An electronic circuit and method for supplying power to a plurality of electronic systems of an electronic control unit of a vehicle, and an electronic control device of a vehicle

Abstract

An electronic circuit (1) for supplying power to a plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4) of an electronic control unit (70) of a vehicle, the electronic circuit comprising: a power input detector (5) configured to detect an input voltage and generate a first set of signals in response to the detected input voltage; a plurality of latches (6, 7, 8), wherein the output of the power input detector is connected to respective set inputs of each of the plurality of latches, and each of the plurality of latches is configured to generate a respective enable signal in response to the first set of signals; and a plurality of power management circuits (13, 14, 15), wherein each latch is connected to a power management circuit associated with that latch, and each of the plurality of power management circuits is configured to supply power to its associated electronic system in response to the enable signal.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is directed to an electronic circuit for powering a plurality of electronic systems of an electronic control unit of a vehicle. The present invention further relates to a method for powering a plurality of electronic systems within an electronic control unit of a vehicle. The present invention further relates to an electronic control device comprising the electronic circuit according to the present invention.

Background Art

[0002] In recent developments of electronic control units (ECUs) for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving systems (ADS), very high computing power is required to meet the need to grasp the situation around a self-driving vehicle. The ECU needs to be designed according to high functional safety requirements so that sufficient redundancy is incorporated into the system to achieve a safe self-driving function. The ECU may, in this regard, be designed using a plurality of electronic systems, such as microprocessors or a plurality of systems-on-chip (SoCs). Such an SoC needs to complete the startup process in a very short time, for example less than 2 seconds, in order to meet, for example, the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS), especially FMVSS-111, and to support any fully autonomous driving function or driving assistance function.

[0003] In a conventional electronic circuit for powering a plurality of electronic systems of a vehicle's ECU, it may be necessary to complete the startup process of one of the SoCs, for example, SoC1, before powering on other SoCs in the ECU, such as SoC2 and SoC3. After SoC1 completes its startup process, SoC1 can set its output pins to enable power for SoC2 and SoC3. In this normal sequential power-on configuration, the startup time of the system is equal to T1 + MAX(T2, T3), where T1, T2, and T3 are the times required for SoC1, SoC2, and SoC3 to complete their startup processes, respectively.

[0004] The overall startup time of the system is aggregated to the startup times of each SoC according to the complexity of the startup process of SoC1. If the complexity of SoC2 and SoC3 is already high, the time spent on starting up SoC1 will shorten the time available for SoC2 and SoC3. As a result, it becomes even more difficult for these SoCs to achieve a short startup time.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] An object of the present invention is to power on a plurality of electronic systems of a vehicle's ECU in a short time.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This object is achieved by the respective subject matters of the independent claims. Further embodiments and preferred embodiments are the subject matters of the dependent claims.

[0007] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic circuit for supplying power to a plurality of electronic systems of an electronic control unit of a vehicle. Here, the electronic circuit includes a power input detector configured to detect an input voltage and generate a first set of signals at the output of the power input detector according to the detected input voltage. The electronic circuit further includes a plurality of latches, each of the plurality of latches being associated with one of the plurality of electronic systems, the output of the power input detector being connected to respective set inputs of each of the plurality of latches, and each of the plurality of latches being configured to generate a respective enable signal at the output of the respective latch according to the first set of signals. The electronic circuit further includes a plurality of power management circuits, each of the plurality of latches being associated with one of the plurality of power management circuits, the output of each of the plurality of latches being connected to the associated power management circuit, each of the plurality of power management circuits being associated with one of the plurality of electronic systems, and being configured to supply power to the associated electronic system to the electronic system according to the enable signal.

[0008] The electronic circuit may be understood to include not only circuits composed of individual electronic components such as resistors, transistors, capacitors, inductors, and diodes, but also any type of electronic system, subsystem, and integrated circuit connected by conductive wires or traces through which current can flow.

[0009] The plurality of electronic systems may be two or more, i.e., at least two electronic systems, or may include two or more electronic systems. Each of the electronic systems may have different types of electronic systems. The electronic system may be programmable. Preferably, the electronic system is or can include a microprocessor or a microcontroller integrated circuit. The electronic system can also include at least one input and / or output for each of a bus, a clock generator, a memory storage device, and / or a memory interface.

[0010] The electronic system may be designed, for example, as a system-on-a-chip (SoC). The SoC may be an integrated circuit (also called a "chip") that integrates all or most of the components of a computer or other electronic system. Such components may include a central processing unit (CPU), a memory interface, on-chip input / output devices, and / or a secondary storage device interface, along with other components such as a wireless modem and / or a graphics processing unit (GPU), all of which are on a single substrate or microchip.

[0011] An electronic control unit (ECU), also known as an electronic control module (ECM), is an embedded system that controls one or more of the electrical systems or subsystems, preferably located within a vehicle. The ECU can include at least a microprocessor or a microcontroller.

[0012] The term "powering" can be understood to provide or supply power, i.e., voltage and / or current.

[0013] The ECU is preferably implemented as an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) and / or an automated driving system (ADS) of a vehicle, or is preferably designed for an electronic vehicle guidance system or as part of an electronic vehicle guidance system. The electronic vehicle guidance system is configured to guide the vehicle completely automatically or completely autonomously, and in particular, may be understood as an electronic system that does not require manual intervention or control by the driver or user of the vehicle. The vehicle automatically performs all necessary functions, such as steering operations, deceleration operations and / or acceleration operations, as well as monitoring and recording of road traffic and corresponding reactions. The electronic vehicle guidance system can in particular achieve a fully automatic or fully autonomous driving mode according to Level 5 of the SAE J3016 classification. The electronic vehicle guidance system can in particular achieve a partially automatic or partially autonomous driving mode according to Levels 1 to 4 of the SAE J3016 classification. SAE J3016 refers here and hereinafter to the respective standards as of June 2018.

