Transceiver, and control system

Abstract

To provide a transceiver capable of preventing unintentional interruption of processing during the transition to a mode in which operation is partially stopped.SOLUTION: In an electronic control system, an electronic control device (ECU) for vehicles includes a transceiver 4 for communicating with other ECUs. The transceiver includes a detection unit 423 and a setting unit 421. The detection unit detects a piece of control data that is used for at least controlling the state transition of other ECUs transmitted from other transceivers through communication. The setting unit enables and disables the sleep and wake-up functions of the transceiver, and enables and disables the sleep and wake-up functions based on whether the control data is detected or not by the detection unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to transceivers. [Background technology]

[0002] Vehicles are equipped with numerous electronic control units (ECUs) to control on-board devices. These ECUs are connected to a communication bus to create a network system with the ECUs as nodes. In such network systems, a technology is known in which the ECU's operating mode transitions from normal mode to power-saving mode if no packets flow over the network for a certain period of time. In normal mode, various functions operate. In power-saving mode, some of the functions that operate in normal mode are stopped. Stopping some of the functions reduces power consumption.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a network system that achieves low power consumption by forming a partial network, which is a power supply control method based on the communication control of the CAN (Registered Trademark, Controller Area Network) protocol standard defined in ISO11898-6, and by individually activating or putting to sleep the nodes that form the network as needed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-069980 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Each ECU is equipped with a transceiver as a communication interface for communicating with other ECUs. When a link connecting to another ECU on the network is down, the transceiver may assume that the other ECU has transitioned to a power-saving mode and transmit a wake-up request to the other ECU to request that the other ECU transition to a normal mode.

[0006] If the transceiver mistakenly recognizes that a link is in a link-down state, for example, due to poor network communication conditions, the transceiver may send a wake-up request to an ECU that is attempting to transition from normal mode to power-saving mode.

[0007] Therefore, a problem was discovered in which, when the ECU is transitioning to power-saving mode, if it receives a wake-up request before the process of partially stopping the ECU's normal mode operation is executed, the execution of that process may be unintentionally prevented.

[0008] One aspect of the present disclosure is to prevent an electronic control device having a mode that suspends some of its functions, such as a power saving mode, from unintentionally interfering with the transition of the electronic control device to that mode by a transceiver installed in the electronic control device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] One aspect of the present disclosure is a transceiver (4) mounted on an electronic control device (1, 2) for a vehicle and configured to communicate with a communication device, the transceiver including a detection unit (423) and a setting unit (421). The detection unit is configured to detect control data transmitted from the communication device via communication and used at least to control state transitions of the electronic control device. The setting unit is configured to enable and disable a sleep function and a wake-up function of the transceiver.

[0010] The state transition is a transition between a plurality of states including at least a first state (425, A101), a second state (425, A102), and a third state (425, A103). The electronic control device transitions between a plurality of states and operates in one of the plurality of states. If a state in which no communication is performed continues after transitioning to a first state, the electronic control device transitions sequentially to a second state and a third state depending on the duration of the state in which no communication is performed. In the third state, the electronic control device executes processing to stop some of the functions operating in the first state, and in the second state, the electronic control device is configured to transition to the first state if communication occurs between the transceiver and the communication device due to a sleep function or wake-up function of the transceiver.

[0011] The setting unit is configured to enable or disable the sleep function and the wake-up function based on whether the control data is detected by the detection unit. With this configuration, in the second state during the transition process from the first state to the third state, it is possible to suppress the transition to the first state based on the sleep function and wake-up function of the transceiver, thereby suppressing unintentional interruption of the transition of the electronic control device to the third state due to the sleep function and wake-up function of the transceiver. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a transceiver. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for enabling and disabling a sleep function and a wake-up function in the transceiver of the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a state transition diagram showing the operation modes of the controller. [Figure 5] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a process for enabling and disabling a sleep function and a wake-up function in a transceiver according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. [1. First embodiment] [1-1.Configuration] [1-1-1. Overall structure] 1 is mounted on a vehicle. The control system 100 includes a first ECU 1 and a second ECU 2. The first ECU 1 and the second ECU 2 are connected to the same in-vehicle network. The first ECU 1 and the second ECU 2 may be, for example, ECUs that process information obtained from sensors such as cameras and radars for autonomous driving, ECUs that process information to be output to indicators such as a vehicle display or meters, or ECUs that communicate with an external terminal.

[0014] The first ECU 1 and the second ECU 2 each include a controller 3 and at least one transceiver 4 . The controller 3 is a microcontroller having a processor 31 and a memory 32. The processor 31 is configured to execute processing in accordance with a computer program recorded in the memory 32. The memory 32 may include, for example, a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a flash memory. The RAM is used as a working area when the processor 31 executes processing. The flash memory can hold the computer program.

