Power superposition connector, power superposition connector system, and power distribution system

Abstract

In automotive systems employing PoDL, it is possible to increase design flexibility. Power superposition connector, power superposition connector system, method for adjusting power supply, and To provide a way to supply power. [Solution] The power superposition connector includes a housing having a first connection part and a second connection part that are electrically coupled to a communication line that carries an electrical signal, and a power exchange circuit provided inside the housing and connected to the first connection part and the second connection part, which exchanges power superimposed on the electrical signal on the communication line with power on the power line connected to the second connection part between the first connection part and the second connection part.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] This disclosure relates to a power superimposition connector, a power distribution method, a power superimposition connector system, and a power distribution system. This application claims priority based on Japanese Application No. 2022-209658 filed on December 27, 2022, and incorporates all the descriptions described in the above Japanese application.

Background Art

[0003] In a vehicle, in addition to power supply lines that supply power to each ECU, it is necessary to connect communication lines for communication between each ECU and with the C-ECU. Such communication lines and the like are provided in the vehicle as a wire harness. However, as the number of ECUs installed in the vehicle increases, there is a problem that the total length of the wire harness becomes longer, squeezing the space inside the vehicle and increasing the weight of the vehicle.

[0004] As one method for solving such problems, there is the technique described in Patent Document 1. The technique described in Patent Document 1 is a technique of superimposing DC power on a communication line for transmitting and receiving data. Such a technique is generally referred to as PoDL (Power over Data Line). By adopting PoDL, there is an advantage that it is not necessary to provide an independent power supply line.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

[0006] A power superposition connector according to the first aspect of this disclosure includes a housing having a first connection part and a second connection part that are electrically coupled to a communication line carrying an electrical signal, and a power switching circuit provided in the housing and connected to the first connection part and the second connection part, which exchanges power superimposed on the electrical signal on the communication line with power on a power line connected to the second connection part between the first connection part and the second connection part.

[0007] This disclosure can be implemented not only as such a characteristic power superimposed connector, power superimposed connector system, method for adjusting power supply, and method for supplying power, but also as a design method with such characteristic processing as steps, or as a program for causing a computer to execute such steps. Furthermore, it can be implemented as a semiconductor integrated circuit that implements part or all of the power superimposed connector, or as a power superimposed connector system including a power superimposed connector device. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle system employing a PoDL connector according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of a PoDL connector used in the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of the PoDL circuit that receives power supply. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the general configuration of the PoDL circuit that supplies power. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of another in-vehicle system employing a PoDL connector according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 6]Figure 6 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of yet another in-vehicle system employing a PoDL connector according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows an example of how the PoDL connector described in this disclosure can be used. [Figure 8] Figure 8 shows another example of how the PoDL connector described in this disclosure is used. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows a schematic configuration of an in-vehicle system using a PoDL connector according to the second and third embodiments of this disclosure. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a PoDL connector according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows an example of how the PoDL connector is used according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of a PoDL connector according to the third embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows an example of how the PoDL connector is used according to the second embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 shows an example of how the PoDL connector is used according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a circuit block diagram showing the schematic configuration of the PoDL connector according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows an example of how the PoDL connector is used according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] Figure 17 shows an example of how a PoDL connector can be used as a redundant power supply according to a third embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 18] Figure 18 shows another example of how the PoDL connector can be used as a redundant power supply. [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows yet another example of how a PoDL connector can be used as a redundant power supply. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the usage mode of the PoDL connector as a redundant power supply. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing another example of the usage mode of the PoDL connector as a redundant power supply. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing still another example of the usage mode of the PoDL connector as a redundant power supply. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the usage mode of the PoDL connector as a redundant power supply. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram showing another example of the usage mode of the PoDL connector as a redundant power supply. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a circuit diagram showing the schematic configuration of the PoDL connector used in the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. [Mode for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0009] [Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

[0010] There is an upper limit to the current that can be supplied from one PoDL circuit and an ECU equipped with the PoDL circuit. Therefore, when developing an in-vehicle system by adopting this technology, if a specific ECU is to be adopted, there may be cases where the power required by the ECU cannot be supplied by PoDL, etc., and the design freedom may be restricted.

[0011] The present disclosure aims to provide a power superposition connector, a power distribution method, a power superposition connector system, and a power distribution system that can increase the design freedom in an in-vehicle system adopting PoDL.

[0012] [Effects of the Invention] According to the present disclosure, a power superposition connector, a power distribution method, a power superposition connector system, and a power distribution system can be provided.

[0013] [Description of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure] In the following description and drawings, identical parts are given the same reference numerals. Therefore, detailed descriptions of them will not be repeated. Furthermore, at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any way.

[0014] (1) A power superposition connector according to the first aspect of this disclosure includes a housing having a first connection part and a second connection part that are electrically coupled to a communication line carrying an electrical signal, and a power exchange circuit provided in the housing and connected to the first connection part and the second connection part, which exchanges power superimposed on the electrical signal on the communication line with power on a power line connected to the second connection part between the first connection part and the second connection part. By using this power superposition connector, when power is superimposed on a communication line carrying an electrical signal and the power is distributed to each circuit, it is possible to easily branch, merge, and distribute power via the communication line in an in-vehicle system including multiple electronic circuit devices. As a result, the degree of design freedom can be increased in an in-vehicle system employing PoDL.

[0015] (2) In (1) above, the power superimposed on the electrical signal on the communication line may be DC power. This configuration allows for greater design flexibility in in-vehicle systems and the like that include multiple electronic circuit devices using a simple circuit.

[0016] (3) In (2) above, the power exchange circuit may include a low-pass filter. This configuration allows for the extraction of DC power from signals carried by communication lines and output to power lines in in-vehicle systems including multiple electronic circuit devices, thereby increasing design flexibility.

[0017] (4) In (2) above, the power exchange circuit may include a low-pass filter having a first connection terminal connected to the first connection part and a second connection terminal, and a voltage conversion circuit provided between the second connection terminal of the low-pass filter and the second connection part. With this configuration, power can be easily exchanged even between communication lines where DC power of different voltages is superimposed in an in-vehicle system including multiple electronic circuit devices, and the degree of freedom during design can be increased.

[0018] (5) In any one of (1) to (4) above, the first connection part may include a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal that are electrically coupled to the communication line, and an internal communication line provided in the housing that connects the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, and the power switching circuit may be provided between the internal communication line and the second connection part. This configuration increases the degree of design freedom in in-vehicle systems and the like that which include multiple electronic circuit devices.

[0019] (6) A power distribution method relating to the second aspect of this disclosure is a power distribution method that distributes power by a power superposition connector which includes a housing having a first connection part and a second connection part electrically coupled to a communication line capable of carrying an electrical signal with superimposed DC power, and a power exchange circuit provided in the housing connected to the first connection part and the second connection part, and which performs power exchange between the first connection part and the second connection part, the method comprising the steps of connecting the first connection part to a first communication line, connecting the second connection part to a power line different from the first communication line, extracting the power from the communication line via the first connection part, and using the power exchange circuit to exchange the power extracted in the power extraction step for power superimposed on an electrical signal on the power line via the second connection part. With this configuration, in an in-vehicle system including a plurality of electronic circuit devices, it becomes possible to change the power supply destination and power supply source between the first electronic circuit device and the second electronic circuit device, thereby increasing the degree of freedom during design.

