Wiring harness and communication switching procedures

Abstract

Wiring harness (351), comprising: a printed circuit board (352) which can be detachably mounted on a vehicle internal device (302) by being inserted into or removed from an opening provided in a housing of the vehicle internal device (302); several communication lines (11 - 16) connected to the circuit board (352); and a switching IC (integrated circuit) comprising a switching unit (34, 35) provided on the circuit board (352) and configured to mediate communication between the multiple communication lines (11 - 16) and to mediate communication between the communication lines (11 - 16) and the vehicle internal device (302), the circuit board (352) has: a connection (353) that can be electrically connected to the vehicle's internal equipment (302); a first input / output IC arranged between the terminal (353) and the switching unit (34, 35) and configured to input and output communication signals via the terminal (353); and a second input / output IC, which is arranged between the communication lines (11 - 16) and the switching unit (34, 35) and is configured to input and output communication signals via the communication lines (11 - 16); a voltage conversion circuit (38) provided on the circuit board (352) and configured to convert a voltage value of electrical power supplied by a battery (1a) installed in the vehicle; wherein the connection (353) is provided at one edge of the printed circuit board (352) and the communication lines (11 - 16) are connected at the other edge of the printed circuit board (352), the first input / output IC or the second input / output IC is mounted on a side opposite the side of the circuit board (352) on which the switching IC is mounted, and the switching unit (34, 35) is supplied with electrical power by the voltage conversion circuit (38) and the switching unit (34, 35) supplies electrical power, the voltage value of which has been converted by the voltage conversion circuit (38), to the vehicle internal device (302).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a wiring harness that can be detachably connected to an in-vehicle device and a communication switching method that uses the wiring harness.

[0002] The present application claims priority over the international PCT application PCT / JP2018 / 045380, filed on 11 December 2018, the entire disclosure of which is deemed incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0003] Vehicle functionality is increasing and improving, and a growing number of electronic devices are being integrated into vehicles. Multiple electronic devices within a vehicle are interconnected via communication lines, enabling a variety of vehicle functions through information exchange and collaboration. Due to the increasing number of integrated electronic devices, the number of communication lines provided within a vehicle also increases, and a system design frequently employed recently involves the integration of an in-vehicle device, such as a gateway, which mediates communication between the communication lines.

[0004] JP 2007 - 228 232 A proposes an in-vehicle LAN (Local Area Network) system that can automatically configure the identification information of messages to be transmitted by a switching link unit according to the environment in which the switching link unit is located. In this system, an electronic control unit transmits a list information message, which represents a list of the identification information of messages to be received at startup. After receiving the list information message from the electronic control unit, the switching link unit obtains switching destination ports for transmitting messages and updates switching information, which records the matches between the identification information of the messages and the switching destination ports.

[0005] DE 11 2011 100 694 T5 discloses communication connectors that enable flexible responses to different system configurations and that connect a communication device to a communication line, as well as a communication cable harness with the connectors and a communication system with the aforementioned connectors. A communication connector comprises a connection section that is connected to the communication line; a network controller that is internally connected to the connection section, interprets a selected protocol and controls communication; and a transceiver that enables transmission and reception at the physical layer of the communication line.

[0006] DE 11 2010 004 813 T5 discloses a relay device for the simple implementation of relaying between multiple networks in order to reduce the number of lines, the size and weight of the entire vehicle-integrated communication system, as well as a cable harness and a communication system connected to the relay device. Each relay device has the form of an essentially flat rectangular parallelepiped and, on one or both broad surfaces, terminals. The relay devices are stacked on top of each other to connect the terminals to the corresponding ports. The terminal and the corresponding port are connected within each relay device and are linked to each other via a component for sending a communication signal over a communication line and via a relay processing section for performing a relay process for the communication signal.By stacking the gateways on top of each other, the function of a multi-bus gateway can be realized.

[0007] WO 2017 / 222 074 A1 discloses a vehicle electrical circuit structure installed in a vehicle. It is equipped with a main line (basic main line sections) extending at least in the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle and a plurality of control boxes (basic control boxes) arranged along the main line. The control boxes can be connected to branch lines, which are directly or indirectly connected to auxiliary equipment. The main line is provided with power lines and a communication line.

[0008] US 2013 / 0340977A1 ​​discloses a heat sink for use in a computer system comprising: a first heat sink body with a first plurality of heat dissipation structures; a second heat sink body with a second plurality of heat dissipation structures, wherein the second heat sink body is physically spaced from the first heat sink body; and a heat tube with a first section coupled to the first heat sink body, a second section coupled to the second heat sink body, and a third section extending between the first and second heat sink bodies, such that the heat tube provides a physical coupling between the spaced first and second heat sink bodies.

[0009] JP 2017 – 5 617 A discloses relay devices. These devices relay communications between first electronic devices connected to different first networks by communicating with other relay devices using a first communication path. The relay device's anomaly detection device detects the first communication path. When an abnormality is detected in the communication path, it relays communications between first electronic devices connected to different first networks using the second communication path of the second network, which has a lower communication volume per unit of time than the first network. OVERVIEW OF THE INVENTION TASKS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0010] In an in-vehicle communication system, the switching processing load increases with the number of connected communication lines, and there is a risk of impacting other non-switching processes. Furthermore, the in-vehicle system must be modified if changes occur in the number of electronic devices installed in a vehicle, the communication specifications, and the like, due to factors such as the addition of a new vehicle type, a model change, or the inclusion of optional equipment.

[0011] The present disclosure arose in light of the foregoing circumstances and provides a wiring harness and a communication switching method from which effects such as the reduction of the switching processing load of an in-vehicle device or the improvement of the scalability of an in-vehicle device can be expected. MEANS OF SOLVING THE TASK

[0012] A cable harness according to one aspect has the features of claim 1. EFFECT OF INVENTION

[0013] Accordingly, effects such as reducing the mediation processing load of an in-vehicle device or improving the scalability of an in-vehicle device can be expected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram describing an overview of a vehicle-internal communication system according to an exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram to describe the connection between a high-performance ECU and a wiring harness according to the exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the design of the high-performance ECU according to the exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram to describe the design of a connector according to the exemplary embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the design of a high-performance ECU according to a first modification of the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the design of a high-performance ECU according to a second modification of the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the design of a high-performance ECU according to a third modification of the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the design of a high-performance ECU according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the design of a high-performance ECU according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the design of a power supply device according to a sixth modification of the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the design of a power supply device according to a seventh modification of the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the design of a power supply device according to an eighth modification of the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram to describe the connection between a high-performance ECU and communication lines according to a ninth modification of the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 14 is a block diagram showing the design of a high-performance ECU according to a tenth modification of the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the design of a vehicle-internal communication system according to a second embodiment. Fig. Figure 16 is a block diagram showing the design of an in-vehicle communication system according to a first modification of the second embodiment. Fig. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing the design of an in-vehicle communication system according to a second modification of the second embodiment. Fig. Figure 18 is a block diagram showing the design of the vehicle's internal communication system according to the second modification of the second embodiment. Fig. Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing the design of an in-vehicle communication system according to a third modification of the second embodiment. Fig. Figure 20 is a block diagram showing the design of an in-vehicle communication system according to a fourth modification of the second embodiment. Fig. Figure 21 is a schematic diagram to describe the design of a vehicle-internal communication system according to a third embodiment. Fig. Figure 22 is a block diagram showing the design of the vehicle's internal communication system according to the third embodiment. Fig. Figure 23 is a block diagram showing the design of an in-vehicle communication system according to a first modification of the third embodiment. Fig. Figure 24 is a block diagram showing the design of the vehicle's internal communication system according to the first modification of the third embodiment. Fig. Figure 25 is a schematic diagram describing the design of a high-performance ECU according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. Figure 26 is a block diagram showing the design of the high-performance ECU according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. Figure 27 is a block diagram showing the design of a high-performance ECU according to a first modification of the fourth embodiment. Fig. Figure 28 is a block diagram showing the design of a communication card according to a second modification of the fourth embodiment. Fig. Figure 29 is a block diagram showing the design of a power supply device according to a third modification of the fourth embodiment. Fig. Figure 30 is a block diagram showing the design of an in-vehicle communication system according to a fourth modification of the fourth embodiment. Fig. Figure 31 is a block diagram showing the design of a high-performance ECU according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. Figure 32 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary IC arrangement on the front side of a connector board of a connector according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. Figure 33 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary IC arrangement on the back of the connector board of the connector according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. Figure 34 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary IC arrangement on a connector board of a connector according to a first modification of the fifth embodiment. Fig. Figure 35 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary IC arrangement on a connector board of a connector according to a second modification of the fifth embodiment. Fig. Figure 36 is a block diagram showing the design of an in-vehicle communication system according to a third modification of the fifth embodiment. Fig. Figure 37 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary IC arrangement on the front side of a connector board of a connector according to the third modification of the fifth embodiment. Fig. Figure 38 is a block diagram showing the design of an in-vehicle communication system according to a fourth modification of the fifth embodiment. Fig. Figure 39 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary IC arrangement on the front side of a printed circuit board of a cable harness according to the fourth modification of the fifth embodiment. Fig. Figure 40 is a block diagram showing the design of a high-performance ECU according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. Figure 41 is a block diagram showing the design of an in-vehicle communication system according to a first modification of the sixth embodiment. Fig. Figure 42 is a block diagram showing the design of an in-vehicle communication system according to a second modification of the sixth embodiment. Fig. Figure 43 is a block diagram showing the design of an in-vehicle communication system according to a third modification of the sixth embodiment. FORMS OF EXECUTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] First, embodiments of the present disclosure are listed and described. At least some of the embodiments described below can also be combined in a suitable manner.

[0015] (1) A wiring harness according to one aspect comprises: a printed circuit board which can be detachably mounted on an in-vehicle device; several communication lines which are connected to the printed circuit board; and a switching unit which is provided on the printed circuit board and which is configured to mediate communication between the several communication lines and to mediate communication between the communication lines and the in-vehicle device.

[0016] According to this aspect, the wiring harness is equipped with a circuit board that can be detachably mounted to an in-vehicle unit and with several communication lines connected to this circuit board. A switching unit, which mediates communication, is provided on the circuit board of the wiring harness. The switching unit mediates communication between the multiple communication lines of the wiring harness and also mediates communication between the communication lines and an in-vehicle unit. Because the switching unit provided in the wiring harness mediates communication, the in-vehicle unit no longer needs to perform any switching-related processing, and its processing load can be reduced.Furthermore, changes to the communication specification and the like can be handled by modifying the wiring harness, thereby improving the scalability of the vehicle's in-vehicle setup.

[0017] (2) Preferably the multiple communication lines comprise a communication line used for communication with a first communication protocol and a communication line used for communication with a second communication protocol, and the switching unit performs protocol conversions between the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol.

[0018] In this aspect, the multiple communication lines comprise one communication line used for communication compliant with a first communication protocol and one communication line used for communication compliant with a second communication protocol. Examples of the first and second communication protocols could be CAN (Controller Area Network) and Ethernet (registered trademark). The switching unit of the wiring harness performs protocol conversions between the first and second communication protocols. This allows the switching unit to mediate communication even when communication lines using different communication protocols are shared.

[0019] (3) Preferably, the switching unit performs protocol conversions between the first communication protocol or the second communication protocol and a third communication protocol and communicates with the vehicle's internal equipment using the third communication protocol.

[0020] In this aspect, the switching unit of the wiring harness communicates with the vehicle's internal equipment using a third communication protocol and performs protocol conversions between the first or second communication protocol and the third communication protocol. The switching unit can thus perform a conversion between the communication protocol used for communication outside the vehicle's internal equipment and the communication protocol used for communication within the vehicle's internal equipment, thereby mediating communication between the interior and exterior of the vehicle's internal equipment.

[0021] (4) Preferably, the vehicle-internal device includes a voltage conversion circuit for electrical power supplied by a battery installed in a vehicle, and the switching unit is supplied with electrical power whose voltage value has been converted by the voltage conversion circuit of the vehicle-internal device.

[0022] In this aspect, the vehicle's internal equipment is equipped with a power conversion circuit that converts the voltage value of the electrical power supplied by the vehicle's battery. The switching unit of the wiring harness is powered by the electrical power supplied by the power conversion circuit of the vehicle's internal equipment. Since the wiring harness does not need to include the power conversion circuit, benefits such as miniaturization of the wiring harness can be expected.

[0023] (5) Preferably the wiring harness comprises: a voltage conversion circuit provided on the printed circuit board and configured to convert a voltage value of electrical power supplied by a battery installed in a vehicle, wherein the switching unit is supplied with electrical power supplied by the voltage conversion circuit, and the switching unit supplies electrical power, the voltage value of which has been converted by the voltage conversion circuit, to the vehicle's internal equipment.

[0024] In this aspect, the wiring harness's circuit board is equipped with a voltage conversion circuit that converts the voltage of the electrical power supplied by the vehicle's battery. The switching unit of the wiring harness receives electrical power from the voltage conversion circuit and operates using this power. Furthermore, electrical power, whose voltage has been converted by the wiring harness's voltage conversion circuit, is supplied to the vehicle's internal equipment. Since the power conversion circuit does not need to be located within the vehicle's internal equipment, benefits such as miniaturization of the vehicle's internal equipment can be expected.

[0025] (6) Preferably the wiring harness includes several input / output units configured to receive and output communication signals via the communication lines, wherein the switching unit and the several input / output units are provided in a single integrated circuit, IC.

[0026] In this aspect, the switching unit and the multiple input / output units that input and output communication signals via the communication lines are provided in a single integrated circuit (IC), and this IC is mounted on the circuit board of the wiring harness. Therefore, benefits such as cost reduction and miniaturization of the wiring harness can be expected.

[0027] (7) Preferably the printed circuit board comprises: a connector that can be electrically connected to the vehicle's internal equipment; a switching IC comprising the switching unit; a first input / output IC arranged between the connector and the switching unit and configured to input and output communication signals via the connector; and a second input / output IC arranged between the communication lines and the switching unit and configured to input and output communication signals via the communication lines, wherein the connector is provided at one edge of the printed circuit board and the communication lines are connected at the other edge of the printed circuit board, and the connector, the first input / output IC, and the switching IC are arranged side by side in a straight line.

[0028] In this configuration, a connector, a first input / output IC, and a switching IC are arranged side-by-side in a straight line on a printed circuit board. The communication path between the connector and the first input / output IC, and the communication path between the first input / output IC and the switching IC, can therefore be shortened, and effects such as reduced communication latency can be expected.

[0029] (8) Preferably the printed circuit board comprises: a connector that can be electrically connected to the vehicle's internal equipment; a switching IC comprising the switching unit; a first input / output IC arranged between the connector and the switching unit and configured to input and output communication signals via the connector; and a second input / output IC arranged between the communication lines and the switching unit and configured to input and output communication signals via the communication lines, wherein the connector is provided at one edge of the printed circuit board and the communication lines are connected at the other edge of the printed circuit board, wherein the connector and the switching IC are arranged adjacent to each other, and wherein the first input / output IC is arranged adjacent to the connector or the switching IC.

[0030] In this configuration, the port and the switching IC are located adjacent to each other, and the first input / output IC is located adjacent to either the port or the switching IC. The communication path between the port and the first input / output IC, and the communication path between the first input / output IC and the switching IC, can therefore be shortened, and effects such as reduced communication latency can be expected.

[0031] (9) Preferably the connector comprises: a terminal that can be electrically connected to the vehicle's internal equipment, a switching IC comprising the switching unit, a first input / output IC arranged between the terminal and the switching unit and configured to input and output communication signals via the terminal, and a second input / output IC arranged between the communication lines and the switching unit and configured to input and output communication signals via the communication lines, wherein the terminal is provided at one edge of the printed circuit board and the communication lines are connected at the other edge of the printed circuit board, and the first input / output IC or the second input / output IC is mounted on a surface on a side of the printed circuit board opposite the surface on which the switching IC is mounted.