[0015] The transceiver 4 is a communication interface configured to be able to communicate with other transceivers 4 through an in-vehicle network. The transceiver 4 is configured to be able to communicate with other transceivers 4 using a predetermined communication protocol. Here, communication includes sending and receiving various signals, data, etc. Each transceiver 4 communicates one-to-one with another transceiver 4. The predetermined communication protocol may be, for example, an Ethernet protocol. The communication protocol is not limited to Ethernet, but may also be CAN (Controller Area Network) or FlexRay. Ethernet is a registered trademark. CAN is a registered trademark. FlexRay is a registered trademark.

[0016] The first ECU 1 and the second ECU 2 are connected to each other by a link 5, which serves as a transmission path in the in-vehicle network. The first ECU 1 can communicate with the second ECU 2 via the transceiver 4 of the first ECU 1 and the link 5. The second ECU 2 can communicate with the first ECU 1 via the transceiver 4 of the second ECU 2 and the link 5.

[0017] [1-1-2. Transceiver Configuration] 2 is an interface implemented in the physical layer of the OSI reference model, and includes an MII 41, a detection module 42, a PCS 43, and a PMA 44.

[0018] The MII 41 is an abbreviation for Media Independent Interface. The MII 41 is an interface between the physical layer and the MAC layer (Media Access Control Layer). The MAC layer is a layer in the data link layer of the OSI reference model that is implemented based on IEEE 802.3, which is the Ethernet standard. The MII 41 is configured to pass transmission data passed from the MAC layer to the detection module 42 and pass received data passed from the detection module 42 to the MAC layer.

[0019] The detection module 42 is configured to detect at least control data used to control state transitions of the controllers 3 of the first ECU 1 and the second ECU 2. The detection module 42 is configured to pass transmission data passed from the MII 41 to the PCS 43, and pass reception data passed from the PCS 43 to the MII 41. An example of control data is an NM (Network Management) frame. In the following description, the NM frame is used as the control data, but the control data is not limited to the NM frame and may be data other than the NM frame.

[0020] The NM frame is an Ethernet frame used in UDP Network Management (UDPNm) defined by AUTOSAR (AUTomotive Open System ARchitecture), a global development partnership in the automotive industry. UDP stands for User Datagram Protocol. The NM frame is primarily used for transitions related to ECU power-saving modes.

[0021] The detection module 42 includes a setting unit 421 , a timer 422 , a detection unit 423 , a storage unit 424 , and a control unit 425 . The setting unit 421 is configured to enable and disable the sleep function and wake-up function of the transceiver 4, which will be described later.

[0022] The timer 422 is configured to reset and start counting when an NM frame is detected by the detector 423, and count the elapsed time until a predetermined expiration time. The detection unit 423 is configured to determine whether the transmission data passed from the MII 41 and the reception data passed from the PCS 43 are NM frames. Whether the transmission data and reception data are NM frames is determined by comparing at least one of the source port number and the destination port number in the UDP header of the transmission data and reception data. The source port number and the destination port number corresponding to the NM frame are assigned in advance by a network administrator. The detection unit 423 determines that the transmission data and reception data are NM frames if the source port number and the destination port number of the transmission data and reception data correspond to an NM frame. The detection unit 423 determines that the transmission data and reception data are not NM frames if the source port number and the destination port number of the transmission data and reception data do not correspond to an NM frame.

[0023] The storage unit 424 is configured to store information about NM frames. The information about NM frames is used by the detection unit 423 to determine whether the transmitted data and received data are NM frames. The information about NM frames includes at least one of a source port number and a destination port number for the NM frame. The information about NM frames is set in advance in the storage unit 424 by a user.

[0024] The control unit 425 executes the process of enabling and disabling the sleep function and wake-up function, which will be described later. PCS 43 is an abbreviation for Physical Coding Sublayer. The PCS 43 is configured to convert the transmission data passed from the detection module 42 into a transmission code and pass it to the PMA 44. In addition, the PCS 43 is configured to perform an inverse conversion of the reception code passed from the PMA 44 and pass it to the detection module 42 as reception data. For example, in 100BASE-T1, the PCS 43 is configured to perform 4B / 3B conversion, scrambling, etc.

[0025] PMA 44 is an abbreviation for Physical Media Attachment. PMA 44 is configured to convert a transmission code received from PCS 43 into a physical signal and pass it to a physical medium for transmission via an MDI (Medium Dependent Interface). In addition, PMA 44 is configured to convert a signal received from the physical medium for transmission via the MDI from the physical signal into a reception code and pass it to PCS 43.