[0014] Guiding the vehicle at least partially automatically can thus include guiding the vehicle according to a fully automatic or fully autonomous driving mode according to Level 5 of the SAE J3016 classification. Guiding the vehicle at least partially automatically can also include guiding the vehicle according to a partially automatic or partially autonomous driving mode according to Levels 1 to 4 of the SAE J3016 classification.

[0015] The power input detector may be one electronic component of an electronic circuit, or may be composed of at least individual electrical components or electronic components. When an input voltage is supplied to the power input of the electronic circuit or ECU, the power input detector can detect this input voltage immediately and / or instantaneously. As a direct or indirect result, the power input detector can immediately and / or instantaneously generate a first set of signals at the output of the power input detector. It is preferred that switching on the input voltage and generating the first set of signals are performed substantially simultaneously. The input voltage may be supplied from the upper power system of the vehicle, or may be provided from the auxiliary battery or generator of the vehicle.

[0016] The output of the power input detector may preferably be an output interface connected to the set input or set input interface of each latch using electrical traces or wires.

[0017] A latch may sometimes be called a flip-flop. In particular, a level-controlled flip-flop is an electronic circuit that can provide two stable signal states and can be used to store those states. Preferably, each of the plurality of latches may be a device that stores a single bit (binary number) of data, and one of the two states of the data can represent "1" and the other can represent "0". Such a data storage device can be used to store the state, and such a circuit is described as a sequential logic circuit in electronics. A latch can comprise a set input, a reset input, and an output.

[0018] Each latch can operate, for example, as follows. When a latch receives its respective set signal at the set input of the latch, the latch generates or sets an enable signal at the output of the latch and holds the enable signal until the latch receives a reset signal at the reset input of the latch. According to this, the enable signal is preferably a persistent signal. When a latch receives its respective reset signal at the reset input of the latch, the latch switches the enable signal off, invalidates it, or resets it until the latch receives a set signal at the set input of the latch.

[0019] The plurality of latches can be designed, for example, as SR NOR latches, and the output state remains constant while both the set input signal and the reset input signal are low. When S (set input) is pulsed high while R (reset input) is held low, the Q (output) of the latch goes high and remains high when S returns low, resulting in the enable signal being set. Similarly, when R is pulsed high while S is held low, Q goes low and remains low when R returns low, resulting in the enable signal being reset. Other designs can be used for the latches as well. The set input and the reset input of each latch may be active-low inputs. Thus, an active-low signal pulse activates the latch and outputs an active-high signal to the Q output pin. This high signal output from the latch can cause the PMIC to continue to output power to each of the PMIC's SoCs. Thus, the power to all such SoCs becomes effective after the set signal of the power input detector is generated.

[0020] The enable signal can represent a binary "1" signal. This means that when the latch receives a set signal, the latch generates a binary "1" or immediately sets the enable signal to binary "1" at the output of the latch and / or instantaneously. When the latch receives a reset signal, the latch generates a binary "0", or in other words, immediately switches the enable signal off or resets it to binary "0" at the output of the latch and / or instantaneously. It is also conceivable that the enable signal may represent a binary "0" signal when set, in which case the output will generate a binary "1" when the latch receives a reset signal.

[0021] Here, the set signal may be, for example, a first set signal, a second set signal, and / or a third set signal, etc. The first reset signal may be, for example, a first reset signal, a second reset signal, and / or a third reset signal, etc.

[0022] The plurality of latches may be two or more, that is, at least two latches, or may include two or more latches. The plurality of power management circuits may be two or more, that is, at least two power management circuits, or may include two or more power management circuits. Preferably, the number of latches is equal to the number of power management circuits and / or equal to the number of electronic systems. Preferably, the number of power management circuits is equal to the number of electronic systems. Each latch can thus be associated with, that is, assigned to, exactly one electronic system and / or exactly one power management circuit. Each electronic system can be associated with, that is, assigned to, exactly one power management circuit.

[0023] The power management circuit, also called PMC, may be designed as a power management integrated circuit (PMIC). Each PMC may be an integrated circuit that can be used to manage the power requirements of each electronic system. Each PMC may also be a solid-state device that enables control of the current flow and direction, and / or the voltage magnitude. Each PMC preferably includes one or more DC / DC converters that convert the input voltage into multiple operating voltages of the electronic system. In some cases, multiple power management circuits may be structurally combined into one power management circuit.

[0024] Each PMC can power exactly one associated electronic system. Powering means that each PMC can supply at least one, preferably multiple, currents and / or multiple operating voltages required to electrically sustain or operate the electronic system to the electronic system. As long as the PMC receives an enable signal from the latch associated with the PMC, preferably from each enable interface or enable pin of the PMC, the PMC will continuously power the electronic system associated with the PMC. When the PMC receives the enable signal, the PMC will immediately power the associated electronic system. When the PMC no longer receives the enable signal, it will stop powering the electronic system.

[0025] The advantage of the present invention is that the electronic circuit enables parallel startup of multiple electronic systems, for example, within an automotive ECU, such as an SoC, thereby significantly shortening the startup time of the ECU compared to at least partial sequential startup of multiple electronic systems. It is advantageous that all of the multiple electronic systems are powered simultaneously and start up simultaneously. As a result, the ECU becomes available very early when activated, which can help further improve the systems within the vehicle.

