Signal processing device for a communication system, and method for operating a signal processing device of this type

Abstract

The invention relates to a signal processing device (41) for a communication system (40), such as a BUS system. The signal processing device (41) can perform two different functions, depending on a drop in an energy supply signal (E): a communication function and an emergency operation function. In the case of the communication function, a communication-system-compliant control signal (S) can be generated by means of the signal processing device (41) for transfer as a message signal between a transmitting device (20) coupled to the signal processing device and a receiving device (30). In contrast, in the case of the emergency operation function an activation signal (A) can be generated for transfer as a supply signal between the transmitting device (20) and the receiving device (30).

Description

[0001] Signal processing device for a communication system and method for operating such a signal processing device

[0002] DESCRIPTION:

[0003] The invention relates to a signal processing device for a communications system. The invention also relates to a method for operating such a signal processing device. Furthermore, the invention also relates to a corresponding communications system and a transmitting device with a corresponding signal processing device. Finally, the invention also relates to an electrical network in which a corresponding signal processing device can be used.

[0004] In an electrical network, such as the on-board electrical system of a motor vehicle, a communication system, such as a so-called BUS system, can be used to enable the transmission of data between individual participants or end devices in the network. The end devices can be, for example, a transmitting device, such as a central processing unit (ECU - Electronic Control Unit), and an associated receiving device, such as an actuator unit, for implementing a specific function in the vehicle. In the context of controlling a vehicle door, the transmitting device can be, for example, an electronic door control unit (eTSG), while the receiving device is an actuator unit for electrical exterior handle operation (eTAB). The eTAB can, for example, have a servomotor as an actuator, for example to adjust or control a Bowden cable, which can be used to unlock or lock the vehicle door.For control purposes, a control command such as “lock door” or “unlock door” can be sent from the eTSG and transmitted to the respective receiving device via the communication system.

[0005] In modern network architectures, it can be provided that a common processing unit can control several, i.e. two or more, different receiving devices. The sending and / or receiving of messages or control commands takes place via a common transmission path that is predetermined by the topology of the communication system. However, the individual data transmissions should remain clearly separated from one another. To this end, the control command for the respective receiving device is encoded in a control signal that is compliant with the communication system during transmission over the communication system. This means that a signal form and / or composition is adapted to the selected communication system, i.e. its communication standard. Common communication standards in the vehicle sector include LIN (local interconnect network) and CAN (controller area network).

[0006] For coding, the communication system includes a signal processing device. This device, for example, has a control unit or a so-called transceiver, which can convert or translate the control command into the control signal. The control unit requires electrical power to operate, which can be provided by a power supply device in the relevant network.

[0007] In certain cases, such as a vehicle accident or a temporary overload, the power supply may be interrupted. In such cases, the control unit's translation function can no longer be guaranteed. This is disadvantageous, for example, if at least basic operability of the receiving devices in the network is to be maintained.

[0008] For example, WO 2016 / 058815 A1 discloses the use of a LIN bus to ensure basic functions of vehicle modules, for example, in the event of an interrupted power supply. For this purpose, sensor data is encoded differently in a power-saving mode than in a normal operating mode.

[0009] For example, DE 10 2014 207 993 A1 discloses an energy transmission device for implementing a redundant power supply. This device comprises a dual-channel electrical power supply, which enables reliable transmission of the power to a load.

[0010] The disadvantage here is that an additional power supply line or emergency power line must be integrated into the network. This emergency power line is installed only in case of a power outage, such as a voltage drop, and otherwise serves no other function. However, the probability of such an event occurring is very low. Furthermore, the additional line generates additional costs.

[0011] It is the object of the present invention to ensure the controllability of a receiving device by means of a transmitting device as required, for example in the event of a power failure, and to reduce the additional costs.

[0012] The problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are revealed by the dependent claims as well as the description and the figures.

[0013] The invention is based on the finding that the function of operating the receiving device can be integrated into the signal processing device of the communication system if necessary, for example, to set a safe state of the receiving device. This means that the signal processing device, in particular its lines, is used to implement an emergency power supply line in the event of a voltage failure. The emergency power supply is provided without using the associated control unit of the signal processing device. This ensures that the remaining energy in the network is sufficient to control the receiving device and is used for the operation of the control unit.

[0014] Specifically, according to one aspect of the invention, this functionality is implemented by means of a signal processing device for a communications system. The signal processing device is, for example, an adapter circuit and / or connection circuit for connecting a transmitting device to the communications system. The communications system can, for example, be a so-called BUS system.

[0015] The signal processing device is designed to process, for example, transmit and generate, electrical signals that can be transmitted in an electrical network between at least one transmitter device and at least one associated receiver device by means of the communication system. The transmitter device and receiver device are terminal devices or participants in the electrical network that, for example, exchange control commands via the signal processing device and can thus send or receive signals. The two or more terminal devices can be interconnected or connected to the electrical network by means of the communication system.

[0016] To enable signal transmission, the signal processing device comprises a respective transmitter port for coupling to the respective transmitting device and a respective receiver port for coupling to the respective receiving device. The receiver port and the transmitter port thus form a signal output and a signal input of the signal processing device. The receiving device can be connected to the receiver port, for example, via a data line of a signal line network of the communication system. Multiple transmitters or receivers can be connected, for example, via a common transmitter or receiver port.

