EFFICIENT DATA FLOW CONTROL LINE DRIVER DEVICE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a line driver device which, for example in a system arrangement for controlling execution units, enables the selection of a first or second communication path for further data flow with minimal technical effort. Furthermore, the proposed line driver device is particularly fault-tolerant and is suitable, among other things, for use in automobiles. The present invention further relates to a corresponding system arrangement and to a method for operating or manufacturing the line driver device. In addition, a computer program product is proposed, comprising control commands that execute the proposed method or manufacture or operate the line driver device.

[0002] DE 10 2007 044 820 A1 shows a bus system with several bus participants connected in series.

[0003] WO 2017 / 162 323 A1 shows an efficient control arrangement and a control method in which sequentially arranged execution units are controlled by means of a command unit.

[0004] WO 2018 / 103 880 A1 shows a compact light-emitting diode arrangement which can be used generically, but is particularly advantageous for use in a vehicle due to its compact design.

[0005] WO 2017 / 153 026 A1 discloses a method for brightness compensation in at least one light-emitting diode.

[0006] According to conventional methods, a multitude of ways are known to address control units connected in series. These include generic approaches, which can be disadvantageous in specific application scenarios, and highly specialized approaches that are no longer applicable in a generic manner. One well-known example is the so-called CAN bus, which was developed for wiring harnesses and is specifically designed to enable the networking of control units.

[0007] In general, the CAN protocol is significantly more complex than ISELED (registered trademark) and therefore more expensive. However, the most significant disadvantage of CAN and LIN is that, due to their bus architecture, they do not offer a natural (automatic) addressing method. Here, the address must be configured. With ISELED (execution units) and also with segmented ISELED (line driver unit and execution units), there is a physically predefined sequence, and from this arises the possibility of automatically assigning addresses.

[0008] System configurations are known from the prior art for operating multiple execution units. This means that the corresponding execution units are addressed by control commands, or data must be read from these execution units. In so-called daisy-chaining, execution units are connected in series and addressed by individual command units. A failure of a command unit, not just a failure of an execution unit, can lead to further malfunctions.

[0009] Furthermore, the fact that multiple command units are connected in series generally increases the susceptibility to errors. This means that only one serial communication path exists, firstly, between the individual command units and, secondly, between a multitude of execution units. As a result, the data flow to the other command units is cut off, causing the entire system to crash.

[0010] Furthermore, in the automotive application scenario, the problem arises that, on the one hand, installed components must be fail-safe, while on the other hand, only minimal technical effort can be expended, which must lead to cost reduction. Thus, a balance must be struck between fail-safety and technical complexity. However, this is disadvantageous in the current state of the art, as customers neither accept compromises in fault tolerance nor do manufacturers tend to use complex circuits. Consequently, there is a need for cost-efficient components that are nevertheless fail-safe.

[0011] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to propose a line driver unit that is both efficient and fault-tolerant. Such a line driver device should, in particular, be fail-safe or, in the event of a failure, have no further implications. Furthermore, it is an object of the present invention to propose a system arrangement in which the line driver device is advantageously used. In addition, a method is proposed that provides and operates the line driver device. It is also an object of the present invention to provide a computer program product that includes control commands for creating and operating the line driver device and executing the proposed method.

[0012] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Further advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0013] Accordingly, a line driver device for efficient and fault-tolerant data flow control in an automobile is proposed, comprising a first interface unit configured for communication with a command unit or another line driver device, a second interface unit configured for communication with another line driver device, a third interface unit configured for communication with a plurality of execution units, wherein a first communication path is arranged between the first interface unit and the second interface unit, and a second communication path is arranged between the first interface unit, the second interface unit and the third interface unit.wherein a transistor is arranged on the first communication path and the data flow can be redirected via the first communication path or the second communication path by means of a transistor control.

[0014] A line driver device can be, for example, a device integrated into a system arrangement that communicates with other line driver devices. Communication with other components is generally advantageous, with the line driver device being the component that communicates with, for example, multiple execution units. An execution unit is a component that implements commands originating directly or indirectly from the line driver device. For instance, an execution device or unit can be a light-emitting diode (LED) unit that controls LEDs. LEDs are typically red, green, or blue, although a white LED can also be included as an option.