[0026] According to some embodiments, the reset input of each of the plurality of latches can be or is connected to a first output of an associated electronic system. Each latch of the plurality of latches is preferably configured to switch an enable signal off in response to a first reset signal at its respective reset input.

[0027] The enable signal generated at the output of the latch may be a persistent signal representing the binary "1" as already explained. Switching the enable signal off or resetting it can mean that a binary "0" is generated at the output of the latch. Similarly, the reverse logic can be considered.

[0028] The PMC can stop power supply to the electronic system associated with the PMC by switching the enable signal off, and as a result the electronic system is switched off. The electronic system thereby no longer provides a service. By connecting the first output of the electronic system to the reset input of the associated latch, it can be ensured that each electronic system can switch itself off by resetting the latch.

[0029] The advantage of this is that each electronic system can be switched off or powered off separately from other electronic systems or separately from the ECU. This means that it is not necessary to activate all electronic systems or deactivate all electronic systems. Thereby, an electronic system that is not currently required to provide a service can be switched off. This particularly saves power. For example, when a vehicle has switched off its powertrain and is stationary, there are no driving functions required, and thus the corresponding electronic systems can be switched off.

[0030] According to some embodiments, the first set signal and / or the first reset signal comprises an instantaneous signal pulse, preferably an active-low signal pulse. The first set signal and / or the first reset signal is preferably a single, instantaneous signal pulse.

[0031] An instantaneous signal pulse in signal processing is a pulse in which the amplitude of the signal changes rapidly and temporarily from a reference value to a higher value or a lower value and then rapidly returns to the reference value, where the reference value is preferably the voltage value of the signal. An active-low signal pulse can include a pulse whose magnitude changes from the reference value to a lower value, preferably the value of ground, and returns to the reference value, and when this pulse is received at the set input of a latch, it activates or sets each latch, or when received at the reset input of a latch, it deactivates or resets each latch.

[0032] The advantage of an instantaneous signal pulse that is a set signal or a reset signal is that an unwanted or undesirable reset of the signal transmitter, such as a power input detector, an electronic system, or other computer processing unit, cannot technically generate either a set signal or a reset signal, and thus an unwanted set or reset of the latch does not occur.

[0033] Since the signal enabling the PMIC is the output from the latch, such a signal is held high to enable the output of the PMIC unless the latch is reset by a signal from the electronic system.

[0034] For example, if there is a fault that causes self - reset in the first electronic system, the output of the first electronic system can also be reset. As a result, such an output is reset to a high - impedance input. Since the drive signal to the latch is an open - drain active - low signal, the reset of the first electronic system that changes the port of the first electronic system to a high - impedance input does not generate an unwanted active - low drive signal on either the set input or the reset input of the latch. Therefore, the output of the latch is held in an unchanged state even when the electronic system is reset.

[0035] This is a very important feature to enable the execution of tasks of other electronic systems within the system when there is a fault in one or more of the electronic systems, in order to minimize the level at which the ECU ceases to function when an unwanted fault case occurs.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the electronic circuit further comprises a computer processing unit connected to the set input of a first latch among a plurality of latches and configured to generate a second set signal. The first latch is preferably configured to generate respective enable signals in response to the second set signal.

[0037] The plurality of latches may include the first latch and may include a second latch, a third latch, etc. According to this, the first latch is associated with a first power management circuit and a first electronic system, the second latch is associated with a second power management circuit and a second electronic system, the third latch is associated with a third power management circuit and a third electronic system, and so on, and the numbers are not limited to 3.

[0038] The computer processing unit may be a processor core. The output of the computer processing unit can be connected to the set input of a first latch to which the output of the power input detector is also connected. Preferably, the outputs of the computer processing unit and the power input detector can be connected to the set input through an OR gate. This means that when the computer processing unit or the power input detector generates respective set signals at their respective outputs, the set input receives the set signals. When the first latch receives a second set signal at the set input of the first latch, the first latch generates an enable signal at the output of the first latch, whereby the first power management circuit becomes enabled. As a result, the first electronic system is powered and starts up. Preferably, the computer processing unit can always be started up when an input voltage is applied to the electronic circuit or the ECU.

[0039] This advantageous connection enables the first electronic system to be reliably switched on separately from other electronic systems. This means that in a state where only the service of the first electronic system is required, only the first electronic system is started up, and thus the other electronic systems can be kept in an inactive state, whereby power can be saved. Furthermore, it is also advantageous that all electronic systems can be switched off when their service is not required, whereby power can be saved.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the electronic circuit comprises a plurality of electronic systems. The first electronic system associated with the first latch among the plurality of electronic systems preferably comprises a computer processing unit.

[0041] The computer processing unit is preferably integrated into the first electronic system. It is preferable that one component of the electronic system, for example, one processor core, can be designated as the first computer processing unit. This brings the advantage that no additional components are required within the electronic circuit and a part of the first electronic system can embody this component. Another advantage of this arrangement is that the first electronic system does not need to be permanently fully activated, and only the computer processing unit needs to be activated.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the second output of the first electronic system is connected to the set input of a second latch, which is different from the first latch among a plurality of latches. The second output of the first electronic system is preferably connected to the set input of the second latch through an OR gate. The first electronic system is configured to generate a third set signal, and the second latch is preferably configured to generate respective enable signals in response to the third set signal. This can result in the second PMC receiving the enable signal and powering the second electronic system.

[0043] The further output of the first electronic system can preferably be respectively connected to the set input of each further latch so that a further electronic system can be powered. The advantage obtained from this is that the first electronic system can activate all other electronic systems separately and actively. In this way, the electronic systems required for a specific state can be actively targeted. This always saves power.