[0020] (7) A power superimposed connector system relating to the third aspect of this disclosure includes a first power superimposed connector as described in any one of (1) to (5) above, a second power superimposed connector as described in any one of (1) to (5) above, the second connection portion of the first power superimposed connector, and a power line connected to the second connection portion of the second power superimposed connector. This configuration makes it easy to branch, merge, and distribute power between electronic circuit devices via communication lines in an in-vehicle system including multiple electronic circuit devices, thereby increasing design flexibility.

[0021] (8) In (7) above, the first connection portion of the first power superposition connector is connected to a first communication line that carries an electrical signal with superimposed DC power, and at least a portion of the DC power is branched from the first communication line and output as branched power to the power line, and the first connection portion of the second power superposition connector is connected to a second communication line that carries an electrical signal with superimposed DC power, and the branched power is received from the first power superposition connector via the power line and superimposed on the electrical signal on the second communication line. With this configuration, when supplying power via a first communication line between electronic circuits in an in-vehicle system including multiple electronic circuit devices, the supplied power can be easily branched, and the degree of freedom during design can be increased.

[0022] (9) In (8) above, at least one of the first communication line and the second communication line may be a network. This configuration makes it easy to split power supplied via the network and supply it to any electronic circuit in an in-vehicle system including multiple electronic circuit devices, or to split power supplied from an electronic circuit to the network and supply power from the network to any other electronic circuit device connected to the network, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in design.

[0023] (10) In (8) above, at least one of the first communication line and the second communication line may be a power line. With this configuration, in an in-vehicle system including multiple electronic circuit devices, it becomes possible to supply power to electronic circuit devices that cannot be directly supplied with power from the power line by branching power from the power line and superimposing it on the electrical signal on the communication line. As a result, the degree of freedom during design can be increased.

[0024] (11) In (8) above, the first communication line is connected to the first electronic circuit and the second electronic circuit, and the second communication line is connected to the first electronic circuit and a third electronic circuit that is different from both the first and second electronic circuits. With this configuration, in an in-vehicle system including multiple electronic circuit devices, a portion of the power supplied from the first electronic circuit to the second electronic circuit can also be supplied to the third electronic circuit. Therefore, even if it is possible to supply power from the first electronic circuit via the first communication line but not via the second communication line, it becomes easy to branch the power supplied from the first electronic circuit via the first communication line to the third electronic circuit connected to the second communication line. As a result, the degree of freedom in designing in-vehicle systems and the like can be increased.

[0025] (12) In (8) above, the first communication line connects the first electronic circuit and the second electronic circuit, and the second communication line connects to a third electronic circuit and a fourth electronic circuit, both of which are different from the first and second electronic circuits. With this configuration, in an in-vehicle system including multiple electronic circuit devices, the power supply can be branched between communication lines between different combinations of electronic circuits. As a result, the distribution of supplied power between different pairs of electronic circuits becomes easier, and the degree of freedom during design can be increased.

[0026] (13) In (8) above, the second communication line may be a communication line in which no DC power is superimposed on the electrical signal other than the branch power superimposed by the second power superimposition connector. With this configuration, when an electronic circuit that can receive power via a communication line is placed in place of an electronic circuit that previously did not receive power via a communication line, power can be supplied to the new electronic circuit via the communication line without requiring power wiring to the new electronic circuit. Furthermore, if the power supplied by the existing power wiring is insufficient for the operation of the new electronic circuit, the power supply via the communication line can compensate for the deficiency. As a result, the degree of freedom in the placement of electronic circuits is increased in in-vehicle systems including multiple electronic circuit devices, and the degree of freedom in the design of in-vehicle devices is increased.

[0027] (14) A power distribution system relating to the fourth aspect of this disclosure is a power distribution system including a first power superposition connector system and a second power superposition connector system as described in (7) above, wherein the first power superposition connector system is connected to a first communication line and a second communication line on which DC power can be superimposed, and the second power superposition connector system is connected between a third communication line different from both the first and second communication lines and the second communication line. This configuration makes it possible to supply power to the same second communication line from different first and third communication lines, or to supply power to both the first and third communication lines from the second communication line. As a result, it becomes possible to supply a large amount of power to other electronic circuit devices via the second communication line, or to supply power to multiple electronic circuit devices from a device connected to the second communication line, thereby increasing the degree of freedom in the design of in-vehicle devices and the like.

[0028] (15) In (14) above, the first power superposition connector system may branch off a portion of the DC power superimposed on the electrical signal on the first communication line and superimpose it on the electrical signal on the second communication line, and the second power superposition connector system may branch off a portion of the DC power superimposed on the electrical signal on the third communication line and superimpose it on the electrical signal on the second communication line. With this configuration, power can be supplied to the same second communication line from the first communication line and the third communication line. As a result, a large amount of power can be supplied to other electronic circuit devices via the second communication line, increasing the design flexibility of in-vehicle devices and the like.

[0029] (16) In (14) above, the first power superposition connector system may branch off a portion of the DC power superimposed on the electrical signal on the second communication line and superimpose it on the electrical signal on the first communication line, and the second power superposition connector system may branch off a portion of the DC power superimposed on the electrical signal on the second communication line and superimpose it on the electrical signal on the third communication line. With this configuration, if a large amount of power can be supplied from an electronic circuit device connected to the second communication line, power can be supplied to other electronic circuit devices connected to the first communication line or the third communication line. As a result, for example, even when introducing multiple new electronic circuit devices with high power consumption due to a design change in an in-vehicle system, the insufficient power can be supplied without strengthening the power supply path. As a result, the degree of freedom in designing in-vehicle systems and the like can be increased.

[0030] (17) A power superimposed connector system relating to a fifth aspect of this disclosure includes a first power superimposed connector and a second power superimposed connector as described in (4) above, wherein the voltage conversion circuit of the first power superimposed connector includes a boost circuit from a predetermined first voltage to a second voltage higher than the first voltage, and the voltage conversion circuit of the second power superimposed connector includes a step-down circuit from the second voltage to a third voltage lower than the second voltage. With this configuration, power transfer between communication lines is performed at a high voltage. As a result, the current can be reduced even when supplying the same amount of power compared to supplying power at a low voltage. As a result, the amount of power that can be supplied to each electronic circuit device can be kept at a sufficient level while suppressing heat generation. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing in-vehicle systems and the like can be increased.

[0031] (18) In (17) above, the third voltage is equal to the first voltage. With this configuration, power is transferred between communication lines at a high voltage, reducing current loss and suppressing heat generation compared to when power is branched at a low voltage. As a result, power loss can be reduced, and the power required for the operation of each electronic circuit device can be supplied at an appropriate voltage. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing in-vehicle systems and the like can be increased.

[0032] (19) In (17) above, the third voltage is different from the first voltage. With this configuration, power transfer between communication lines is performed at a high voltage, thus reducing power loss. In addition, the voltage necessary for the proper operation of the electronic circuits to which the power is supplied can be supplied to each electronic circuit. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing in-vehicle systems and the like can be increased.