[0032] In this aspect, the first input / output IC or the second input / output IC is mounted on the area on the side of the circuit board opposite the area where the mediating IC is mounted. Effects such as miniaturization of the substrate on which components like the first input / output IC, the second input / output IC, and the mediating IC are mounted can therefore be expected.

[0033] (10) Preferably the wiring harness includes: an anomaly detection unit designed to detect an anomaly in the communication lines.

[0034] In this aspect, the connector is equipped with an anomaly detection unit that detects anomalies in the communication lines. Since anomaly detection can be performed close to the communication lines, more accurate detection of anomalies on the communication lines can be expected.

[0035] (11) A communication switching method according to one aspect comprises: the use of a wiring harness with a printed circuit board connected to several communication lines and detachably connected to an in-vehicle device; the switching of communication between the several communication lines by means of a switching unit provided on the printed circuit board; and the switching unit for the switching of communication between the communication lines and the in-vehicle device.

[0036] In this aspect, the processing load of the vehicle's internal equipment can be reduced in a similar way to aspect (1), and the scalability of the vehicle's internal equipment can be improved. DETAILS OF EXAMPLES OF THE REVELATION'S IMPLEMENTATION

[0037] Specific examples of a wiring harness and a communication switching method according to embodiments of this disclosure are described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrative examples, but is defined by the claims, and that all modifications falling within the scope and equivalence of the claims are deemed to be included therein. First embodiment

[0038] Fig. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram describing an overview of an in-vehicle (i.e., mounted in or on a vehicle) communication system according to the present embodiment. In the in-vehicle communication system according to the present embodiment, various devices, such as high-performance ECUs 2 and 3, an external communication device 4 for external communication, several ECUs 5, a display device 6, an ECU 7 for automated driving, a camera 8, several sensors 9, and an antenna 10, which are installed in a vehicle 1, are appropriately connected via communication lines. Various functions, such as the automated driving of the vehicle 1, are realized by these multiple devices exchanging information and cooperating through communication.

[0039] In the Fig. In the vehicle's internal communication system illustrated in Figure 1, the high-performance ECUs 2 and 3 are connected via a communication line 11, the high-performance ECU 3 and the external communication device 4 are connected via a communication line 12, and the external communication device 4 and the high-performance ECU 2 are connected via a communication line 13. That is, the high-performance ECUs 2 and 3 and the external communication device 4 are connected in a ring. The display unit 6 is connected to the high-performance ECU 2 via a communication line 14. Furthermore, two bus-type communication lines 15 and 16 are connected to the high-performance ECU 2, and the multiple ECUs 5 are each connected to either communication line 15 or communication line 16.The ECU 7 for automated driving is connected to the high-performance ECU 3 via a communication line 17, and the camera 8 is connected to the ECU 7 for automated driving via a communication line 18. Additionally, the multiple sensors 9 are connected to the high-performance ECU 3 via individual communication lines 19. The antenna 10 is connected to the external communication device 4 via a communication line 20.

[0040] The high-performance ECU 2 performs processing for controlling components such as the ECUs 5 and the display unit 6 installed in the vehicle 1, processing for relaying communication between communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16, and other such processing. The high-performance ECU 3 performs processing for controlling the vehicle 1's automatic driving, relay processing between communication lines 11, 12, 17, and 19, and other such processing. The external communication device 4 communicates wirelessly via a wireless network such as a cellular communication network or a wireless LAN / WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), using the antenna 10, which is located at a suitable location in the vehicle 1.The high-performance ECUs 2 and 3 can communicate with a server facility or other such facility located outside the vehicle 1 via the external communication device 4.

[0041] The display unit 6 is located near the driver's seat of the vehicle 1 and displays various images, messages, and the like, controlled by the high-performance ECU 2. The display unit 6 can typically be used, for example, with a vehicle navigation system or other similar equipment. The ECUs 5 can include various ECUs, such as an ECU that controls the operation of the vehicle 1's engine, an ECU that controls the locking / unlocking of doors, an ECU that switches lights on and off, an ECU that controls the operation of airbags, and an ECU that controls the operation of an anti-lock braking system (ABS).

[0042] The ECU 7 for automated driving is an ECU that enables automated (or assisted) driving of the vehicle 1 based on images captured by the camera 8 and various pieces of information acquired by the sensors 9. For example, the camera 8 captures images of the area in front of the vehicle 1 and transmits these images to the ECU 7 for automated driving. The sensors 9 are, for example, lidar (light detection and ranging) sensors that measure speed using laser light. The multiple sensors 9 are located at suitable points within the vehicle 1, and the acquisition results from each sensor 9 are transmitted to the high-performance ECU 3.

[0043] The vehicle's internal communication system according to the present embodiment is generally divided into a functional group with the high-performance ECU 2 as its central component and a functional group with the high-performance ECU 3 as its central component. The functional group with the high-performance ECU 3 as its central component includes components such as the ECU 7 for automated driving, the camera 8, and the sensors 9, and performs functions related to the automated driving of the vehicle 1. The functional group with the high-performance ECU 2 as its central component includes components such as the multiple ECUs 5 and the display unit 6, and performs functions that do not relate to the automated driving of the vehicle 1. However, necessary information is also exchanged between the two functional groups by means of communication between the high-performance ECUs 2 and 3 via the communication line 11.

[0044] Fig. Figure 2 is a schematic diagram describing the connection between a wiring harness and the high-performance ECU 2 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the multiple communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are connected to the high-performance ECU 2 according to the present embodiment. In this embodiment, these multiple communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are bundled into a single cable harness 51 and connected to the high-performance ECU 2. The cable harness 51 is provided with a connector 52 at one end of the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16. The connector 52 is designed for the detachable connection of the cable harness 51 to a connector 22 provided in the high-performance ECU 2.

[0045] A printed circuit board 21 is, for example, housed within the casing of the high-performance ECU 2, and the connector 22 mounted on (attached to) the printed circuit board 21 is exposed on the outside of a portion of the casing. The connector 22 is designed for the detachable connection of the wiring harness 51. Because the connector 22 of the high-performance ECU 2 is connected to the connector 52 of the wiring harness 51, the printed circuit board 21 of the high-performance ECU 2 is electrically connected to the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 of the wiring harness 51. In the present embodiment, the connector 22 of the high-performance ECU 2 is a connector with a rod-like metallic contact, i.e., a plug. The connector 52 of the cable harness 51 is a connector that is provided with a tube-like metallic connection that receives the rod-like metallic connection, i.e. a socket.However, the relationship between the plug and the socket can also be reversed.

[0046] It should be noted that the high-performance ECU 3, according to the present embodiment, has approximately the same design as the one described in Fig. The high-performance ECU 2 shown in Figure 2 is shown. Therefore, the illustration and description of the design of the high-performance ECU 3 are omitted. Furthermore, although in the present embodiment an embodiment is chosen in which the multiple communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are connected as a single cable harness 51 to the connector 22 of the high-performance ECU 2, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, an embodiment can be chosen in which the communication lines 11, 13, and 14 or the communication lines 15 and 16 are bundled into separate cable harnesses, and the two cable harnesses are connected to the connector 22 of the high-performance ECU 2. That is, multiple cable harnesses can be connected to the connector 22 of the high-performance ECU 2, and it is sufficient that each cable harness comprises one or more communication lines.

[0047] Fig. Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the high-performance ECU 2 according to the present embodiment. As mentioned above, the high-performance ECU 2 according to the present embodiment is provided with the printed circuit board 21 and the connector 22. Components such as a control circuit 37, a power supply circuit 38, and a PCB connector 39 are provided on the printed circuit board 21. The control circuit 37 is a circuit that is equipped, for example, with a processing unit such as a CPU (central processing unit) or an MPU (microprocessing unit), and a non-volatile memory device such as flash memory or an EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), and performs various processing operations related to the control of the vehicle 1.The power supply circuit 38 is a circuit that converts, for example, electrical power at a voltage of 12 V, supplied by a battery 1a installed in the vehicle 1, into electrical power at a voltage of 3 V or 5 V and outputs the resulting electrical power. The control circuit 37 is operated with the electrical power output by the power supply circuit 38. The electrical power output by the power supply circuit 38 is also supplied to the connector 22. The circuit board connector 39 is a terminal to which a power line for supplying electrical power from the battery 1a is connected and is electrically connected to the power supply circuit 38.

[0048] Connector 22 is equipped with components such as cable harness-side connectors 31, Ethernet PHYs (in Fig. 3 (abbreviated PHY) 32, CAN transceivers (in Fig. 3 (abbreviated TR) 33, an Ethernet switching unit 34, a CAN switching unit 35, and vehicle-side (facing the vehicle's internal equipment) connections 36. The wiring harness-side connections 31 are metallic terminals electrically connected to the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 contained in the wiring harness 51. For example, several wiring harness-side connections 31 are arranged side by side in the housing of the connector 22. In the present embodiment, the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 each consist of a pair of wires, and accordingly, ten wiring harness-side connectors 31 are provided in the connector 22. It should be noted that the ten white circular symbols on the left side of Fig. 3 shown correspond to the individual wiring harness connections 31.

[0049] In the present embodiment, communication lines 11, 13, and 14 are communication lines for conducting communication compliant with the Ethernet communication protocol, and communication lines 15 and 16 are communication lines (so-called CAN buses) for conducting communication compliant with the CAN communication protocol. Each communication line requires either an Ethernet PHY 32 or a CAN transceiver 33, and in this example, connector 22 provides three Ethernet PHYs 32 and two CAN transceivers 33. The Ethernet PHYs 32 and the CAN transceivers 33 are each connected to a pair of harness-side terminals 31.

[0050] The Ethernet PHYs 32 receive data by sampling and sensing the potential of the communication lines 11, 13, and 14 connected to the corresponding harness-side terminals 31 and provide the received data to the Ethernet switching unit 34. The Ethernet PHYs 32 also perform data transmissions to the communication lines 11, 13, and 14 connected to the harness-side terminals 31 by converting transmission data provided by the Ethernet switching unit 34 into electrical signals and outputting the resulting signals to the harness-side terminals 31.

[0051] Similarly, the CAN transceivers 33 receive data by scanning and measuring the potential of the communication lines 15 and 16 connected to the corresponding wiring harness terminals 31 and provide the received data to the CAN switching unit 35. The CAN transceivers 33 also perform data transmissions to the communication lines 15 and 16 connected to the wiring harness terminals 31 by converting transmission data provided by the CAN switching unit 35 into electrical signals and outputting the resulting signals to the wiring harness terminals 31.

[0052] The Ethernet switching unit 34 performs processing to mediate data between the Ethernet PHYs 32, the CAN switching unit 35, and the circuit board 21. For example, the Ethernet switching unit 34 makes received data provided by one Ethernet PHY 32 available to another Ethernet PHY 32, the CAN switching unit 35, or the circuit board 21. The Ethernet switching unit 34 also makes data provided by the circuit board 21 available to one or more of the Ethernet PHYs 32. Similarly, the Ethernet switching unit 34 makes data provided by the CAN switching unit 35 available to one or more of the Ethernet PHYs 32.For example, the Ethernet switching unit 34 has a table in which IDs that have been assigned data are linked to switching destinations, and provides data to suitable switching destinations according to this table.

[0053] The CAN switching unit 35 performs processing to transfer data between the CAN transmitters 33, the Ethernet switching unit 34, and the circuit board 21. For example, the CAN switching unit 35 provides received data provided by one CAN transmitter 33 to another CAN transmitter 33, the Ethernet switching unit 34, or the circuit board 21. The CAN switching unit 35 also provides data provided by the circuit board 21 to one or more of the CAN transmitters 33. Similarly, the CAN switching unit 35 provides data provided by the Ethernet switching unit 34 to one or more of the CAN transmitters 33.For example, the CAN switching unit 35 has a table in which IDs that have been assigned data are linked to switching destinations, and provides data to suitable switching destinations according to this table.

[0054] In the present embodiment, data exchange between the circuit board 21, the Ethernet switching unit 34, and the CAN switching unit 35 is also carried out, for example, according to the SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) protocol. With the SPI communication protocol, communication is carried out by transmitting four signals; therefore, four signals are transmitted between the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the circuit board 21, and between the CAN switching unit 35 and the circuit board 21. The multiple vehicle-side connections 36 provided in the connector 22 comprise eight connections for transmitting and receiving these SPI signals. It should be noted that the multiple vehicle-side connections 36 in Fig. 3 are indicated by white square symbols. In addition to the connections for SPI communication, the multiple vehicle-side connections 36 also include two connections for supplying electrical power from the circuit board 21.

[0055] To facilitate data exchange between the Ethernet PHYs 32 and the circuit board 21, the Ethernet switching unit 34 also performs protocol conversions between the Ethernet communication protocol and the SPI communication protocol. The Ethernet switching unit 34 performs protocol conversions on data conforming to the Ethernet communication standard and provided by the Ethernet PHYs 32 to obtain data conforming to the SPI communication standard and makes this data available to the circuit board 21. The Ethernet switching unit 34 also performs protocol conversions on data conforming to the SPI communication protocol and provided by the circuit board 21 to obtain data conforming to the Ethernet communication standard and makes this data available to the Ethernet PHYs 32.

[0056] To facilitate data exchange between the CAN transceivers 33 and the circuit board 21, the CAN switching unit 35 similarly performs protocol conversions between the CAN communication protocol and the SPI communication protocol. The CAN switching unit 35 performs protocol conversions on data conforming to the CAN communication standard and provided by the CAN transceivers 33 to obtain data conforming to the SPI communication protocol and makes this data available to the circuit board 21. The CAN switching unit 35 also performs protocol conversions on data conforming to the SPI communication protocol and provided by the circuit board 21 to obtain data conforming to the CAN communication protocol and makes this data available to the CAN transceivers 33.

[0057] To exchange data between the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35, the connector 22 also has a function for performing protocol conversions between the Ethernet communication protocol and the CAN communication protocol. In the present embodiment, the Ethernet switching unit 34 has a function for performing Ethernet-CAN protocol conversions. The Ethernet switching unit 34 converts data that conforms to the Ethernet communication protocol and is provided by the Ethernet PHYs 32 into data that conforms to the CAN communication standard and provides the resulting data to the CAN switching unit 35.The Ethernet switching unit 34 also converts data that is compliant with the CAN communication protocol and provided by the CAN switching unit 35 into data that is compliant with the Ethernet communication protocol and provides the resulting data to the Ethernet PHYs 32.

[0058] However, the Ethernet-to-CAN protocol conversion function can also be provided in the CAN switching unit 35, or a functional block that performs this protocol conversion can be provided between the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35. Alternatively, instead of performing protocol conversions directly between the Ethernet communication protocol and the CAN communication protocol, conversions to an intermediate protocol different from Ethernet and CAN can be performed, and data exchange using this intermediate protocol can take place between the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35.That is, the Ethernet switching unit 34 converts data that is compliant with the Ethernet communication protocol and provided by the Ethernet PHYs 32 into data that is compliant with the intermediate protocol and provides the resulting data to the CAN switching unit 35, and it converts data that is compliant with the intermediate protocol and provided by the CAN switching unit 35 into data that is compliant with the Ethernet communication protocol and provides the resulting data to the Ethernet PHYs 32.Furthermore, the CAN switching unit 35 converts data conforming to the CAN communication protocol and provided by the CAN transceivers 33 into data conforming to the intermediate protocol and provides the resulting data to the Ethernet switching unit 34. It also converts data conforming to the intermediate protocol and provided by the Ethernet switching unit 34 into data conforming to the CAN communication protocol and provides the resulting data to the CAN transceivers 33. The SPI communication protocol, for example, can be used as the intermediate protocol.