[0015] The line driver device communicates with multiple execution units and can itself be configured to receive commands from another unit, such as an instruction unit. For example, an instruction unit can be a microcontroller, and the line driver device can also be a microcontroller, or more generally, simply a unit that provides means for data flow control and instruction processing.

[0016] Typically, the line driver device is connected in series, and several such line driver devices are coupled serially along a data line. Consequently, there are typically several line driver devices connected to a command unit. A first line driver device connected in series is directly coupled to the command unit, while the subsequent line driver devices are indirectly coupled to the command unit. According to the prior art, the problem is that with serial coupling, if one line driver device fails, all other line driver devices in the series fail. Thus, according to the prior art, the failure or inactive state of one line driver device implies that a plurality of other components fail. This is solved according to the invention by the fact that the proposed line driver device provides a communication path or...maintains a data path that simply switches signals through in an inactive state.

[0017] Consequently, even if a single line driver device fails, the other line driver devices connected in series are not excluded from the data flow. Instead, if a line driver device is inactive, an incoming signal is output without any processing. This is described below as pass-through or switching.

[0018] Overall, the proposed line driver device is fault-tolerant, which is particularly evident in its interaction with other line driver devices. The line driver device itself can already be described as a system arrangement, and thus the terminology regarding the line driver device is interchangeable, allowing us to refer to it as a system arrangement. The proposed line driver device generally refers to structural features that are only integrated within the line driver device itself. With respect to external components, the line driver device possesses the capability to communicate, which means that the proposed line driver device is not described in terms of external features. Rather, the line driver device is suitable for integration into a system arrangement that also includes other components.

[0019] Furthermore, the line driver device is also efficient because data flow control is implemented using simple technical means. According to one aspect of the present invention, only a first communication path and a second communication path, as well as a transistor, are required for data flow control. The data lines and communication paths can be individual conductor tracks or simple electrical connections. Consequently, the proposed line driver device can be arranged on a simple circuit board or packaged as a single unit in a housing.

[0020] For communication with other devices, the line driver device has at least three interface units. The first interface unit acts as an interface for communication with another line driver device. This interface is also suitable for communication with a command unit. The command unit is a superior instance to the line driver device, which provides commands to the line driver device. Consequently, the command unit can act as a master unit with respect to the line driver device, which then acts as a slave or client unit.

[0021] The second interface unit can be configured analogously to the first and is at least suitable for communication with another line driver unit or line driver device. For example, the first interface unit can be designated as an input of the line driver device, and the second interface as an output. However, the line driver device can also be bidirectionally coupled with other devices, such as the command device or another line driver device, thus enabling bidirectional communication. Consequently, the second interface unit then acts as an input, and the first interface unit as an output. Therefore, depending on the direction of communication, the two interface units can assume the role of an output or an input.

[0022] The third interface unit is used for communication with execution units, which can be connected serially, for example. Thus, the third communication interface or interface unit facilitates communication with additional external components, with the line driver device acting as the master unit with respect to these additional components. The components connected via the third interface unit can be referred to as execution units, which receive and execute commands. Furthermore, the interface unit can be configured to receive return values ​​from these execution units.

[0023] A first communication path is arranged between the first and second interface units. This communication path connects both interfaces and serves to transmit signals. Further components, such as a transistor unit, can be arranged along this communication path, which is implemented, for example, as a data line. Consequently, the communication path does not necessarily have to run continuously from the first to the second interface unit, but can indirectly transmit data from the first to the second interface unit, and intermediate components may also be used.

[0024] A second communication path is arranged between the first, second, and third interface units, and this path can also connect the interface units directly or indirectly. Typically, it is advantageous to design the communication path such that it connects the first interface unit to the third interface unit and then connects the third interface unit to the second interface unit. Consequently, the second communication path is designed analogously to the first communication path, with the addition of the third interface unit. The second communication path can also include further components, such as receiver modules or transmitter modules.