[0033] (20) A power distribution system relating to the sixth aspect of this disclosure is a power distribution system comprising a first power superposition connector system comprising a first power superposition connector and a second power superposition connector as described in any one of (1) to (5) above, and a second power superposition connector system comprising a first power superposition connector and a second power superposition connector as described in any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein in both the first power superposition connector system and the second power superposition connector system, at least one of the first power superposition connector and the second power superposition connector has the configuration described in (4) above, the first power superposition connector of the first power superposition connector system is connected to a first communication line, and the first The second power superposition connector of the power superposition connector system is connected to a second communication line different from the first communication line, the first power superposition connector of the second power superposition connector system is connected to a third communication line different from both the first and second communication lines, and the second power superposition connector of the second power superposition connector system is connected to the second communication line. The first power superposition connector system branches the DC power of the first voltage superimposed on the electrical signal on the first communication line, converts it to a second voltage, and superimposes it on the electrical signal on the second communication line. The second power superposition connector system branches the DC power of the third voltage superimposed on the electrical signal on the third communication line, converts it to a second voltage, and superimposes it on the electrical signal on the second communication line. With this configuration, power can be branched from both the first and third communication lines and superimposed on the electrical signal on the second communication line. The superimposed voltages are all second voltages. By matching these second voltages to the voltage required to operate electronic circuit devices connected to the second communication line and receiving power, power from multiple power sources can be combined and supplied to the electronic circuit devices on the second communication line. As a result, even when connecting electronic circuit devices with high power consumption to the second communication line, it becomes unnecessary to reinforce the power supply circuit. Therefore, the degree of design flexibility for in-vehicle systems and other applications can be increased.

[0034] (21) In (20) above, the first voltage and the third voltage are different from each other. With this configuration, even when two power sources supplying different voltages are connected to the first and third communication lines, the power from them can be converted to the second voltage and supplied to the second communication line. As a result, even when an electronic circuit device with high power consumption is connected to the second communication line, it becomes unnecessary to reinforce the power supply circuit. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing in-vehicle systems and the like can be increased.

[0035] (22) In (20) above, the first voltage and the third voltage are equal. Therefore, the first power superposition connector system and the second power superposition connector system can have the same configuration. In addition, when connecting electronic circuit devices with high power consumption to the second communication line, it becomes unnecessary to reinforce the power supply circuit. Therefore, the degree of freedom in designing in-vehicle systems and the like can be increased.

[0036] (23) A power distribution system relating to the seventh aspect of this disclosure is a power distribution system comprising a first power superposition connector system comprising a first power superposition connector and a second power superposition connector as described in any one of (1) to (5) above, and a second power superposition connector system comprising a first power superposition connector and a second power superposition connector as described in any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein in both the first power superposition connector system and the second power superposition connector system, at least one of the first power superposition connector and the second power superposition connector has the configuration described in (4) above, the first power superposition connector of the first power superposition connector system is connected to a first communication line, and the first The second power superposition connector of the power superposition connector system is connected to a second communication line different from the first communication line, the first power superposition connector of the second power superposition connector system is connected to the first communication line, and the second power superposition connector of the second power superposition connector system is connected to a third communication line different from both the first and second communication lines. The first power superposition connector system branches the DC power of the first voltage superimposed on the electrical signal on the first communication line, converts it to a second voltage, and superimposes it on the electrical signal on the second communication line. The second power superposition connector system branches the DC power of the first voltage superimposed on the electrical signal on the first communication line, converts it to a third voltage, and superimposes it on the electrical signal on the third communication line. With this configuration, the power superimposed on the electrical signal on the first communication line is branched into the power of the second voltage and the power of the third voltage, and supplied to other electronic circuit devices through the second and third communication lines, respectively. The voltage of electronic circuit devices connected to the second and third communication lines is not limited to a specific voltage. As a result, the degree of design flexibility for in-vehicle systems and other applications can be increased.

[0037] (24) In (23) above, the second voltage and the third voltage are different from each other. With this configuration, the power superimposed on the electrical signal on the first communication line is split into powers of different voltages and supplied to other electronic circuit devices through the second and third communication lines, respectively. There is no need to unify the voltages of the electronic circuit devices connected to the second and third communication lines, which increases the design flexibility of in-vehicle systems and the like.

[0038] (25) In (23) above, the second voltage and the third voltage are equal to each other. With this configuration, the power superimposed on the electrical signal on the first communication line is split into powers of equal voltage and supplied to other electronic circuit devices through the second and third communication lines, respectively. The voltages of the electronic circuit devices connected to the second and third communication lines can be unified, and for example, if an electronic circuit device conforms to a certain standard, there is no need to particularly consider its power supply voltage. As a result, the degree of freedom in designing in-vehicle systems and the like can be increased.

[0039] (26) Any one of (14) to (24) above may further include a first electronic circuit device connected to the first communication line and a second electronic circuit device connected to the first communication line. The first electronic circuit device or the second electronic circuit device can be supplied with power from either of them to another communication line via the first communication line, or receive power from another communication line. This reduces the need to specifically consider the power consumption of the first and second electronic circuit devices, or the power consumption of other electronic circuit devices, thereby increasing the design flexibility of in-vehicle systems and the like.

[0040] [Details of the embodiments of this disclosure] Specific examples of power superimposed connectors, power distribution methods, power superimposed connector systems, and power distribution systems according to the embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. This disclosure is not limited to these examples, but is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope of the claims as indicated by the claims. For example, in the following description, CAN (Controller Area Network) is given as an in-vehicle network. However, this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. The in-vehicle network is not limited to CAN; any of CAN FD (CAN with Flexible Data rate), CAN XL, LIN (Local Interconnect Network), CXPI (Clock Extension Peripheral Interface), MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport), FlexRay, 100BASE-T1, etc., may be used. Also, generally, data signals are differential signals and require two communication lines. However, in the following description, to avoid complexity in the drawings, each communication line is represented by a single line. Although a set of two terminals is actually formed for communication lines, they are represented by a single rectangle in the drawings.

[0041] 1. First Embodiment 1-1 First Usage Mode (Power Supply Between Communication Lines) The PoDL connector described in this disclosure can be used to supply power from one power supply device to another using PoDL, such as a C-ECU or an ECU with different interfaces.

[0042] Figure 1 shows an in-vehicle system 50 using a PoDL connector according to a first embodiment of this disclosure in a first mode of use. Referring to Figure 1, this in-vehicle system 50 includes C-ECU60, ECU62, ECU64, ECU66, and ECU68, as well as CAN78. C-ECU60 is connected to ECU62, ECU64, ECU66, and ECU68 by communication lines 70, 72, 74, and 76, respectively. Among these communication lines, communication lines 70, 72, and 76 are communication lines that carry data signals, which are electrical signals superimposed with DC power. A PoDL circuit for power supply, described later, is provided in the part of C-ECU60 that is connected to these communication lines. In Figure 1, the part where this PoDL circuit is provided is labeled "PoDL". The same applies to subsequent figures. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the parts of ECU62, ECU64, ECU66, and ECU68 that are connected to each communication line are provided with a PoDL circuit for power reception, which will be described later.

[0043] PoDL connectors 80 and 84 are inserted into communication line 72 and communication line 74, respectively. PoDL connectors 80 and 84 are connected by power line 82. PoDL connectors 86 and 88 are inserted into communication line 76 and CAN 78, respectively. PoDL connectors 86 and 88 are connected by power line 90. These are examples of power superposition connector systems according to this disclosure.