[0044] According to some embodiments, the third output of the first electronic system is connected to the reset input of the second latch, the first electronic system is configured to generate a second reset signal, and the second latch is configured to switch the respective enable signals in response to the second reset signal. This can result in the second PMC ending the power supply to the second electronic system.

[0045] Preferably, the third output of the first electronic system and each first output of the second electronic system can be connected to the reset input through an OR gate. This means that when the first electronic system or the second electronic system generates a respective reset signal at their respective outputs, the reset input receives the reset signal. When the second latch receives each reset signal at the reset input of the second latch, it switches the enable signal off at the output of the second latch, thereby disabling the second power management circuit, and as a result, the second electronic system is powered off. Further outputs of the first electronic system can preferably be each connected to the respective reset inputs of further latches so that a further electronic system can be powered off.

[0046] In other words, while it is possible to set the latch output to enable the power of each electronic system, it is also possible to reset the latch output so that the power of each PMIC can be disabled, and as a result, each electronic system can be powered off.

[0047] The latches can easily and separately turn off the power of each electronic system. For example, after receiving a first set signal that sets the latch output high, all electronic systems are powered on. When there is a use case for an application that does not require the third electronic system, the third electronic system can be powered off by resetting the third latch connected to the third PMC. The reset input of the latch for the third PMC is connected not only to the outputs of the first and second electronic systems but also to the output of the third electronic system. These outputs are all designed to be open - collector or open - drain outputs, so that they can be connected together to the same reset input of the latch. When the first electronic system is the host of the ECU, the output of the first electronic system is set to an active - low pulse, and the latch can be reset. The latch output goes low, and the PMC stops power supply to the third electronic system, whereby the third electronic system can be powered off.

[0048] Since the signal enabling the PMC is the output signal from the latch, such a signal is held in the previous state unless each latch output is set or reset by an active - low pulse.

[0049] The electronic system can thus be powered on or off separately from other electronic systems. In this way, an electronic system that is no longer needed in a particular state can be deactivated in a targeted manner. This further improves the ECU in terms of power savings. For example, a third electronic system is powered on by a power input detector and the second electronic system, and can be powered off by the first electronic system, the second electronic system, and the third electronic system itself. If the third electronic system is powered off by the first electronic system after being powered on by the power input detector, the first electronic system does not need to remain in a power supply mode that maintains the powered-on state of the third electronic system. Therefore, it is feasible to turn off the power of the electronic system according to a specific usage example of the vehicle.

[0050] This is particularly useful for applications that require separate firmware updates for the electronic system. Since each electronic system during the firmware update may be reset multiple times during the firmware update process, if the reset of a particular electronic system affects other electronic systems within the ECU, a restoration process is required to enable the electronic systems within the ECU to resume the update operation from a previous firmware update stage. This will complicate the firmware update process and may result in an undesirably longer firmware update period.

[0051] According to some embodiments, the electronic circuit includes a power supply unit, which is connected to the power input of the electronic circuit and is configured to supply an operating voltage obtained from the input voltage provided by the power input to a power input detector, a plurality of latches, and / or a computer processing unit.

[0052] The power supply unit may preferably be a DC / DC converter that converts the input voltage into a preferred operating voltage, or may include a DC / DC converter. The advantage of this is that not only the power input detector but also a plurality of latches and the computer processing unit can be directly and simultaneously supplied with the power supply voltage without wasting time, and each task can be executed immediately when the input voltage is applied. This can further speed up the ECU's operation preparation.

[0053] According to some embodiments, each of the plurality of power management circuits is connected to a power input and is configured to provide an operating voltage obtained from the input voltage provided by the power input to each associated electronic system. The PMCs can be connected in parallel with each other, and thus it is preferable that the PMIC simultaneously supplies the input voltage. This has an advantageous possibility because the startup time is surely shortened.

[0054] A second power supply unit, preferably a switched-mode power supply (SMPS), is preferably inserted between the PMC and the power input. The second power supply unit may preferably be a DC / DC converter that converts the input voltage into a regulated voltage that may preferably be lower than the voltage level of the input voltage, or may include a DC / DC converter.

[0055] According to some embodiments, the output of the power input detector, the first output, the second output, and / or the third output includes an open-drain circuit or an open-collector circuit configured to provide an instantaneous signal pulse.

[0056] All outputs of each electronic system connected to the reset input or set input of any latch may preferably be open-drain circuits or open-collector circuits, or may include open-drain circuits or open-collector circuits. All outputs connected to one set input or reset input are preferably coupled by an OR gate.

[0057] An open-collector circuit behaves like a switch that is connected to ground or disconnected. The output signal does not output a specific voltage or current signal, but the collector is applied to the base of an internal NPN transistor that is external (open) at each output. The emitter of the NPN transistor is internally connected to the ground pin. When the output device is a MOSFET, the output is called open-drain and functions similarly.

[0058] The advantage of such an output is that this output can provide an output signal suitable for connection to the input via an OR gate. Furthermore, it is advantageous because it is guaranteed that no signal is erroneously output when an intended or unintended reset of the corresponding electronic system occurs.

[0059] According to some embodiments, each of the plurality of electronic systems includes one or more processor cores. Each processor core can be configured to perform its respective task within the ECU and can be switched on or off as needed.

[0060] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a method for supplying power to a plurality of electronic systems of an electronic control unit of a vehicle is provided. The method includes the following steps.