[0025] Regarding the second data line or communication path, it is merely an aspect of the present invention that this communicatively couples the first interface unit with the third interface unit and the third interface unit with the second interface unit. In this respect, the arrangement between the interface units can also refer to a structurally different design, whereby the logical communication takes place between the proposed interface units.

[0026] Furthermore, a processing unit can be arranged on the second communication path, which processes the incoming signals and then outputs them again. Those skilled in the art will recognize that additional components may be required for the technical implementation.

[0027] The first communication path contains one transistor.

[0028] The transistor is used to select the communication path, generally allowing a choice between the first and second communication paths. If current is applied to the line driver device, data signals are received, followed by processing of the corresponding signals in the internal logic unit, and then transmission of the processed signals. This corresponds to the second communication path. If, however, no voltage is applied, analog transmission occurs, which corresponds to the first communication path.

[0029] This also handles the fault case, namely the situation when the line driver device is defective or has been deactivated. In this case, the transistor is closed (self-conducting transistor) and a conducting path exists. Thus, in an active state of the line driver device, the incoming signals are processed and then output again. In a deactivated state, only passive transmission occurs. Active transmission via the second communication path implies data processing, which corresponds to the active state of the line driver device.

[0030] The line driver is invisible to other components when no voltage is applied. Consequently, if the line driver fails, it switches to passive mode and still passively passes signals through without affecting other components. No voltage is applied to the line driver if it is not operating or is broken, thus passively passing signals through.

[0031] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the third interface unit is configured for communication with execution units that can be connected in series. This has the advantage that the interface unit can communicate with various execution units, not necessarily directly. Rather, it is possible for the multitude of execution units to be connected in series, and thus the line driver device preferably communicates directly with a single execution unit via the third interface unit and indirectly with the other connected execution units. In general, the third interface unit can transmit commands to the other execution units or receive return values.

[0032] According to a further aspect of the present invention, transistor control can be achieved by means of an applied electrical voltage or current. This has the advantage that the transistor control acts as a circuit and can select the first or second communication path. Thus, a technically simple yet efficient structure for selecting the communication path is created.

[0033] In general, it is possible that the first and second communication paths are not implemented separately, but rather that the communication paths can partially overlap. Thus, it is possible to provide only one communication line in a structural form, with the transistor position determining whether the first or the second logical path is selected.

[0034] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a logic unit is connected upstream of the third interface unit. This has the advantage that incoming communication signals or commands can be routed through the logic unit via the second communication path and processed therein. Consequently, a logic unit that processes signals is located on the second communication path. The processed signals can then either be output to the execution units via the third interface unit or applied to the output, i.e., the second interface unit.

[0035] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the logic unit controls the second interface unit and / or the third interface unit. This has the advantage that either one or two further units can be supplied with the corresponding commands or processed signals. Thus, it is possible for the logic unit to issue a command that is transmitted to the multitude of execution units.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present invention, the transistor is a field-effect transistor. This has the advantage that an existing component can be used in a new context and the circuit can be implemented particularly easily. Furthermore, an advantageous alternative to known switches is proposed.

[0037] According to another aspect of the present invention, the transistor is a self-conducting field-effect transistor. This has the advantage that an arrangement is proposed which comprises only a small number of components and is therefore efficient and fault-resistant.

[0038] According to a further aspect of the present invention, when the line driver device is inactive, the first communication path is configured such that signals present at the first interface unit are output without being processed at the second interface unit. This has the advantage that if a line driver device fails, it is deactivated without interrupting the ongoing communication flow.

[0039] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the first communication path is a passive communication path. This has the advantage that, if the line driver device is deactivated, the communication path merely passively passes through the signals, and thus a defective line driver device has no effect on other components. In particular, the deactivated or defective line driver device does not impair the further communication flow; rather, the signal is passed through via the passive communication path.

[0040] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the second communication path is an active communication path. This has the advantage that, under normal circumstances, i.e., when the line driver device is operated, the communication path is actively set, and the second communication path is then used to process the signals. A logic unit can preferably be provided for this purpose.

[0041] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the line driver device is formed in one piece. This has the advantage that the line driver device can be particularly well integrated into a system arrangement and, for example, can be arranged on a single circuit board or installed in a single housing. Thus, the line driver device can be provided separately and then installed in further processing steps.