[0017] Furthermore, the signal processing device comprises a power supply connection for coupling to a power supply device for supplying electrical power to the electrical network. Via the power supply connection, the signal processing device can receive or detect a power supply signal generated or provided by a power supplier of the power supply device for the electrical network. The power supply signal can, for example, be an operating voltage that can be tapped between two reference potentials of the power supply device, for example, a positive potential and a negative potential (ground potential).

[0018] The signal processing device also comprises a signal generation circuit with at least one signal generation control unit. The signal generation control unit, hereinafter also referred to as the control unit for short, is designed to encode a control command provided by the respective transmitting device via the respective transmitting connection into a communication system-compliant control signal and to provide it at the receiver connection for the associated receiving device. By means of the signal generation circuit, in particular the associated control unit, the control command can thus be converted into a message signal, for example, for feeding into the data line for transmission to the receiving device. The signal encoding can be carried out depending on a respective communication standard of the communication system. The signal encoding can be carried out using the electrical energy provided in the form of a power supply signal at the power supply connection.

[0019] To implement the function of demand-based control of the receiving device, the signal processing device further comprises a bridging circuit. In an activated state, the bridging circuit is configured to provide a trigger signal, provided by the transmitting device via the transmitting connection, which differs in its signal type from the control signal, directly to the receiving connection, bypassing the signal generation circuit. In other words, the signal at the transmitting connection is passed through to the receiving connection directly and without signal coding according to the respective communication standard. The trigger signal is, in particular, not a message signal. Instead, it may be, for example, a supply signal. In the activated state, the bridging circuit is, for example, electrically conductive or switched to conduction.The opposite is, for example, a deactivated state in which the bridging circuit is electrically insulating or non-conductive.

[0020] To activate or deactivate the bypass circuit, the signal processing device comprises an activation circuit. The activation circuit is designed to monitor the power supply signal provided by the power supply device, which can be tapped at the power supply connection, according to a predetermined activation criterion. Depending on a monitoring result, the activation circuit is designed to activate the bypass circuit. In particular, the activation of the bypass circuit deactivates the signal generation circuit. The activation circuit thus provides a switching function between the signal generation circuit and the bypass circuit.

[0021] Thus, depending on the state of the power supply, the trigger signal can be provided directly to the receiving device instead of the coded control signal. The communication system can thus be used, for example, in an emergency to directly power the respective receiving device. This has the advantage that no energy is consumed to power the signal generation control unit when needed. Instead, the energy can be transmitted directly to the receiving device, for example to bring it into a specific state, such as a safe state, or to adjust it. The trigger signal can thus be used to trigger or set a predefined emergency state of the receiving device. The emergency state can be, for example, deactivation or unlocking or another measure to bring the receiving device into the predefined safe state.Using the specific example of a door unlocking system for a vehicle, a motor for a Bowden cable to unlock the vehicle door can be controlled directly with the trigger signal (“ejecting the Bowden cable”) if, for example, the vehicle is involved in an accident in which the vehicle battery was disconnected or damaged.

[0022] In this case, the signal processing device is a component in the communications system for coupling multiple, i.e., two or more, terminal devices for signal or data transmission. Signal transmission can be unidirectional or bidirectional, depending on the type of selected communications system or the associated communications standard. Signal transmission can include the transmission of a device setting, a device status, an error diagnosis, or status information.

[0023] As described above, the signal processing device can transmit or provide two different signals or signal types: on the one hand, the control signal and on the other hand, the trigger signal.

[0024] The control signal is, in particular, an electrical signal of the message or data signal type. This means that no energy is transferred by means of the control signal. Instead, preferably only the control command, i.e., the message and / or information, is encoded in a desired signal form. The control signal is, in particular, a known digital or binary signal. This means that it is a signal that is modulated or composed of voltage pulses with a predetermined pulse pattern. The voltage pulses preferably only alternate between two discrete states or levels, namely, for example, the "high" state and the "low" state. For example, the aforementioned positive potential of the energy supply device can be assigned to the "high" state, while the "low" state is assigned to the ground potential.

[0025] In this case, the control signal is "communication system compliant." This means that it encodes the control command in a signal form or format that is permitted within the communication system. The control signal thus complies with the rules or standards for data transmission within the communication system. The signal form of the control signal may depend on the type of communication system. For example, the control signal may be formed according to the so-called LIN standard if the communication system is the well-known LIN bus.

[0026] In contrast, the trigger signal is preferably a driver signal or energy (supply) signal type. This means that the trigger signal can operate or supply an actuator of the receiving device with electrical energy. The trigger signal therefore does not need to be communication system-compliant. It is sufficient if the trigger signal is receiving device-compliant, i.e., processable or implementable by the receiver. The trigger signal can be generated, for example, by the transmitting device or a component of the transmitting device.