[0061] - Switching on the input voltage to the electronic control unit, - Detecting the switched-on input voltage and generating a first set of signals by a power input detector in response to the detected input voltage, - Each of a plurality of latches receives a first set signal, particularly at each respective set input of each of the plurality of latches, and each of the plurality of latches generates a respective enable signal in response to the first set signal. - Each of the respective power management circuits receives a respective enable signal and provides power to each of the respective electronic systems among the plurality of electronic systems in response to the respective enable signal.

[0062] This method according to the present invention can preferably be executed by an electronic circuit according to an aspect of the present invention. The electronic circuit includes a power input detector configured to detect an input voltage and generate a first set signal at the output of the power input detector in response to the detected input voltage. The electronic circuit further includes a plurality of latches, each of the plurality of latches being associated with one of the plurality of electronic systems, the output of the power input detector being connected to each respective set input of each of the plurality of latches, and each of the plurality of latches being configured to generate a respective enable signal at the output of each latch in response to the first set signal. The electronic circuit further includes a plurality of power management circuits, each of the plurality of latches being associated with one of the plurality of power management circuits, each respective output of each of the plurality of latches being connected to the associated power management circuit, each of the plurality of power management circuits being associated with one of the plurality of electronic systems and being configured to supply power to the associated electronic system in response to the enable signal.

[0063] The input voltage is preferably switched on by a host system of the vehicle that can control the power management of the auxiliary system of the vehicle at the power input of the ECU or electronic circuit according to the present invention. The first set signal is preferably generated immediately by the power input detector when the power is switched on. Supplying power may also be referred to as power feeding.

[0064] The advantage of the method according to the present invention is that this method enables the parallel startup of a plurality of electronic systems in, for example, an automotive ECU, whereby the startup time of the ECU is significantly shortened compared to at least a partial sequential startup of the plurality of electronic systems. It is advantageous that all of the plurality of electronic systems are powered simultaneously and start up simultaneously. As a result, the ECU becomes available very early when comparing when it becomes active, which can help to further improve the systems in the vehicle.

[0065] According to some embodiments, each of the plurality of latches receives a first set of signals in parallel from a power input detector. It is advantageous that the first set of signals is received immediately and simultaneously by each of the plurality of latches.

[0066] According to some embodiments, each enable signal is switched off when each reset signal is received by the respective latch among the plurality of latches, and each reset signal is generated by the respective electronic system corresponding to each latch. Each reset signal may also be generated by an electronic system different from the corresponding system.

[0067] The advantage of this is that each electronic system can be switched off or powered off separately from other electronic systems or separately from the ECU. This means that there is no need to activate or deactivate all of the electronic systems. Thereby, an electronic system that is not currently required for service can be switched off. This saves power in particular. For example, when the vehicle has stopped with the powertrain switched off, there are no required driving functions, and thus the corresponding electronic system can be switched off.

[0068] Further embodiments of the method according to the invention are directly derivable from the various embodiments of the electronic circuit according to the invention and vice versa. In particular, the individual features and corresponding explanations regarding the various embodiments of the method according to the invention can likewise be transferred to the corresponding embodiments of the electronic circuit according to the invention. The electronic circuit according to the invention may in particular be designed or programmed to execute the method according to the invention, or is designed or programmed. The electronic circuit according to the invention in particular executes the method according to the invention.

[0069] According to a further aspect of the invention, an electronic control unit for a vehicle is provided. The electronic control unit comprises the electronic circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and an electronic control unit, and the electronic control unit comprises a plurality of electronic systems. Alternatively, the electronic control unit comprises an electronic control unit comprising the electronic circuit according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and the electronic circuit comprises a plurality of electronic systems.

[0070] Further features of the invention are apparent from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. The features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as those mentioned below and / or shown in the description of the figures and / or in the figures, may be included in the invention not only in the described combinations but also in other combinations. In particular, embodiments and combinations of features that do not have all the features originally devised in the claims are also included in the invention. Furthermore, embodiments and combinations of features that go beyond or deviate from the combinations of features described in the enumeration of the claims are included in the invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0071]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

[0072] FIG. 1 shows an electronic circuit 1 according to the present invention. The electronic circuit 1 includes, or is connected to, three electronic systems 2, 3, 4 (also referred to as electronic systems) of an electronic control unit 70 (ECU) in this example, and the number of the electronic systems 2, 3, 4 is not limited to this number. Each of the electronic systems 2, 3, 4 can be powered by respective power management circuits 13, 14, 15 (also referred to as PMC) via a plurality of power rails 34, 35, 36.

[0073] Power input 29 can supply an input voltage through input voltage line 66 via a protection device 31, such as a fuse 31. The input voltage line 66 can be connected to an internal input power line 38 of electronic circuit 1 where PMCs 13, 14, 15 can be directly or indirectly connected in parallel. The first PMC 13 is directly connected to the input power line 38 in this example. The second PMC 14 and the third PMC 15 are indirectly connected to the input power line 38 via a second power supply unit 33 (also called a SMPS), and the second power supply unit can be arranged as a switching power supply (SMPS) 33. The input voltage may also be modified by an electronic filter 32 that can reduce or remove unwanted signal components. The filter 32 may be interconnected between the SMPS 33 and the power input 29. Other arrangements of the filter 32 are possible. The SMPS 33 can provide a regulated voltage in parallel to the second PMC 14 and the third PMC 15 via a regulated power line 43. Since the first PMC 13 can operate without the SMPS 33, it may be of a different type compared to the second PMC 14 and the third PMC 15.