[0059] In the connector 22 according to the present embodiment, the Ethernet PHYs 32, the CAN transceivers 33, the Ethernet switching unit 34, and the CAN switching unit 35 mentioned above are provided in a single integrated control circuit, IC, as the communication IC 40. Electrical power supplied by the power supply circuit 38 of the printed circuit board 21 is supplied to the communication IC 40, and the operation of the various components depends on this electrical power.

[0060] Fig. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram describing the design of the connector 22 according to the present embodiment. In the connector 22 according to the present embodiment, several rod-like cable harness-side connections 31 are provided side by side in a row within a cuboid housing. The cable harness-side connections 31 are connected to a connector board 41 housed within the enclosure and electrically connected to the communication IC 40 mounted on the connector board 41 via a conductor pattern provided on the connector board 41. The connector board 41 is a circuit board with a flat rectangular shape, wherein the several cable harness-side connections 31 are connected at one edge and the several vehicle equipment-side connections 36 are connected at the opposite edge.

[0061] The vehicle-side connections 36 are rod-shaped connectors bent into an approximately L-shape. The multiple vehicle-side connections 36 are arranged side by side in a row such that they protrude outwards from a surface of the connector housing 22. The vehicle-side connections 36 are electrically connected to the communication IC 40 via a conductor pattern provided on the connector board 41. The connector 22 is mounted on the circuit board 21, for example, by soldering it in a state where the end sections of the vehicle-side connections 36 are inserted into holes formed on the circuit board 21.

[0062] The connector 22 according to the present embodiment with the aforementioned configuration is mounted on the circuit board 21 of the high-performance ECU 2, and the wiring harness 51, in which the multiple communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are bundled, is detachably connected to it. The connector 22 is provided with the multiple vehicle-side terminals 36, which are electrically connected to the circuit board 21, and the multiple wiring harness-side terminals 31, to which the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 of the wiring harness 51 are electrically connected. The connector 22 is also provided with the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35, which are arranged between the vehicle-side terminals 36 and the wiring harness-side terminals 31.The Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35 mediate communication between the several communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15 and 16 contained in the cable harness 51 and mediate communication between the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15 and 16 and the circuit board 21.

[0063] Because the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35, provided in connector 22, mediate communication, the control circuit 37, provided on the circuit board 21 of the high-performance ECU 2, does not need to perform any switching-related processing, thus reducing the processing load. Furthermore, changes to the communication specification and the like can be addressed by modifying connector 22 of the high-performance ECU 2, thereby improving the scalability of the high-performance ECU 2.

[0064] In the vehicle-internal communication system according to the present embodiment, the multiple communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 contained in the wiring harness 51 also include communication lines 11, 13, and 14, which are used for Ethernet communication, and communication lines 15 and 16, which are used for CAN communication. The Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35 of the connector 22 perform protocol conversions between the Ethernet communication protocol and the CAN communication protocol. Therefore, the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35 of the connector 22 can mediate communication even if the wiring harness 51 includes communication lines used for different communication protocols.

[0065] The Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35 of the connector 22 according to the present embodiment also communicate with the circuit board 21 of the high-performance ECU 2, which uses the SPI communication protocol. The Ethernet switching unit 34 performs protocol conversions between the Ethernet communication protocol and the SPI communication protocol, and the CAN switching unit 35 performs protocol conversions between the CAN communication protocol and the SPI communication protocol. The connector 22 can therefore perform conversions between the communication protocol used for external communication of the high-performance ECU 2 and the communication protocol used for internal communication of the high-performance ECU 2, and mediate communication between the inside and outside of the high-performance ECU 2.

[0066] In the high-performance ECU 2 according to the present embodiment, the power supply circuit 38 is also provided on the circuit board 21. This circuit converts the voltage value of the electrical power supplied by the battery 1a of the vehicle 1. The multiple vehicle-side connections 36 of the connector 22 include connections for supplying electrical power, which is obtained by conversion through the power supply circuit 38. Electrical power is supplied via these connections to components, such as the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35 of the connector 22, from the power supply circuit 38, and the components are operated with the supplied electrical power. Since the connector 22 does not need to be equipped with a power supply circuit, effects such as the miniaturization of the connector 22 can be expected.

[0067] The connector 22 according to the present embodiment also has a configuration in which the Ethernet switching unit 34, the CAN switching unit 35, the Ethernet PHYs 32, and the CAN transceivers 33 are provided in a single communication IC 40, and this communication IC 40 is mounted on the connector board 41. Therefore, effects such as cost reduction and miniaturization of the connector 22 can be expected.

[0068] It should be noted that the present embodiment describes an example that uses Ethernet, CAN, and SPI as communication protocols; however, other communication protocols can also be used. For example, instead of the Ethernet or CAN communication protocol, a communication protocol such as LIN (Local Interconnect Network) or FlexRay can be used. Instead of the SPI communication protocol, a communication protocol such as MII (Media Independent Interface), RGMII (Reduced Gigabit MII), or SGMII (Serial Gigabit MII) can also be used. Furthermore, communication between connector 22 and the circuit board 21 can be carried out according to the Ethernet or CAN communication protocol. Additionally, the supply of electrical power and communication between connector 22 and the circuit board 21 can be carried out according to the PoE (Power over Ethernet) protocol. First variation

[0069] Fig. Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a high-performance ECU 2 according to a first modification of the first embodiment. The connector 22 according to the first modification is configured in such a way that the Ethernet switching unit 34 is provided, while the CAN switching unit 35 is not. The connector 22 according to the first modification is intended for connecting a cable harness 51 in which the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are all communication lines used for communication that conforms to the Ethernet communication standard. The Ethernet switching unit 34 according to the first modification mediates communication between the five communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 and also mediates communication between the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 and the circuit board 21. Second variation

[0070] Fig. Figure 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a high-performance ECU 2 according to a second modification of the first embodiment. The connector 22 according to the second modification is configured in such a way that the CAN switching unit 35 is provided, while the Ethernet switching unit 34 is not. The connector 22 according to the second modification is intended for connecting a cable harness 51 in which the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are all communication lines used for communication that conforms to the CAN communication standard. The CAN switching unit 35 according to the first modification mediates communication between the five communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 and also mediates communication between these communication lines and the circuit board 21. Third variation

[0071] Fig. Figure 7 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a high-performance ECU 2 according to a third modification of the first embodiment. The high-performance ECU 2 according to the third modification has a configuration in which the power supply circuit 38 is provided in the connector 22 and is not provided on the printed circuit board 21. The multiple wiring harness-side connections 31 provided in the connector 22 according to the third modification include connections that are connected to the power line that receives the supplied electrical power from the battery 1a of the vehicle 1. The power supply circuit 38 of the connector 22 converts, for example, electrical power with a voltage value of 12 V supplied by the battery 1a into electrical power with a voltage value such as 3 V or 5 V and outputs the resulting electrical power.The electrical power output by the power supply circuit 38 is supplied to the communication IC 40 of the connector 22 and is also supplied to the control circuit 37 of the circuit board 21 via the vehicle equipment-side connections 36.

[0072] In connector 22 according to the third modification with the aforementioned configuration, the several wiring harness-side connections 31 include connections to which the power line is connected, supplying electrical power from the battery 1a of the vehicle 1. Connector 22 is equipped with the power supply circuit 38, which converts the voltage value of the electrical power supplied via the power lines connected to these connections. In connector 22, electrical power is supplied to the communication IC 40, which includes components such as the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35, from the power supply circuit 38, and the communication IC 40 is operated with the supplied electrical power.Furthermore, the connector 22 includes several vehicle-side connections 36 that receive electrical power, the voltage of which has been converted by the power supply circuit 38, and electrical power is supplied to the circuit board 21 of the high-performance ECU 2 via these connections. Since the power supply circuit 38 does not need to be provided on the circuit board 21 of the high-performance ECU 2, effects such as miniaturization of the circuit board 21 can be expected. Fourth variation

[0073] Fig. Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a high-performance ECU 2 according to a fourth modification of the first embodiment. The high-performance ECU 2 according to the fourth modification has a configuration in which the power supply circuit 38 is provided on the printed circuit board 21, but the power line from the battery 1a is connected to the connector 22. The multiple wiring harness-side connections 31 provided in the connector 22 according to the fourth modification include connections to which the power line from the battery 1a of the vehicle 1 is connected. Furthermore, the multiple vehicle-side connections 36 provided in the connector 22 according to the fourth modification include connections for supplying electrical power from the battery 1a to the power supply circuit 38 of the printed circuit board 21 and connections for receiving electrical power from the power supply circuit 38.

[0074] In the high-performance ECU 2 according to the fourth modification, electrical power with a voltage value of, for example, 12 V, supplied by battery 1a, is fed directly from the wiring harness-side terminals 31 of connector 22 to the vehicle-side terminals 36 and fed to the power supply circuit 38 of the circuit board 21. The power supply circuit 38 converts this 12 V electrical power into electrical power with a voltage value such as 3 V and 5 V and outputs the resulting electrical power. The electrical power output by the power supply circuit 38 is provided to the control circuit 37 of the circuit board 21 and is also fed to the vehicle-side terminals 36 of connector 22 and made available to the communication IC 40 in connector 22.

[0075] In the high-performance ECU 2 according to the fourth modification with the aforementioned configuration, the power supply circuit 38 does not need to be provided in the connector 22, thus making it possible to expect effects such as the miniaturization of the connector 22. In addition, the power line from the battery 1a can be connected to the connector 22, and the external connection of lines can be consolidated in the connector 22. Fifth variation

[0076] Fig. Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a high-performance ECU 2 according to a fifth modification of the first embodiment. It should be noted that in Fig. Figure 9 shows the illustration of the power supply circuit 38 and its associated structures. The high-performance ECU 2 according to the fifth modification has an configuration in which the CAN transceivers 33 are provided on the circuit board 21. The wiring harness 51 connected to the connector 22 includes the communication lines 11, 13, and 15, which are used for communication compliant with the Ethernet communication protocol, but does not include the communication lines 15 and 16, which are used for communication compliant with the CAN communication protocol. The communication lines 15 and 16, which are used for communication compliant with the CAN communication protocol, are connected to the board connector 39 provided on the circuit board 21.The CAN transceivers 33 are electrically connected to the board terminals 39, and the CAN transceivers 33 transmit and receive signals via the communication lines 15 and 16, which are connected to the board terminals.

[0077] The multiple wiring harness-side connections 31 provided in the connector 22 according to the fifth modification include connections to which the communication lines 11, 13, and 14 are connected for communication compliant with the Ethernet communication protocol, but do not include connections to which the communication lines 15 and 16 are connected for communication compliant with the CAN communication protocol. The multiple vehicle equipment-side connections 36 provided in the connector 22 include connections for exchanging information with the CAN transceivers 33 provided on the circuit board 21. The CAN switching unit 35 of the connector 22 can therefore exchange transmission data, reception data, and the like with the CAN transceivers 33 of the circuit board 21.Furthermore, the communication IC 40 of connector 22 is obtained according to the fifth modification by integrating the Ethernet PHYs 32, the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35 as a single IC. Sixth variation

[0078] Fig. Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power supply unit 2A according to a sixth modification of the first embodiment. The sixth modification is an example in which the aforementioned configuration is applied to a power supply unit 2A that supplies electrical power to various loads 1b installed in the vehicle 1, instead of being applied to the high-power ECU 2. In the power supply unit 2A according to the sixth modification, a connector 22 is provided with the same configuration as the one shown in Figure 10. Fig. 3 shown, mounted on the circuit board 21. The circuit board 21 of the power supply unit 2A according to the sixth modification is provided with a switching circuit 42 in addition to the control circuit 37 and the power supply circuit 38. Furthermore, the several board connections 39 provided on the circuit board 21 include connections to which the power line from the battery 1a is connected, and connections to which power lines for supplying electrical power to the loads 1b are connected.

[0079] The switching circuit 42 is a circuit that receives supplied electrical power from the power supply circuit 38 and switches between supplying and withholding this electrical power to the loads 1b. The switching circuit 42 is equipped with several switching elements such as semiconductor switches or relays and switches between supplying and withholding electrical power to the loads 1b by turning the respective switching elements on or off according to a control by the control circuit 37. The control circuit 37 controls the switching between supplying and withholding electrical power to the loads 1b of the vehicle 1 based on data transmitted and received via the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 of the wiring harness 51.

[0080] As exemplified by the power supply unit 2A according to the sixth modification, the connector 22 according to the present embodiment can be used not only in the high-performance ECU 2 but also in a variety of vehicle-internal devices. Seventh variation

[0081] Fig. Figure 11 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power supply unit 2A according to a seventh modification of the first embodiment. The power supply unit 2A according to the seventh modification corresponds to a case in which the configuration of the connector 22 is as shown in Figure 11. Fig. 8 fourth modification shown on the power supply unit 2A according to the one in Fig. The sixth modification shown in Figure 10 is applied. That is, in the power supply unit 2A according to the seventh modification, the wiring harness-side connections 31 of the connector 22 include connections to which the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are connected, and connections to which the power line from the battery 1a of the vehicle 1 is connected. Furthermore, the multiple vehicle-side connections 36 provided in the connector 22 according to the seventh modification include connections for exchanging information between the communication IC 40 and the control circuit 37 of the printed circuit board 21, connections for supplying electrical power from the battery 1a to the power supply circuit 38 of the printed circuit board 21, and connections for receiving supplied electrical power from the power supply circuit 38.

[0082] This means that the power supply unit 2A according to the seventh modification is provided with a power supply path that runs from the wiring harness-side terminals 31, to which the power line from battery 1a is connected, via the interior of connector 22, the vehicle-side terminals 36, the circuit trace pattern of circuit board 21, and the like, to the power supply circuit 38 of circuit board 21. Furthermore, the power supply unit 2A is provided with a power supply path that runs from the power supply circuit 38 of circuit board 21, via the circuit trace pattern of circuit board 21, the vehicle-side terminals 36, the interior of connector 22, and the like, to the communication IC 40.

[0083] In the power supply unit 2A according to the seventh modification, electrical power with a voltage value of, for example, 12 V, supplied by battery 1a, is fed directly from the wiring harness-side terminals 31 of connector 22 to the vehicle equipment-side terminals 36 and fed to the power supply circuit 38 of the circuit board 21. The power supply circuit 38 converts this 12 V electrical power into electrical power with voltage values ​​such as 3 V and 5 V and outputs the resulting electrical power. The electrical power output by the power supply circuit 38 is provided to the control circuit 37 and the switching circuit 42 of the circuit board 21 and is also fed to the vehicle equipment-side terminals 36 of connector 22 and made available to the communication IC 40 in connector 22.

[0084] The power supply device 2A according to the seventh modification with the above configuration can connect the power line from the battery 1a to the connector 22 and can combine the connection of this power line with the several communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15 and 16 in the connector 22. Eighth variation

[0085] Fig. Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power supply unit 2A according to an eighth modification of the first embodiment. Unlike the power supply unit 2A according to the seventh modification, the power supply unit 2A according to the eighth modification is configured such that the power lines supplying electrical power to the loads 1b can be connected to the connector 22. That is, in the power supply unit 2A according to the eighth modification, the wiring harness-side connections 31 of the connector 22 include connections to which the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are connected, connections to which the power line from the battery 1a of the vehicle 1 is connected, and connections to which the power lines to the loads 1b of the vehicle 1 are connected.Furthermore, the vehicle-side connections 36 of the connector 22 according to the eighth modification include connections for exchanging information between the communication IC 40 and the control circuit 37 of the circuit board 21, connections for supplying electrical power from the battery 1a to the power supply circuit 38 of the circuit board 21, connections for receiving supplied electrical power from the power supply circuit 38 and connections for receiving supplied electrical power from the switching circuit 42 of the circuit board 21.

