Communication system and vehicle with a communication system

A single-core electrical conductor over a vehicle's conductive body part addresses high data rate and cost challenges in vehicle communication systems, achieving efficient Ethernet compliance with reduced material usage.

DE102019132958B4Active Publication Date: 2025-12-11ROBERT BOSCH GMBH +1
View PDF 6 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
DE102019132958
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2019-12-04
Publication Date
2025-12-11
Estimated Expiration
2039-12-04

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing vehicle communication systems face challenges in achieving high data rates while minimizing material and production costs, particularly in applications like automotive Ethernet, where multiple conductors are typically required.

Method used

Utilizing a single-core electrical conductor arranged over an electrically conductive section of a vehicle body part to facilitate packet-based data transmission, compliant with Ethernet standards, thereby reducing material costs and maintaining high data rates.

Benefits of technology

Enables data transmission rates up to 1 Gbit/s with reduced material costs by using a single-wire electrical line, suitable for vehicles and potentially aircraft, offering weight reduction benefits.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
    Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

Vehicle (100) showing: a vehicle body part (102); a first network component (112a) which has a first Ethernet interface (124); a second network component (112b) which has a second Ethernet interface (124); and a single-core electrical conductor (134) which is arranged over an electrically conductive section (102a) of the vehicle body part (102), wherein the single-core electrical conductor (134) is arranged relative to the electrically conductive section (102a) of the vehicle body part (102) such that data transmission between the first Ethernet interface (124) and the second Ethernet interface (124) can take place via this conductor, wherein the single-core electrical conductor (134) is arranged relative to the electrically conductive section (102a) of the vehicle body part (102) such that the single-core electrical conductor (134) and the electrically conductive section (102a) of the vehicle body part (102) form a transmission channel for data transmission between the first Ethernet interface (124) and the second Ethernet interface (124).
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

[0001] Various embodiments relate to a communication system and a vehicle with a communication system.

[0002] In the development of automotive technology, various bus systems have become established for transmitting data between the individual participants in a network. Building upon the established CAN bus (Controller Area Network), efforts are underway to meet the demand for higher data rates in modern vehicles through improved or entirely new systems. For example, a so-called Automotive Ethernet is currently under discussion, which, according to IEEE standards such as 100BASE-T1 or 1000BASE-T1, is intended to enable communication within a vehicle based on UTP (unshielded twisted pair) cables. Generally, various networks are conceivable within a vehicle; however, specific constraints must be met, meaning that different networks also bring different advantages and disadvantages.

[0003] Various embodiments relate to a method of data transmission in a vehicle that is compatible with established Ethernet standards. This can be implemented, for example, in a vehicle where only one electrical conductor is used for data transmission per channel, such as a single-core electrical cable. According to various embodiments, the electrical conductor is arranged on the vehicle body or another body part in such a way that data transmission at a comparatively high data rate can occur via the electrical conductor and the vehicle body or other body part. For example, according to various embodiments, data rates of up to 100 Mbit or more than 100 Mbit, e.g., up to 1 Gbit or data rates exceeding 1 Gbit, can be achieved.

[0004] According to various embodiments, a communication system can be used in a vehicle in which a single-wire electrical line is used for data transmission, which is arranged over an electrically conductive section of a body or other part of the vehicle body, wherein the data transmission between at least two participants (e.g. a sender and a receiver) can be packet-based.

[0005] According to the invention, a single-core electrical conductor and an electrically conductive section of a vehicle body or other vehicle body part form a transmission channel for data transmission between Ethernet-enabled network participants.

[0006] According to various embodiments, a vehicle can comprise the following: a vehicle body part, a single-core electrical cable arranged over an electrically conductive section of the vehicle body part, a transmitter, and a receiver, wherein the transmitter, the receiver, the single-core electrical cable, and the electrically conductive section of the vehicle body part are configured to enable packet-based data transmission between the transmitter and the receiver. The transmitter and the receiver can each have an Ethernet interface for packet-based data transmission via the single-core electrical cable.

[0007] According to various embodiments, a vehicle body part can be a body shell or part of a body. According to various embodiments, a vehicle body part can be a frame or part of a frame. The frame can be, for example, a chassis, a chassis, or an undercarriage of a vehicle. According to various embodiments, a vehicle body part can be a sheet of metal of the outer skin of a vehicle. According to various embodiments, a vehicle body part can be any component of a vehicle with a load-bearing and / or stiffening function. According to various embodiments, a vehicle body part can be any component of a vehicle that defines the external shape of the vehicle.

[0008] According to various embodiments, the vehicle body part can be made of an electrically conductive material. In this case, the single-core electrical conductor can be arranged above the vehicle body part at a preferably constant, predefined distance. If the single-core electrical conductor is arranged directly on the vehicle body part, the predefined distance can be considered zero.