[0026] [1-2. Processing] [1-2-1. Transceiver operating conditions and functions] The transceiver 4 operates in one of a plurality of states. The plurality of states includes a normal state and a sleep state. The transceiver 4 transitions between the normal state and the sleep state according to a predetermined protocol. An example of the predetermined protocol is TC10 (Technical Committee 10) defined by the non-profit organization OPEN Alliance (One-Pair Ether-Net Alliance). The transceiver 4 further has a sleep function and a wake-up function.

[0027] The normal state is a state in which the transceiver 4 can communicate with other transceivers 4 . The sleep state is a state in which a predetermined function of the transceiver 4 that operates in a normal state is stopped. An example of the predetermined function of the transceiver 4 is a function to transmit various signals, data, etc. to other transceivers 4. The sleep state is a state in which power is not supplied to operate the stopped predetermined function, and is a power-saving state in which power consumption is reduced compared to the normal state. The transceiver 4 transitions to the sleep state when the vehicle ignition switch is switched from off to on.

[0028] The sleep function is a function that is executed when a request is received from the controller 3 of the ECU to which the transceiver 4 belongs (hereinafter referred to as the local ECU). Execution of the sleep function performs processing to stop a predetermined function of the transceiver 4. In other words, the sleep function is a function that allows the transceiver 4 to transition from a normal state to a sleep state in response to a request from the controller 3.

[0029] The wake-up function is a function that performs processing to resume a predetermined function of the transceiver 4 that was stopped by the sleep function. In other words, the wake-up function is a function that causes the transceiver 4 to transition from a sleep state to a normal state.

[0030] The wake-up function is executed when the transceiver 4 receives a wake-up request. The wake-up request is a signal that requests the controller 3 to transition to the network mode A101, which will be described later.

[0031] The wake-up requests received by the transceiver 4 include wake-up requests transmitted from ECUs (hereinafter referred to as adjacent ECUs) that are adjacent nodes in the in-vehicle network, as well as wake-up requests transmitted from the controller 3 of the ECU itself to the adjacent ECU. When the transceiver 4 receives a wake-up request from an adjacent ECU, it notifies the controller 3 that it has received the wake-up request. When the transceiver 4 receives a wake-up request transmitted from the controller 3 of the ECU itself to an adjacent ECU, it transmits a wake-up request to the adjacent ECU.

[0032] After the process for resuming the predetermined function that was stopped by the sleep function is completed, the transceiver 4 transitions from the sleep state to the normal state. [1-2-2. Transceiver state transition] The process of enabling and disabling the sleep function and wake-up function executed by the control unit 425 of the detection module 42 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0033] The control unit 425 of the detection module 42 starts the process shown in Fig. 3 when the transceiver 4 transitions from the sleep state to the normal state. The control unit 425 of the detection module 42 also starts the process shown in Fig. 3 when the transceiver 4 is reset and when the ignition switch of the vehicle is switched from off to on.

[0034] First, in S100, the control unit 425 enables the sleep function and the wake-up function through the setting unit 421. Next, in S102, the control unit 425 determines whether the detection unit 423 has detected an NM frame.

[0035] When it is determined that an NM frame has not been detected (S102: NO), the control unit 425 repeats the determination as to whether or not an NM frame has been detected until it is determined that an NM frame has been detected (S102).

[0036] If the control unit 425 determines in S102 that an NM frame has been detected (S102: YES), the process proceeds to S104, where the setting unit 421 disables the sleep function and the wake-up function.

[0037] Next, in S106, the control unit 425 resets and starts the count of the timer 422. Subsequently, in S108, the control unit 425 determines whether or not the detection unit 423 has detected an NM frame.

[0038] When the control unit 425 determines in S108 that an NM frame has been detected (S108: YES), the process returns to S106. As a result, when an NM frame has been detected, the count of the timer 422 is reset.

[0039] On the other hand, if the control unit 425 determines in S108 that an NM frame has not been detected (S108: NO), the control unit 425 proceeds to S110 and determines whether the timer 422 has reached a predetermined expiration time. The predetermined expiration time is the sum of a first predetermined time in transition condition C2, which will be described later, and a second predetermined time in transition condition C4, which will be described later. Alternatively, the predetermined expiration time is a third predetermined time in transition condition C4, which will be described later. The predetermined expiration time may be equal to or greater than the sum of the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time.

[0040] If the control unit 425 determines in S110 that the timer 422 has not yet reached the predetermined expiration time (S110: NO), the process returns to S108, whereby a determination is made again as to whether or not an NM frame has been detected.