[0086] That is, the power supply device 2A according to the eighth modification is provided with a current path that runs from the power supply circuit 38 of the circuit board 21 via the conductor pattern of the circuit board 21, the switching circuit 42, the vehicle equipment-side connections 36, the inside of the connector 22 and the cable harness-side connections 31 to the power lines to which the loads 1b are connected.

[0087] The power supply device 2A according to the eighth modification with the above configuration can connect the several communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15 and 16, the power line from the battery 1a and the power lines to the loads 1b to the connector 22 and can combine the connection of these several lines in the connector 22. Ninth variation

[0088] Fig. Figure 13 is a schematic diagram describing the connection between the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 and the high-performance ECU 2 according to a ninth modification of the first embodiment. According to the new modifications, instead of the cable harness 51, to which the multiple communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are bundled, the multiple communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are individually connected to the connector 22 of the high-performance ECU 2. A connector 52 is provided in each of the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16. The connectors 52 of these multiple communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are detachably connected to the connector 22 of the high-performance ECU 2.

[0089] Processing operations such as communication processing or switching processing by the high-performance ECU 2 according to the ninth modification are identical to processing operations by the high-performance ECU 2 according to the first embodiment mentioned above.

[0090] It should be noted that although in the ninth modification an embodiment was chosen in which the five communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15 and 16 are individually connected to the high-performance ECU 2, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, an embodiment can be chosen in which the communication lines 11, 13 and 14, which are used for communication compliant with the Ethernet communication protocol, are bundled into a cable harness, the communication lines 15 and 16, which are used for communication compliant with the CAN communication protocol, are bundled into a cable harness, and these two cable harnesses are connected to the connector 22 of the high-performance ECU 2.The number of communication lines or cable harnesses connected to connector 22 of the high-performance ECU 2, the number of communication lines contained in the cable harnesses, or the like, may be appropriately chosen according to the design of the vehicle's internal communication system. Tenth variation

[0091] Fig. Figure 14 is a block diagram showing the design of a high-performance ECU 2 according to a tenth modification of the first embodiment. The high-performance ECU 2 according to the tenth modification performs communication between the control circuit 37 of the circuit board 21 and the Ethernet switching unit 34 of the connector 22 that conforms to the PoE communication protocol instead of communication that conforms to the SPI communication protocol.

[0092] The PoE protocol allows communication and power supply via shared lines. Therefore, in the high-power ECU 2 according to the tenth modification, a PoE-compliant power supply is provided from the control circuit 37 to the communication IC 40, instead of supplying power directly to the communication IC 40 of connector 22 from the power supply circuit 38 mounted on the circuit board 21.

[0093] In the high-performance ECU 2 according to the tenth modification, the control circuit 37 of the circuit board 21 and the vehicle-side connections 36 of the connector 22 are connected via common lines (a conductor pattern provided on the circuit board 21, etc.) for PoE communication and power supply. The connector 22 is equipped with an isolating unit 43 that separates the electrical power and communication signals drawn from the common lines. The isolating unit 43 includes, for example, a filter circuit or the like, and separates the signals and electrical power drawn via the common PoE lines and outputs the signals and electrical power. The signals separated by the isolating unit 43 are fed to the Ethernet switching unit 34, and the electrical power is supplied to the communication IC 40.

[0094] Furthermore, in the high-performance ECU 2, according to the tenth modification, no direct communication takes place between the control circuit 37 of the circuit board 21 and the CAN switching unit 35 of the connector 22. The CAN switching unit 35 transmits data to be sent to the control circuit 37 to the Ethernet switching unit 34, and the Ethernet switching unit 34 transmits this data to the control circuit 37. However, an configuration can be chosen in which the control circuit 37 and the CAN switching unit 35 communicate using a communication protocol such as SPI.

[0095] Alternatively, a configuration can be chosen in which, for example, one or more of the Ethernet communication lines 11, 13, and 14 connected to the high-power ECU 2 serve as communication lines supporting PoE, and the high-power ECU 2 receives electrical power supplied via these communication lines from another device installed in the vehicle 1. In this case, the high-power ECU 2 does not need to be equipped with the power supply circuit 38, and it supplies electrical power to components such as the communication IC 40 and the control circuit 37 separately from the PoE communication lines. Second embodiment

[0096] Fig. Figure 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an in-vehicle communication system according to a second embodiment. In the aforementioned in-vehicle communication system according to the first embodiment, connector 22 of the high-performance ECU 2 performs the communication switching function. In contrast, in the in-vehicle communication system according to the second embodiment, connector 252 of a wiring harness 251 performs the communication switching function, and connector 222 of a high-performance ECU 202 does not perform the communication switching function.

[0097] The connector 252 of the cable harness 251 according to the second embodiment, for example, has a configuration in which a connector board, on which the communication IC 40 is mounted, is housed in a cuboid-shaped enclosure, wherein the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are connected to this connector board, and wherein the communication IC 40 on the connector board and the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 are electrically connected. The communication lines 11, 13, and 14, which are used for communication compliant with the Ethernet communication protocol, are each electrically connected to an Ethernet PHY 32 provided in the communication IC 40. The communication lines 15 and 16, which are used for communication compliant with the CAN communication protocol, are each electrically connected to a CAN transceiver 33 provided in the communication IC 40.

[0098] Connector 252 is also provided with several terminals 253, which are connected to harness-side terminals 231 provided in connector 222 of the high-performance ECU 202. The multiple terminals 253 of connector 252 include four terminals for the Ethernet switching unit 34 provided in the communication IC 40 for communication with the control circuit 37 of the high-performance ECU 202, compliant with the SPI communication protocol; four terminals for the CAN switching unit 35 for communication with the control circuit 37, compliant with the SPI communication protocol; and two terminals for receiving supplied electrical power from the power supply circuit 38 of the high-performance ECU 202.

[0099] The connector 222 of the high-performance ECU 202 according to the second embodiment is provided with the wiring harness-side connections 231, which correspond to the connections 253 of the connector 252 of the wiring harness 251. In the connector 222 according to the second embodiment, the wiring harness-side connections 231 and the corresponding vehicle-side connections are provided as a single unit, wherein signals from the connector 252 of the connected wiring harness 251 are provided directly to the circuit board 21 and signals from the circuit board 21 are provided directly to the connector 252 of the wiring harness 251.

[0100] In the vehicle-internal communication system according to the second embodiment with the above configuration, the connector 252 of the wiring harness 251 performs the communication switching function. This means that even an increase or decrease in the number of communication lines or a change in the transmission speed can be accommodated, for example, by replacing the wiring harness 251 without specifically modifying the high-performance ECU 202, or with only minor modifications.

[0101] It should be noted that the configuration shown in the first to tenth modifications of the first embodiment can be used in a similar manner for the vehicle-internal communication system according to the second embodiment. In a similar manner to the first and second modifications of the first embodiment, for example, the connector 252 of the wiring harness 251 of the vehicle-internal communication system according to the second embodiment can be equipped either only with the Ethernet switching unit 34 or only with the CAN switching unit 35. Furthermore, in a similar manner to the third modification of the first embodiment, for example, the power supply circuit 38 can be provided in the connector 252 of the wiring harness 251.Furthermore, in a similar manner to the fourth modification of the first embodiment, for example, a configuration can be chosen in which the power line from the battery 1a is connected to the connector 252 of the cable harness 251, the power supply circuit 38 is provided on the circuit board 21 of the high-performance ECU 202, and electrical power is supplied to the power supply circuit 38 from the battery 1a via the connector 252 and the connector 222.Furthermore, in a manner similar to the fifth modification of the first embodiment, for example, a configuration can be chosen in which the communication lines 15 and 16 are connected to the circuit board 21 of the high-performance ECU 202 and the CAN transceivers 33 are provided thereon, and information is exchanged between the CAN switching unit 35 provided in the connector 252 of the cable harness 251 and the CAN switching units 33 provided on the circuit board 21 of the high-performance ECU 202. In addition, in a manner similar to the sixth to eighth modifications of the first embodiment, for example, the high-performance ECU 202 can be configured to control the supply of electrical power to the loads 1b.Furthermore, in a similar manner to the tenth modification of the first embodiment, for example, a configuration can be chosen in which communication and electrical power are supplied via common lines. First variation

[0102] Fig. Figure 16 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an in-vehicle communication system according to a first modification of the second embodiment. The in-vehicle communication system according to the first modification of the second embodiment is configured in which the power supply circuit 38 is provided in connector 252 of the wiring harness 251, and the high-performance ECU 202 is not equipped with the power supply circuit 38. The power line, which receives an electrical power supply from the battery 1a of the vehicle 1, is connected to connector 252 of the wiring harness 251 according to the first modification. The power supply circuit 38 of connector 252 converts, for example, electrical power with a voltage value of 12 V, supplied by battery 1a, into electrical power with a voltage value such as 3 V or 5 V and outputs the resulting electrical power.The electrical power output by the power supply circuit 38 is supplied to the communication IC 40 of the connector 252 and is also supplied to the control circuit 37 of the circuit board 21 via the terminals 253 of the connector 252 and the cable harness-side terminals 231 of the connector 222 of the high-performance ECU 202.

[0103] In the vehicle-internal communication system according to the first modification with the aforementioned configuration, connector 252 of the wiring harness 251 is provided with the power supply circuit 38. In connector 252, the power supply circuit 38 supplies electrical power to the communication IC 40, which includes components such as the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35, and the communication IC 40 is operated with the electrical power supplied by the power supply circuit 38. The multiple terminals 253 of connector 252 include terminals that output electrical power whose voltage value has been converted by the power supply circuit 38. The multiple wiring harness-side terminals 231 of connector 222 of the high-performance ECU 202 include terminals for receiving supplied electrical power from the wiring harness 251.The electrical power from the power supply circuit 38 of the wiring harness 251 is supplied to the circuit board 21 of the high-performance ECU 202 via these connections. Since the power supply circuit 38 does not need to be provided on the circuit board 21 of the high-performance ECU 202, effects such as miniaturization of the circuit board 21 can be expected. Second variation

[0104] Fig. Figure 17 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of an in-vehicle communication system according to a second modification of the second embodiment. The wiring harness 251 of the in-vehicle communication system according to the second modification has a configuration in which the connector 252 can be separated into an integrated connector 252A and several individual connectors 252B and 252C. A corresponding individual connector 252B or 252C is provided for each of the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16 contained in the wiring harness 251. The individual connectors 252B are provided at the ends of the communication lines 11, 13, and 14, which are used for communication compliant with the Ethernet communication protocol. The individual connectors 252C are provided at the ends of the communication lines 15 and 16, which are used for communication compliant with the CAN communication protocol.

[0105] The integrated connector 252A can be detachably connected to one or more of the individual connectors 252B or 252C. The integrated connector 252A can also be detachably connected to the connector 222 of the high-performance ECU 202.

[0106] Fig. Figure 18 is a block diagram showing the design of the vehicle's internal communication system according to the second modification of the second embodiment. It should be noted that in Fig. 18. The illustration of the internal design of the high-performance ECU 202 due to its similarity to Fig. 15 is omitted. The individual connectors 252B, which form connector 252 of the cable harness 251 according to the second modification, each have an configuration in which a connector board, on which an Ethernet PHY 32 is mounted, is housed in a cuboid-shaped enclosure. In the individual connectors 252B, the communication lines 11, 13, and 14 are connected to this connector board, and an electrical connection is established with the Ethernet PHY 32. The individual connectors 252B also provide a terminal 255 for establishing a connection with the integrated connector 252A. The terminal 255 is connected to the connector board and is electrically connected to the Ethernet PHY 32.

[0107] Similarly, the individual connectors 252C, for example, have a configuration in which a connector board, on which a CAN transceiver 33 is mounted, is housed in a cuboid-shaped enclosure. In the individual connectors 252C, the communication lines 15 and 16 are connected to the connector board, and an electrical connection is established with the CAN transceiver 33. The individual connectors 252C also provide a terminal 256 for establishing a connection with the integrated connector 252A. Terminal 256 is connected to the connector board and is electrically connected to the CAN transceiver 33. It should be noted that the shape of the enclosure, the terminals 255 and 256, or the like, may be different or the same in the individual connectors 252B and 252C.

[0108] The integrated connector 252A, for example, has a configuration in which a connector board, on which a communication IC 240 with the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35 is mounted, is housed in a cuboid-shaped enclosure. The integrated connector 252A provides several terminals 254 for connecting to the multiple individual connectors 252B and 252C. Because the terminals 254 of the integrated connector 252A are connected to the terminals 255 of the individual connectors 252B, the Ethernet switching unit 34 of the integrated connector 252A and the Ethernet PHYs 32 of the individual connectors 252B are electrically connected.By connecting the terminals 254 of the integrated connector 252A to the terminals 256 of the individual connectors 252C, the CAN switching unit 35 of the integrated connector 252A is electrically connected in the same way to the CAN transmitter receivers 33 of the individual connectors 252C.

[0109] After connecting the multiple individual connectors 252B and 252C to the integrated connector 252A, the wiring harness 251 is treated in the same way as the one described in the second modification. Fig. 15 shown wiring harness 251. Third variation

[0110] Fig. Figure 19 is a schematic diagram showing the design of an in-vehicle communication system according to a third modification of the second embodiment. The wiring harness 251 of the in-vehicle communication system according to the third modification has a configuration in which the connector 252 can be separated into an integrated connector 252A and several individual connectors 252B, 252C and 252D in the same manner as in the in-vehicle communication system according to the second modification.

[0111] In the vehicle's internal communication system according to the third modification, however, the single connector 252D is provided for a power line 257, which receives supplied electrical power from the vehicle's battery 1a. The power line 257 is connected to the integrated connector 252A together with the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15 and 16.

[0112] In other words, the vehicle's internal communication system according to the third modification is adapted to the design of the vehicle's internal communication system according to the second modification by applying the design of the integrated connector and the individual connectors of the vehicle's internal communication system according to the second modification. Fig. The first variation shown in 16 is obtained. Fourth variation

[0113] Fig. Figure 20 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an in-vehicle communication system according to a fourth modification of the second embodiment. The in-vehicle communication system according to the fourth modification of the second embodiment is an example in which the aforementioned configuration is applied to a power supply unit 202A, which supplies electrical power to the various loads 1b installed in the vehicle 1, instead of being applied to the high-performance ECU 202. In addition to the control circuit 37 and the power supply circuit 38, the switching circuit 42 is also provided on the circuit board 21 of the power supply unit 202A according to the fourth modification.The switching circuit 42 is a circuit that receives supplied electrical power, the voltage value of which has been converted by the power supply circuit 38, and switches between supplying and not supplying this electrical power to the loads 1b according to a control by the control circuit 37.

[0114] The power line that receives electrical power from the battery 1a of the vehicle 1, and the power lines that supply electrical power to the loads 1b of the vehicle 1, are connected to the connector 252 of the wiring harness 251 according to the fourth modification of the second embodiment. These power lines are each connected to some of the terminals 253 provided in the connector 252. The connector 222 provided in the power supply unit 202A is also provided with several wiring harness-side terminals 231, which are connected to the terminals 253 provided in the connector 252 of the wiring harness 251.

[0115] When connector 252 of wiring harness 251 and connector 222 of power supply unit 202A are connected, terminals 253 of connector 252 and the wiring harness-side terminals 231 of connector 222 are connected. In this state, the power line receiving supplied electrical power from battery 1a is electrically connected to the power supply circuit 38 of power supply unit 202A, and the power lines supplying electrical power to loads 1b are electrically connected to the switching circuit 42 of power supply unit 202A.