[0074] The first power supply unit 28 may also be connected in parallel to the second power supply unit 33 and may sometimes be called a pre-regulator or pre-leg 28. The pre-leg 28 can provide a first operating voltage (common collector voltage, VCC1) via an operating voltage line 39 at the output of the pre-leg. The operating voltage line 39 can connect a power input detector 5 and a plurality of latches 6, 7, 8 in parallel to each other. The pre-leg 28 can also continuously provide a standby voltage to the computer processing unit 25 via a standby power rail 37 so that the computer processing unit 28 is always active when power is supplied to the electronic circuit 1 as long as the pre-leg 28 is provided with an input voltage. It is preferable that the first electronic system 2 can include a computer processing unit 25.

[0075] The power input detector 5 is configured to detect the input voltage supplied to the electronic circuit 1, and preferably indirectly detects by detecting a first operating voltage obtained from the input voltage. When the input voltage is detected by the power input detector 5, the power input detector 5 generates a first set signal at the output 9 thereof. The output 9 is connected to each set input 10, 11, 12 of each of the plurality of latches 6, 7, 8 via the first signal line 44, and the set inputs 10, 11, 12 are connected in parallel with each other.

[0076] When a set signal is received at each set input 10, 11, 12, each of the latches 6, 7, 8 immediately generates a respective enable signal at the respective outputs 16, 17, 18. Each enable signal can be sent to the respective PMCs 13, 14, 15 via the enable signal lines 40, 41, 42 to enable the respective PMCs 13, 14, 15. Due to the received enable signal, each of the PMCs 13, 14, 15 provides a plurality of operating voltages to the respective electronic systems 2, 3, 4 via the plurality of power rails 34, 35, 36, and as a result, the plurality of electronic systems 2, 3, 4 can be started up in parallel.

[0077] The first electronic system 2 can be configured to be the management master of the ECU 70 in order to manage and monitor the components of the ECU 70, in particular the power and integrity of the second electronic system 3 and the third electronic system 4. The first electronic system 2 can thus switch itself as well as the second electronic system 3 and the third electronic system 4 separately on and / or off. The first computer processing unit 25 of the first electronic system 2 preferably can generate a set signal at the second output 26 and / or the fourth output 54 of the first electronic system 2. The second output 26 can be connected to the set input 11 of the second latch 7 via the fifth signal line 48. The fifth signal line 48 and the first signal line 44 can be connected to the set input 11 through an OR gate 60, with the result that the second latch 7 will set an enable signal at the output 17 by either a set signal from the power input detector 5 or a set signal from the first electronic system 2.

[0078] The fourth output 54 can be connected to the set input 10 of the first latch 6 via the seventh signal line 50. The seventh signal line 50 and the first signal line 44 can be connected to the set input 10 through an OR gate 60, with the result that the first latch 6 will set an enable signal at the output 16 by either a set signal from the power input detector 5 or a set signal from the first electronic system 2.

[0079] The second computer processing unit 65, which may be a component of the first electronic system 2, preferably can generate a reset signal to the first output 22, the third output 27, and / or the fourth output 55 of the first electronic system 2. The first output 22 can be connected via the second signal line 45 to the reset input 19 of the first latch 6, such that the first latch 6 will reset or switch off the enable signal at the output 16 by the reset signal from the first electronic system 2. The third output 27 can be connected via the sixth signal line 49 to the reset input 20 of the second latch 7. The fifth output 55 can be connected via the eighth signal line 51 to the reset input 21 of the third latch 8.

[0080] The second electronic system 3 can be configured to be higher in level than the third electronic system 4, for example, it can comprise a computer - usable processor for automatically driving a vehicle. The second electronic system 3 can thus switch off not only itself but also the third electronic system 4 and can also optionally switch on the third electronic system 4 separately. The second electronic system 3 preferably can generate a set signal to the second output 56. The second output 56 can be connected via the ninth signal line 52 to the set input 12 of the third latch 8. The ninth signal line 52 and the first signal line 44 can be connected via an OR gate 60 to the set input 12, such that the third latch 8 will set the enable signal at the output 18 by either the set signal from the power input detector 5 or the set signal from the second electronic system 3.

[0081] The second electronic system 3 preferably can generate a reset signal at a first output 23. The first output 23 can be connected to a reset input 20 of a second latch 7 via a third signal line 46. The third signal line 46 and a sixth signal line 49 can be connected to the reset input 20 through an OR gate 60, such that the second latch 7 will reset the enable signal at output 17 by either a reset signal from the first electronic system 2 or a reset signal from the second electronic system 4. The second electronic system 3 preferably can generate a reset signal at a third output 57. The third output 57 can be connected to a reset input 21 of a third latch 8 via a tenth signal line 53.

[0082] The third electronic system 4 can be subordinate to the second electronic system 3 and the first electronic system 2, and can include, for example, a computer-usable processor for assisting a driver in an operation of parking a vehicle. The third electronic system 4 can thus be configured to switch itself off, for example, when an operation such as parking is completed. The third electronic system 3 preferably can generate a reset signal at a first output 24. The first output 24 can be connected to a reset input 21 of the third latch 8 via a fourth signal line 47. The fourth signal line 47, an eighth signal line 51, and the tenth signal line 53 can be connected to the reset input 21 through the OR gate 60, such that the third latch 8 will reset the enable signal at output 18 by either a reset signal from the first electronic system 2, a reset signal from the second electronic system 3, or a reset signal from the second electronic system 3.

[0083] In this example, the first electronic system 2 may be able to communicate with the second electronic system 3 via a first communication line 58, and the second electronic system 3 may be able to communicate with the third electronic system 4 via a second communication line 59. The first electronic system 2 may be able to communicate with the third electronic system 4 either indirectly through the second electronic system 3 or directly via a third communication line not shown in FIG. 1.