[0044] Figure 2 shows the configuration of the PoDL connector 80. Referring to Figure 2, the PoDL connector 80 includes a housing 180. The housing 180 is provided with a first connection part 210 for inserting the housing 180 between the communication lines 76 and electrically coupling with the communication lines 76, and a second connection part 204 for electrically coupling with the power lines 82. The first connection part 210 includes connection terminals 200 and 202, which are electrically connected to the communication lines 76 on both sides, respectively.

[0045] The PoDL connector 80 includes an internal communication line 206 provided within the housing 180 to connect connection terminals 200 and 202, and a coil 208 which is a low-pass filter provided between the internal communication line 206 and the second connection part 204. This low-pass filter extracts DC power from the signal carried by the internal communication line 206 and outputs it to the power line 82, thereby performing power exchange between the internal communication line 206 and the power line 82. Extracting DC power from the data signal carried by the internal communication line 206 and outputting it to the power line 82 is an example of exchanging power superimposed on the electrical signal on the communication line with power on the power line connected to the second connection part. The low-pass filter is an example of a power exchange circuit. In this specification, "inserting" a PoDL connector or internal communication line 206 into a communication line means not only splitting the communication line 76 into two and connecting both to terminals such as connection terminal 200 and connection terminal 202, as shown in Figure 2, thereby making an internal communication line such as the internal communication line 206 part of the communication line 76, but also directly coupling the communication line 76 electrically inside the PoDL connector without splitting it, as in the fourth embodiment described later. Furthermore, in Figures 3 and below, terminals such as connection terminal 200, connection terminal 202, and second connection part 204 are not shown in the figures to avoid complicating the drawings. If the internal communication line consists of two signal lines for communicating differential signals, the configuration shown in Figure 2 may be applied to each signal line.

[0046] Figure 3 shows the configuration of a PoDL circuit 250 for power input, provided, for example, in the ECU 62. Referring to Figure 3, the PoDL circuit 250 includes an internal communication line 266 inserted between the communication lines 70, and a low-pass filter consisting of a coil 268 and a capacitor 272 connected between the internal communication line 266 and ground potential, which is an example of a power exchange circuit. Node 270, which is the contact point between the low-pass filter coil 268 and the capacitor 272, is connected to the power line 254 of the ECU 62. The low-pass filter is for power exchange between the internal communication line 266 and the power line 254.

[0047] Figure 4 shows the configuration of a PoDL circuit 300 for power supply, provided, for example, in a C-ECU 60. Referring to Figure 4, the PoDL circuit 300 includes an internal communication line 320 inserted between the communication lines 70, and a low-pass filter consisting of a coil 322 and a capacitor 328 connected between the internal communication line 320 and ground potential, which is an example of a power exchange circuit. The PoDL circuit 300 further includes a diode 330 inserted between a power line 318 from the power supply of the C-ECU 60 and a node 326, which is the connection point between the low-pass filter coil 322 and the capacitor 328, such that the direction from the power line 318 to the node 326 is forward. The low-pass filter and diode 330 are for power exchange between the power line 318 and the internal communication line 320.

[0048] The DC power from the C-ECU60's power supply is superimposed on the data signal on the communication line 70 after passing through the diode 330 and a low-pass filter.

[0049] In the example shown in Figure 1, let's consider a case where neither PoDL connector 80 nor PoDL connector 84 are present. ECU66 needs to receive power from a power source independent of C-ECU60. However, by providing PoDL connectors 80 and 84, power can be supplied to ECU66 via PoDL through the path C-ECU60, communication line 72, power line 82, PoDL connector 84, and communication line 74. As a result, there is no need to provide a separate power supply line for ECU66, and the total length of the wire harness can be prevented from becoming excessively long.

[0050] Similarly, in Figure 1, it becomes necessary to use a high-power ECU68, and the power supply from the C-ECU60 via PoDL may be insufficient. In such cases, replacing the C-ECU60 with another unit would increase costs and be impractical. By superimposing DC power on the data signals on CAN78, additional power can be supplied to the ECU68 from CAN78 via the PoDL connector 88, power line 90, and communication line 76. As a result, the necessary power can be secured for the ECU68, eliminating the need to modify the C-ECU60 or install additional power supply lines.

[0051] 1-2 Second Usage Mode (Power Supply Between Communication Lines) Figure 5 is a block diagram showing the schematic configuration of another in-vehicle system employing a PoDL connector according to the first embodiment of this disclosure. Referring to Figure 5, the hardware configuration of the in-vehicle system 100 according to this usage is the same as that of the in-vehicle system 50 shown in Figure 1, except that ECU 110 is connected to the communication line 74 instead of ECU 66 shown in Figure 1. ECU 110 has the function of supplying power to other devices via PoDL.

[0052] By using ECU110, which has power supply capabilities, instead of ECU66 as shown in Figure 1, power can be supplied to ECU64 from ECU110 via communication line 74, PoDL connector 84, power line 82, PoDL connector 80, and communication line 72, in addition to the power from C-ECU60. As a result, it becomes possible to replace ECU64 with a higher-performance unit without having to install a new power supply line.

[0053] 1-3 Third Usage Mode (Power Supply Between Communication Lines and Power Lines) Figure 6 shows an in-vehicle system representing a third usage mode of the PoDL connector according to the first embodiment. Referring to Figure 6, the in-vehicle system 150 according to the third usage mode is the same as the in-vehicle system 50 shown in Figure 1, but with the PoDL connectors 80, 84, and 88 removed, and additional power supplied to the ECU 68 from the power line 164 instead of from the CAN 78. A PoDL connector 166 is provided on the power line 164. The third terminal of the PoDL connector 166 is connected to the third terminal of the PoDL connector 86 by the power line 90.

[0054] With this configuration, the ECU68 receives additional power from power line 164, via PoDL connector 166, power line 90, PoDL connector 86, and communication line 76, in addition to the power from the C-ECU60. This makes it possible to replace the ECU68 with a higher-performance unit that consumes more power without changing other components such as the C-ECU60. As a result, it is possible to increase the design flexibility of the in-vehicle system while preventing an increase in the number of power supply lines.

[0055] 1-4 Fourth Usage Scenario (Addition / Replacement of ECU) Figure 7 shows the configuration of the in-vehicle system 340, which is the fourth usage mode of the first embodiment. Referring to Figure 7, in this example, the C-ECU 350 is connected to two ECUs by communication lines 356 and 358, respectively. Of these communication lines, a PoDL circuit is provided inside the C-ECU 350 for communication line 358, but not for communication line 356.

[0056] In this situation, consider the case where ECU352 is newly connected to communication line 356 and ECU354 is newly connected to communication line 358, replacing the previous ones. Of these, ECU352 has a PoDL circuit at the connection point with communication line 356, while ECU354 does not. However, ECU354 includes a power receiving circuit that extracts DC power from the signal carried by the communication line and supplies it to itself.

[0057] In this example, the PoDL circuit of C-ECU350 is unable to supply sufficient power to ECU354.

[0058] However, in the example shown in Figure 7, the ECU 352 has a PoDL circuit at the connection point with the communication line 356. Therefore, in this usage embodiment, power can be further supplied from the ECU 352 to the ECU 354 using the PoDL connector according to the first embodiment, as follows.