[0116] When the wiring harness 251 is connected to the power supply unit 202A, electrical power from battery 1a is supplied to the power supply circuit 38, and the voltage is converted by the power supply circuit 38. Electrical power, the voltage of which has been converted by the power supply circuit 38, is supplied to the control circuit 37 and the switching circuit 42 of the printed circuit board 21 and is also supplied to the communication IC 40 of the wiring harness 251 via the wiring harness-side terminals 231 of connector 222 and terminals 253 of connector 252. Furthermore, the switching circuit 42, according to a switching control by the control circuit 37, switches between supplying and withholding electrical power provided by the power supply circuit 38 to the loads 1b.The electrical power output by the switching circuit 42 is supplied to the loads 1b via the cable harness-side connections 231 of the connector 222, the connections 253 of the connector 252 and the power lines connected to the cable harness 251.

[0117] That is, the power supply device 202A according to the fourth modification is provided with a power supply path that runs from the power line connected to the battery 1a, through the interior of connector 252 of the wiring harness 251, the terminals 253 of connector 252, the wiring harness-side terminals 231 of connector 222 of the power supply device 202A, the interior of connector 222, the conductor pattern of the printed circuit board 21 and the like, to the power supply circuit 38 of the printed circuit board 21. Furthermore, the power supply device 202A is provided with a power supply path that runs from the power supply circuit 38 of the circuit board 21 via the conductor pattern of the circuit board 21, the inside of the connector 222, the cable harness side terminals 231 of the connector 222, the terminals 253 of the connector 252 of the cable harness 251, the inside of the connector 252 and the like to the communication IC 40.Furthermore, the power supply device 202A is provided with a power supply path that runs from the power supply circuit 38 of the circuit board 21 via the conductor pattern of the circuit board 21, the switching circuit 42, the inside of the connector 222, the cable harness side terminals 231 of the connector 222, the terminals 253 of the connector 252 of the cable harness 251, the inside of the connector 252 and the like to the power lines connected to the loads 1b.

[0118] The power supply device 202A according to the fourth modification of the second embodiment with the above configuration can connect the several communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15 and 16, the power line from the battery 1a and the power lines to the loads 1b with the connector 252 of the cable harness 251 in a combined manner.

[0119] Since the remaining configuration of the vehicle-internal communication system according to the second embodiment is identical to the vehicle-internal communication system according to the first embodiment, similar parts bear the same reference numerals and a detailed description thereof is omitted. Third example

[0120] Fig. Figure 21 is a schematic diagram describing the design of an in-vehicle communication system according to a third embodiment. In the in-vehicle communication system according to the third embodiment, a printed circuit board 352 is provided at one end of a cable harness 351, to which several communication lines are bundled. The printed circuit board 352 has a flat rectangular shape, with several communication lines extending from one longitudinal side and terminals 353 provided at the edge on the other longitudinal side. A high-performance ECU 302 of the in-vehicle communication system according to the third embodiment is provided with a cuboid-shaped housing, and a rectangular opening is formed in one face of the housing.This opening is provided for the insertion of the circuit board 352 of the cable harness 351 and leads through to a circuit board assembly unit 322, by means of which the circuit board 352 is mounted on the high-performance ECU 302.

[0121] In the vehicle-internal communication system according to the third embodiment, the high-performance ECU 302 and the wiring harness 351 are connected by mounting the circuit board 352 of the wiring harness 351 to the circuit board mounting unit 322 of the high-performance ECU 302 and not by connecting them using connectors.

[0122] Fig. Figure 22 is a block diagram showing the design of the vehicle-internal communication system according to the third embodiment. The design of the vehicle-internal communication system according to the third embodiment is approximately the same as the design of the vehicle-internal communication system according to the one in Figure 22. Fig. The second embodiment shown in Figure 15. The vehicle-internal communication system according to the third embodiment has a configuration in which the high-performance ECU 302 is provided with the circuit board mounting unit 322 and not with the connector 222 according to the second embodiment, and the cable harness 351 is provided with the circuit board 352 and not with the connector 252 according to the second embodiment.

[0123] The communication IC 40, comprising the Ethernet PHYs 32, the CAN transceivers 33, the Ethernet switching unit 34, and the CAN switching unit 35, is mounted on the circuit board 352 of the cable harness 351 according to the third embodiment. The Ethernet PHYs 32 and CAN transceivers 33 of the communication IC 40 are electrically connected to the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16, which are connected to the circuit board 352. Several terminals 353 for establishing an electrical connection to the board assembly unit 322 of the high-performance ECU 302 are provided on the circuit board 352.The multiple connectors 353 include connectors for the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35, for communicating with the control circuit 37 of the high-power ECU 302 using the SPI communication protocol, and connectors for receiving supplied electrical power from the power supply circuit 38 of the high-power ECU 302. The multiple connectors 353 are provided, for example, as exposed metallic sections on the surface of the printed circuit board 352.

[0124] The circuit board assembly unit 322 of the high-performance ECU 302 according to the third embodiment is provided with a mechanism (not illustrated) that holds and secures the circuit board 352 of the cable harness 351, which is inserted through the opening in the casing, and with several terminals 331 that are connected to the several terminals 353 provided on the circuit board 352. The several terminals 331 are, for example, metallic components that bear against the several terminals 353 provided on the surface of the circuit board 352. The several terminals 331 are electrically connected to the control circuit 37 and the power supply circuit 38 of the circuit board 21.

[0125] When the circuit board 352 of the cable harness 351 is mounted on the board assembly unit 322 of the high-performance ECU 302, the terminals 353 of the circuit board 352 and the terminals 331 of the board assembly unit 322 are connected. This allows the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35 of the circuit board 352 to communicate with the control circuit 37 of the high-performance ECU 302, and electrical power is supplied to the communication IC 40 of the circuit board 352 by the power supply circuit 38 of the high-performance ECU 302.

[0126] In the vehicle-internal communication system according to the third embodiment with the above configuration, the circuit board 352 of the wiring harness 351 performs the communication switching function. This means that even an increase or decrease in the number of communication lines or a change in the transmission speed can be accommodated, for example, by replacing the wiring harness 351 without specifically modifying the high-performance ECU 302, or with only minor modifications.

[0127] It should be noted that the vehicle-internal communication system according to the third embodiment can use the configurations shown in the first to tenth modifications of the first embodiment and the configurations shown in the first to fourth modifications of the second embodiment in a similar manner. For example, in the same manner as in the first and second modifications of the first embodiment, the circuit board 352 of the wiring harness 351 of the vehicle-internal communication system according to the third embodiment can be provided either only with the Ethernet switching unit 34 or only with the CAN switching unit 35. Furthermore, in the same manner as in the third modification of the first embodiment and the first modification of the second embodiment, the power supply circuit 38 can be provided on the circuit board 352 of the wiring harness 351.Furthermore, in a similar manner to the fourth modification of the first embodiment, for example, a configuration can be chosen in which the power line from the battery 1a is connected to the circuit board 352 of the cable harness 351, the circuit board 21 of the high-performance ECU 302 is provided with the power supply circuit 38, and electrical power is supplied from the battery 1a to the power supply circuit 38 via the circuit board 352 and the circuit board assembly unit 322.Furthermore, in a manner similar to the fifth modification of the first embodiment, for example, a configuration can be chosen in which the communication lines 15 and 16 are connected to the circuit board 21 of the high-performance ECU 302 and the CAN transceivers 33 are provided thereon, and information is exchanged between the CAN switching unit 35 provided on the circuit board 352 of the wiring harness 351 and the CAN switching units 33 provided on the circuit board 21 of the high-performance ECU 302. In addition, in a manner similar to the sixth to eighth modifications of the first embodiment and the fourth modification of the second embodiment, for example, the high-performance ECU 302 can be configured to control the supply of electrical power to the loads 1b.Furthermore, in a manner similar to the ninth modification of the first embodiment and the second and third modifications of the second embodiment, for example, an embodiment can be chosen in which the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16, which have individual connectors in which an Ethernet PHY 32 or a CAN transceiver 33 is provided, are detachably connected to the circuit board 352 of the cable harness 351, and the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35, which are provided on the circuit board 352, mediate communication between the communication lines 11, 13, 14, 15, and 16. Furthermore, in a manner similar to the tenth modification of the first embodiment, for example, an embodiment can be chosen in which communication and electrical power are supplied via common lines. First variation

[0128] Fig. 23 and Fig. Figure 24 are block diagrams showing the design of an in-vehicle communication system according to a first modification of the third embodiment. The in-vehicle communication system according to the first modification of the third embodiment is configured in such a way that the power supply circuit 38 is provided on the circuit board 352 of the wiring harness 351, and the high-performance ECU 302 is not equipped with the power supply circuit 38. A power line 357, which receives supplied electrical power from the battery 1a of the vehicle 1, is connected to the circuit board 351 of the wiring harness 352 according to the first modification. The power supply circuit 38 of the circuit board 352 converts, for example, electrical power with a voltage value of 12 V, supplied by the battery 1a, into electrical power with a voltage value such as 3 V or 5 V and outputs the resulting electrical power.The electrical power output by the power supply circuit 38 is supplied to the communication IC 40 of the circuit board 352 and is also supplied to the control circuit 37 of the circuit board 21 via the terminals 353 of the circuit board 352 and the terminals 331 of the board assembly unit 322 of the high-performance ECU 302.

[0129] In the vehicle-internal communication system according to the first modification with the aforementioned configuration, the circuit board 352 of the wiring harness 351 is provided with the power supply circuit 38. The power supply circuit 38 supplies electrical power to the communication IC 40, which comprises the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35 of the circuit board 352, and the communication IC 40 is operated with the electrical power supplied by the power supply circuit 38. The multiple terminals 353 of the circuit board 352 include terminals that output electrical power whose voltage value has been converted by the power supply circuit 38. The multiple terminals 331 of the board assembly unit 322 of the high-performance ECU 302 include terminals for receiving supplied electrical power from the wiring harness 351.The electrical power from the power supply circuit 38 of the wiring harness 351 is supplied to the circuit board 21 of the high-performance ECU 302 via these connections. Since the power supply circuit 38 does not need to be provided on the circuit board 21 of the high-performance ECU 302, effects such as miniaturization of the circuit board 21 can be expected.

[0130] Since the remaining configuration of the vehicle-internal communication system according to the third embodiment is identical to the vehicle-internal communication system according to the first embodiment, similar parts bear the same reference numerals and a detailed description thereof is omitted. Fourth embodiment

[0131] Fig. Figure 25 is a schematic diagram describing the configuration of a high-performance ECU 402 according to the fourth embodiment. The high-performance ECU 402 according to the fourth embodiment, for example, has a configuration in which a printed circuit board 421 is housed in a casing having a cuboid shape (not illustrated), and a card slot 460 is mounted on this printed circuit board 421. A communication card 470, in which the communication function is integrated, is removablely mounted in the card slot 460. In the illustrated example, the communication card 470 is mounted in the card slot 460 by inserting the communication card 470 through the opening of the card slot 460, and a retention mechanism provided inside the card slot 460 (not illustrated) holds the communication card 470 in place.

[0132] The communication card 470 has a card-like cover 470a, and several connectors 471 are provided on the surface of the cover 470a. The cover 470a is removably mounted in the card slot 460 by inserting it into the opening of the card slot 460 and being held in place by the retention mechanism of the card slot 460. When the communication card 470 is mounted in the card slot 460, the connectors 471 of the communication card 470 are connected to the card-side connectors 461 provided inside the card slot 460. Fig. 26 illustrated) connected and the communication card 470 and the circuit board 421 of the high-performance ECU 202 are electrically connected.

[0133] With regard to aspects such as the size and shape of the casing 470a of the communication card 470 and aspects such as the number and arrangement of the contacts 471, designs similar to existing card-like devices such as SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) or SD (Secure Digital) cards can be used. Therefore, an existing card-like device can be used for the card slot 460. It should be noted that when the communication card 470 is mounted in the card slot 460, preferably the entire casing 470a of the communication card 470 is inserted into the opening of the card slot 460 without any part of the casing 470a protruding from the opening. This is expected to prevent adverse effects such as damage to the communication card 470 mounted in the card slot 460.

[0134] Fig. Figure 26 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the high-performance ECU 402 according to the fourth embodiment. The high-performance ECU 402 according to the fourth embodiment includes a connector 422 for connecting the wiring harness 51, to which the several communication lines 11, 13, and 14 are bundled, to a printed circuit board 421, which is equipped with the control circuit 37 and the power supply circuit 38, and a card slot 460 for mounting the communication card 470. The connector 422 is provided with several wiring harness-side terminals 431, which include terminals to which the communication lines 11, 13, and 14 of the wiring harness 51 are connected, and terminals to which the power line from the battery 1a is connected. The card slot 460 is provided with several card-side terminals 461 for establishing an electrical connection of the communication card 470.The multiple card-side connections 461 include connections that are electrically connected to the cable harness-side connections 431, to which the communication lines 11, 13 and 14 of the connector 422 are connected, connections for the control circuit 37 to perform communication compliant with the SPI communication protocol with the communication card 470, and connections for supplying electrical power from the power supply circuit 38 to the communication card 470.

[0135] The communication card 470 is equipped with a communication IC 440, which includes components such as the Ethernet PHYs 32 and the Ethernet switching unit 34, and multiple connectors 471 that correspond to the card-side connectors 461 of the card slot 460. The multiple connectors 471 comprise connectors (communication-side connectors) that electrically connect the communication lines 11, 13, and 14 of the cable harness 51 to the Ethernet PHYs 32 of the communication IC 440 via the card-side connectors 461 of the card slot 460, the circuit board 421, and the cable harness-side connectors 431 of the connector 422.The multiple connections 471 also include connections (control-side connections) for the Ethernet switching unit 34 of the communication IC 440 to perform communication compliant with the SPI communication protocol with the control circuit 37 of the circuit board 421, and connections (power supply connections) to supply electrical power to the power supply circuit 38 of the communication IC 440.

[0136] When the communication card 470 is mounted in the card slot 460, the Ethernet PHYs 32 of the communication card 470 and the communication lines 11, 13, and 14 are directly connected, and the Ethernet PHYs 32 can transmit and receive signals via the communication lines 11, 13, and 14. The Ethernet switching unit 34 of the communication card 470 mediates communication between the communication lines 11, 13, and 14 and between the communication lines 11, 13, and 14 and the control circuit 37. Furthermore, the communication card 470 receives electrical power supplied by the power supply circuit 38 of the circuit board 421, and the communication IC 440 is powered by this electrical power.

[0137] The high-performance ECU 402 according to the fourth embodiment with the aforementioned configuration can, when the communication card 470 is installed, have a switching function for mediating communication between the communication lines 11, 13, and 14. The communication card 470 is provided with the cover 470a, which can be removably installed in the card slot 460 of the high-performance ECU 202. The terminals 471, which are electrically connected to the control circuit 37 of the circuit board 421 of the high-performance ECU 202, and the multiple terminals 471, which are electrically connected to the multiple communication lines 11, 13, and 14 that are connected to the connector 422 of the high-performance ECU 202, are provided on the surface of the cover 470a.The Ethernet switching unit 34, which mediates communication between the multiple communication lines 11, 13, and 14 connected to the high-performance ECU 202 and between communication lines 11, 13, and 14 and the control circuit 37, is provided within the enclosure 470a. By choosing an configuration in which the communication card 470 mediates communication separately from the high-performance ECU 202, the control circuit 37 of the high-performance ECU 202 no longer needs to perform any switching-related processing, and the processing load can be reduced. Furthermore, if a specification change, such as a change in transmission speed, becomes necessary, the specification change can be addressed, for example, by replacing the communication card 470.

[0138] The communication card 470 is also equipped with multiple Ethernet PHYs 32, which input and output communication signals via the communication lines between multiple ports and the Ethernet switching unit 34. The multiple Ethernet PHYs 32 and the Ethernet switching unit 34 are provided in a single communication IC 440, and this communication IC 440 is provided in the communication card 470. Therefore, benefits such as cost reduction and miniaturization of the communication card 470 can be expected.