[0041] On the other hand, if the control unit 425 determines in S110 that the timer 422 has reached the predetermined expiration time (S110: YES), the process proceeds to S100 and enables the sleep function and wake-up function via the setting unit 421.

[0042] In this way, when the transceiver 4 detects an NM frame, it disables the sleep function and wake-up function. When the transceiver 4 does not detect an NM frame for a predetermined period of time, it enables the sleep function and wake-up function.

[0043] [1-2-3. Controller operation mode] 4, the controller 3 has the following operation modes: network mode A101, prepared bus sleep mode A102, bus sleep mode A103, and sleep mode A104. The controller 3 transitions between the network mode A101, prepared bus sleep mode A102, bus sleep mode A103, and sleep mode A104 according to a predetermined protocol. One example of the predetermined protocol is UdpNm, which is defined by AUTOSAR, a global development partnership of the automotive industry.

[0044] The network mode A101 is an operation mode in which the controller 3 communicates with an adjacent ECU via the transceiver 4. In the network mode A101, the controller 3 executes processing related to communication with the adjacent ECU. Examples of the processing related to the communication include processing to create various signals, data, etc. to be transmitted to the adjacent ECU and transmit them to the transceiver 4, and processing to acquire various signals, data, etc. received by the transceiver 4 from the adjacent ECU. The network mode A101 is maintained until a first predetermined time has elapsed since the communication with the adjacent ECU ended. The first predetermined time is, for example, several milliseconds to several thousand milliseconds.

[0045] The prepare bus sleep mode A102 is an operating mode in which the ECU waits for a second predetermined time to elapse while no communication occurs between the ECU and adjacent ECUs. The second predetermined time is, for example, from several milliseconds to several thousand milliseconds, but may be different from the first predetermined time in the network mode A101. The network mode A101 and the prepare bus sleep mode A102 are normal modes in which various functions of the ECU operate.

[0046] When transitioning from prepared bus sleep mode A102, bus sleep mode A103 is an operating mode that performs processing necessary to stop some of the functions operating in network mode A101. An example of a function to be stopped is a function to create various signals, data, etc. to be transmitted to adjacent ECUs and transmit them to the transceiver 4. Examples of processing necessary to stop the part of the function include a process to disable setting values ​​related to the function to be transmitted to the transceiver 4 among setting values ​​possessed by the controller 3, and a process to stop the operating clock used by the function to be stopped.

[0047] In addition, bus sleep mode A103 is an operating mode that performs processing necessary to start operation in network mode A101 when transitioning from sleep mode A104 or when power is supplied to the controller 3. Examples of processing necessary to start operation in network mode A101 include enabling setting values ​​related to the function of transmitting to the transceiver 4 among the setting values ​​possessed by the controller 3, and starting an operating clock used in the function of creating various signals and data to be transmitted to the transceiver 4. The processing performed by the controller 3 in bus sleep mode A103 in this case includes resuming functions that were stopped after transitioning from prepare bus sleep mode A102 to bus sleep mode A103. Furthermore, the controller 3 transmits a wake-up request to the adjacent ECU via the transceiver 4. As a result, the controller 3 of the adjacent ECU transitions to network mode A101, in which communication is possible.

[0048] Sleep mode A104 is an operating mode in which some of the functions that operate in network mode A101 are stopped. Alternatively, it is a state in which power is not supplied to the controller 3. The functions that are stopped in sleep mode A104 are functions that have undergone the necessary processing to be stopped in bus sleep mode A103. Sleep mode A104 is a power-saving mode in which power consumption is reduced compared to normal mode because some functions are stopped.

[0049] [1-2-4. Controller operation mode transition] The transition of the operation mode of the controller 3 will be described with reference to FIG. When the ignition switch of the vehicle is switched from off to on, the controller 3 transitions to the bus sleep mode A103 as an initial mode. The controller 3 may be configured such that the initial mode is the sleep mode A104 and the controller transitions to the bus sleep mode A103 when the ignition switch of the vehicle is switched from off to on.

[0050] In the bus sleep mode A103, the controller 3 executes processing required to start operation in the network mode A101. This processing includes at least one of sending and receiving an NM frame. Examples of the processing required to start operation in the network mode A101 are as described above. When this processing is completed, the controller 3 determines that the transition condition C1 is met, and transitions to the network mode A101. The transition condition C1 is a condition that the processing required to start operation in the network mode A101 has been completed.

[0051] Since an NM frame is sent or received until transition condition C1 is met, the sleep function and wake-up function of transceiver 4 are disabled after controller 3 transitions from bus sleep mode A103 to network mode A101.