[0059] Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the worker inserts the PoDL connector 360 into the communication line 356. The worker then inserts the PoDL connector 362 into the communication line 358. The worker then connects the third terminal of the PoDL connector 360 and the third terminal of the PoDL connector 362 with the power line 364. Note that "worker" refers to the designer if it is during the design phase of the in-vehicle system, or to a service technician or similar person performing the work during the recovery phase in the event of a failure in the in-vehicle system, or when adding or replacing equipment.

[0060] This configuration allows power to be supplied to ECU354 via the following path: ECU352, communication line 356, PoDL connector 360, power line 364, PoDL connector 362, and communication line 358. As a result, when power becomes insufficient due to adding and connecting a new ECU354 to C-ECU350 or replacing an ECU354 with a new one, the necessary power can be supplied to ECU354 without the need to install a new power supply line.

[0061] 1-5 Fifth Usage Scenario (Addition / Replacement of ECU) Figure 8 shows the configuration of the in-vehicle system 370 according to the fifth usage mode of the first embodiment of this disclosure. Referring to Figure 8, the in-vehicle system 370 is the same as the in-vehicle system 340 shown in Figure 7, but with C-ECU 350 replaced by C-ECU 380 and ECU 352 replaced by ECU 382. C-ECU 380 differs from C-ECU 350 in that it has a PoDL circuit not only at the connection point with communication line 358 but also at the connection point with communication line 356. ECU 382 differs from ECU 352 shown in Figure 7 in that it does not have a PoDL circuit at the connection point with communication line 356.

[0062] In the example shown in Figure 8, as in the case of Figure 7, we assume a situation where the ECU 354 cannot operate solely on the power supplied from the C-ECU 380 via the communication line 358. In the example shown in Figure 8, as in Figure 7, the operator inserts the PoDL connector 360 and the PoDL connector 362 into the communication line 356 and the communication line 358, respectively, and connects the third terminals of both with the power line 364.

[0063] With this configuration, in addition to the power received from the C-ECU380 via the communication line 358, the ECU354 can receive additional power from the C-ECU380 via the PoDL connector 360, power line 364, PoDL connector 362, and communication line 358. As a result, the ECU354 can be connected to and operated by the C-ECU380 without the need for additional power supply lines.

[0064] 2. Second Embodiment 2-1 First Usage Mode (Power Supply with Voltage Conversion Function) Figure 9 shows the configuration of an in-vehicle system 400 according to a first usage embodiment, employing a PoDL connector according to the second embodiment of this disclosure. Referring to Figure 9, the in-vehicle system 400 includes a C-ECU 410, an ECU 412, and an ECU 414. ECU 412 is connected to C-ECU 410 via a communication line 416. C-ECU 410 and ECU 414 are connected to each other via a communication line 418. A PoDL circuit is provided at the connection point of C-ECU 410 to the communication line 416, and ECU 412 receives 5V DC power from C-ECU 410 via the PoDL. A PoDL circuit is not provided at the connection point of C-ECU 410 to the communication line 418. ECU 414 is assumed to receive power from an external power source. ECU 414 is provided with a PoDL circuit that enables it to output 12V DC power.

[0065] Referring to Figure 10, the PoDL connector 420 includes a housing 430, an internal communication line 438 positioned within the housing 430 so as to be inserted into the communication line 416, a coil 432 which is a low-pass filter mounted on a circuit board (not shown) within the housing 430 with its first terminal connected to the power line 424, a boost / buck power supply 434 which is a voltage conversion circuit with its input connected to the second terminal of the coil 432 which is the low-pass filter, and a diode 436 forward-connected between the output of the boost / buck power supply 434 and the internal communication line 438.

[0066] In this state, the power supplied to ECU412 from C-ECU410 via communication line 416 is insufficient.

[0067] In such cases, the worker inserts the PoDL connector 420 according to the second embodiment of this disclosure into the communication line 416 and the same PoDL connector 422 as the PoDL connector 80 according to the first embodiment into the communication line 418. The PoDL connector 420 has a voltage conversion function that converts 12V DC power to 5V DC power, as will be described later. The worker further connects the third terminal of the PoDL connector 420 and the third terminal of the PoDL connector 422 with a power line 424.

[0068] As a result, C-ECU410 and ECU414 can supply power to ECU412 as follows: C-ECU410 supplies a 5V DC current to ECU412 via communication line 416. ECU414 outputs a 12V DC power to communication line 418.

[0069] Referring to Figure 9, the PoDL connector 422, located on the communication line 418, extracts the DC component from the communication line 418 and outputs it to the power line 424. This DC component is input to the third terminal of the PoDL connector 420.

[0070] Referring to Figure 10, the coil 432, which is a low-pass filter of the PoDL connector 420, extracts the DC component again from the power line 424 and inputs it to the boost / buck power supply 434. In this example, the boost / buck power supply 434 converts the extracted DC power voltage of 12V to 5V and superimposes it on the data signal on the communication line 416 via the diode 436. As a result, the ECU 412 is supplied with both 5V DC power from the C-ECU 410 and 5V DC power obtained by converting the 12V DC power from the ECU 414 via the communication line 416. Therefore, a high-performance ECU 412 with high power consumption can be used without adding a power harness.

[0071] 2-2 Second Usage Mode (Power Supply with Voltage Conversion Function) Figure 11 shows the configuration of an in-vehicle system 490 relating to a second usage mode of the PoDL connector according to the second embodiment. Referring to Figure 11, the in-vehicle system 490 includes C-ECU 500, C-ECU 502, ECU 504 and ECU 506, both connected to C-ECU 500, and ECU 508 and ECU 510, both connected to C-ECU 502. The in-vehicle system 490 further includes an in-vehicle network, CAN 520.

[0072] ECU504 and ECU506 are connected to C-ECU500 via communication lines 512 and 514, respectively. C-ECU500 has a PoDL circuit at the connection point to each communication line. In this example, it is assumed that 12V DC power is superimposed on communication line 514 from C-ECU500. ECU508 and ECU510 are connected to C-ECU502 via communication lines 516 and 518, respectively. In this example, it is assumed that C-ECU502 superimposes 24V DC power on communication line 516 and 3V DC power on communication line 518, respectively. Furthermore, it is assumed that 5V DC power is superimposed on CAN520.

[0073] In this configuration, if high-performance ECU508 and ECU510 are used, the required power may not be secured depending on the DC power that can be supplied from C-ECU502 to ECU508 and ECU510. The PoDL connector according to this second embodiment solves this problem as follows.

[0074] Specifically, as shown in Figure 11, the worker inserts a PoDL connector 522, which has a voltage conversion function from 12V to 24V, into the communication line 514. The worker inserts a PoDL connector 524, which does not have a voltage conversion function, into the communication line 516. The worker further connects the third terminal of the PoDL connector 522 and the third terminal of the PoDL connector 524 with a power line 526. Meanwhile, the worker inserts a PoDL connector 528, which does not have a voltage conversion function, into the communication line 518. For CAN 520, the worker inserts a PoDL connector 530, which has a voltage conversion function from 5V to 3.3V. The worker further connects the third terminal of the PoDL connector 530 and the third terminal of the PoDL connector 528 with a power line 532.