[0084] Figure 2 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of the open-drain circuit 30 or open-collector circuit 30 of the power input detector 5 used to generate an instantaneous signal pulse that is preferably an active-low signal pulse according to the present invention. The output 9 of the power input detector 5 may comprise an open-drain circuit 30, may be an open-drain circuit 30, or may be designed as an open-drain circuit 30. The first outputs 22, 23, 24, the second outputs 26, 56, the third outputs 27, 57, the fourth output 54, and the fifth output 55 of the plurality of electronic systems 2, 3, 4 may also be designed as an open-drain circuit 30.

[0085] When the input voltage, i.e., the first operating voltage (VCC1), is applied to the electronic circuit 1 via the operating voltage line 39, the open-drain circuit 30 of the power input detector 5 charges the capacitor in the circuit through a series resistor. As the series capacitor continues to charge, the voltage across the series resistor gradually decreases from VCC1 to zero. This voltage turns on the transistor, thereby pulling down the voltage of the collector of the transistor (i.e., the output 9) to low. When the voltage across the series resistor reaches the threshold voltage at which the transistor cannot be turned on, the transistor turns off. Accordingly, an active-low voltage pulse that can be received via the first signal line 44 by the plurality of latches 6, 7, 8 is generated at the output 9.

[0086] Figure 3 schematically shows a part of an exemplary embodiment of the electronic circuit 1 according to the present invention. In this example, the output 56 of the second electronic system 30 is designed as an open-drain circuit 30 or an open-collector circuit 30. The transistor of the open-drain circuit 30 of the second electronic system 3 can be activated by the internal drive signal unit 63 of the second electronic system 3.

[0087] The first output 24 of the third electronic system 4 is designed as a push-pull output 64 in this example, rather than as a general open-drain circuit output 30. The push-pull output enables an active output 24 such as an open-drain by setting the port pin as a low-output output port, which means that the first output 24 can be switched to be connected to a first output line 61 that supplies an operating voltage and can be switched to be connected to ground via a second output line 67. By switching from the first output line 61 to the second output line 62 and vice versa, an active-low pulse can be generated. The first output 24 such as an open-drain can also be an input by setting the port pin as an input port via an input line 67.

[0088] FIG. 4 shows a flowchart of a process of an exemplary method according to the present invention. In a first step S1, an input voltage to an electronic control unit 70 is switched on. In a second step S2, the switched-on input voltage is detected, and a first set signal is generated by a power input detector 5 according to the detected input voltage. In a third step S3, the first set signal is received by each of a plurality of latches 6, 7, 8. In a fourth step S4, according to the first set signal, each of the plurality of latches generates a respective enable signal. In a fifth step S5, each of the respective enable signals is received by a respective power management circuit 13, 14, 15. In a sixth step S6, according to each of the respective enable signals, power is supplied to each of the plurality of electronic systems 2, 3, 4 among the plurality of electronic systems 2, 3, 4.

[0089] FIG. 5 shows a vehicle electronic control device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic control device 100 includes an electronic circuit 1 and an electronic control unit 70, and the electronic control unit 70 includes a plurality of electronic systems 2, 3, 4.

[0090] FIG. 6 shows a vehicle electronic control device 100 according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. The electronic control device 100 includes an electronic control unit 70 including the electronic circuit 1 according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and the electronic circuit 1 includes a plurality of electronic systems 2, 3, 4.

[0091] Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to embodiments of circuits that enable parallel startup and separate shutdown of a plurality of electronic systems within an automotive ECU. Embodiments of this circuit also enable separate reset of a plurality of electronic systems within the ECU.

[0092] This embodiment uses a plurality of latches and, for example, open-drain / open-transistor drive circuits to achieve parallel startup, separate shutdown, and separate reset.

[0093] For example, a circuit that detects the occurrence of power input to the ECU, particularly the output signal of the power input detector, can be used as a set signal for enabling a plurality of separate power supplies for a plurality of electronic systems. Thus, such electronic systems within the ECU do not need to wait for one of the electronic systems to start up before the power is enabled by the started electronic system. The electronic systems start up in parallel, realizing the shortest possible time until startup is complete, and accordingly can process the final user application.

[0094] The set signal is, for example, an instantaneous signal pulse. This signal pulse can be latched to become different enable signals for a plurality of power supplies for a plurality of electronic systems.

[0095] There may be other signal sources for the set signal for powering on the electronic systems within the ECU. Such signal pulses can be logically ORed with the input of the latch, and as a result, if any one of such set signals becomes active, that set signal will enable the power to each electronic system.

[0096] All of the drive pulses mentioned above may be, for example, negative pulses. This, in combination with the latch design, also prevents unwanted power-on or power-off of the electronic systems within the ECU due to unwanted variations in drive signals from other electronic systems within the ECU. This facilitates the use of open-drain and open-collector circuits and enables easy implementation of AND or OR logic circuits without complex circuit components. The design of this open-drain drive circuit can also ensure that the output state of the latch does not change, since there is no set signal output at the input of the latch when the electronic system is powered off.

[0097] The latch can be used to hold an enable signal to keep the power on, but there may be multiple disable signals or reset signals that are logically ORed with the latch to disable the output of the latch. This enables each electronic system to be powered off either by itself or by another signal source capable of turning off the power of the electronic system.

[0098] Regarding the reset signal to the electronic systems within the ECU, such reset signals are designed, for example, all in open-drain or open-collector configurations, and can prevent uncontrolled reset signals resulting from the process of resetting the electronic system itself from the electronic system.

