MC1), a physical (PHY) layer (PH1), a first port (P11) which is connected to the PHY layer (PH1), a second port (P12) that is connected to the PHY layer (PH1), and a switch (SW11) which controls a connection between the first port (P11) and the second port (P12), wherein, when the communication node (810) is in a sleep mode, the switch (SW11) transmits a first signal received through the first port (P11) to the second port (P12) and the first signal received through the first port (P11) is transmitted to another communication node (812) through the second port (P12), without a system startup process for the communication node (810), where the switch (SW11) enables or disables the connection between the first port (P11) and the second port (P12) under control by the MAC layer (MC1), wherein the switch (SW11) has a first transistor (TR01) which has a source connected to the first port (P11), a drain connected to the second port (P12) and a gate which receives a second signal from the PHY layer (PH1), and a second transistor (TR02) which has a source which is connected to the second port (P12), a drain which is connected to the first port (P12), and a gate which receives the second signal from the PHY layer (PH1), and wherein the PHY layer (PH1) disables the connection between the first port (P11) and the second port (P12) by applying the second signal to the gates of the first transistor (TR01) and the second transistor (TR02) when the communication node (810) is awake and in a normal state.

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