[0139] It should be noted that in the fourth embodiment, although the communication switching function in the high-performance ECU 202 is provided by the communication card 470, the present invention is not limited thereto. The switching function can have a non-card-shaped form. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, an configuration was chosen in which the communication IC 440 of the communication card 470 performs communication compliant with the Ethernet communication protocol and does not perform communication compliant with the CAN communication protocol; however, the present invention is not limited thereto.In a manner similar to the first to third embodiments, an embodiment can be chosen in which the communication card 470 performs communication compliant with the Ethernet communication protocol and communication compliant with the CAN communication protocol, and mediates communication between these protocols. Furthermore, the communication card 470 can be configured to perform communication compliant with the CAN communication protocol and not to perform communication compliant with the Ethernet communication protocol. First variation

[0140] Fig. Figure 27 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a high-performance ECU 402 according to the first modification of the fourth embodiment. In the high-performance ECU 402 according to the first modification of the fourth embodiment, the Ethernet PHYs 32 are provided on the circuit board 421 of the high-performance ECU 202. The communication card 470 according to the first modification of the fourth embodiment therefore does not have any Ethernet PHYs 32. The Ethernet PHYs 32 transmit and receive signals via the communication lines 11, 13, and 14 connected to the connector 422 and exchange communication-related information with the communication card 470 mounted in the card slot 460.This means that the Ethernet switching unit 34 of the communication card 470 mounted in the card slot 460 is electrically connected via the Ethernet PHYs 32 provided on the circuit board 421 of the high-performance ECU 202 to the communication lines 11, 13 and 14 which are connected to the connector 422 of the high-performance ECU 202.

[0141] In the high-performance ECU 402 according to the first modification above, the multiple Ethernet PHYs 32, which input and output signals for communication via the communication lines 11, 13, and 14 connected to connector 422, are provided on the circuit board 421. The multiple communication lines 11, 13, and 14 connected to connector 422 of the high-performance ECU 402 and the Ethernet switching unit 34 of the communication card 470 are electrically connected via the Ethernet PHYs 32 of the high-performance ECU 402. Since the communication card 470 does not need to be equipped with the multiple Ethernet PHYs 32, further cost reduction and miniaturization can be expected. Second variation

[0142] Fig. Figure 28 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a communication card 470 according to a second modification of the fourth embodiment. It should be noted that in Fig. 28. The illustration of the design of the high-performance ECU 402 and the illustration of the power supply path from the high-performance ECU 402 to the communication card 470 have been omitted. The communication card 470 according to the second modification of the fourth embodiment is equipped with the Ethernet PHYs 32, the CAN transceivers 33, the Ethernet switching unit 34, and the CAN switching unit 35. The communication card 470 according to the second modification can mediate Ethernet communication via the Ethernet switching unit 34 and CAN communication via the CAN switching unit 35.Furthermore, the Ethernet switching unit 34 or the CAN switching unit 35 has a function for converting between the Ethernet communication protocol and the CAN communication protocol, and mediation between Ethernet communication and CAN communication can be carried out by exchanging data between the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35.

[0143] Furthermore, the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35 each perform communication with the high-performance ECU 402 in accordance with the SPI communication protocol. The Ethernet switching unit 34 thus has a conversion function between the Ethernet communication protocol and the SPI communication protocol. Similarly, the CAN switching unit 35 has a conversion function between the CAN communication protocol and the SPI communication protocol.

[0144] The multiple ports 471 provided in the communication card 470 according to the second modification include ports (communication-side ports) connected to the Ethernet PHYs 32, which, when the communication card 470 is installed in the card slot 460, are electrically connected to communication lines for conducting Ethernet communication that are connected to the connector 422 of the high-performance ECU 402. The multiple ports 471 also include ports (communication-side ports) connected to the CAN transceivers 33, which, when the communication card 470 is installed in the card slot 460, are electrically connected to communication lines for conducting CAN communication that are connected to the connector 422 of the high-performance ECU 402.The multiple connections 471 also include connections (control-side connections) for the Ethernet switching unit 34 to communicate with the control circuit 37 of the high-performance ECU 402, which is compliant with the SPI communication protocol, and connections (control-side connections) for the CAN switching unit 35 to communicate with the control circuit 37 of the high-performance ECU 402, which is compliant with the SPI communication protocol.

[0145] The communication lines used for communication compliant with the Ethernet communication protocol and the communication lines used for communication compliant with the CAN communication protocol are connected to the high-performance ECU 402 according to the second modification above. The communication card 470 according to the second modification is equipped with the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35 and mediates between Ethernet and CAN communication by converting the communication protocol between Ethernet and CAN and exchanging information between the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35.This allows the communication card 470, according to the second modification, to mediate communication even when communication lines are provided together that are used for communication compliant with different communication protocols.

[0146] Furthermore, the Ethernet switching unit 34 and the CAN switching unit 35 of the communication card 470 perform communication, compliant with the SPI communication protocol, with the control circuit 37 of the high-performance ECU 402. The Ethernet switching unit 34 performs protocol conversions between the Ethernet communication protocol and the SPI communication protocol. Similarly, the CAN switching unit 35 performs protocol conversions between the CAN communication protocol and the SPI communication protocol. The communication card 470 can therefore convert between the Ethernet and CAN communication protocols, which are used for external communication of the high-performance ECU 402, and the SPI communication protocol, which is used for internal communication of the high-performance ECU 402, thus mediating communication between the inside and outside of the high-performance ECU 402. Third variation

[0147] Fig. Figure 29 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a power supply unit 402A according to a third modification of the fourth embodiment. The third modification of the fourth embodiment, like the sixth modification of the first embodiment, is an example in which the aforementioned configuration is applied to a power supply unit 402A that supplies electrical power to the various loads 1b installed in the vehicle 1, instead of being applied to the high-power ECU 402. In the power supply unit 402A according to the third modification of the fourth embodiment, a card slot 460 is provided with a configuration similar to that shown in Figure 29. Fig. 26 shown are mounted on circuit board 421. The communication card 470 according to the third modification also has a similar design to the one in Fig. 26 shown on, in Fig. 29. Therefore, a detailed illustration of its internal design is omitted.

[0148] In the power supply unit 402A according to the third modification of the fourth embodiment, the switching circuit 42, together with the control circuit 37 and the power supply circuit 38, is provided on the printed circuit board 421. Furthermore, the multiple cable harness-side connections 431 provided in the connector 422 of the power supply unit 402A include connections to which the communication lines 11, 13, and 14 are connected and which are electrically connected to the connections 471 of the communication card 470, which is mounted in the card slot 460. The multiple cable harness-side connections 431 also include connections to which the power line from the battery 1a is connected and which are electrically connected to the power supply circuit 38 provided on the printed circuit board 421.Furthermore, the multiple cable harness-side connections 431 include connections to which the power lines for supplying electrical power to the loads 1b are connected and which are electrically connected to the switching circuit 42 provided on the circuit board 421.

[0149] The switching circuit 42 receives electrical power supplied by the power supply circuit 38. The switching circuit 42 is equipped with several switching elements and switches between supplying and withholding electrical power to the loads 1b by switching the respective switching elements on or off according to a control by the control circuit 37. It should be noted that in Fig. 25 The illustration of the transmission path of control signals from the control circuit 37 to the switching circuit 42 has been omitted.

[0150] The power supply unit 402A according to the preceding third modification is provided with the card slot 460, by means of which the communication card 470, which has the communication switching function, is removablely mounted. The several communication lines 11, 13 and 14, the power line which receives supplied electrical power from the battery 1a of the vehicle 1, and the power lines which supply electrical power to the loads 1b of the vehicle 1 are connected to the connector 422 of the power supply unit 402A. The power supply unit 402A is also provided with the power supply circuit 38, which converts the voltage value of the electrical power supplied via the power line from the battery 1a and supplies the electrical power, the voltage value of which has been converted by the power supply circuit 38, to the loads 1b of the vehicle 1.The power supply circuit 38 also supplies electrical power to the control circuit 37, which is provided on the circuit board 421, and to the communication card 470, which is mounted in the card slot 460. In these embodiments, the power supply unit 402A according to the third embodiment is enabled to distribute electrical power supplied by the battery 1a to the loads 1b and to mediate communication using the communication card 470. As exemplified by the power supply unit 402A according to the third embodiment, the communication card 470 according to the fourth embodiment can be used not only in the high-performance ECU 402 but also in a variety of vehicle-internal devices. Fourth variation

[0151] Fig. Figure 30 is a block diagram showing the design of an in-vehicle communication system according to a fourth modification of the fourth embodiment. In the in-vehicle communication system according to the fourth modification, the communication card 470 is provided with the power supply circuit 38, and the high-performance ECU 402 is not provided with the power supply circuit 38.

[0152] The power line, which receives the supplied electrical power from the battery 1a of the vehicle 1, is connected to the connector 422 of the high-performance ECU 402. The electrical power from the battery 1a is supplied to the power supply circuit 38 via the wiring harness-side connections 431 of the connector 422, the conductor pattern of the circuit board 421, and the card-side connections 461 of the card slot 460 from the connections 471 of the communication card 470.

[0153] Electrical power, which is output after its voltage value has been converted by the power supply circuit 38, is supplied to the communication IC 440 and also output at the terminals 471. The electrical power output at the terminals 471 of the communication card 470 is supplied to the control circuit 37 of the circuit board 421 via the card-side terminals 461 of the card slot 460 of the high-performance ECU 402.

[0154] It should be noted that in the vehicle-internal communication system according to the fourth modification, an embodiment was chosen in which the communication card 470 is provided with the power supply circuit 38; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, an embodiment can be chosen in which communication and electrical power are supplied via common lines using the PoE protocol. In this case, an embodiment can be chosen in which electrical power is supplied via any of the communication lines 11, 13, and 14, and neither the high-power ECU 402 nor the communication card 470 is provided with the power supply circuit 38.

[0155] Since the remaining configuration of the vehicle-internal communication system according to the fourth embodiment is identical to the vehicle-internal communication system according to the first embodiment, similar parts bear the same reference numerals and a detailed description thereof is omitted. Fifth embodiment

[0156] Fig. Figure 31 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a high-performance ECU 502 according to a fifth embodiment. The high-performance ECU 502 according to the fifth embodiment has a configuration in which, in the same manner as in the high-performance ECU 2 according to the one in Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13 to Fig. In the first embodiment shown in Figure 14, a connector 522, which has a mediating function, is mounted on the circuit board 21. However, in the high-performance ECU 502 according to the fifth embodiment, communication compliant with the Ethernet communication protocol is carried out between the control circuit 37 of the circuit board 21 and the connector 522. It should be noted that in Fig. 31 illustrations of the power supply circuit and power supply paths have been omitted.

[0157] The connector 522 according to the fifth embodiment is provided with five Ethernet PHYs 32 for communicating via the five communication lines 11 and 13 to 16 and one Ethernet PHY 532 for communicating with the control circuit 37 of the circuit board 21. Furthermore, in the connector 522 according to the fifth embodiment, the six Ethernet PHYs 32 and 532 are each mounted as individual ICs on a connector board inside the connector 522 and are not provided in the communication IC that includes the Ethernet switching unit 34.

[0158] Fig. Figure 32 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary IC arrangement on the front side of a connector board 541 of connector 522 according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. Figure 33 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary IC arrangement on the reverse side of the connector board 541 of connector 522 according to the fifth embodiment. It should be noted that in the following Fig. 32 is designated as the front of the connector board 541 and Fig. 33 is referred to as the reverse side; however, this definition serves only practical purposes, and the front and back can also be defined in reverse. Furthermore, in Fig. 32 and Fig. 33 the wiring harness-side connections 31 and the vehicle equipment-side connections 36, which are in Fig. 31 are provided as pairs, each shown as a single rectangular block.

[0159] The connector board 541 of connector 522 is a flat rectangular element. A single vehicle-side connection 36 is located approximately in the middle of the edge of one side (in Fig. 32 and Fig. 33 of the right edge) of the connector board 541. Five harness-side connectors 31 are located side by side along the edge of the other side (in Fig. 32 and Fig. 33 of the left edge) of the connector board 541. The five wiring harness-side connections 31 are, however, provided on the back of the connector board 541, while the single vehicle equipment-side connection 36 is provided on the front of the connector board 541.

[0160] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 32, the communication IC 40, the Ethernet PHY 532, and the vehicle-side connector 36 are mounted on the front of the connector board 541. The communication IC 40 and the Ethernet PHY 532 are electrically connected via a conductor pattern provided on the connector board 541, and the Ethernet PHY 532 and the vehicle-side connector 36 are also electrically connected via a conductor pattern provided on the connector board 541. The communication IC 40, the Ethernet PHY 532, and the vehicle-side connector 36 are arranged side by side on the connector board 541 so that they form a straight line. This means that the Ethernet PHY 532 is located between the communication IC 40 and the vehicle equipment-side connector 36 and is arranged on a straight line connecting the communication IC 40 and the vehicle equipment-side connector 36.The communication path, which runs from the communication IC 40 via the Ethernet PHY 532 to the vehicle equipment-side connection 36, can therefore be further shortened, and effects such as a reduction in communication delay can be expected.

[0161] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 33, the five harness-side connectors 31 and the five Ethernet PHYs 32 are mounted on the rear of the connector board 541. The harness-side connectors 31 and the Ethernet PHYs 32 are each electrically interconnected via a trace pattern provided on the connector board 541. The five Ethernet PHYs 32 provided on the rear of the connector board 541 and the communication IC 40 provided on the front of the connector board 541 are electrically interconnected via a trace pattern that extends from the rear to the front within the connector board 541. The five harness-side connectors 31 are arranged side-by-side along one edge of the connector board 541. The five Ethernet PHYs 32 are arranged side-by-side in a row, separated from the five harness-side connectors 31 by a predetermined distance.Furthermore, the mounting positions of some of the five Ethernet PHYs 32 are located on the opposite side (rear side) of the mounting position of the communication IC 40 on the front side of the connector board 541. By arranging the Ethernet PHYs 32 and the communication IC 40 in such a way that they overlap on the front and back sides, the distance (the conductor length) between the Ethernet PHYs 32 and the communication IC 40 can be reduced, and miniaturization of the connector board 541 can be expected.

[0162] In the connector 522 according to the fifth embodiment with the aforementioned configuration, arranging the communication IC 40, the Ethernet PHY 532, and the vehicle-side connector 36 side by side in a straight line on the connector board 541 can result in effects such as a reduction in communication delay. Furthermore, in the connector 522, mounting the communication IC 40 on the front of the connector board 541 and the Ethernet PHYs 32 on the back of the connector board 541, such that the mounting positions overlap, can result in effects such as a reduction in communication delay and miniaturization of the connector board 541.

[0163] It should be noted that in the fifth embodiment, connector 522 was described as an example in the case where Ethernet was used as the communication protocol, and that the communication protocol is not limited to Ethernet, but CAN or other communication protocols can also be used, or several communication protocols can be used together.

[0164] Furthermore, although in the present example the Ethernet PHY 532 and the vehicle-side connector 36 are mounted on the front of the connector board 541 and the Ethernet PHYs 32 and the wiring harness-side connectors 31 are mounted on the rear of the connector board 541, the present invention is not limited thereto. The Ethernet PHY 532 and the vehicle-side connector 36 can be mounted on the rear of the connector board 541, and the Ethernet PHYs 32 and the wiring harness-side connectors 31 can be mounted together with the communication IC 40 on the front of the connector board 541.

[0165] Since the remaining configuration of the vehicle-internal communication system according to the fifth embodiment is identical to the vehicle-internal communication system according to the first embodiment, similar parts bear the same reference numerals and a detailed description thereof is omitted. First variation

[0166] Fig. Figure 34 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary IC arrangement on the connector board 541 of a connector 522 according to a first modification of the fifth embodiment. The in Fig. 32 and Fig. Connector 522 shown in Figure 33 has a configuration in which the ICs are mounted on the front and back of the connector board 541, the connector 522 according to the in Fig. In contrast, the first modification shown in Figure 34 has a design in which the ICs are mounted on the front of the connector board 541.