[0075] Figure 12 shows the configuration of the PoDL connector 522. The configuration of the PoDL connector 530 is similar. Referring to Figure 12, the PoDL connector 522 includes an internal communication line 486 inserted into the communication line 514, a low-pass filter 480 with its first terminal connected to the internal communication line 486, a boost / buck power supply 482 which is a voltage conversion circuit with an input terminal connected to the second terminal of the low-pass filter 480, and a diode 484 forward-connected between the output terminal of the boost / buck power supply 482 and the power line 526. In this example, the boost / buck power supply 482 has the function of boosting 12V DC power to 24V. The PoDL connector 530 has a similar configuration but has the function of stepping down 5V DC power to 3.3V.

[0076] With this configuration, ECU508 receives power from C-ECU502, plus additional power from C-ECU500 via communication line 514, PoDL connector 522, power line 526, PoDL connector 524, and communication line 516. Meanwhile, ECU510 receives power from C-ECU502, plus additional power from CAN520 via PoDL connector 530, power line 532, PoDL connector 528, and communication line 518. As a result, high-performance ECU508 and ECU510 can be used without adding a power harness. Note that in Figure 11, PoDL connector 524 does not have a voltage conversion function, but it may be possible to give PoDL connector 524 a voltage conversion function. For example, if ECU508 operates with 5V power, a PoDL connector with a 24V to 5V step-down function can be used instead of PoDL connector 524.

[0077] 2-3 Third Usage Mode (Power Supply of Multiple Voltages from a Power Source) Figure 13 shows the configuration of an in-vehicle system 540 that has the function of supplying power of different voltages from a power source to multiple ECUs by using multiple PoDL connectors with voltage conversion function according to the second embodiment. Referring to Figure 13, the in-vehicle system 540 includes a C-ECU 550 and ECUs 552, 554, 556, and 558 connected via communication lines 560, 562, 564, and 566, respectively. The in-vehicle system 540 also includes a power line 588 for, for example, a 24V DC power supply. If the C-ECU 550 does not have a PoDL circuit, it is necessary to provide power harnesses to supply power to ECUs 552, 554, 556, and 558, respectively. However, in this embodiment, by using the PoDL connector according to the second embodiment of this disclosure, power can be supplied to ECU552, ECU554, ECU556, and ECU558 from the power line 588 without the need to add those power harnesses.

[0078] In other words, the worker inserts PoDL connectors 590, 592, 594, and 596 into communication lines 560, 562, 564, and 566, respectively, and connects their third terminals to power line 588 via power lines 598, 600, 602, and 604, respectively.

[0079] PoDL connector 590 has the function of converting 24V DC power to 12V. PoDL connectors 592 and 594 both have the function of converting 24V DC power to 3.3V. PoDL connector 596 has the function of converting 24V DC power to 5V.

[0080] Thus, by using the PoDL connector according to this second embodiment, DC power of different voltages can be supplied to multiple ECUs from a single power harness. There is no need to add a power harness to supply power to each ECU.

[0081] 2-4 Fourth Usage Mode (Power Supply of Multiple Voltages from a Power Source) Figure 14 shows the configuration of an in-vehicle system 610 that can supply DC power of different voltages to multiple ECUs using a modified example of the PoDL connector with voltage conversion function according to this second embodiment. Referring to Figure 14, the in-vehicle system 610 includes C-ECU 550, ECU 552, ECU 554, ECU 556, and ECU 558, similar to those in Figure 13. Communication lines 560, 562, 564, and 566 are also the same as those in Figure 13.

[0082] In this fourth embodiment of use, instead of the PoDL connectors 590, 592, 594, and 596 shown in Figure 13, PoDL connectors 636, 634, 632, and 630, which do not have a voltage conversion function, are used. In this fourth embodiment of use, connectors 620, 622, 624, and 626, which all have a voltage conversion function and are connected to the power line 588, are also used. The third terminals of PoDL connectors 630, 632, 634, and 636 are connected to the third terminals of connectors 620, 622, 624, and 626, respectively, by power lines 640, 642, 644, and 646.

[0083] Figure 15 shows, for example, the configuration of connector 620 in Figure 14. Referring to Figure 15, connector 620 includes an internal power line 664 connected to power line 588, a boost / buck power supply 660 which is a voltage conversion circuit with its input connected to the internal power line 664, and a diode 662 inserted between the output of the boost / buck power supply 660 and the power line 640, with this direction being the forward direction. In this example, connector 620 converts 24V DC power to 12V. Therefore, the boost / buck power supply 660 has the function of converting 24V DC power to 12V. In other words, the boost / buck power supply 660 and diode 662 are for power exchange between power line 588 and power line 640.

[0084] With this configuration, for example, connector 620 converts the 24V DC power from power line 588 to 5V and outputs it to power line 640. PoDL connector 630 superimposes this 5V DC power onto the data signal on communication line 566. As a result, ECU 558 is supplied with 5V DC power via communication line 566.

[0085] Similarly, connector 622 converts the 24V DC power from power line 588 to 3.3V and outputs it to power line 642. PoDL connector 632 superimposes this 3.3V DC power onto the data signal on communication line 564. Connector 624 converts the 24V DC power from power line 588 to 3.3V and outputs it to power line 644. PoDL connector 634 superimposes this 3.3V DC power onto the data signal on communication line 562. Connector 626 converts the 24V DC power from power line 588 to 12V and outputs it to power line 646. PoDL connector 636 superimposes this 12V DC power onto the data signal on communication line 560.

[0086] As a result, even if the C-ECU550 does not have a PoDL circuit, power can be supplied to the ECU552, ECU554, ECU556, and ECU558 from the power line 588 without an additional power harness. Note that connectors without a PoDL function, such as the connector 620 in this embodiment, can also be used for power superposition, and a connector system including connector 629 and PoDL connector 630 and a power line 640 connecting them is also an example of a power superposition connector system according to this disclosure.

[0087] 2-5 Fifth Usage Mode (Power Supply via High Voltage between Communication Lines) Figure 16 shows the configuration of an in-vehicle system 670 according to a fifth usage mode of the PoDL connector according to the second embodiment. Referring to Figure 16, the in-vehicle system 670 includes a C-ECU 680 that receives power from a power source (not shown), and ECUs 682 and 684, both connected to the C-ECU 680. ECUs 682 and 684 are connected to the C-ECU 680 by communication lines 686 and 688, respectively. No PoDL circuit is provided at the connection point of the C-ECU 680 to communication line 686. A PoDL circuit is provided at the connection point of the C-ECU 680 to communication line 688. The voltage of the DC power superimposed on the data signal on communication line 688 is 12V. The in-vehicle system 670 further includes an in-vehicle network, CAN 692. It is assumed that 12V DC power is superimposed on the data signal on CAN 692 by PoDL.

[0088] In this example, the power required by ECU684 is high, and the power received from C-ECU680 is insufficient. To compensate for this shortage, additional power is supplied to ECU684 via PoDL from CAN692 through communication line 688.

[0089] To this end, the in-vehicle system 670 includes a PoDL connector 694 inserted into CAN 692, which has a 12V to 24V boost function; a PoDL connector 690 inserted into communication line 688, which has a 24V to 12V step-down function; and a power line 696 connecting the third terminal of PoDL connector 694 and the third terminal of PoDL connector 690.