[0027] The trigger signal can, for example, comprise only or precisely a single signal pulse, in particular a short signal pulse lasting a few milliseconds. Upon receipt of the signal pulse by the receiving device, the adoption of a predefined default or basic setting corresponding to the emergency state can be triggered. The electrical energy for implementing the default setting is transmitted or transported by the trigger signal. In comparison, the control signal can be an alternating signal with several consecutive signal pulses that are combined in a predetermined pulse pattern. The signal generator circuit with the associated control unit can be understood in this case, for example, as a translator between the control command and the control signal. The control unit implements the respective communication principle according to the type of communication system. This means that it adapts the signal shape of the control unit.In addition to the pulse pattern, the signal shape can include, for example, a frequency, a level, a duty cycle, and a message structure. The signal generator control unit can be, for example, a microcontroller or microprocessor. If the communication system provides a so-called master-slave configuration, the control unit can be a master control unit. A driver circuit or a control unit of the receiving device, on the other hand, can form a slave control unit.

[0028] The transmitting device can, for example, form a control device or an electronic control unit (ECU) for the associated receiving device(s). In particular, the transmitting device can be a central processing unit (CPU), for example, a central on-board computer in the vehicle sector.

[0029] The receiving device can be designed as an actuator or actuator unit. The receiving device can comprise an actuator or actuator system. The actuator can be, for example, a servo motor or a switch. The driver circuit or the control unit of the receiving device can be designed to process the signal transmitted by the transmitting device. The driver circuit can, for example, decode the control command from the control signal in order to control the actuator. Examples of a receiving device in the automotive sector include a window lifter, a door opener, a windshield wiper, or a lighting system. Of course, sensors or sensor units can also be provided as receiving devices in the electrical network. In the electrical network, for example, a transmitting device can be coupled to several, i.e., two or more, receiving devices (or vice versa) by means of the communication system.The topology of the coupling may depend in particular on the selected communication system type.

[0030] The bypass circuit includes, for example, an electrical line that connects the first and second terminals. It can also include components, particularly passive components, such as a resistor or diode for signal conditioning of the trigger signal. It is important that the bypass circuit does not include an additional control unit.

[0031] The activation circuit is designed to monitor the power supply by detecting and evaluating the power supply signal according to the aforementioned activation criterion. How the monitoring can be implemented will be described in more detail later. The activation criterion includes, for example, a rule and / or an algorithm, the application or implementation of which determines the activation or deactivation of the bypass circuit. The activation criterion is thus implemented to determine activation or deactivation.

[0032] The terminals of the signal processing device can, in particular, form electrical contacts for electrically connecting or coupling to the terminal devices or the power supply device. The respective connection partner in the electrical network can comprise a complementary or corresponding terminal for connecting to the respective terminal of the signal processing device. The terminals can jointly form a connection interface.

[0033] The invention also includes embodiments that result in additional advantages. According to one embodiment, the activation circuit is designed to check, according to the activation criterion, whether the power supply signal, according to a check condition, has a profile that is associated with the predefined emergency state of the electrical network. And if, or in particular only if, the check is positive, the activation circuit is designed to activate the check circuit. Thus, the trigger signal can be provided, and the receiving device can be set to the aforementioned default setting. If, however, the check is negative, the bridging circuit remains or is deactivated. The control signal is then provided.

[0034] In this case, a positive check means that the power supply signal exhibits the characteristic associated with the emergency state. In contrast, a negative check means that the power supply signal exhibits a characteristic different from that associated with the emergency state.

[0035] The assignment of the history to the emergency state can be stored, for example, in an assignment rule. The assignment rule can be implemented, for example, as an assignment table or look-up table.

[0036] An emergency state can, for example, be a network condition in which the network's power supply can no longer be ensured or guaranteed. An emergency state can manifest itself, for example, in a power supply failure, such as a reduction in the supply voltage. The emergency state can therefore be read or derived from the power supply signal. An emergency state can occur if the network or a network component, such as the power supply device or one of the end devices, malfunctions or is defective. Alternatively, an emergency state can also occur if, for example, the power supply device is switched off or deactivated. This can happen in battery-powered vehicles, for example, if the vehicle is involved in an accident or if a vehicle battery used as the power supply overheats.In this case, it is advantageous, for example, to unlock the vehicle door so that passengers can leave the crashed vehicle.

[0037] The aforementioned verification condition includes, for example, a rule and / or algorithm, the application or implementation of which determines the activation or deactivation of the bypass circuit. The verification condition is implemented to determine activation or deactivation.

[0038] In connection with the check condition, a further embodiment provides that the activation circuit is configured to check, according to the check condition, whether the power supply signal currently has a value that falls below a predetermined minimum threshold. The minimum threshold indicates that the emergency state exists. If, or in particular only if, the check is positive, the activation circuit is configured to activate the bypass circuit. Otherwise, the bypass circuit remains or is deactivated, as described above.

[0039] A limit value comparison can thus be carried out to determine whether or not an emergency state exists. The minimum limit value can be a limit or threshold value that demarcates a value range for the power supply signal assigned to the emergency state from a value range not assigned to the emergency state. The minimum limit value can be specified by the network's energy requirements. It can be determined through testing or calculated using simulation. For a network with a nominal voltage of 12 volts, the minimum limit value can be 3 volts, for example. Of course, a different minimum limit value, for example 5 V or 9 V, is also conceivable. In this case, a positive check means that the value of the power supply signal falls below the minimum limit value. A negative check, on the other hand, means that this signal value exceeds the minimum limit value or, for example, equals it.

[0040] The activation circuit can perform the check for switching between the signal generation circuit and the bypass circuit actively or passively. For active monitoring, the activation circuit can, for example, include an additional comparison circuit, for example, with a comparator or a control unit and a sensor element, such as a current or voltage sensor. The comparison circuit can measure the power supply signal and evaluate it according to the activation criterion.