[0009] According to various embodiments, the vehicle body part can be made of an electrically insulating or poorly conductive material. In this case, an electrically conductive or more conductive layer can be applied to the vehicle body part. The single-core electrical conductor can be arranged above the electrically conductive or more conductive layer at a preferably constant distance. If the single-core electrical conductor is arranged directly on the electrically conductive or more conductive layer, the predefined distance can be considered zero.

[0010] According to various embodiments, the electrical conductor can be a copper wire or a copper strand. In other words, one conductor of the electrical conductor can be designed as a copper wire or a copper strand. It is understood that, alternatively, metals other than copper or metal alloys can also be used as the material of the electrical conductor. The electrical conductor can, for example, be sheathed, the sheathing being made of an electrically insulating material, preferably a polymer material. The sheathed electrical conductor can be attached to the electrically conductive section of the vehicle body part by means of a polymer material, e.g., silicone.

[0011] A car body can, for example, be designed as a self-supporting body or as a skeleton body.

[0012] Depending on the specific implementation, the participants (e.g., transmitter and receiver) in packet-based data transmission can be configured according to the 100BASE-T1 Ethernet standard (e.g., IEEE 802.3bw, October 2015 version) or the 1000BASE-T1 Ethernet standard (e.g., IEEE 802.3bp, June 2016 version). Depending on the specific implementation, the participants (e.g., transmitter and receiver) in packet-based data transmission can also be configured according to the 10BASE-T1S Ethernet standard (e.g., IEEE 802.3cg, currently under development).

[0013] Examples of implementation are shown in the figures and are explained in more detail below.

[0014] They show Fig. 1A a vehicle in a schematic view, according to different embodiments; Fig. 1B A communication system of a vehicle in a schematic view, according to different embodiments; Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B an exemplary arrangement of a single-core electrical conductor over an electrically conductive section of a vehicle body part, according to various embodiments; Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B an exemplary arrangement of a single-core electrical conductor over an electrically conductive section of a vehicle body part, according to various embodiments; Fig. 4 an exemplary arrangement of a single-core electrical conductor over an electrically conductive layer on a section of a vehicle body part, according to various embodiments; Fig. 5 and Fig. 6. each a comparison of the properties of a UTP connection with a single-core electrical conductor in use as a communication channel in conjunction with an electrically conductive section of a vehicle body part or an electrically conductive layer on a section of a vehicle body part, according to different embodiments; Fig. 7 an exemplary arrangement of a single-core electrical conductor over an electrically conductive section of a vehicle body part or an electrically conductive layer on a section of a vehicle body part, according to various embodiments; and Fig. 8 An exemplary arrangement of a single-core electrical conductor and another single-core electrical conductor over an electrically conductive section of a vehicle body part or an electrically conductive layer on a section of a vehicle body part, according to various embodiments.

[0015] The following detailed description refers to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the description and illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be implemented. It is understood that other embodiments may be used and structural or logical modifications may be made without deviating from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is understood that the features of the various exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined with one another, unless specifically stated otherwise. The following description is therefore not to be interpreted restrictively, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the attached claims.

[0016] Various embodiments relate to an Ethernet network (preferably a Gigabit Ethernet network) in a vehicle, wherein data transmission occurs at least partially via a single data line to an electrically conductive body or an electrically conductive section of the body. Various embodiments relate to an Ethernet network (preferably a Gigabit Ethernet network) in a vehicle, wherein data transmission occurs at least partially via a single data line to an electrically conductive frame or an electrically conductive section of the frame. Various embodiments relate to an Ethernet network (preferably a Gigabit Ethernet network) in a vehicle, wherein data transmission occurs at least partially via a single data line to an electrically conductive outer shell or an electrically conductive section of the outer shell.

[0017] According to various embodiments, functional components of a vehicle (e.g. load-bearing structures, stiffening structures, cladding structures, etc.) are used, provided they are electrically conductive, to form a transmission channel with a single-wire line for communication via an Ethernet network in the vehicle.

[0018] Thus, for example, communication between network components can take place according to a known standard or a generally used standard with a sufficiently high data rate, while at the same time reducing material costs compared to, for example, a planned UTP connection, since, according to various embodiments, only one data line is used instead of two data lines per transmission channel.

[0019] This can be considered from the perspective that material costs for copper wiring in a modern vehicle with numerous sensors, actuators, etc., can represent a significant portion of the total production costs, as electrical cables with lengths exceeding 1 km (e.g., more than 3 km, more than 5 km, or more than 10 km) may be used. For aircraft, for example, where production costs are already high, the advantage can be weight reduction, as the use of single-core wiring, for instance, can reduce the amount of copper by half without compromising data rate.

[0020] Fig. Figure 1A illustrates a vehicle 100 in a schematic view, according to various embodiments. The vehicle 100 may, for example, have a communication system 110. Fig. Figure 1B illustrates the communication system 110 of the vehicle 100 in a schematic view, according to different embodiments.

[0021] The vehicle 100 or the communication system 110 can, for example, have at least one first network component 112a and one second network component 112b. The first network component 112a and the second network component 112b can each, for example, have at least one Ethernet interface 124.