[0052] When the controller 3 determines that the transition condition C2 is satisfied in the network mode A101, the controller 3 transitions to the prepared bus sleep mode A102. The transition condition C2 is a condition that a first predetermined time (e.g., several milliseconds to several thousand milliseconds) has elapsed without communication with an adjacent ECU. The transition condition C2 may include the ECU receiving information or an instruction from the adjacent ECU indicating that the ECU should transition to the prepared bus sleep mode A102.

[0053] When the controller 3 determines that the transition condition C3 is satisfied in the prepared bus sleep mode A102, the controller 3 transitions to the network mode A101. The transition condition C3 is a condition that communication with an adjacent ECU has occurred. The communication with the adjacent ECU may be transmission or reception of an NM frame.

[0054] If the controller 3 determines that transition condition C4 is satisfied in the prepared bus sleep mode A102, the controller 3 transitions to the bus sleep mode A103. The transition condition C4 is a condition that a second predetermined time (e.g., several milliseconds to several thousand milliseconds) has elapsed since the transition to the prepared bus sleep mode A102 without communication with adjacent ECUs. The second predetermined time in the transition condition C4 may be different from the first predetermined time in the transition condition C2, or may not be provided at all. In other words, the second predetermined time may be 0 seconds.

[0055] In transition condition C4, a third predetermined time may be used instead of the second predetermined time. The counting of the third predetermined time in transition condition C4 starts when the last communication occurs in network mode A101. In other words, the third predetermined time corresponds to the sum of the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time. The third predetermined time in transition condition C4 is equal to or longer than the first predetermined time in transition condition C2.

[0056] When transition condition C2 and transition condition C4 are met, the timer 422 reaches a predetermined expiration time with neither transmission nor reception of an NM frame being performed, and therefore the sleep function and wake-up function of the transceiver 4 are enabled. That is, when the controller 3 transitions from the network mode A101 to the prepared bus sleep mode A102 and then to the bus sleep mode A103, the sleep function and wake-up function of the transceiver 4 are enabled.

[0057] When the controller 3 determines that transition condition C5 is satisfied in the bus sleep mode A103, the controller 3 transitions to the sleep mode A104. The transition condition C5 is a condition that the processing required to stop some of the functions operating in the network mode A101 has been completed. Examples of the processing required to stop some of the functions are as described above. The transition condition C5 includes a condition that a predetermined function of the transceiver 4 (for example, a function to transmit various signals, data, etc. to other transceivers 4) has been stopped by the sleep function.

[0058] If the controller 3 determines that the transition condition C6 is satisfied in the sleep mode A104, the controller 3 transitions to the bus sleep mode A103. The transition condition C6 is a condition that a factor for returning from the power saving mode to the normal mode (hereinafter referred to as a return factor) occurs. The return factor also includes receiving a wake-up request from an adjacent ECU. The return factor may be different for each ECU. Examples of the return factor include the vehicle door being unlocked, or a TCU (Telematics Control Unit) mounted on the vehicle receiving a predetermined signal from outside the vehicle (for example, an operation signal for the vehicle engine, air conditioner, etc.).

[0059] If the controller 3 determines that transition condition C7 is satisfied in the bus sleep mode A103, the controller 3 transitions to the network mode A101. The transition condition C7 is a condition that a process required for transitioning to the network mode A101 based on a return cause is completed. The required process is, for example, a process for validating a setting value related to a function to be transmitted to the transceiver 4 among the setting values ​​possessed by the controller 3, or a process for starting an operating clock used in a function for creating various signals, data, etc. to be transmitted to an adjacent ECU and transmitting the same to the transceiver 4. The transition condition C7 includes a condition that a predetermined function of the transceiver 4 (for example, a function for transmitting various signals, data, etc. to another transceiver 4) is resumed by a wake-up function.

[0060] [1-3. Actions and Effects] According to the embodiment described above in detail, the following actions and effects can be obtained. (1a) After the controller 3 transitions from bus sleep mode A103 to network mode A101, the sleep function and wake-up function of the transceiver 4 are disabled. When the controller 3 transitions from network mode A101 to bus sleep mode A103 via prepared bus sleep mode A102, the sleep function and wake-up function of the transceiver 4 are enabled.

[0061] That is, the sleep function and wake-up function of the transceiver 4 are disabled until the controller 3 transitions from the network mode A101 to the prepared bus sleep mode A102 and then to the bus sleep mode A103. This makes it possible to prevent the sleep function and wake-up function of the transceiver 4 from unintentionally interfering with the transition of the controller 3 from the network mode A101 to the prepared bus sleep mode A102 and then to the bus sleep mode A103.