[0041] Passive monitoring, on the other hand, can be implemented, for example, by a switching element coupled to the power supply connection. The switching element can be operated in a voltage-controlled or current-controlled manner depending on the power supply signal.

[0042] In connection with passive monitoring, a further embodiment provides that the activation circuit for activating or deactivating the bridging circuit comprises at least one switching element, in particular an electronic switching element or a semiconductor switching element. This allows switching to be carried out in a particularly simple manner, for example, by utilizing a typical switching characteristic of the switching element.

[0043] In the present case, a switching element is understood to mean, in particular, a component for switching between at least two switching states, such as an activated or switched-on state and a deactivated or switched-off state. In the switched-on state, the switching element has essentially no electrical resistance. Thus, electrical current can flow essentially unhindered through the switching element. In the switched-off state, however, the switching element has essentially an infinitely high electrical resistance. A current flow through the switching element can thus be prevented or blocked. The switching element can be implemented, in particular, as a transistor, such as a bipolar or field-effect transistor, in particular as a MOSFET (metal oxide field-effect transistor), or as a thyristor or relay.

[0044] The switching element is connected to the power supply terminal in such a way that the power supply signal can be used as a switching signal or control signal to switch the switching element to the on or off state. The aforementioned minimum threshold value can be a switching value according to the switching characteristics of the switching element.

[0045] According to a further aspect, the invention also relates to a method for operating a signal processing device as described above. The method comprises the following steps: First, the power supply signal provided by the power supply device, which can be tapped at the power supply connection, is monitored according to the predetermined activation criterion. Depending on the result of the monitoring, one of the two following measures is then carried out. Either, in particular if the result of the monitoring is negative, the control command provided by the respective transmitting device via the respective transmitting connection is encoded into the communication system-compliant control signal. Subsequently, the control signal is provided at the respective receiver connection. This means that the control signal can be tapped at the receiver connection.Alternatively, if the test result is positive, the bypass circuit is activated. When the bypass circuit is activated, the trigger signal provided by the transmitter via the respective transmit port is sent directly to the respective receiver port, bypassing the signal generation circuit. The trigger signal can thus be tapped at the transmit port. The trigger signal differs from the control signal.

[0046] For use cases or application situations that may arise during the method and which are not explicitly described here, it may be provided that, in accordance with the method, an error message and / or a request to enter user feedback is issued and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set.

[0047] According to a further aspect, the invention also relates to a communication system for an electrical network. The communication system comprises a signal processing device as described above. Furthermore, the communication system also comprises at least one signal line network, which in particular has at least one data line. The signal line network is designed to interconnect at least one transmitting device and at least one associated receiving device, as described above, in the electrical network in a topology that conforms to the communication system. The communication system can thus couple the terminal devices in the network to one another in a communication system-compliant manner, i.e., depending on the type or nature of the selected communication system.

[0048] The signal line network can thus be a physical transmission path for signal transmission within the network. The signal line network can comprise one or more lines or cables, such as the aforementioned data line. This can be used to transmit the control signal and the trigger signal to the respective terminal device. Another line can be, for example, a power supply line, via which the power supply signal is routed or transported within the communications network. If two or more data lines are provided, the topology specifies the interconnection or arrangement of the lines within the signal line network.

[0049] The signal processing device can, for example, be connected to the receiving device via the signal line network, in particular a respective data line, via the receiver connection. The transmitting device can, for example, be connected directly to the transmitter connection.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the communication system is designed as a BUS system. In particular, it is a BUS system according to the LIN standard, the CAN standard, the FlexRay standard, or the Ethernet standard. This offers the advantage of enabling a standardized networking of the end devices in the network for communication and signal transmission. Of course, the use of other BUS system standards is also conceivable or feasible.

[0051] The function and design of a BUS system for signal transmission in an electrical network is well known. Known BUS systems are differentiated by the type or type of communication standard used, such as those described previously, or the underlying communication protocol. These are, in particular, standardized protocols or standards that, among other things, specify the aforementioned signal coding, topology, and / or hierarchy in the network.

[0052] Preferably, only those BUS systems are used for the communication system that are short-circuit-proof to or on the operating potential, i.e., the power supply signal. This means that a BUS is used that, for example, has circuitry for maximum current limitation and / or a protective circuit for shutdown when a maximum current in the network is exceeded. According to a further aspect, the invention also relates to a transmitting device with a signal processing apparatus, as described above. The transmitting connection of the signal processing apparatus is designed or configured as a control connection of the transmitting device. Via the control connection, the transmitting device can be coupled to the respectively assigned receiving device by means of a data line of a signal line network, as described above, for example. The signal processing apparatus is thus integrated into the transmitting device as a component or part.Such chips or components with integrated communication units are well known. For example, there are control units with integrated LIN transceivers.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the transmitting device comprises an electrical energy storage unit configured to provide or generate the trigger signal. The energy storage unit can thus be understood as an emergency power supply for the receiving device, particularly in the event of a network emergency. This can be connected to the transmitting device in such a way that it automatically discharges itself in the network emergency state to operate the receiving device. As a result, the trigger signal is automatically output in the event of a power failure. Alternatively, the transmitting device can, for example, comprise an activation circuit analogous to that of the signal processing device, which activates or deactivates the energy storage unit.