[0167] The connector 522 according to the first modification is equipped with the communication IC 40, five wiring harness-side connectors 31, a single vehicle equipment-side connector 36, five Ethernet PHYs 32, and one Ethernet PHY 532, and is configured such that these components are mounted on one surface (front side) of the connector board 541. The connector board 541 is a flat rectangular element. The single vehicle equipment-side connector 36 is located approximately in the middle of the edge of one side (in Fig. 34 of the right edge) of the connector board 541. The five harness-side connections 31 are side by side along the edge of the other side (in Fig. 34 of the left edge) of the connector board 541 provided.

[0168] The communication IC 40 is mounted in the center of the connector board 541. The communication IC 40 and the Ethernet PHY 532 are electrically connected via a trace pattern provided on the connector board 541, and the Ethernet PHY 532 and the vehicle-side connector 36 are electrically connected via a trace pattern provided on the connector board 541. The communication IC 40, the Ethernet PHY 532, and the vehicle-side connector 36 are arranged side by side on the connector board 541 so that they form a straight line. That is, the Ethernet PHY 532 is located between the communication IC 40 and the vehicle-side connector 36 and is arranged in a straight line connecting the communication IC 40 and the vehicle-side connector 36.The communication path, which runs from the communication IC 40 via the Ethernet PHY 532 to the vehicle equipment-side connection 36, can therefore be further shortened, and effects such as a reduction in communication delay can be expected.

[0169] The harness-side connectors 31 and the Ethernet PHYs 32 are each electrically interconnected via a trace pattern provided on the connector board 541, and the five Ethernet PHYs 32 and the communication IC 40 are electrically interconnected via a trace pattern provided on the connector board 541. The five harness-side connectors 31 are arranged side-by-side along one edge of the connector board 541. The five Ethernet PHYs 32 are arranged side-by-side in a row, separated from the five harness-side connectors 31 by a predetermined distance. Furthermore, in at least one of the five sets of harness-side connectors 31 and Ethernet PHYs 32, the harness-side connector 31, the Ethernet PHY 32, and the communication IC 40 are arranged side-by-side in a straight line on the connector board 541.This means that in this configuration, the Ethernet PHY 32 is located between the harness-side connector 31 and the communication IC 40, and it is arranged in a straight line connecting the harness-side connector 31 and the communication IC 40. The communication path running from the harness-side connector 31 via the Ethernet PHYs 32 to the communication IC 40 can therefore be further shortened, and effects such as a reduction in communication latency can be expected.

[0170] In connector 522 according to the first modification, the wiring harness-side connections 31 and the vehicle equipment-side connection 36 are also located on two opposite edges (in Fig. 34 the right and left edges) of the connector board 541, which has a flat rectangular shape. At least one cable harness-side connector 31, the corresponding Ethernet PHY 32, the communication IC 40, the Ethernet PHY 532 and the vehicle equipment-side connector 36 are arranged side by side in a straight line on the connector board 541. Second variation

[0171] Fig. Figure 35 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary IC arrangement on the connector board 541 of a connector 522 according to a second modification of the fifth embodiment. The connector 522 according to the second modification has a configuration in which the ICs are arranged in the same manner as in the connector 522 according to the fifth embodiment shown in Figure 35. Fig. The first modification shown in Figure 34 is mounted on the front of the connector board 541. Furthermore, the arrangement of the cable harness-side connections 31, the Ethernet PHYs 32, and the communication IC 40 of connector 522 according to the second modification is identical to that of connector 522 according to the first modification.

[0172] In connector 522 according to the second modification, the Ethernet PHY 532 is not located between the communication IC 40 and the vehicle-side connector 36. In connector 522 according to the second modification, the communication IC 40 is located as adjacent as possible to (as close as possible to) the vehicle-side connector 36 on the connector board 541. That is, the communication IC 40 and the vehicle-side connector 36 are preferably located so close together that the distance between the communication IC 40 and the vehicle-side connector 36 is less than the minimum distance required to accommodate the Ethernet PHY 532. The Ethernet PHY 532 is located side by side adjacent to the vehicle-side connector 36 at the edge (in Fig. 35 to the right edge) of the connector board 541, on which the vehicle-side connection 36 is provided. That is, the Ethernet PHY 532 and the vehicle-side connection 36 are preferably arranged so close to each other that the distance between the Ethernet PHY 532 and the vehicle-side connection 36 is less than the minimum distance required for arranging the communication IC 40. The Ethernet PHY 532 can, however, be arranged adjacent to the communication IC 40.

[0173] The communication IC 40 and the Ethernet PHY 532 are electrically connected via a trace pattern provided on the connector board 541, and the Ethernet PHY 532 and the vehicle-side connector 36 are electrically connected via a trace pattern provided on the connector board 541. Furthermore, the harness-side connectors 31 and the Ethernet PHYs 32 are each electrically connected to each other via a trace pattern provided on the connector board 541, and the five Ethernet PHYs 32 and the communication IC 40 are electrically connected via a trace pattern provided on the connector board 541.

[0174] In the second modification of connector 522, the adjacent arrangement of communication IC 40 and vehicle-side connector 36 can lead to effects such as miniaturization of the connector board 541. By adjacently arranging the Ethernet PHY 532, which participates in signal transmissions between communication IC 40 and vehicle-side connector 36, either side-by-side with communication IC 40 or vehicle-side connector 36, the communication path between Ethernet PHY 532 and communication IC 40, or between Ethernet PHY 532 and vehicle-side connector 36, can be shortened, and effects such as reduced communication delay can be expected. Third variation

[0175] Fig. Figure 36 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an in-vehicle communication system according to a third modification of the fifth embodiment. The in-vehicle communication system according to the third modification has a configuration in which, in the same manner as in the in-vehicle communication system according to the fifth embodiment, Fig. 15, Fig. 16, Fig. 17, Fig. 18, Fig. 19 to Fig. In the second embodiment shown in Figure 20, a cable harness 521, which is provided with a connector 522 having a switching function, is detachably connected to the high-performance ECU 502, which is provided with the connector 222. However, in the vehicle-internal communication system according to the third modification of the fifth embodiment, communication conforming to the Ethernet communication protocol is carried out between the control circuit 37 of the high-performance ECU 502 and the connector 552 of the cable harness 551. It should be noted that in Fig. 36 illustrations of the power supply circuit and power supply paths have been omitted.

[0176] Connector 552 of cable harness 551, according to the third modification, is equipped with five Ethernet PHYs 32 for communication via the five communication lines 11 and 13 to 16, and with the Ethernet PHY 532 for communication with the high-performance ECU 502. Furthermore, in connector 552, according to the third modification, the six Ethernet PHYs 32 and 532 are each mounted as individual ICs on a connector board within connector 552 and are not provided in the communication IC that includes the Ethernet switching unit 34.

[0177] Fig. Figure 37 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary IC arrangement on the front side of the connector board 541 of the connector 552 according to the third modification of the fifth embodiment. It should be noted that although the separate illustration of the configuration of the rear side of the connector board 541 has been omitted, the positions of components such as ICs arranged on the rear side are shown in Figure 37. Fig. 37 are shown with dashed lines. Furthermore, in Fig. 37 connections 253, which are in Fig. 36 are provided as a pair, shown as a single rectangular block. The design of connector 552 according to the third modification is similar to the design of connector 522 according to the one in Fig. 32 and Fig. fifth embodiment shown in 33.

[0178] The connector board 541 of connector 552, according to the third modification, is a flat rectangular element. The multiple communication lines 11 and 13 to 16 are located on the edge on one side (in Fig. 37 the left edge) of the connector board 541 is connected to the back. The connector 253 is approximately in the middle of the edge of the other side (in Fig. 37 of the right edge) of the front of the connector board 541 provided.

[0179] The communication IC 40, the Ethernet PHY 532, and the connector 253 are mounted on the front of the connector board 541. The communication IC 40 and the Ethernet PHY 532 are electrically connected via a trace pattern provided on the connector board 541, and the Ethernet PHY 532 and the connector 253 are also electrically connected via a trace pattern provided on the connector board 541. The communication IC 40, the Ethernet PHY 532, and the connector 253 are arranged side by side on the connector board 541 in a straight line. That is, the Ethernet PHY 532 is located between the communication IC 40 and the connector 253 and is arranged in a straight line connecting the communication IC 40 and the connector 253.The communication path, which runs from the communication IC 40 via the Ethernet PHY 532 to the port 253, can therefore be further shortened, and effects such as a reduction in communication delay can be expected.

[0180] The five Ethernet PHYs 32 are mounted on the rear of the connector board 541. The Ethernet PHYs 32 are electrically connected to communication lines 11 and 13 to 16, respectively, which are connected to the rear of the connector board 541, via a trace pattern provided on the connector board 541. The five Ethernet PHYs 32 on the rear of the connector board 541 and the communication IC 40 on the front of the connector board 541 are electrically connected via a trace pattern that extends from the rear to the front of the connector board 541. The five Ethernet PHYs 32 are arranged side-by-side in a row. Furthermore, the mounting positions of some of the five Ethernet PHYs 32 are on the opposite side (rear) of the mounting position of the communication IC 40 on the front of the connector board 541.By arranging the Ethernet PHYs 32 and the communication IC 40 in such a way that they overlap on the front and back, the distance (the conductor track length) between the Ethernet PHYs 32 and the communication IC 40 can be reduced, and miniaturization of the connector board 541 can be expected.

[0181] It should be noted that connector 552 of the wiring harness 551, according to the third modification, uses a similar design to the one in Fig. 32 and Fig. Connector 522 shown in Figure 33, however, the present invention is not limited thereto. The connector 552 of the cable harness 551 can use a similar design to the connector 522 according to the one shown in Figure 33. Fig. 34 first modification shown or the connector 522 according to the in Fig. 35 shown second variation. Fourth variation

[0182] Fig. Figure 38 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an in-vehicle communication system according to a fourth modification of the fifth embodiment. The in-vehicle communication system according to the fourth modification has a configuration in which, in the same manner as in the in-vehicle communication system according to the fifth embodiment, Fig. 21, Fig. 22, Fig. 23 to Fig. In the third embodiment shown in Figure 24, the cable harness 521, which is provided with the circuit board 352 having a switching function, is detachably mounted on the high-performance ECU 502, which is provided with the circuit board mounting unit 322. However, in the vehicle-internal communication system according to the fourth modification of the fifth embodiment, communication conforming to the Ethernet communication protocol is carried out between the control circuit 37 of the high-performance ECU 502 and the circuit board 352 of the cable harness 551. It should be noted that in Fig. 38 illustrations of the power supply circuit and power supply paths have been omitted.

[0183] The circuit board 352 of the cable harness 551 according to the fourth modification is equipped with five Ethernet PHYs 32 for communication via the five communication lines 11 and 13 to 16 and with the Ethernet PHY 532 for communication with the high-performance ECU 502. Furthermore, on the circuit board 352 according to the fourth modification, the six Ethernet PHYs 32 and 532 are each mounted as individual ICs on the circuit board 352 and are not provided in the communication IC that includes the Ethernet switching unit 34.

[0184] Fig. Figure 39 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary IC arrangement on the front side of the printed circuit board 352 of the cable harness 551 according to the fourth modification of the fifth embodiment. It should be noted that although the separate illustration of the configuration of the back side of the printed circuit board 352 has been omitted, the positions of components such as ICs arranged on the back side are shown in Figure 39. Fig. 39 are shown with dashed lines. Furthermore, in Fig. 39 connections 353, which are in Fig. 38 are provided as a pair, shown as a single rectangular block. The design of the circuit board 352 according to the fourth modification is similar to the design of the circuit board 541 of the connector 522 according to the one in Fig. 32 and Fig. fifth embodiment shown in 33.

[0185] The circuit board 352 of the cable harness 551 according to the fourth modification is an element with a flat rectangular shape. The connector 353 is located approximately in the middle of the edge of one side (in Fig. 39 of the right edge) of the front of circuit board 352. The multiple communication lines 11 and 13 to 16 are located on the edge of the other side (in Fig. 39 the left edge) of the circuit board 352 connected to the back.

[0186] The communication IC 40 and the Ethernet PHY 532 are mounted on the front of the printed circuit board 352 according to the fourth modification, and the connector 353 is provided on it. The communication IC 40 and the Ethernet PHY 532 are electrically connected via a trace pattern provided on the printed circuit board 352, and the Ethernet PHY 532 and the connector 353 are electrically connected via a trace pattern provided on the printed circuit board 352. The communication IC 40, the Ethernet PHY 532, and the connector 353 are arranged side by side on the printed circuit board 352 so that they form a straight line. That is, the Ethernet PHY 532 is located between the communication IC 40 and the connector 353 and is arranged in a straight line connecting the communication IC 40 and the connector 353.The communication path, which runs from the communication IC 40 via the Ethernet PHY 532 to the port 353, can therefore be further shortened, and effects such as a reduction in communication delay can be expected.

[0187] The five Ethernet PHYs 32 are mounted on the back of the printed circuit board 352. The Ethernet PHYs 32 are electrically connected to the communication lines 11 and 13 to 16, respectively, which are connected to the back of the printed circuit board 352, via a conductor pattern provided on the board. The five Ethernet PHYs 32 on the back of the printed circuit board 352 and the communication IC 40 on the front of the printed circuit board 352 are electrically connected via a conductor pattern that passes through the back of the printed circuit board 352 to the front. The five Ethernet PHYs 32 are arranged side by side in a row. Furthermore, the mounting positions of some of the five Ethernet PHYs 32 are on the opposite side (back) of the mounting position of the communication IC 40 on the front of the printed circuit board 352.By arranging the Ethernet PHYs 32 and the communication IC 40 in such a way that they overlap on the front and back, the distance (the conductor track length) between the Ethernet PHYs 32 and the communication IC 40 can be reduced, and miniaturization of the circuit board 352 can be expected.

[0188] It should be noted that, according to the fourth modification, the circuit board 352 of the cable harness 551 uses a similar design to that in Fig. 32 and Fig. The connector board 541 of connector 522 shown in Figure 33 is, however, not limited to this. The connector board 352 of the cable harness 551 according to the fourth modification can use a similar configuration to the connector board 541 of connector 522 according to the one shown in Figure 33. Fig. 34 first modification shown or the connector board 541 of connector 522 according to the one shown in Fig. 35 shown second variation. Sixth embodiment

[0189] Fig. Figure 40 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a high-performance ECU 602 according to a sixth embodiment. The high-performance ECU 602 according to the sixth embodiment is modified by adding a function for detecting anomalies related to communication lines 11 and 13 to 16 to the high-performance ECU 2 according to the one described in Figure 40. Fig. 3 first embodiment shown. It should be noted that in Fig. 40 illustrations of the power supply circuit and power supply paths have been omitted.

[0190] The high-performance ECU 602 according to the sixth embodiment has a configuration in which the connector 22, which has a mediating function, is mounted on the circuit board 21 and an anomaly detection unit 601, which performs anomaly detections, is provided in the connector 22. It should be noted that the anomaly detection unit 601 in Fig. Although 40 is provided within the communication IC 40, it is not limited to this, but can also be provided as a separate IC outside the communication IC 40.

[0191] In each of the five communication paths between five cable harness-side terminals 31, to which the communication lines 11 and 13 to 16 are connected, and three Ethernet PHYs 32 or two CAN transceivers 33, which input and output signals via the connected communication lines 11 or 13 to 16, respectively, a sensor 682 is provided. The sensor 682 is a sensor that detects current flowing through a line, conductor pattern, or the like that forms the communication path. Various sensors can be used for the current-detection sensor 682, for example, a current transformer sensor using a shunt resistor, a sensor using a Hall effect sensor, or a Rogowski coil sensor using an air-core inductor. It should be noted that the sensor 682 can also be a sensor that detects the voltage value on the communication path.The sensor 682 can also be provided in the cable harness-side connectors 31 or inside the Ethernet PHYs 32 or the CAN transceivers 33.