[0062] (1b) The transceiver 4 autonomously enables and disables the sleep function and wake-up function of the transceiver 4 depending on whether the communication data passing through the transceiver 4 is an NM frame. In other words, the controller 3 does not perform any specific processing aimed at enabling and disabling the sleep function and wake-up function of the transceiver 4.

[0063] With this configuration, the load on the controller 3 can be reduced when enabling and disabling the sleep function and wake-up function of the transceiver 4. [1-4. Correspondence between terms] In the above embodiment, the NM frame corresponds to an example of control data, the specified expiration time corresponds to an example of a specified time, the network mode A101 corresponds to an example of a first state, the prepare bus sleep mode A102 corresponds to an example of a second state, and the bus sleep mode A103 corresponds to an example of a third state.

[0064] [2. Second Embodiment] [2-1.Configuration] In the second embodiment, the basic configuration of the control system 1 is the same as in the first embodiment. Below, configurations of the control system 1 of the second embodiment that are different from those of the first embodiment will be selectively described. In the second embodiment, configurations that are assigned the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment and that are not described below may be understood to be the same configurations as in the first embodiment.

[0065] [2-2. Processing] [2-2-1. Sleep handshake state] The transceiver 4 in the second embodiment transitions between a plurality of states, including a sleep handshake state, that is, the transceiver 4 transitions between a normal state, a sleep state, and a sleep handshake state in accordance with a predetermined protocol (for example, the above-mentioned TC10).

[0066] The sleep handshake state is a state that is passed through during the process of transitioning from the normal state to the sleep state. In the sleep handshake state, the transceiver 4 performs the following handshake. The handshake is a process of notifying an adjacent ECU of a transition to the sleep state and receiving a response to the notification. After the handshake is completed, the transceiver 4 stops its predetermined functions and transitions to the sleep state. If the handshake is not completed within a predetermined time (for example, within 16 milliseconds), the transceiver 4 considers the handshake to have failed and transitions to the normal state.

[0067] The sleep function in the second embodiment is a function for the transceiver 4 to transition from a normal state to a sleep state via a sleep handshake state in response to a request from the controller 3.

[0068] The sleep function in the second embodiment includes a handshake process that notifies an adjacent ECU of a transition to a sleep state. That is, when the transceiver 4 executes the sleep function, it transmits a signal (hereinafter referred to as a sleep signal) to the adjacent ECU to inform the adjacent ECU of the execution of the sleep function, and stops a predetermined function of the transceiver 4 on the condition that it receives a signal (hereinafter referred to as a sleep response) from the adjacent ECU in response to the sleep signal. The transceiver 4 notifies the adjacent ECU of the transition to the sleep state by transmitting the sleep signal.

[0069] The sleep function in the second embodiment is also executed when the transceiver 4 receives a sleep signal from an adjacent ECU. At this time, the transceiver 4 notifies the controller 3 of its own ECU that it has received the sleep signal, transmits a sleep response to the adjacent ECU, and then stops its own predetermined function.

[0070] When the transceiver 4 transmits or receives a sleep signal, it transitions from the normal state to the sleep handshake state. Then, after the transceiver 4 receives or transmits a sleep response and completes the process for stopping the predetermined function of the transceiver 4, it transitions from the sleep handshake state to the sleep state.

[0071] The transceiver 4 of the second embodiment transitions to the sleep handshake state based on a request from the controller 3 as well as whether or not the detection module 42 detects an NM frame.

[0072] [2-2-2. Transceiver state transition] The process of transitioning to a sleep handshake state based on whether or not an NM frame is detected, which is executed by the transceiver 4 of the second embodiment, will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0073] When the transceiver 4 transitions from a sleep state to a normal state, the control unit 425 in the detection module 42 of the transceiver 4 of the second embodiment starts the process shown in Fig. 5. The control unit 425 also starts the process shown in Fig. 5 when the transceiver 4 is reset and when the ignition switch of the vehicle is switched from off to on.

[0074] The processes of S200, S202, S204, S206, and S208 in FIG. 5 are the same as the processes of S100, S102, S104, S106, and S108 in FIG. 3, respectively (that is, the processes in the first embodiment).

[0075] First, in S200, the control unit 425 enables the sleep function and the wake-up function through the setting unit 421. Next, in S202, the control unit 425 determines whether the detection unit 423 has detected an NM frame.

[0076] When it is determined that an NM frame has not been detected (S202: NO), the control unit 425 repeats the determination as to whether or not an NM frame has been detected until it is determined that an NM frame has been detected (S202).

[0077] On the other hand, if the control unit 425 determines in S202 that an NM frame has been detected (S202: YES), the control unit 425 proceeds to S204 and disables the sleep function and wake-up function via the setting unit 421.