[0054] An energy storage device of the energy storage unit has a much lower energy storage capacity than, for example, the aforementioned energy supplier of the energy supply device. For example, the storage capacity of the energy storage unit is just sufficient to create or generate the trigger signal. The storage capacity of the energy storage unit can, for example, be in the range of a few milliampere hours or milliwatt hours. In contrast, the storage capacity of the energy storage device can range from a few watt hours or ampere hours up to several kiloampere hours or kilowatt hours or more. The energy storage device is thus designed for continuous operation of the network. In contrast, the energy storage unit is only designed for an emergency pulse, i.e. the trigger signal. The energy storage unit comprises, for example, a capacitor or a battery as an electrical energy storage device.

[0055] According to a further aspect, the invention also relates to an electrical network comprising at least one transmitting device and at least one associated receiving device, as described above. Furthermore, the electrical network also comprises a communication system, as mentioned above. The transmitting device and the associated receiving device are connected to one another in the manner described for the aforementioned signal processing device and coupled to one another for signal transmission by means of the communication system. The electrical network can be, for example, a sensor network, a household electrical system, a computer network, a computer system, an on-board electrical system of a vehicle, or an automation device for an industrial plant, such as a robot for manufacturing vehicle components.

[0056] The invention also includes further developments of the inventive method, the transmitting device, the communication system, and the electrical network, as already described in connection with the further developments of the inventive signal processing device. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the inventive method, the transmitting device, the communication system, and the electrical network are not described again here.

[0057] The invention also encompasses combinations of the features of the described embodiments. The invention therefore also encompasses implementations that each comprise a combination of the features of several of the described embodiments, unless the embodiments are described as mutually exclusive.

[0058] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are:

[0059] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrical network for implementing an emergency power supply of a receiving device via a LIN BUS,

[0060] Fig. 2 is a schematic process flow diagram for operating a signal processing device for signal coding for the LIN BUS, and

[0061] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram with exemplary signal waveforms of various electrical signals that can be transmitted in the network.

[0062] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components of the embodiments each represent individual features of the invention that can be considered independently of one another, each of which also develops the invention independently of one another. Therefore, the disclosure is intended to encompass combinations of the features of the embodiments other than those shown. Furthermore, the described embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0063] In the figures, the same reference symbols designate elements with the same function.

[0064] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an electrical network 10. The electrical network can, for example, be comprised of the electrical system of a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle. The motor vehicle can be, for example, a passenger car, a truck, a passenger bus, or a motorcycle. The network 10 shown in Fig. 1 forms, by way of example, a module of the vehicle for controlling, in particular, unlocking, a vehicle door. In particular, an electrical exterior handle operation of the vehicle door can be implemented using the network 10.

[0065] For this purpose, the network 10 comprises, for example, a transmitting device 20, an associated receiving device 30, a communication system 40 and a power supply device 50.

[0066] In the present case, the transmitting device 20 is embodied, for example, as an electronic door control unit (eTSG). This means that one or more receiving devices 30 assigned to the vehicle door can be controlled by means of the transmitting device 20. For this purpose, the transmitting device 20 comprises a computing device 21. The computing device can comprise, for example, a microprocessor or microcontroller. To control the respectively assigned receiving device 30, the transmitting device 20 can generate control commands B, in particular by means of the computing device 21. In the present exemplary embodiment, a control command can be, for example, "unlock door" or "lock door."

[0067] A situation in which locking or unlocking is necessary can be determined by means of the computing device 21 by evaluating sensor data from a vehicle sensor that is provided to the computing device 21. Unlocking is desired, for example, when a driver unlocks the vehicle with their vehicle key. Conversely, locking is desired, for example, when the driver locks the vehicle with the vehicle key. Alternatively, unlocking may also be necessary, for example, if the vehicle is involved in an accident or crash. This can ensure that passengers can leave the crashed vehicle. As an example of a receiving device 30, a door unlocking device is shown in Fig. 1. This comprises, for example, a so-called Bowden cable, which can be moved or adjusted for locking or unlocking.The Bowden cable can, in particular, be ejected for unlocking. To actuate the Bowden cable, the receiving device 30 comprises an actuator 31. The actuator 31 is designed, for example, as a servomotor for the Bowden cable. The actuator 31 can be operated or driven by being triggered with the control command. In addition to the actuator 31, the receiving device 30 can, for example, also comprise a driver circuit (not shown in Fig. 1). The driver circuit can be used in a manner known per se to apply the control command to the actuator 31. Unlike what is shown in Fig. 1, the network 10 can, for example, also comprise more than one receiving device, for example two or more receiving devices.

[0068] The power supply device 50 serves to supply electrical power to the components of the network 10. For this purpose, the power supply device 50 can comprise, for example, an electrical power source, such as a battery or accumulator. In the present exemplary embodiment, the power source can be, for example, a 12 V starter battery of the vehicle.

[0069] The power supply device 50 provides a power supply signal E to the components of the network 10 for power supply. In this case, the power supply signal E can be, for example, a voltage signal with a nominal voltage of 12 volts. This nominal voltage can be tapped or measured, for example, between a positive potential and a negative potential (ground potential), which are provided by the power supplier of the power supply device 50.