[0022] According to various embodiments, the vehicle 100 can have a vehicle body part 102, e.g., a body, a frame, etc. Furthermore, the vehicle 100 or the communication system 110 can have a single-core electrical cable 134. The single-core electrical cable 134 can, for example, be arranged over an electrically conductive section 102a of the vehicle body part 102. If the entire vehicle body part 102 is made of electrically conductive material, the single-core electrical cable 134 can be arranged over any section 102a of the vehicle body part 102.

[0023] According to various embodiments, the single-core electrical conductor 134 can be arranged relative to the electrically conductive section 102a of the vehicle body part 102 such that data transmission 144 can take place between the Ethernet interface 124 of the first network component 112a and the Ethernet interface 124 of the second network component 112b via the single-core electrical conductor 134. The Ethernet interface 124 of the first network component 112a can also be referred to herein as the first Ethernet interface, and the Ethernet interface 124 of the second network component 112b can also be referred to herein as the second Ethernet interface.

[0024] Depending on the specific implementation, the Ethernet interface can be an MDI (Medium Dependent Interface) interface.

[0025] The in Fig. Figure 1A, schematically illustrated, depicts vehicle 100 as an example of a motor vehicle. It is understood that vehicle 100 can also be any suitable vehicle, e.g., a ground, water, or air vehicle. For example, vehicle 100 can be an airplane or a drone. Furthermore, vehicle 100 can be a robot, e.g., a ground-based robot. According to various embodiments, vehicle 100 can be any machine in which the use of the communication system 110 described herein is advantageous due to the cable lengths used for communication and / or the desired weight.

[0026] Fig. 2A and Fig. Figure 2B illustrates an exemplary arrangement of a single-core electrical conductor 134 over an electrically conductive section 102a of a vehicle body part, according to different embodiments.

[0027] According to various embodiments, the single-core electrical conductor 134 can be arranged at a predefined target distance from the electrically conductive section 102a. The target distance can be substantially constant over the length 203 of the single-core electrical conductor 134. In other words, in this case, the single-core electrical conductor 134 can be in physical contact with the electrically conductive section 102a for substantially its entire length 203 (e.g., over more than 90% or more than 95%). If one or more sections of the single-core electrical conductor 134 are not in physical contact with the electrically conductive section 102a, the actual distance from the electrically conductive section 102a in that section can be less than 10 mm, e.g., less than 5 mm, e.g., less than 1 mm.This can, for example, ensure the highest possible transmission quality as well as compliance with standards (e.g., in conjunction with PHY-IC, error-free data transmission can then be guaranteed).

[0028] As in Fig. 2A and Fig. As illustrated in the exemplary cross-sectional view shown in Figure 2B, the single-core electrical conductor 134 can be arranged directly on the electrically conductive section 102a. In this case, the nominal distance is zero. Alternatively, the single-core electrical conductor 134 can be arranged, for example, at a predefined nominal distance greater than zero above the electrically conductive section of the vehicle body part, as shown in Figure 2B. Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B illustrates this.

[0029] Fig. 3A and Fig. Figure 3B illustrates an exemplary arrangement of a single-core electrical conductor 134 over an electrically conductive section 102a of a vehicle body part, according to different embodiments.

[0030] The single-core electrical conductor 134 can, for example, be arranged at a predefined target distance 302 from the electrically conductive section 102a, wherein the predefined target distance 302 is, for example, greater than 0 cm and less than 1 cm, or wherein the predefined target distance 302 is, for example, greater than 0 cm and less than 5 mm, or wherein the predefined target distance 302 is, for example, greater than 0 cm and less than 2 mm.

[0031] The predefined target distance 302 can be essentially constant over the length 303 of the single-core electrical conductor 134. For example, a deviation of the actual distance of the single-core electrical conductor 134 from the target distance 302 over the length 303 of the single-core electrical conductor 134 can always be less than 10 mm, e.g. less than 5 mm, e.g. less than 1 mm.

[0032] Variations in the distance between the single-core electrical conductor 134 and the electrically conductive section 102a can significantly affect the transmission characteristics. Therefore, according to various embodiments, measures are taken to keep this distance as constant as possible or to avoid local variations. For example, the single-core electrical conductor 134 can be fixed to the electrically conductive section 102a by means of an automated process, e.g., using the adhesive 238.

[0033] The single-core electrical conductor 134 can, for example, comprise a wire 234 or a strand 234. The wire 234 or the strand 234 can, for example, contain or consist of copper.

[0034] According to various embodiments, the wire or strand can have a diameter of less than 1 mm, preferably less than 0.5 mm, e.g., a diameter of approximately 0.25 mm. According to various embodiments, the wire or strand can have a cross-sectional area of ​​approximately 0.22 mm². 2 up to approximately 2.50 mm 2 exhibit.

[0035] Furthermore, the single-core electrical conductor 134 can have an electrically insulating sheath 236.