[0078] Next, in S206, the control unit 425 resets and starts the count of the timer 422. Subsequently, in S208, the control unit 425 determines whether or not the detection unit 423 has detected an NM frame.

[0079] If the control unit 425 determines in S208 that an NM frame has been detected (S208: YES), the process returns to S206, whereby the count of the timer 422 is reset when an NM frame is detected.

[0080] On the other hand, if the control unit 425 determines in S208 that an NM frame has not been detected (S208: NO), the control unit 425 proceeds to S210 and determines whether the timer 422 has reached a predetermined expiration time. The predetermined expiration time is the sum of the first predetermined time in the transition condition C2 and the second predetermined time in the transition condition C4. Alternatively, the predetermined expiration time is the third predetermined time in the transition condition C4. The predetermined expiration time may be equal to or greater than the sum of the first predetermined time and the second predetermined time.

[0081] If the control unit 425 determines in S210 that the timer 422 has not reached the predetermined expiration time (S210: NO), the process returns to S208, whereby it is determined again whether or not an NM frame has been detected.

[0082] On the other hand, if the control unit 425 determines in S210 that the timer 422 has reached the predetermined expiration time (S210: YES), the control unit 425 proceeds to S212 and enables the sleep function and wake-up function via the setting unit 421.

[0083] Next, in S214, the control unit 425 executes a process for causing the transceiver 4 to transition to a sleep handshake state. By executing this process, the transceiver 4 transmits a sleep signal to the adjacent ECU and transitions to the sleep handshake state. Thereafter, the control unit 425 ends the process shown in FIG. 5.

[0084] In this way, when the transceiver 4 detects an NM frame, it disables the sleep function and wake-up function. If the transceiver 4 does not detect an NM frame for a predetermined time, it enables the sleep function and wake-up function, transmits a sleep signal to adjacent ECUs, and then transitions to a sleep handshake state.

[0085] When the transceiver 4 transmits the sleep signal, the controller 3 has already transitioned to the bus sleep mode A103. Therefore, the transition of the controller 3 from the prepared bus sleep mode A102 to the bus sleep mode A103 is not hindered by the transmission of the sleep signal by the transceiver 4.

[0086] [2-3. Effects] According to the second embodiment described above in detail, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained. In addition, according to the second embodiment, the transceiver 4 autonomously transitions from the normal state to the sleep state via the sleep handshake state without receiving a request from the controller 3. Therefore, the load on the controller 3 can be reduced when the ECU transitions to the power saving mode. Furthermore, while complying with standards (for example, TC10) that require a handshake when an ECU transitions to a power-saving mode, the ECU itself can transition to the power-saving mode in synchronization with adjacent ECUs.

[0087] 3. Other Embodiments Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, it goes without saying that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can take on various forms.

[0088] (3a) In the above embodiment, the transceiver 4 disables the sleep function and wake-up function when it detects an NM frame. The transceiver 4 enables the sleep function and wake-up function when it does not detect an NM frame for a predetermined time. However, the sleep function and wake-up function of the transceiver 4 do not necessarily need to be enabled or disabled in all ECUs among the multiple ECUs in the in-vehicle network. That is, the transceivers 4 installed in some of the ECUs among the multiple ECUs in the in-vehicle network do not need to disable the sleep function and wake-up function when they detect an NM frame. The transceivers 4 installed in some of the ECUs among the multiple ECUs in the in-vehicle network do not need to enable the sleep function and wake-up function when they do not detect an NM frame for a predetermined time.

[0089] For example, if an in-vehicle network has a PN (Partial Networking) function that selectively enables and disables the sleep and wake-up functions of transceivers 4 on the network, it is not necessary to enable and disable the sleep and wake-up functions of some of the transceivers 4.

[0090] (3b) Multiple functions of one component in the above embodiments may be realized by multiple components, or one function of one component may be realized by multiple components. Also, multiple functions of multiple components may be realized by one component, or one function realized by multiple components may be realized by one component. Also, part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be omitted. Also, at least part of the configuration of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments.

[0091] (3c) The present disclosure may be realized in various forms in addition to the transceiver and control system described above, such as a control system including the transceiver as a component, a computer program for causing a computer to function as the transceiver, a non-transitory tangible recording medium such as a semiconductor memory on which the computer program is recorded, a control method, etc.