[0070] The communication system 40 couples or connects the transmitting device 20 to the receiving device 30. The communication system 40 is used in particular for communication or data transmission between the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30. Furthermore, the communication system 40 can implement a topology for interconnecting the terminal devices.

[0071] In this case, the communication system 40 is designed, for example, as a so-called BUS system, in particular as a so-called LIN BUS (single-wire system). This means that the signal transmission in the network 10 and the topology of the terminal device interconnection are implemented according to the well-known LIN standard.

[0072] According to Fig. 1, the communication system 40 comprises a signal processing device 41 and a signal line network 49. The signal line network 49 represents the physical transmission path or cabling for signal transmission between the transmitting device 20 and the receiving device 30. For this purpose, the signal line network 49 comprises one or more data lines 49a. The data lines 49a are interconnected in a network structure in a topology compliant with the communication system, in this case permissible for a LIN BUS. Furthermore, the data lines 49a interconnect the terminal devices of the network 10. In the present exemplary embodiment, the transmitting device 20 is connected to the receiving device 30, in particular via its control connection (not shown in Fig. 1), for example, by means of a control connection 22 via a data line 49a.

[0073] The signal processing device 41 forms an adapter circuit or connection circuit for the transmitting device 20. In the present exemplary embodiment, the signal processing device 41 is an integral part of the transmitting device 20. This means that the components of the signal processing device 41 are completely integrated into the structure of the transmitting device 20. For example, the signal processing device 41 and the computing device 21 can have a common power supply connection 44 to receive the power supply signal E. For integrating the transmitting device 20, the signal processing device

[0074] 41 is connected to the computing device 21 via a transmitting connection 42. The transmitting connection 42 thus forms an electrical contact with the transmitting device 20. The signal processing device 41 is connected to the control connection 22 of the transmitting device 20 via a receiving connection 43. The signal processing device 41 is thus coupled to the receiving device 30 via the receiving connection 43.

[0075] The signal processing device 41 has two functions in this case: Firstly, it is intended to be used as a translator for the control command B provided by the computing device 21 into a control signal S compliant with the communication system (communication function). This means that the control command is converted into a signal form that corresponds to the respective communication standard, in this case the LIN standard. This can ensure, for example, that the correct receiving device is controlled or that the transmitting and receiving devices are synchronized for data transmission. The second function is to transmit electrical energy, if necessary, to operate the receiving device 30 at least temporarily (emergency operation function).

[0076] To perform the communication function, the signal processing device comprises a signal generation circuit 45. The signal generation circuit 45 comprises, for example, a (signal processing) control unit 46, which in the present case can be designed, for example, as a so-called LIN transceiver. The signal generation circuit 45 is connected at one end to the transmission terminal

[0077] 42 and at the other end to the receiver port 43.

[0078] The control unit 46 is designed to use the

[0079] Power supply signal E, which is transmitted from the transmitter 20 via the

[0080] The control command B provided at the transmitting terminal 42 is encoded into the communication system-compliant control signal S. The control signal S is then provided at the receiving terminal 43 for transmission to the receiving device 30. The encoding follows the specifications or norms defined in the LIN standard.

[0081] The receiving device 30 can receive the control signal S and, for example, decode it using the driver circuit to obtain the control command B. This can then be used to control the actuator 31.

[0082] The control signal S is a message signal or data signal. This means that it does not transport electrical energy to power the receiving device 30. In this case, the control signal S is, in particular, a digital signal that alternates between the "high" and "low" voltage levels in a predetermined pulse pattern. The "high" level is predetermined, for example, by the positive potential of the power supply signal E. The "low" state, on the other hand, is predetermined by the ground potential of the power supply signal E (see also Fig. 3).

[0083] To implement the emergency operation function, the signal processing device 41 also comprises a bypass circuit 47. The bypass circuit 47 bypasses or bypasses the signal generation circuit 45, in particular the control unit 46. For this purpose, the bypass circuit 47, in the exemplary embodiment in Fig. 1, is connected in electrical parallel to the signal generation circuit 45 to the transmitting terminal 42 and the receiving terminal 43. The bypass circuit 47, in particular, does not comprise an additional control unit, i.e., in particular, it does not comprise any active electrical components that require the supply signal E for operation. Preferably, the bypass circuit 47 comprises at most passive electrical components, such as resistors or diodes, which can be used for signal adaptation.By means of the bridging circuit 47, in its activated state, a trigger signal provided by the transmitting device 20, in particular the computing device 21, via the transmitting connection 42 can thus be provided or transmitted directly to the receiving connection 43, bypassing the signal generating circuit 45. The trigger signal A differs in its signal type from the control signal S. For example, the trigger signal A is a supply or energy signal. The trigger signal A is therefore, in particular, not a signal encoded in accordance with the communication system.

[0084] The trigger signal A can also be referred to as a driver signal and drives or supplies the actuators of the receiving device 30 with electrical energy. The trigger signal A is designed such that by applying the trigger signal A to the actuator 31, the receiving device 30 can be placed into an emergency state. The emergency state can be a defined state to which the receiving device 30 is set when the network 10 is in an emergency state. The emergency state can occur, for example, when the supply signal E drops, for example, due to a voltage drop. In a vehicle, this occurs, for example, when the vehicle is involved in an accident that requires the emergency shutdown of the battery, i.e., the power supply device 50.