[0192] The five sensors 682, which are provided between the cable harness terminals 31 and the Ethernet PHYs 32 or CAN transceivers 33, each output a signal to the anomaly detection unit 681 that depends on the current value, which is the detection result. Based on the signals provided by the five sensors 682, the anomaly detection unit 681 performs processing to detect anomalies on the communication lines 11 and 13 to 16, respectively.

[0193] It should be noted that the anomaly detection unit 681 can use any anomaly detection method. For example, based on the current value detected by the sensor 682, the anomaly detection unit 681 can calculate the impedance of the communication path and detect an anomaly if the impedance or the change in impedance exceeds a threshold. Furthermore, based on the voltage value detected by the sensor 682, the anomaly detection unit 681 can calculate the time required for a change in the communication signal, that is, the rounding of the signal's rise or fall, and detect an anomaly if the calculated rounding exceeds a threshold.Furthermore, the anomaly detection unit 681 can, for example, perform an anomaly detection when normal communication is taking place, or, for example, cause the Ethernet switching unit 34 or the CAN switching unit 35 to transmit a test signal when no communication is taking place, and perform an anomaly detection when the transmission and reception of this test signal are taking place.

[0194] If an anomaly is detected on one of the communication lines 11 and 13 to 16, the anomaly detection unit 681 notifies the Ethernet switching unit 34 or the CAN switching unit 35 of the anomaly detection. The Ethernet switching unit 34 or CAN switching unit 35, having been notified of the anomaly detection, then notifies the control circuit 37. In response to the anomaly detection notification, the control circuit 37 can perform processing actions, such as terminating communication using the communication line 11 and 13 to 16 on which the anomaly was detected, or gathering and verifying more detailed information about the anomaly.

[0195] In the high-performance ECU 602 according to the sixth embodiment with the configuration described above, the anomaly detection unit 681 and the sensor 682 are provided in the connector 22, and the anomaly detection unit 681 performs anomaly detections on the communication lines 11 and 13 to 16, which are connected to the wiring harness terminals 31. Since the high-performance ECU 602 can thereby perform anomaly detections closer to the communication lines 11 and 13 to 16 than, for example, in the configuration where the anomaly detection unit 681 and the sensor 682 are provided on the circuit board 21, more accurate detection of anomalies associated with the communication lines 11 and 13 to 16 can be expected.

[0196] Since the remaining configuration of the vehicle-internal communication system according to the sixth embodiment is identical to the vehicle-internal communication system according to the first embodiment, similar parts bear the same reference numerals and a detailed description thereof is omitted. First variation

[0197] Fig. Figure 41 is a block diagram showing the design of an in-vehicle communication system according to a first modification of the sixth embodiment. The in-vehicle communication system according to the first modification is modified by adding the function for detecting anomalies related to communication lines 11 and 13 to 16 to the in-vehicle communication system according to the sixth embodiment. Fig. 15, Fig. 16, Fig. 17, Fig. 18, Fig. 19 to Fig. The second embodiment shown in 20 is obtained. It should be noted that in Fig. 41 illustrations of the power supply circuit and power supply paths have been omitted.

[0198] The vehicle-internal communication system according to the first modification of the sixth embodiment has a configuration in which a cable harness 651, equipped with connector 252 which has a switching function, is detachably connected to the high-performance ECU 602, which is equipped with connector 222. The anomaly detection unit 681, which performs anomaly detections in connection with communication lines 11 and 13 to 16, is provided in connector 252 of the cable harness 651. It should be noted that the anomaly detection unit 681 in Fig. Although 41 is provided within the communication IC 40, it is not limited to this, but can also be provided as a separate IC outside the communication IC 40.

[0199] The connector 252 of the cable harness 651 according to the first modification has a configuration in which a connector board, on which the communication IC 40 is mounted, is housed in a casing, the communication lines 11 and 13 to 16 are connected to this connector board, and the communication IC 40 and the communication lines 11 and 13 to 16 are electrically connected via a conductor pattern provided on the connector board. A sensor 682 is provided for each communication path running from where the communication lines 11 and 13 to 16 are connected to the connector board to the Ethernet PHYs 32 or the CAN transceivers 33, or for the communication lines 11 and 13 to 16 connected to the connector board. The 682 sensor is a sensor that detects the current value, voltage value, or the like of a line, conductor pattern, or the like that forms the communication path.

[0200] Each of the sensors 682 outputs a detection result to the anomaly detection unit 681. Based on the detection results provided by the five sensors 682, the anomaly detection unit 681 performs processing to detect anomalies on communication lines 11 and 13 to 16. If an anomaly is detected on one of the communication lines 11 and 13 to 16, the anomaly detection unit 681 notifies the Ethernet switching unit 34 or the CAN switching unit 35 of the anomaly detection. The Ethernet switching unit 34 or CAN switching unit 35, having been notified of the anomaly detection, then notifies the control circuit 37 of the high-performance ECU 602 of the anomaly detection.In response to the notification of anomaly detection, the control circuit can perform 37 processing operations, such as terminating communication using the communication line 11 and 13 to 16 on which the anomaly was detected, or collecting and verifying more detailed information about the anomaly. Second variation

[0201] Fig. Figure 42 is a block diagram showing the design of an in-vehicle communication system according to a second modification of the sixth embodiment. The in-vehicle communication system according to the second modification is enhanced by adding the function for detecting anomalies related to communication lines 11 and 13 to 16 to the in-vehicle communication system according to the sixth embodiment. Fig. 21, Fig. 22, Fig. 23 to Fig. The third embodiment shown in Figure 24 is obtained. It should be noted that in Fig. 42 illustrations of the power supply circuit and power supply paths have been omitted.

[0202] The vehicle-internal communication system according to the second modification of the sixth embodiment has a configuration in which the wiring harness 651, which is equipped with the circuit board 352 having a switching function, is detachably mounted on the high-performance ECU 602, which is equipped with the circuit board mounting unit 322. The anomaly detection unit 681, which performs anomaly detections in connection with the communication lines 11 and 13 to 16, is provided on the circuit board 352 of the wiring harness 651. It should be noted that the anomaly detection unit 681 in Fig. Although 42 is provided within the communication IC 40, it is not limited to this, but can also be provided as a separate IC outside the communication IC 40.

[0203] The circuit board 352 of the cable harness 651 according to the second modification, for example, has a flat rectangular shape, with the multiple communication lines 11 and 13 to 16 extending from one edge and the terminals 353 provided at the other edge. The communication lines 11 and 13 to 16 are connected to the circuit board 352, and the communication IC 40 and the communication lines 11 and 13 to 16 are electrically connected via a conductor pattern provided on the circuit board 352. A sensor 682 is provided for each communication path running from where the communication lines 11 and 13 to 16 are connected to the circuit board 352 to the Ethernet PHYs 32 or the CAN transceivers 33, respectively, or for the communication lines 11 and 13 to 16 connected to the circuit board 352.The 682 sensor is a sensor that detects the current value, voltage value, or the like of a line, conductor pattern, or the like that forms the communication path.

[0204] Each of the sensors 682 outputs a detection result to the anomaly detection unit 681. Based on the detection results provided by the five sensors 682, the anomaly detection unit 681 performs processing to detect anomalies on communication lines 11 and 13 to 16. If an anomaly is detected on one of the communication lines 11 and 13 to 16, the anomaly detection unit 681 notifies the Ethernet switching unit 34 or the CAN switching unit 35 of the anomaly detection. The Ethernet switching unit 34 or CAN switching unit 35, having been notified of the anomaly detection, then notifies the control circuit 37 of the high-performance ECU 602 of the anomaly detection.In response to the notification of anomaly detection, the control circuit can perform 37 processing operations, such as terminating communication using the communication line 11 and 13 to 16 on which the anomaly was detected, or collecting and verifying more detailed information about the anomaly. Third variation

[0205] Fig. Figure 43 is a block diagram showing the design of an in-vehicle communication system according to a third modification of the sixth embodiment. The in-vehicle communication system according to the third modification is enhanced by adding the function for detecting anomalies related to communication lines 11, 13, and 14 to the in-vehicle communication system according to the sixth embodiment. Fig. 25, Fig. 26, Fig. 27, Fig. 28, Fig. 29 to Fig. The fourth embodiment shown in Figure 30 is obtained. It should be noted that in Fig. 43 illustrations of the power supply circuit and power supply paths have been omitted.

[0206] In the vehicle-internal communication system according to the third modification of the sixth embodiment, the high-performance ECU 602 is enabled to communicate via communication lines 11, 13, and 14 by mounting a communication card 670, in which the communication function is integrated, into the card slot 460 provided in the high-performance ECU 602. The anomaly detection unit 681, which performs anomaly detections related to communication lines 11, 13, and 14, is provided on the circuit board located inside the communication card 670. It should be noted that the anomaly detection unit 681 is located in Fig.Although 43 is provided within the communication IC 440, it is not limited to this, but can also be provided as a separate IC outside the communication IC 440.

[0207] The multiple connectors 471 for establishing an electrical connection with the card slot 460 are provided in the communication card 670 according to the third modification. Because the communication card 670 is mounted or installed in the card slot 460, some of these multiple connectors 471 are electrically connected to the communication lines 11, 13, and 14, which are connected to the connector 422 of the high-performance ECU 602. In the communication card 670 according to the third modification, the sensor 682 is provided for the respective communication paths that run from the connectors 471, which are electrically connected to these communication lines 11, 13, and 14, to the Ethernet PHYs 32. The sensor 682 is a sensor that detects the current value, voltage value, or the like of a conductor pattern or the like that forms the communication path.

[0208] Each of the sensors 682 outputs a detection result to the anomaly detection unit 681. Based on the detection results provided by the five sensors 682, the anomaly detection unit 681 performs processing to detect anomalies on communication lines 11, 13, and 14. If an anomaly is detected on one of the communication lines 11, 13, or 14, the anomaly detection unit 681 notifies the Ethernet switching unit 34 of the anomaly detection. The Ethernet switching unit 34, having been notified of the anomaly detection, then notifies the control circuit 37 of the high-performance ECU 602 of the anomaly detection.In response to the notification of anomaly detection, the control circuit can perform 37 processing operations, such as terminating communication using the communication line 11, 13 and 14 on which the anomaly was detected, or collecting and verifying more detailed information about the anomaly.

[0209] The embodiments disclosed herein are to be understood in every respect as illustrative and not limiting. The scope of protection of the invention is defined by the claims and not by the meaning of the foregoing, and all modifications that fall within the scope and equivalence of the claims are deemed to be included therein. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 vehicle 1a battery 1b Last 2 high-performance ECUs 2A power supply unit 3 High-performance ECUs 4 external communication device 5 ECU 6 Display unit 7 ECU for automated driving 8 Camera 9 Sensor 10 Antenna 11-19 Communications Management 21 circuit board 22 connectors 31. Wiring harness-side connection 32 Ethernet PHY 33 CAN transceivers 34 Ethernet switching unit 35 CAN switching unit 36 vehicle equipment-side connection 37 Control circuit 38 Power supply circuit 39 PCB connection 40 Communication ICs 41 Connector board 42 Switching circuit 43 Separation unit 51 Wiring harness 52 connectors 202 High-performance ECU 202A Power supply unit 222 connectors 231 wiring harness connection 251 Wiring harness 252 connectors 252A integrated connector 252B, 252C Single connectors 253-256 connection 302 High-performance ECU 322 Circuit board assembly unit 331 connection 351 Wiring harness 352 circuit board 353 connection 402 High-performance ECU 402A Power Supply Unit 421 Circuit board 460 card slots 470 Communication card 470a cover 502 High-performance ECU 522 connectors 532 Ethernet PHY 541 Connector board 551 Wiring harness 552 connectors 602 High-performance ECU 651 Wiring harness 670 Communication card 681 Anomaly Detection Unit 682 Sensor

Claims

[1] Wiring harness (351), comprising: a printed circuit board (352) which can be detachably mounted on a vehicle internal device (302) by being inserted into or removed from an opening provided in a housing of the vehicle internal device (302); several communication lines (11 - 16) connected to the circuit board (352); and a switching IC (integrated circuit) comprising a switching unit (34, 35) provided on the circuit board (352) and configured to mediate communication between the multiple communication lines (11 - 16) and to mediate communication between the communication lines (11 - 16) and the vehicle internal device (302), the circuit board (352) has: a connection (353) that can be electrically connected to the vehicle's internal equipment (302); a first input / output IC arranged between the terminal (353) and the switching unit (34, 35) and configured to input and output communication signals via the terminal (353); and a second input / output IC, which is arranged between the communication lines (11 - 16) and the switching unit (34, 35) and is configured to input and output communication signals via the communication lines (11 - 16); a voltage conversion circuit (38) provided on the circuit board (352) and configured to convert a voltage value of electrical power supplied by a battery (1a) installed in the vehicle; wherein the connection (353) is provided at one edge of the printed circuit board (352) and the communication lines (11 - 16) are connected at the other edge of the printed circuit board (352), the first input / output IC or the second input / output IC is mounted on a side opposite the side of the circuit board (352) on which the switching IC is mounted, and the switching unit (34, 35) is supplied with electrical power by the voltage conversion circuit (38) and the switching unit (34, 35) supplies electrical power, the voltage value of which has been converted by the voltage conversion circuit (38), to the vehicle internal device (302). [2] Wiring harness (351) according to claim 1, wherein the multiple communication lines (11 - 16) include one communication line (11 - 16) used for communication with a first communication protocol and one communication line (11 - 16) used for communication with a second communication protocol, and the switching unit (34, 35) performs protocol conversions between the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol. [3] Wiring harness (351) according to claim 2, wherein the switching unit (34, 35) performs protocol conversions between the first communication protocol or the second communication protocol and a third communication protocol and communicates with the vehicle internal device (302) using the third communication protocol. [4] Wiring harness (351) according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising: an anomaly detection unit designed to detect an anomaly in the communication lines (11 - 16). [5] Communication mediation procedures, exhibiting: Using a wiring harness (351) with a printed circuit board (352) connected to several communication lines (11-16) and detachably connected to a vehicle-internal device (302) by being inserted into and removed from an opening provided in a housing of the vehicle-internal device (302); wherein the printed circuit board (352) comprises: a connector (353) electrically connectable to the vehicle-internal device (302); a switching IC comprising a switching unit (34, 35); a first input / output IC arranged between the connector (353) and the switching unit (34, 35) and configured to input and output communication signals via the connector (353);a second input / output IC arranged between the communication lines (11-16) and the switching unit (34, 35) and configured to input and output communication signals via the communication lines (11-16); and a voltage conversion circuit (38) provided on the circuit board (352) and configured to convert a voltage value of electrical power supplied by a battery (1a) installed in the vehicle;wherein the connection (353) is provided at one edge of the printed circuit board (352) and the communication lines (11 - 16) are connected at the other edge of the printed circuit board (352), the first input-output IC or the second input-output IC is mounted on a side opposite the side of the printed circuit board (352) on which the switching IC is mounted, and the switching unit (34, 35) is supplied with electrical power by the voltage conversion circuit (38) and the switching unit (34, 35) supplies electrical power, the voltage value of which has been converted by the voltage conversion circuit (38), to the vehicle-internal device (302); Mediating communication between the multiple communication lines (11-16) by means of the switching unit (34, 35) provided on the circuit board (352); and Facilitating communication between the communication lines (11 - 16) and the vehicle's internal equipment (302) by means of the switching unit (34, 35).

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