[0090] In this configuration, the 12V DC power superimposed on CAN692 is boosted to 24V by PoDL connector 694 and then stepped down to 12V by PoDL connector 690. As a result, a 12V DC voltage is supplied to ECU684 via communication line 688. Power can be supplied to ECU684 without adding a power harness to supply power to ECU684. Because the DC power voltage is boosted by PoDL connector 694 before being supplied to PoDL connector 690, the current can be reduced compared to supplying power at a lower voltage, which in turn reduces heat generation.

[0091] 3. Third Embodiment The PoDL connector disclosed herein can also be used to ensure redundant power in an in-vehicle network. Such a usage will be described below as a third embodiment.

[0092] 3-1 First Usage Mode Referring to Figure 17, the in-vehicle network 710 according to the first usage mode of the third embodiment includes C-ECU720 and C-ECU722, which receive power from a power source (not shown), and ECU724, ECU726, ECU728, and ECU730. ECU724 and ECU726 are connected to C-ECU720 via communication lines 732 and 734, respectively. ECU728 and ECU730 are connected to C-ECU722 via communication lines 736 and 738, respectively.

[0093] C-ECU720 has a PoDL circuit at the connection point with communication line 732. However, ECU730 does not have a PoDL circuit at the connection point with communication line 734. C-ECU722 has PoDL circuits at both the connection points with communication line 736 and the connection points with communication line 738. ECU724, ECU728, and ECU730 do not have PoDL circuits and operate on power supplied from C-ECU720 or C-ECU722. However, ECU726 receives power from an external source via an independent power harness (not shown). ECU726 also has a PoDL circuit at the connection point with communication line 734 and has the function of superimposing DC power on the data signal on communication line 734.

[0094] In this in-vehicle network 710, for example, when ECU 726 is off (disabled), ECU 726 does not use power. In this case, it is preferable to allow the power supplied to ECU 726 from an external source to be supplied to other ECUs (e.g., ECU 728).

[0095] To this end, in this embodiment, the operator inserts a PoDL connector 740 into communication line 734. The operator also inserts a PoDL connector 742 into communication line 736. The operator further connects the third terminal of PoDL connector 740 and the third terminal of PoDL connector 742 with a power line 744. In this way, when ECU 726 is off, power can be supplied from ECU 726 to ECU 728 via communication line 734, PoDL connector 740, power line 744, PoDL connector 742, and communication line 736. As a result, sufficient power is supplied to ECU 728, allowing it to operate with margin. Alternatively, the power supply from C-ECU 722 to ECU 728 can be stopped, allowing ECU 728 to operate using only power from ECU 726. In this case, C-ECU722 only needs to supply power to ECU730, which has the effect of freeing up processing power for C-ECU722.

[0096] 3-2 Second Usage Mode Referring to Figure 18, the in-vehicle network 745 according to the second usage mode of the third embodiment differs from the in-vehicle network 710 shown in Figure 17 in that it includes a C-ECU 746 which has a PoDL circuit in the communication section with the communication line 734, instead of the C-ECU 720 shown in Figure 17, and it includes an ECU 748 which does not have a PoDL circuit, instead of the ECU 726 shown in Figure 17.

[0097] In the in-vehicle network 745 shown in Figure 18, for example, when ECU 724 or ECU 748 is in sleep mode or off, C-ECU 746 can supply excess power to ECU 728 via the communication line 734, PoDL connector 740, power line 744, PoDL connector 742, and communication line 736. Therefore, the in-vehicle network 745 can be configured such that C-ECU 722 only needs to supply power to ECU 730 and stop supplying power to ECU 728.

[0098] 3-3 Third Usage Figure 19 shows the configuration of the in-vehicle network 750 according to the third usage mode of the third embodiment. Referring to Figure 19, the in-vehicle network 750 includes C-ECU 760 and ECU 762 and ECU 764. ECU 762 and ECU 764 are connected to C-ECU 760 by communication lines 766 and 768, respectively. C-ECU 760 has PoDL circuits at both the connection point to communication line 766 and the connection point to communication line 768. Neither ECU 762 nor ECU 764 have PoDL circuits. The in-vehicle network 750 further includes the in-vehicle network CAN 772.

[0099] The in-vehicle network 750 further includes a PoDL connector 770 inserted into a communication line 768, a PoDL connector 774 inserted into a CAN 772, and a power line 776 connecting the third terminal of the PoDL connector 770 to the third terminal of the PoDL connector 774.

[0100] PoDL connectors 770 and 774 may or may not have a voltage conversion function. The choice depends on the relationship between the design voltage of the DC power superimposed on communication line 768 and the design voltage of the DC power superimposed on CAN772.

[0101] According to this in-vehicle network 750, when ECU 764 is off, power can be supplied to ECU 764 from C-ECU 760, but rather superimposed on data signals on CAN 772 via the PoDL connector 770, power line 776, and PoDL connector 774. As a result, power can be supplied to other devices (not shown) that are configured to receive power from CAN 772.

[0102] 3-4 Fourth Usage Mode Referring to Figure 20, the in-vehicle system 790 according to the fourth usage mode of the third embodiment includes C-ECU800, ECU802, and ECU804. C-ECU800 receives power from an external source via a power line (not shown). ECU802 and ECU804 are connected to C-ECU800 via communication lines 806 and 808, respectively. C-ECU800 has a PoDL circuit at the connection point with communication line 806 and supplies DC power to ECU802 via communication line 806. ECU802 operates using this DC power. However, C-ECU800 does not have a PoDL circuit at the connection point with communication line 808. ECU802 does not have a PoDL circuit. However, ECU804 has a PoDL circuit and operates by receiving power from a power line (not shown).

[0103] In an in-vehicle system 790 having such a configuration, suppose the power line to the C-ECU800 is disconnected for some reason. Normally, the C-ECU800 will not operate unless the power line is restored. However, in a configuration like that of the in-vehicle system 790, by using the PoDL connector disclosed herein, power to the C-ECU800 can be secured and the in-vehicle system 790 can be restored as follows.

[0104] Specifically, the worker inserts the PoDL connector 810 into communication line 806 and the PoDL connector 812 into communication line 808. The worker then connects the third terminal of the PoDL connector 810 and the third terminal of the PoDL connector 812 with the power line 814. As a result, power can be supplied from the ECU 804 to the C-ECU 800 via the path from the ECU 804 to communication line 808, PoDL connector 812, power line 814, and communication line 806. Therefore, redundant power supply for the in-vehicle system 790 can be ensured by the PoDL connector 810, CAN 812, and power line 814. Thus, the in-vehicle system 790 can be made to perform only the minimum necessary functions.

[0105] In this case as well, whether to use PoDL connectors 812 and 810 with or without a voltage conversion function should be determined based on the operating voltage of the C-ECU800, the voltage supplied from the ECU804, etc.

[0106] 3-5 Fifth Usage Figure 21 shows the configuration of the in-vehicle system 840 according to the fifth usage mode of the third embodiment. Referring to Figure 21, the in-vehicle system 840 includes C-ECU850, C-ECU852, ECU854, ECU856, ECU858, and ECU860. ECU854 and ECU856 are connected to C-ECU850 via communication lines 862 and 864, respectively. ECU858 and ECU860 are connected to C-ECU852 via communication lines 866 and 868, respectively. Both C-ECU850 and C-ECU852 receive power from an external source via power lines (not shown).