[0085] To generate the trigger signal A, the transmitting device preferably comprises an energy storage unit that can be used for emergency power supply. This means that the energy storage unit can, for example, have an energy storage capacity of a few milliwatt hours, which is just sufficient or at most sufficient to provide the trigger signal A. The energy storage unit can, for example, be charged by means of the energy supply signal E during normal operation of the energy supply device 50. For this purpose, the energy storage unit can, for example, comprise an electrical buffer, such as a battery or an electrical capacitor. To switch between the communication function and the emergency operation function, the signal processing device 41 also comprises an activation circuit 48.The activation circuit 48 is configured to monitor the power supply signal E according to a predetermined activation criterion and, depending on the result of the monitoring, to activate or deactivate the bypass circuit 47. The monitoring of the power supply signal E will be described in more detail later in connection with Fig. 2.

[0086] To implement the switching function, the activation circuit 48 in this case comprises a switching element, in particular a semiconductor switch. This is connected between the bridging circuit 47 and the signal generation circuit 45, so that they are coupled via the semiconductor switch. The switching element can be designed, for example, as a field-effect transistor, in particular as a MOSFET (metal oxide field-effect transistor). To activate the bridging circuit 47, the switching element can be switched to an on state and thus electrically conductive. To deactivate it, however, the switching element can be switched to an off state and thus electrically insulating.

[0087] To switch, i.e., activate or deactivate the bypass circuit 47, the switching characteristic of the switching element is preferably utilized. This allows monitoring to be carried out passively, and no active components need to be present in the activation circuit 48. In the specific embodiment as a MOSFET, the circuitry for implementing the switching function can be implemented, for example, as follows: The MOSFET can, for example, be connected to the power supply terminal with a gate-source connection. However, the MOSFET can be connected to a line connecting the bypass circuit 47 to the signal generation circuit 45 with a drain-source connection. The gate-source connection forms the control connection of the MOSFET. Thus, depending on the value of the power supply signal E, the MOSFET can be either switched on or off.For example, the MOSFET is turned on when the supply signal E drops, i.e., a voltage drop occurs. Otherwise, the MOSFET remains off, and the bypass circuit 47 is deactivated.

[0088] The conditions or prerequisites under which the communication function and the emergency operation function of the communication system 40 or the signal processing device 41 are used are described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows a schematic process flow diagram for a method for operating the signal processing device 41.

[0089] In a step S1, the power supply signal E is first received or detected by the activation circuit 48 via the power supply terminal 44. This means that the power supply signal E can, for example, drop via the gate-source terminal of the MOSFET. In a step S2, the power supply signal E is evaluated by the activation circuit 48. This check determines whether the power supply signal E, according to the aforementioned activation criterion, has a profile that is associated with the emergency state of the network 10. Specifically, this check can be implemented by comparing a current value of the power supply signal E, for example a voltage value, with a predetermined minimum limit value. The minimum limit value is a limit value for the supply signal E, which symbolizes the emergency state. In the example shown in Fig.In the network 10 shown in Figure 1 with the 12-volt nominal voltage, the minimum limit value G can be, for example, approximately 3 volts. The minimum limit value G corresponds, for example, to the voltage value at which the switching element switches, as described above. If the check in step S2 is negative (N), i.e., the check shows that the supply signal value is above the minimum limit value G (greater than or equal to G), the method continues in step S3. In this case, the bypass circuit 47 remains deactivated because the switching element is in the off switching state. The signal generation circuit 45 is thus used for signal transmission. The signal processing device 41 performs the communication function. This means that the control command B is received via the transmission connection 42.

[0090] Subsequently, in a step S4, the control command is encoded into the communication system-compliant control signal S by means of the control device 46. Finally, in a step S5, the control signal S is provided to the receiver terminal 43 for transmission via the data line 49a to the receiving device 30.

[0091] If, however, the check in step S2 is positive (Yes), i.e. the supply signal value falls below the limit value G (less than G), the method continues in a step S6. In step S6, the switching element is switched into the switched-on state based on its switching characteristics. This activates the bridging circuit 47. The emergency operation function is implemented. Since the energy supply device 50 can no longer provide any or no longer sufficient electrical energy in the form of the energy supply signal E for the energy supply, the trigger signal A is received via the transmission connection 42 in a step S7. This is provided via the activated bridging circuit 47, bypassing the control unit 46, directly to the output connection in a step S8.The discharging of the energy storage unit to provide the trigger signal A necessarily occurs in the network 10 to which the receiving device 30 is connected as a consumer.

[0092] Fig. 3 shows an example of the possible signal curve of the different

[0093] Signals in the network 10, on the one hand, when performing the communication function and, on the other hand, when performing the emergency operation function of the signal processing device 41. The signals are plotted as voltage signals U(V) over time t[s] in a voltage-time diagram. Fig. 3 shows an input voltage Vin, a motor voltage VM, and a supply voltage VE as signal waveforms. The input voltage Vin can be tapped as an input signal for the receiving device 30 at the transmitting connection 42 and thus represents the control signal S and the trigger signal A. The power supply voltage VE can be tapped at the power supply connection 44 and thus represents the power supply signal E. The motor voltage VM can be tapped, for example, at the servomotor for the Bowden cable, i.e., at the actuator 31, during its operation.