[0042] The task is also solved by a system arrangement with a line driver device, as already described.

[0043] The problem is also solved by a method for efficient and fault-tolerant data flow control in an automobile, comprising providing a first interface unit configured for communication with a command unit or another line driver device, providing a second interface unit configured for communication with another line driver device, providing a third interface unit configured for communication with a plurality of execution units, wherein a first communication path is arranged between the first interface unit and the second interface unit, and a second communication path is arranged between the first interface unit, the second interface unit, and the third interface unit.wherein a transistor (T) is placed on the first communication path and the data flow is redirected via the first communication path or the second communication path by means of a transistor control.

[0044] The person skilled in the art recognizes that the individual process steps can be carried out iteratively and / or in a different order. In particular, individual process steps can have sub-steps.

[0045] The task is also solved by a computer program product with control commands that operate the proposed method or operate or manufacture the proposed line driver device.

[0046] According to the invention, it is particularly advantageous that the method provides process steps which can also be functionally replicated by the structural features of the line driver device. The line driver device or the system arrangement provides structural features that are suitable for carrying out the method.

[0047] Further advantageous features are explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. They show: Fig. 1: a schematic arrangement with a command unit and several execution units connected in series according to the prior art; Fig. 2: a block diagram with a line driver device for efficient and fault-tolerant data flow control according to one aspect of the present invention; and Fig. 3: a schematic flow diagram of a method for efficient and fault-tolerant data flow control according to another aspect of the present invention.

[0048] Fig. 1 The diagram on the left shows a microcontroller, which acts, for example, as a command unit. Furthermore, several execution units, implemented here as LED controllers, are arranged via bidirectional communication. This is indicated by the reference symbol MLED CTRL. The current state of the art has the disadvantage in some application scenarios that if one controller fails, all other controllers connected in series also fail, as communication is interrupted.

[0049] Fig. 1 This shows a possible configuration of a system or communication arrangement according to the state of the art. The command unit BE, which is connected to three control units, is visible on the left. Since the three control units are connected in series, the command unit is directly connected to one control unit and indirectly connected to the other. The control units can be so-called multi-LED controllers. This is shown in the present diagram. Fig. 1 The MLED CTRL is shown in the diagram. The uniform reference symbol is intended to clarify that the control units are typically designed identically. As can be seen, the LEDs are RGB (red, green, blue) LEDs. These are configured to set a specific color value by means of a mixing ratio of the individual LED units. Furthermore, the diagram shows that additional components may be required. For example, it may be necessary to provide a power supply. However, it is also possible to provide these components, such as the power supply, externally and simply connect them.

[0050] The data line is represented here as a plurality of data line segments, which are shown as bidirectional arrows SIO1, SIO2. Control units can also be referred to as execution units.

[0051] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows the line driver device LTV according to the invention. As shown, three interface units are provided: the first interface unit A, the second interface unit B, and the third interface unit C. A logic unit LE is also connected upstream of the third interface unit C. The third interface unit C is configured to communicate with a plurality of further implementation units AE. Furthermore, additional components can be installed, such as a receiver Rx and a transmitter Tx. Here, R stands for receiver and T for transmitter.

[0052] The first communication path is shown with a dashed line and connects the first interface unit A with the second interface unit B. This connection is indirect, with transistor T positioned between them. The second data line is shown with a dotted line and runs between the first interface unit A, the second interface unit B, and the third interface unit C. The logic unit LE is connected upstream of the third interface unit and is also located on the second data line.

[0053] The first data line (dashed line) and the second data line (dotted line) can be designed such that at least the first segment is implemented jointly. Both the first and second communication paths are then coupled into this data line. Physically, a single line system is possible, with the transistor determining whether the first or second logical communication path is selected. The corresponding signals then flow either horizontally from the first interface unit A, via the transistor, to the second interface unit B. Alternatively, the second data line can be selected, which then runs via the third interface unit C.