[0036] It is understood that an electrical short circuit between the wire or strand 234 of the single-core electrical conductor 134 and the electrically conductive section 102a must be avoided. If the single-core electrical conductor 134 has no sheathing, the wire or strand 234 of the single-core electrical conductor 134 must be positioned at a distance from the electrically conductive section 102a that is greater than 0. The wire or strand 234 of the single-core electrical conductor 134 can, for example, be embedded in an electrically insulating adhesive material and thus be fixed at a predefined target distance of more than 0 above the electrically conductive section 102a.If, on the other hand, the single-core electrical conductor 134 has an electrically insulating sheath 236, the single-core electrical conductor 134 can be arranged or be arranged with a nominal distance of 0 on the electrically conductive section 102a, wherein the electrically insulating sheath 236 in this case can, for example, have direct physical contact with the electrically conductive section 102a.

[0037] According to various embodiments, the electrically insulating sheath 236 can comprise or consist of a polymer material, e.g., polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The electrically insulating sheath 236 can, for example, be temperature-stable, i.e., it can degrade not or only minimally up to a temperature of 100°C. According to various embodiments, the electrically insulating sheath 236 can have a diameter of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1.5 mm, e.g., a diameter of approximately 1.3 mm.

[0038] According to various embodiments, the electrically insulating sheathing 236 can have a permittivity, ε r , exhibiting values ​​in a range of 1 to 5, e.g., in a range of 2 to 4, e.g., a permittivity of approximately 3.2.

[0039] According to various embodiments, the single-core electrical conductor 234 can be attached to the electrically conductive section 102a by means of an adhesive material 238. The adhesive material 238 can, for example, comprise or consist of a polymer, e.g., silicone. According to various embodiments, the adhesive material 238 can have a permittivity ε r , exhibit in a range of 1 to 5, e.g. in a range of 2 to 3, e.g. a permittivity of approximately 2.2.

[0040] According to various embodiments, the single-core electrical conductor 134 can be embedded in the adhesive material 238. For example, the single-core electrical conductor 134 can be completely surrounded by the adhesive material 238, as shown in Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B is illustrated, or only partially surrounded by the adhesive material 238, as shown in Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B is illustrated.

[0041] According to various embodiments, the electrical conductivity of the electrically conductive section 102a can be greater than 1*10 6 (Ω·m) -1 For example, the electrically conductive section 102a can be a section of a steel body or frame. For example, the electrically conductive section 102a can be a section of an aluminum body or frame.

[0042] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of a single-core electrical conductor 134 over a vehicle body part 402, according to various embodiments.

[0043] The vehicle body part 402 may, for example, have an electrically non-conductive or electrically insufficiently conductive section 402i, such that communication between two participants of the communication system (e.g., between the first network component 112a and the second network component 112b of the communication system 110) would not be possible solely by means of this section 402i. The electrically non-conductive or electrically insufficiently conductive section 402i may, for example, be made of or consist of a material having an electrical conductivity of less than 1 × 10⁻⁶. 5 (Ω·m) -1 This can be the case, for example, for a carbon material and / or a (e.g., fiber-reinforced) composite material.

[0044] According to various embodiments, at least one electrically conductive layer 402s can be arranged on the electrically non-conductive or electrically insufficiently conductive section 402i of the vehicle body part 402. The electrically conductive layer 402s then intuitively assumes the function of the previously described electrically conductive section 102a of the vehicle body part 102.

[0045] Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a comparison of the insertion loss for a commercially available 3 m long UTP cable and the arrangement described herein of a single-core electrical conductor 134 over a vehicle body part 102, 402 as a transmission channel, according to different embodiments.

[0046] The insertion loss, IL, is determined using the scattering parameter (S). 21 ) expressed as follows: IL=−20*log10(|S21|).

[0047] In the Fig. In diagram 5, the amount of S is shown. 21 in dB plotted against frequency f in MHz.

[0048] Fig. Figure 6 illustrates a comparison of the insertion loss for a 3 m long single-core electrical conductor 134, which - as described herein - is arranged over a vehicle body part 102, 402 and can be used as a transmission channel, and a modeled behavior as well as the minimum requirement that would result, for example, from the 1000BASE-T1 standard, according to different embodiments.

[0049] The insertion loss, IL, is determined using the scattering parameter (S). 21 ) expressed as follows: IL=−20*log10(|S21|).

[0050] In the Fig. The amount of S shown in diagram 6 is 21 in dB plotted against frequency f in MHz.

[0051] Accordingly, for example, a three-meter-long connection between two participants of the communication system (e.g., between the first network component 112a and the second network component 112b of the communication system 110) can be realized by means of the arrangement described herein of a single-core electrical conductor 134 over a correspondingly conductive section 102a of a vehicle body part 102 (or a conductive layer 402s provided on a vehicle body part 402 or as part of the vehicle body part 102), enabling data transmission that, for example, complies with the 1000BASE-T1 standard (e.g., in the version: IEEE Standard for Ethernet Amendment Physical Layer Specifications and Management Parameters for 1 Gb / s Operation over a Single Twisted-Pair Copper Cable," IEEE Std 802.3bp-2016 (Amendment to IEEE Std 802.3-2015 as amended by IEEE Std 802.3bw-2015, IEEE 802.3bp-2016). Std 802.3by-2016, and IEEE Std 802.3bq-2016), pp. 1-211, Sep.2016) would be compliant.