[0094] As shown in the diagram in Fig. 3, the power supply voltage VE initially has a value of approximately 12 volts (positive potential). This is above the minimum limit. The input voltage Vin exhibits the typical waveform of a digital signal or alternating signal. For example, it alternates between the "high" (positive potential) and the "low" (negative potential) state at regular intervals. This waveform of the input voltage represents the control signal S. The servo motor can be adjusted using the control command B encoded in the control signal, which is shown in the diagram by the approximately one-second pulse of the motor voltage VM. For example, the Bowden cable can be guided to lock the vehicle door.

[0095] After about three seconds, there is a voltage drop, and the power supply voltage VE drops to essentially zero volts (ground potential). The minimum limit of, for example, 3 V is undershot. The emergency state of network 10 exists. With the drop in the power supply voltage VE, the input signal Vin also drops to approximately zero volts. Shortly after the voltage drop, it can be seen that the input voltage Vin has a single voltage pulse. This pulse remains at a level of approximately nine volts for a duration of approximately 2.3 seconds. The voltage pulse represents the trigger signal A. The motor voltage VM essentially follows the input voltage Vin, although it only maintains a level of approximately 8 V for the duration of the voltage pulse.This pulse pattern, according to trigger signal A, is a specific signal that operates or energizes the actuator motor in such a way that the default setting is set, i.e., the Bowden cable is ejected. The vehicle door is unlocked.

[0096] Overall, the exemplary embodiments show how an emergency power supply of a receiving device can be implemented via a LIN line using a LIN BUS.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS:

1. Signal processing device (41) for a communication system (40) for processing electrical signals which can be transmitted in an electrical network (10) between at least one transmitting device (20) and at least one associated receiving device (30) by means of the communication system (40), the signal processing device (41) comprising: - a transmitter connection (42) for coupling to the respective transmitter device (20) and a receiver connection (43) for coupling to the respective receiver device (30), - a power supply connection (44) for coupling to a power supply device (50) for supplying electrical power to the electrical network (10), - a signal generation circuit (45) with at least one signal generation control device (46) which is designed to encode a control command (B) provided by the respective transmitting device (20) via the transmitter connection (42) into a communication system-compliant control signal (S) and to provide it to the receiver connection (43), characterized by - a bridging circuit (47) which, in an activated state, is designed to provide a trigger signal (A) provided by the transmitting device (20) via the transmitter terminal (42), which trigger signal differs in its signal type from the control signal (S), directly to the receiver terminal (43), bypassing the signal generating circuit (45), and - an activation circuit (48) which is designed to monitor a power supply signal (E) provided by the power supply device (50) and which can be tapped off at the power supply connection (44) according to a predetermined activation criterion, and to activate the bridging circuit (47) depending on a result of the monitoring. The signal processing device (41) according to claim 1, wherein the activation circuit (48) is configured to check, according to the activation criterion, whether the power supply signal (E) has a profile associated with a predefined emergency state of the electrical network (10) according to a check condition, and, if the check is positive, to activate the bypass circuit (47). The signal processing device (41) according to claim 2, wherein the activation circuit (48) is configured to check, according to the check condition, whether the power supply signal (E) currently has a value that falls below a predefined minimum limit value (G), which indicates that the emergency state exists, and, if the check is positive, to activate the bypass circuit (47).Signal processing device (41) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the activation circuit (48) for activating the bridging circuit (47) comprises at least one switching element, in particular an electronic switching element or a semiconductor switching element. A method for operating a signal processing device (41) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising the following steps: - monitoring the energy supply signal (E) provided by the energy supply device (50), which can be tapped at the energy supply connection (44), according to the predetermined activation criterion, and depending on a result of the monitoring, - Either: coding a control command (B) provided by the respective transmitting device (20) via the respective transmitter connection (42) into the communication system-compliant control signal (S) and Providing the control signal (S) at the respective receiver terminal (43),- or: activating the bridging circuit (47) and, in an activated state of the bridging circuit (47), providing the trigger signal (A) provided by the transmitting device (20) via the respective transmitter connection (42), which differs from the control signal (S), bypassing the signal generation circuit (45) directly to the respective receiver connection (43). A communication system (40) for an electrical network (10), comprising a signal processing device (41) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, and at least one signal line network (49) designed to interconnect at least one transmitting device (20) and at least one associated receiving device (30) in a topology conforming to the communication system in the electrical network (10).Communication system (40) according to claim 6, wherein the communication system (40) forms a BUS system, in particular a BUS system according to the LIN standard or the CAN standard or the FlexRay standard or the Ethernet standard. A transmitting device (20) with a signal processing device (41) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein the transmitting connection (42) of the signal processing device (41) is designed as a control connection (22) of the transmitting device (20), wherein the transmitting device (20) can be coupled to the respectively assigned receiving device (30) via the control connection (22) by means of a data line (49a) of a signal line network (49). A transmitting device (20) according to claim 8, wherein the transmitting device (20) comprises an electrical energy storage unit designed to provide the trigger signal (A). Electrical network (10) comprising at least one transmitting device (20), at least one associated receiving device (30) and a communication system (40) according to claim 6 or 7.

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