[0054] Additional line driver devices (LTVs) can be arranged either on the left and / or right, and thus can communicate via interface units A or B. It is also possible that in the present configuration Fig. 2 Several execution units (AE) are provided above, which are connected in series. The system arrangement proposed according to the invention can therefore comprise not just one line driver device (LTV), but several connected in series, as well as several execution units (AE), which are also connected in series. In addition, a command unit can be provided, which communicates with the line driver device (LTV), for example, via interface A. Such a command unit can be implemented as a microcontroller.

[0055] Fig. 3The schematic flow diagram shows the proposed method for efficient and fault-tolerant data flow control in an automobile, comprising the provision of a first interface unit A set up for communication with a command unit BE or a further line driver device LTV.A provision 101 of a second interface unit B configured for communication with another line driver device LTV, a provision 102 of a third interface unit C configured for communication with a plurality of execution units AE, wherein a first communication path 103 is arranged between the first interface unit A and the second interface unit B and a second communication path 104 is arranged between the first interface unit A, the second interface unit B and the third interface unit C, wherein a transistor (T) is arranged on the first communication path 105 and the data flow is redirected 106 via the first communication path or the second communication path by means of a transistor control.

[0056] The person skilled in the art recognizes that the individual process steps are carried out iteratively and / or in a different order and may include sub-steps.

Claims

1. A system arrangement with a line driver device (LTV) and a plurality of execution units (AE) for efficient and fault-tolerant data flow control in an automobile, comprising - a first interface unit (A) set up for communication with a command unit or a first further line driver device (LTV); - a second interface unit (B) adapted to communicate with a second further line driver device (LTV); - a third interface unit (C) arranged to communicate with a plurality of execution units (AE), wherein a first communication path is arranged between the first interface unit (A) and the second interface unit (B) and a second communication path is arranged between the first interface unit (A), the second interface unit (B) and the third interface unit (C), characterised in that only a single, only a single, one-piece transistor (T) is arranged within the line driver device (LTV) on the first communication path and the data flow can be rerouted via the first communication path when the transistor (T) is closed or the second communication path when the transistor (T) is open by means of a transistor control, the line driver device switching passively if it fails and continuing to pass signals passively through it without impairing further components and the transistor control acting as a circuit and selecting the first or second communication path2. The system arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that the third interface unit (C) is set up for communication with series-connectable execution units (AE).

3. The system arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the transistor control can be carried out by means of an applied electrical voltage or an electrical current.

4. The system arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a logic unit (LE) is connected upstream of the third interface unit (C) on the second communication path.

5. The system arrangement according to claim 4, characterised in that the logic unit (LE) controls the second interface unit (B) and / or the third interface unit (C).

6. The system arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the transistor (T) is present as a field-effect transistor.

7. The system arrangement according to claim 6, characterised in that the transistor (T) is present as a self-conducting field-effect transistor.

8. The system arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that, in an inactive state of the line driver device (LTV), the first communication path is set in such a way that signals which are present at the first interface unit (A) are to be output at the second interface unit (B) without processing.

9. The system arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second communication path is present as an active communication path.

10. The system arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the line driver device (LTV) is formed in one piece.

11. The system arrangement according to one of the preceding claims, the system arrangement for use in an automobile.

12. An automobile comprising a system arrangement according to claim 11.

13. A method for efficient and fault tolerant data flow control in an automobile, comprising: - Providing (100) a first interface unit (A) arranged to communicate with a command unit or a first further line driver device (LTV); - providing (101) a second interface unit (B) adapted to communicate with a second further line driver device (LTV); - providing (102) a third interface unit (C) arranged to communicate with a plurality of execution units (AE), wherein a first communication path is arranged (103) between the first interface unit (A) and the second interface unit (B) and a second communication path is arranged (104) between the first interface unit (A), the second interface unit (B) and the third interface unit (C), characterised in that only a single, one-piece transistor (T) is arranged (105) within the line driver device (LTV) on the first communication path and the data flow is diverted (106) via the first communication path when the transistor (T) is closed or the second communication path when the transistor (T) is open by means of a transistor control.

14. A computer program product comprising control instructions which perform the method according to claim 13 when executed on a computer.