[0052] According to various embodiments, the in Fig. Figure 6 illustrates that the increasing insertion loss at frequencies above 600 MHz can be compensated by ensuring the smallest possible variation in the distance of the single-core electrical conductor 134 from the conductive section 102a of the vehicle body part 102 (or from the conductive layer 402s, which is provided on a vehicle body part 402 or as part of the vehicle body part 102).

[0053] Fig. Figure 7 illustrates a part of the communication system 110 of the vehicle 100, in a schematic detail view, according to different embodiments.

[0054] According to various embodiments, the communication system 110 or the vehicle 100 can have a first connector 734a (e.g. a plug / clamp connector or a screw connector) which has at least two connecting contacts 736a, 736b (e.g. two pins), wherein a first connecting contact 736a of the first connector 734a is electrically connected to a first end section 134a of the single-core electrical conductor 134 and wherein a second connecting contact 736b of the first connector 734a is electrically connected to the electrically conductive section 102a of the vehicle body part 102 (or the electrically conductive layer 402s).

[0055] According to various embodiments, the communication system 110 or the vehicle 100 can have a second connector 734b (e.g. a plug / clamp connector or a screw connector) which has at least two connection contacts 736a, 736b (e.g. two pins), wherein a first connection contact 736a of the second connector 734b is electrically connected to a second end section 134b of the single-core electrical conductor 134 and wherein a second connection contact 736b of the second connector 734b is electrically connected to the electrically conductive section 102a of the vehicle body part 102 (or the electrically conductive layer 402s).

[0056] According to various embodiments, the respective connector 734a, 734b can have or be an RJ45 plug or an RJ45 socket. According to various embodiments, the respective connector 734a, 734b can have or be a coaxial plug or a coaxial socket. According to various embodiments, the respective connector 734a, 734b can be an SMA (SubMiniature Version A) connector.

[0057] According to various embodiments, the vehicle body part 102 and the single-core electrical cable 134 form a so-called automotive ethernet link.

[0058] According to various embodiments, several single-core electrical conductors 134 can be arranged side by side over an electrically conductive section 102a of the vehicle body part 102 (or over an electrically conductive layer 402s). The several single-core electrical conductors 134 are not twisted together, but run, for example, at a predefined distance from each other (e.g., at a distance of more than 1 mm).

[0059] Fig. Figure 8 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of a single-core electrical conductor 134 and at least one further single-core electrical conductor 834 over an electrically conductive section 102a of the vehicle body part 102 (or over an electrically conductive layer 402s), according to various embodiments.

[0060] The at least one further single-core electrical conductor 834 can, for example, be arranged relative to the electrically conductive section 102a of the vehicle body part 102 (or to the electrically conductive layer 402s) in such a way that data transmission can take place between the first network component 112a and the second network component 112b or between a third network component and a fourth network component.

[0061] According to various embodiments, the at least one further single-core electrical conductor 834 can be arranged at a distance 803 of more than 1 mm (e.g. more than 2 mm or more than 5 mm) from the single-core electrical conductor 134.

[0062] According to various embodiments, the at least one further single-core electrical conductor 834 can be configured in the same way as the single-core electrical conductor 134 described herein. The at least one further single-core electrical conductor 834 can, for example, also be fixed to the electrically conductive section 102a of the vehicle body part 102 (or to the electrically conductive layer 402s) by means of the adhesive material 238.

[0063] The following are various examples that relate to what is described herein and depicted in the figures.

[0064] Example 1 is a vehicle or a communication system for a vehicle, comprising: a vehicle body part; a first network component having a first Ethernet interface; a second network component having a second Ethernet interface; and a single-core electrical conductor arranged over an electrically conductive section of the vehicle body part, wherein the single-core electrical conductor is arranged relative to the electrically conductive section of the vehicle body part in such a way that data transmission between the first Ethernet interface and the second Ethernet interface can take place by means of it.

[0065] In Example 2, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to Example 1 may optionally have a first Ethernet interface with a data transmission rate of 100 Mbit / s or more than 100 Mbit / s, preferably 1 Gbit / s or more than 1 Gbit / s.

[0066] In Example 3, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to Example 1 or 2 may optionally have a second Ethernet interface with a data transmission rate of 100 Mbit / s or more than 100 Mbit / s, preferably 1 Gbit / s or more than 1 Gbit / s.

[0067] In Example 4, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 1 to 3 may optionally have that the first Ethernet interface has a bandwidth of 100 MHz or more, preferably 250 MHz or more, or 600 MHz or more.

[0068] In Example 5, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 1 to 4 may optionally have a second Ethernet interface with a bandwidth of 100 MHz or more, preferably 250 MHz or more, or 600 MHz or more.