[0092] [Technical idea disclosed in this specification] [Item 1] A transceiver (4) mounted on an electronic control device (1, 2) for a vehicle and configured to communicate with a communication device, a detection unit (423) configured to detect control data used at least for controlling a state transition of the electronic control device, the control data being transmitted from the communication device through the communication; a setting unit (421) configured to enable and disable sleep and wake-up functions of the transceiver; Equipped with The state transition is a transition between a plurality of states including at least a first state (425, A101), a second state (425, A102), and a third state (425, A103), The electronic control device transitioning between the plurality of states and operating in any one of the plurality of states; If the state in which no communication is performed continues after transitioning to the first state, transitioning to the second state and the third state in sequence according to the duration of the state in which no communication is performed; In the third state, a process is executed to stop a part of the functions operating in the first state; In the second state, when communication occurs between the transceiver and the communication device by the sleep function or the wake-up function of the transceiver, the state transitions to the first state; the setting unit is configured to enable or disable the sleep function and the wake-up function based on whether the control data is detected by the detection unit. Transceiver.

[0093] [Item 2] Item 1, the transceiver comprising: the setting unit is configured to disable the sleep function and the wake-up function on condition that the detection unit detects the control data. Transceiver.

[0094] [Item 3] Item 2: The transceiver according to item 2, the electronic control device is configured to transition to the third state when the state in which no communication is performed continues for a predetermined time after transitioning to the first state, the setting unit is configured to enable the sleep function and the wake-up function on condition that the detection unit has not detected the control data for the predetermined time. Transceiver.

[0095] [Item 4] The transceiver according to item 2 or 3, the electronic control device is configured to transition to the third state when the state in which no communication is performed continues for a predetermined time after transitioning to the first state, the setting unit is configured to transmit a sleep signal to the communication device, the sleep signal notifying the communication device that functions of the transceiver will be partially stopped by the sleep function, on condition that the detection unit has not detected the control data for the predetermined time. Transceiver.

[0096] [Item 5] Item 4. The transceiver according to item 4, and after receiving a response to the sleep signal from the communication device, the sleep function is configured to partially stop the function of the transceiver. Transceiver.

[0097] [Item 6] A control system including a plurality of electronic control devices each having at least one transceiver according to any one of items 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of electronic control devices function as nodes that constitute an in-vehicle network, A control system, wherein each of the plurality of electronic control devices is configured to communicate with an adjacent electronic control device among the plurality of electronic control devices in the in-vehicle network as the communication device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1...control system, 3...controller, 4...transceiver, 42...detection module, 100...control system, 421...setting unit, 422...timer, 423...detection unit, 424...memory unit, 425...control unit, A101...network mode, A102...prepare bus sleep mode, A103...bus sleep mode.

Claims

1. A transceiver (4) mounted on an electronic control device (1, 2) for a vehicle and configured to communicate with a communication device, a detection unit (423) configured to detect control data used at least for controlling a state transition of the electronic control device, the control data being transmitted from the communication device through the communication; a setting unit (421) configured to enable and disable sleep and wake-up functions of the transceiver; Equipped with The state transition is a transition between a plurality of states including at least a first state (425, A101), a second state (425, A102), and a third state (425, A103), The electronic control device transitioning between the plurality of states and operating in any one of the plurality of states; If the state in which no communication is performed continues after transition to the first state, transition to the second state and the third state in sequence according to the duration of the state in which no communication is performed; In the third state, a process is executed to stop a part of the functions operating in the first state; In the second state, when communication occurs between the transceiver and the communication device by the sleep function or the wake-up function of the transceiver, the state transitions to the first state; the setting unit is configured to enable or disable the sleep function and the wake-up function based on whether the control data is detected by the detection unit. Transceiver.

2. 2. The transceiver of claim 1, the setting unit is configured to disable the sleep function and the wake-up function on condition that the detection unit detects the control data. Transceiver.

3. 3. The transceiver of claim 2, the electronic control device is configured to transition to the third state when the state in which the communication is not performed continues for a predetermined time after transitioning to the first state, the setting unit is configured to enable the sleep function and the wake-up function on condition that the detection unit has not detected the control data for the predetermined time. Transceiver.

4. 4. The transceiver of claim 3, the setting unit is configured to transmit a sleep signal to the communication device, the sleep signal notifying the communication device that functions of the transceiver will be partially stopped by the sleep function, on condition that the detection unit has not detected the control data for the predetermined time. Transceiver.

5. 5. The transceiver of claim 4, and after receiving a response to the sleep signal from the communication device, the sleep function is configured to partially stop the function of the transceiver. Transceiver.

6. A control system including a plurality of electronic control devices each having at least one transceiver according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of electronic control devices function as nodes constituting an in-vehicle network, A control system, wherein each of the plurality of electronic control devices is configured to communicate with an adjacent electronic control device among the plurality of electronic control devices in the in-vehicle network as the communication device.

Images