[0099] Various embodiments can have the advantage that the first electronic system does not need to be always active. While the ECU needs to execute the safe driving function, it may make sense to keep the first electronic system active, but there may also be an operating mode where the ECU does not need to activate all electronic systems. For example, when the vehicle is stopped with the power transmission system off, there is no required driving function. The ECU can be updated with firmware, for example, during this operating state. The first electronic system may be reset multiple times during the firmware update process of the first electronic system before the firmware update process of the first electronic system is completed. Various embodiments can have the advantage that the reset of the first electronic system does not unconditionally turn off the power of the second electronic system and the third electronic system, for example, when the second electronic system and the third electronic system may also be in the firmware update process. As a result, the ECU may not need a restoration process such that the second electronic system or the third electronic system enables the restoration of the firmware update process. Therefore, the firmware update processes of the electronic systems within the ECU can be completed separately.

Claims

1. An electronic circuit (1) for supplying power to a plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4) of an electronic control unit (70) of a vehicle, - A power input detector (5), wherein the power input detector (5) is configured to detect an input voltage and generate a first set signal at an output (9) of the power input detector (5) in response to the detected input voltage, a power input detector (5); - A plurality of latches (6, 7, 8), each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) being associated with one of the plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4), the output (9) of the power input detector (5) being connected to respective set inputs (10, 11, 12) of each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8), each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) being configured to generate a respective enable signal at an output (16, 17, 18) of the respective latch (6, 7, 8) in response to the first set signal, a plurality of latches (6, 7, 8); - A plurality of power management circuits (13, 14, 15), each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) being associated with one of the plurality of power management circuits (13, 14, 15), each respective output (16, 17, 18) of each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) being connected to the associated power management circuit (13, 14, 15), each of the plurality of power management circuits (13, 14, 15) being associated with one of the plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4), and each of the plurality of power management circuits (13, 14, 15) being configured to supply power to the associated electronic system (2, 3, 4) in response to the enable signal, a plurality of power management circuits (13, 14, 15); An electronic circuit (1) comprising the above.

2. The reset input (19, 20, 21) of each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) is connectable to a first output (22, 23, 24) of the associated electronic system (2, 3, 4), and each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) is configured to switch off the enable signal in response to a first reset signal at the respective reset input (19, 20, 21). The electronic circuit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. The electronic circuit (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the first set signal and / or the first reset signal comprises an instantaneous signal pulse, preferably an active-low signal pulse.

4. The electronic circuit (1) comprises a computer processing unit (25) connected to the set input (10) of a first latch (6) among the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) and configured to generate a second set signal, wherein the first latch (6) is configured to generate the respective enable signal in response to the second set signal. The electronic circuit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The electronic circuit (1) comprises the plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4), and a first electronic system (2) associated with the first latch (6) among the plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4) comprises the computer processing unit (25). The electronic circuit (1) according to claim 4.

6. A second output (26) of the first electronic system (2) is connected to the set input (11) of a second latch (7) different from the first latch (6) among the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8), the first electronic system (2) is configured to generate a third set signal, and the second latch (7) is configured to generate the respective enable signal in response to the third set signal. The electronic circuit (1) according to claim 5.

7. A third output (27) of the first electronic system (2) is connected to the reset input (20) of the second latch (7), the first electronic system (2) is configured to generate a second reset signal, and the second latch (7) is configured to switch off the respective enable signal in response to the second reset signal. The electronic circuit (1) according to claim 6.

8. The electronic circuit (1) comprises a power supply unit (28), the power supply unit (28) being connected to the power input (29) of the electronic circuit (1), and configured to supply an operating voltage obtained from the input voltage provided by the power input (29) to the power input detector (5), the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8), and / or the computer processing unit (25), the electronic circuit (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7.

9. Each of the plurality of power management circuits (13, 14, 15) is connected to the power input (29) and is configured to provide an operating voltage obtained from the input voltage provided by the power input (29) to the respective associated electronic systems (2, 3, 4), the electronic circuit (1) according to claim 8.

10. The output (9) of the power input detector (5), the first outputs (22, 23, 24), the second output (26), and / or the third output (27) comprise an open-drain circuit (30) configured to provide the instantaneous signal pulse, or an open-collector circuit (30) configured to provide the instantaneous signal pulse, the electronic circuit (1) according to claims 3, 6, and 7.

11. Each of the plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4) comprises one or more processor cores, the electronic circuit (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 10.

12. A method of supplying power to a plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4) within an electronic control unit (70) of a vehicle, comprising: - a step (S1) of switching on an input voltage to the electronic control unit (70); - a step (S2) of detecting the switched-on input voltage and generating a first set of signals by a power input detector (5) in response to the detected input voltage; - a step (S3) of receiving the first set of signals by each of a plurality of latches (6, 7, 8), and a step (S4) of generating respective enable signals by each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) in response to the first set of signals; - Each power management circuit (13, 14, 15) receives the respective enable signal (S5), and in response to the respective enable signal, provides power to each of the plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4) (S6); A method comprising. **Claim 13** The method according to claim 12, characterized in that each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) receives the first set signal in parallel from the power input detector (5). **Claim 14** When each reset signal is received by each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8), the respective enable signal is switched off, and each reset signal is generated by the respective electronic system (2, 3, 4) associated with the respective latch (6, 7, 8). The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that. **Claim 15** An electronic control device (100) for a vehicle, - The electronic control device (100) comprises the electronic circuit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11 and an electronic control unit (70), and the electronic control unit (70) comprises the plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4), or - The electronic control device (100) comprises an electronic control unit (70) comprising the electronic circuit (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, and the electronic circuit (1) comprises the plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4), An electronic control device (100).

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