[0069] In Example 6, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 1 to 5 may optionally have that the electrically conductive section of the vehicle body part has or consists of a material having an electrical conductivity of more than 1*10 6 (Ω·m) -1 exhibits.

[0070] In Example 7, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 1 to 6 may optionally have that the electrically conductive section of the vehicle body part is made of or consists of steel.

[0071] In Example 8, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 1 to 7 may optionally have that the electrically conductive section of the vehicle body part has or consists of aluminium.

[0072] In Example 9, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 1 to 8 may optionally have a single-core electrical conductor that makes direct physical contact with the electrically conductive section of the vehicle body part.

[0073] In Example 10, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 1 to 9 may optionally have a single-core electrical conductor that has direct physical contact with the electrically conductive section of the vehicle body part substantially over its entire length (e.g. over more than 90% or more than 95% of the length).

[0074] In Example 11, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 1 to 10 may optionally have the single-core electrical conductor arranged at a predefined target distance from the electrically conductive section of the vehicle body part.

[0075] In Example 12, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to Example 11 may optionally have the predefined target distance being essentially constant over the entire length of the single-core electrical line (e.g. over more than 90% or more than 95% of the length).

[0076] In Example 13, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to Example 11 or 12 may optionally have that the predefined target distance is less than 1 cm, preferably less than 5 mm.

[0077] In Example 14, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 11 to 13 may optionally have that the actual distance of the single-core electrical conductor from the predefined target distance varies by less than 10 mm over the entire length of the single-core electrical conductor, preferably by less than 5 mm or less than 1 mm.

[0078] In Example 15, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 1 to 14 may optionally have a single-core electrical line consisting of exactly one wire or exactly one strand.

[0079] In Example 16, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to Example 15 may optionally include the wire or strand having or being made of a metal or a metal alloy.

[0080] In Example 17, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to any one of Examples 1 to 16 may optionally have a single-core electrical line consisting of exactly one copper wire or exactly one copper strand.

[0081] In Example 18, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 15 to 17 may optionally have that the wire or strand has a diameter of less than 1 mm, preferably a diameter of less than 0.5 mm.

[0082] In Example 19, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 1 to 18 may optionally have that the single-core electrical conductor 134 has a conductor cross-section in the range of 0.22 mm² 2 up to 2.50 mm 2 exhibits.

[0083] In Example 20, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 1 to 19 may optionally have that the single-core electrical cable has an electrically insulating sheath.

[0084] In Example 21, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to Example 20 may optionally have an electrically insulating sheathing that has or consists of a polymer material.

[0085] In Example 22, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to Example 21 may optionally have the polymer material PVC.

[0086] In Example 23, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 20 to 22 may optionally have an electrically insulating sheathing with a diameter of less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1.5 mm.

[0087] In Example 24, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 20 to 23 may optionally have that the electrically insulating sheathing has a permittivity in a range of 1 to 5, preferably in a range of 2 to 4.

[0088] In Example 25, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 1 to 24 may optionally have the single-core electrical conductor attached to the electrically conductive section of the vehicle body part by means of an adhesive material.

[0089] In Example 26, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to Example 25 may optionally have the adhesive material comprising or being a polymer material.

[0090] In Example 27, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to Example 25 or 26 may optionally have that the adhesive material has a permittivity in a range of 1 to 5, preferably in a range of 2 to 4.

[0091] In Example 28, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 1 to 27 may optionally further include: a first connector having at least two connection contacts, wherein a first connection contact (of the at least two connection contacts) is electrically connected to a first end section of the single-core electrical conductor and wherein a second connection contact (of the at least two connection contacts) is electrically connected to the electrically conductive section of the vehicle body part.

[0092] In Example 29, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 1 to 28 may optionally further include: a second connector having at least two connection contacts, wherein a first connection contact (of the at least two connection contacts) is electrically connected to a second end section of the single-core electrical conductor and wherein a second connection contact (of the at least two connection contacts) is electrically connected to the electrically conductive section of the vehicle body part.

[0093] In Example 30, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to Example 28 or 29 may optionally have the respective connector being an RJ45 plug or an RJ45 socket.

[0094] In Example 31, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to Example 28 or 29 may optionally have that the respective connector is a coaxial plug or a coaxial socket.

[0095] In Example 32, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 1 to 31 may optionally further comprise: at least one additional single-core electrical conductor, which is arranged relative to the electrically conductive section of the vehicle body part in such a way that data transmission between the first Ethernet interface and the second Ethernet interface or data transmission between a third Ethernet interface and a fourth Ethernet interface can take place. The at least one additional single-core electrical conductor may be arranged at a distance of more than 1 mm from the single-core electrical conductor.

[0096] In Example 33, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to any one of Examples 1 to 32 may optionally include that the vehicle body part is at least one of the following: a body of the vehicle or part of a body of the vehicle; a frame (e.g. a chassis, a ladder frame, etc.) of the vehicle or part of a frame of the vehicle; and / or an outer skin of the vehicle or part of an outer skin of the vehicle.

[0097] In Example 34, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 1 to 33 may optionally include that the vehicle body part is at least one of the following: a load-bearing component of the vehicle; a stiffening component of the vehicle; a component of the vehicle that defines an external shape of the vehicle.

[0098] Example 35 comprises a vehicle or a communication system for a vehicle comprising: a vehicle body part, wherein at least one section of the vehicle body part comprises a material having an electrical conductivity of less than 1*10 5 (Ω·m) -1 comprising at least one electrically conductive layer arranged on at least one section of the vehicle body part, a first network component having a first Ethernet interface; a second network component having a second Ethernet interface; and a single-core electrical conductor arranged over the at least one electrically conductive layer in such a way that data transmission between the first Ethernet interface and the second Ethernet interface can take place by means of this conductor.

[0099] Example 36 comprises a vehicle or a communication system for a vehicle comprising: a vehicle body part, wherein at least one section of the vehicle body part has a first electrical conductivity; at least one electrically conductive layer arranged on the at least one section of the vehicle body part and which has a second electrical conductivity, wherein the second electrical conductivity is greater than the first electrical conductivity; a first network component having a first Ethernet interface; a second network component having a second Ethernet interface; and a single-core electrical conductor arranged over the at least one electrically conductive layer such that data transmission between the first Ethernet interface and the second Ethernet interface can take place by means of this conductor.

[0100] In Example 37, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to Example 36 may optionally have that the first electrical conductivity is less than 1*10 5 (Ω·m) -1 is.

[0101] In Example 38, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to Example 36 or 37 may optionally have that the second electrical conductivity is greater than 1*10 6 (Ω·m) -1 is.

[0102] In Example 39, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 36 to 38 may optionally include that at least one section of the vehicle body part has or consists of a carbon material.

[0103] In Example 40, the vehicle or the communication system for a vehicle according to one of Examples 36 to 39 may optionally include that at least one section of the vehicle body part has or consists of a fiber-reinforced composite material.

[0104] Example 41 is a communication system for a vehicle, comprising: a first network component having a first Ethernet interface; a second network component having a second Ethernet interface; and a single-core electrical conductor which can be arranged or is arranged over an electrically conductive section of a vehicle body part, wherein the single-core electrical conductor can be arranged or is arranged relative to the electrically conductive section of the vehicle body part in such a way that data transmission between the first Ethernet interface and the second Ethernet interface can take place by means of it.

[0105] Example 42 is the use of a single-core electrical conductor to provide a communication channel between an Ethernet interface of a first network component and an Ethernet interface of a second network component in a vehicle, wherein the single-core electrical conductor is arranged over an electrically conductive section of a vehicle body part to form the communication channel.

[0106] It is understood that functions, algorithms, etc. described herein with reference to a procedure may also be implemented in the same or a similar way in a device and vice versa.

Claims

[1] Vehicle (100) comprising: a vehicle body part (102); a first network component (112a) which has a first Ethernet interface (124); a second network component (112b) which has a second Ethernet interface (124); and a single-core electrical conductor (134) which is arranged over an electrically conductive section (102a) of the vehicle body part (102), wherein the single-core electrical conductor (134) is arranged relative to the electrically conductive section (102a) of the vehicle body part (102) such that data transmission between the first Ethernet interface (124) and the second Ethernet interface (124) can take place via this conductor, wherein the single-core electrical conductor (134) is arranged relative to the electrically conductive section (102a) of the vehicle body part (102) such that the single-core electrical conductor (134) and the electrically conductive section (102a) of the vehicle body part (102) form a transmission channel for data transmission between the first Ethernet interface (124) and the second Ethernet interface (124). [2] Vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first Ethernet interface (124) has a maximum data transmission rate of 100 Mbit / s or more, preferably 1 Gbit / s or more; and / or wherein the second Ethernet interface (124) has a maximum data transmission rate of 100 Mbit / s or more, preferably 1 Gbit / s or more. [3] Vehicle (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first Ethernet interface (124) has a bandwidth of 100 MHz or more, preferably 250 MHz or more, or 600 MHz or more; and / or wherein the second Ethernet interface (124) has a bandwidth of 100 MHz or more, preferably 250 MHz or more, or 600 MHz or more. [4] Vehicle (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electrically conductive section (102a) of the vehicle body part (102) consists of a material having an electrical conductivity of more than 1*10 6 (Ω·m) -1 exhibits. [5] Vehicle (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the single-core electrical conductor (134) is arranged at a predefined target distance from the electrically conductive section of the vehicle body part (102), wherein the predefined target distance is substantially constant over the length of the single-core electrical conductor. [6] Vehicle (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the single-core electrical conductor (134) comprises a wire (234) or a strand (234), preferably comprising or consisting of copper. [7] Vehicle (100) according to claim 6, wherein the wire (234) or strand (234) has a diameter of less than 1 mm, preferably a diameter of less than 0.5 mm. [8] Vehicle (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the single-core electrical conductor (134) has an electrically insulating sheath (236), preferably comprising or consisting of a polymer material. [9] Vehicle (100) according to claim 8, wherein the single-core electrical conductor (134) has direct physical contact with the electrically conductive section (102a) of the vehicle body part (102). [10] Vehicle (100) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the electrically insulating sheathing (236) has a diameter of less than 2 mm, preferably a diameter of less than 1.5 mm. [11] Vehicle (100) according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the electrically insulating sheathing (236) has a permittivity in a range of 1 to 5. [12] Vehicle (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the single-core electrical conductor (134) is attached to the electrically conductive section (102a) of the vehicle body part (102) by means of an adhesive material (238), preferably by means of a polymer. [13] Vehicle (100) according to claim 12, wherein the adhesive material (238) has a permittivity in a range of 1 to 5. [14] Vehicle (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising: a first connector (734a) having at least two connection contacts (736a, 736b), wherein a first connection contact (736a) of the at least two connection contacts (736a, 736b) is electrically connected to a first end section (134a) of the single-core electrical conductor (134), and wherein a second connection contact (736b) of the at least two connection contacts (736a, 736b) is electrically connected to the electrically conductive section (102a) of the vehicle body part (102); and / or a second connector (734b) which has at least two connection contacts (736a, 736b), wherein a first connection contact (736a) of the at least two connection contacts (736a, 736b) is electrically connected to a second end section (134b) of the single-core electrical conductor (134) and wherein a second connection contact (736b) of the at least two connection contacts (736a, 736b) is electrically connected to the electrically conductive section (102a) of the vehicle body part (102). [15] Vehicle (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising: at least one further single-core electrical conductor (834) which is arranged relative to the electrically conductive section (102a) of the vehicle body part (102) in such a way that data transmission between the first Ethernet interface (124) and the second Ethernet interface (124) or data transmission between a third Ethernet interface and a fourth Ethernet interface can take place by means of this conductor, wherein the at least one further single-core electrical conductor (834) is arranged at a distance (803) of more than 1 mm from the single-core electrical conductor (134). [16] Vehicle (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the vehicle body part (102) is at least one of the following: a body of the vehicle (100) or part of a body of the vehicle (100); a frame of the vehicle (100) or part of a frame of the vehicle (100); an outer skin of the vehicle (100) or part of an outer skin of the vehicle (100); a load-bearing component of the vehicle (100); a stiffening component of the vehicle (100); and / or a component of the vehicle (100) which defines an external shape of the vehicle (100). [17] Vehicle (100) comprising: a vehicle body part (402), wherein at least one section (402i) of the vehicle body part (402) has a first electrical conductivity, at least one electrically conductive layer (402s) arranged on at least one section (402i) of the vehicle body part (402) and which has a second electrical conductivity, wherein the second electrical conductivity is greater than the first electrical conductivity, a first network component (112a) which has a first Ethernet interface (124); a second network component (112b) which has a second Ethernet interface (124); and a single-core electrical conductor (134) which is arranged over the at least one electrically conductive layer (402s) in such a way that data transmission between the first Ethernet interface (124) and the second Ethernet interface (124) can take place by means of this conductor. [18] Vehicle according to claim 17, where the first electrical conductivity is less than 1*10 5 (Ω·m) -1 is, where the second electrical conductivity is greater than 1*10 6 (Ω·m) -1 is. [19] Vehicle according to claim 17 or 18, wherein at least one section (402i) of the vehicle body part (402) has or consists of a carbon material, or wherein at least one section (402i) of the vehicle body part (402) comprises or consists of a fiber-reinforced composite material. [20] Communication system, comprising: a first network component (112a) which has a first Ethernet interface (124); a second network component (112b) which has a second Ethernet interface (124); and a single-core electrical conductor (134) which can be arranged over an electrically conductive section (102a) of a vehicle body part (102), wherein the single-core electrical conductor (134) can be arranged relative to the electrically conductive section (102a) of the vehicle body part (102) in such a way that data transmission between the first Ethernet interface (124) and the second Ethernet interface (124) can take place by means of this conductor. [21] Use of a single-core electrical conductor (134) to provide a communication channel between an Ethernet interface (124) of a first network component (112a) and an Ethernet interface (124) of a second network component (112b) in a vehicle (100), wherein the single-core electrical conductor (134) is arranged over an electrically conductive section (102a, 402s) of a vehicle body part (102, 402) to provide the communication channel.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Fiber composite component and method for producing a fiber composite component

    DE102014213881A1

  • Cable tree for vehicles and method for its production

    DE102015119965A1

  • Printed circuit board for vehicles for transmitting electrical signals and / or electrical currents and vehicle with such a printed circuit board

    DE102017007394A1

  • Provision of power over a data interface using a separate return path

    US10148447B1

  • Power coupling circuits for single-pair ethernet with automotive applications

    US20160308683A1