[0107] The C-ECU850 does not have a PoDL circuit at the connection point with communication line 862. However, the C-ECU850 does have a PoDL circuit at the connection point with communication line 864. The ECU854 operates on power supplied externally via a power line (not shown). The ECU856 operates on power supplied from the C-ECU850 via communication line 864. Neither the ECU854 nor the ECU856 have a PoDL circuit.

[0108] The C-ECU852 has PoDL circuits at both the connection point to communication line 866 and the connection point to communication line 868. The ECU858 and ECU860 operate using DC power supplied from the C-ECU852 via communication line 866 and communication line 868, respectively.

[0109] In this in-vehicle system 840, if a power line supplying power to the C-ECU 850 is disconnected, the C-ECU 850 will cease to operate. Normally, the C-ECU 850 will not operate until the power line is restored, and the in-vehicle system 840 will not be able to perform its normal functions. However, by using the PoDL connector disclosed herein, power to the C-ECU 850 can be secured as follows, and the in-vehicle system 840 can be made to function, albeit temporarily.

[0110] Specifically, the worker inserts the PoDL connector 870 into the communication line 864, as shown in Figure 21. The worker also inserts the PoDL connector 872 into the communication line 866. The worker further connects the third terminal of the PoDL connector 870 and the third terminal of the PoDL connector 872 with the power line 874.

[0111] With this connection, power can be supplied from C-ECU852 to C-ECU850 via the communication line 866, PoDL connector 872, power line 874, PoDL connector 870, and communication line 864. As a result, C-ECU850 can resume operation. Therefore, the in-vehicle system 840 can perform its overall functions, albeit temporarily.

[0112] 3-6 Sixth Usage Mode Figure 22 shows the configuration of an in-vehicle system 900 according to a sixth use case of a third embodiment of this disclosure. Referring to Figure 22, the in-vehicle system 900 includes a C-ECU 910, and ECUs 912 and 914. The in-vehicle system 900 further includes a CAN 922 as an in-vehicle network. The C-ECU 910 receives power from an external source via power lines (not shown).

[0113] ECU912 and ECU914 are connected to C-ECU910 by communication lines 916 and 918, respectively. C-ECU910 does not have a PoDL circuit at the connection point with communication line 916. However, C-ECU910 does have a PoDL circuit at the connection point with communication line 918. Therefore, ECU912 operates by receiving power from an external source via a power supply line (not shown), and ECU914 operates by receiving power from C-ECU910 via PoDL.

[0114] The data signals on the CAN922 are superimposed with DC power from other devices (not shown).

[0115] Consider the case where a power line supplying power to the C-ECU 910 in this in-vehicle system 900 is disconnected. Normally, the C-ECU 910 would stop operating, and the in-vehicle system 900 would be unable to perform its functions. However, by using the PoDL connector disclosed herein, the in-vehicle system 900 can be made to operate temporarily, as described below, and its functions can be realized.

[0116] Specifically, the worker inserts the PoDL connector 920 into the communication line 918. The worker inserts the PoDL connector 924 into the CAN 922. The worker further connects the third terminal of the PoDL connector 920 and the third terminal of the PoDL connector 924 with the power line 926. By making these connections, the DC power superimposed on the data signal on the CAN 922 can be supplied to the C-ECU 910 via the path of the PoDL connector 924, the power line 926, the power line 926, and the communication line 918. As a result, the C-ECU 910 can be started up, and all the functions of the in-vehicle system 900 can be provisionally realized.

[0117] In this embodiment as well, whether to use PoDL connectors 924 and 920 with a voltage conversion function or those without a voltage conversion function is determined by the voltage of the DC power superimposed on the data signal on the power line 916 and the voltage of the DC power superimposed on the data signal on the CAN 922.

[0118] 3-7 Seventh Usage Mode Figure 23 shows the configuration of an in-vehicle system 950 according to the seventh use case of the third embodiment of this disclosure. Referring to Figure 23, the in-vehicle system 950 includes a C-ECU 960, an ECU 962, and an ECU 964. The C-ECU 960 is powered externally by a power line (not shown). The ECUs 962 and 964 are connected to the C-ECU 960 by communication lines 966 and 968, respectively. The C-ECU 960 does not have a PoDL circuit at the connection point with communication line 966. The C-ECU 962 operates by obtaining power externally from an independent power line (not shown). However, the C-ECU 960 has a PoDL circuit at the connection point with communication line 968. The ECU 964 operates on power supplied from the C-ECU 960 via communication line 968. The in-vehicle system 950 further includes a power line 972.

[0119] In this configuration, we assume that the power line of the C-ECU960 is disconnected. The C-ECU960 will stop operating, and the in-vehicle system 950 will also cease to function. However, as described below, power can be supplied to the C-ECU960 by using the PoDL connector disclosed herein.

[0120] The worker inserts the PoDL connector 970 into the communication line 968. The worker inserts the PoDL connector 974 into the power line 972. The worker then connects the third terminal of the PoDL connector 970 and the third terminal of the PoDL connector 974 with the power line 976. In this way, power is supplied to the C-ECU 960 by the PoDL via the path of power line 972, PoDL connector 974, power line 976, PoDL connector 970, and communication line 968. Consequently, the in-vehicle system 950 is also restored.

[0121] 3-8 Eighth mode of use Figure 24 shows the configuration of an in-vehicle system 1000 using the PoDL connector described herein. Referring to Figure 24, the in-vehicle system 1000 includes C-ECU1010, C-ECU1012, ECU1014, ECU1016, ECU1018, ECU1020, and an in-vehicle network CAN1030. DC power is superimposed on the data signals on CAN1030 by a device not shown.

[0122] ECU1014 and ECU1016 are connected to C-ECU1010 via communication lines 1022 and 1024, respectively. C-ECU1010 does not have a PoDL circuit at the connection point with communication line 1022. ECU1014 operates by receiving power from an external source via a power line (not shown). C-ECU1010 has a PoDL circuit at the connection point with communication line 1024. ECU1016 operates by receiving DC power supplied from C-ECU1010 via PoDL through communication line 1024.

[0123] ECU1018 and ECU1020 are connected to C-ECU1012 via communication lines 1026 and 1028, respectively. C-ECU1012 does not have a PoDL circuit at the connection point with communication line 1026. ECU1018 operates by receiving power from an external source via a power line (not shown). C-ECU1012 has a PoDL circuit at the connection point with communication line 1028. ECU1020 operates by receiving DC power supplied from C-ECU1012 via PoDL through communication line 1028.

[0124] In this configuration, consider the case where, for example, the power line of C-ECU1010 is disconnected. For example, similar to the example shown in Figure 21, it is possible to supply power from ECU1018 to C-ECU1010 by inserting PoDL connector 1032 and PoDL connector 1038 into communication line 1024 and communication line 1026, respectively, and connecting their third terminals with power line 1044. However, if the power required for C-ECU1010 to operate is large, this alone may not be sufficient. In the example shown in Figure 24, sufficient power is supplied to C-ECU1010 as follows.

[0125] Referring to Figure 24, in this example, the worker inserts PoDL connectors 1034, 1040, 1036, and 1042 into communication lines 1024, 1028, 1024, and CAN 1030, respectively, in addition to PoDL connectors 1032 and 1038. The worker connects the third terminal of PoDL connector 1034 to the third terminal of PoDL connector 1040 with power line 1046. The worker further connects the third terminal of PoDL connector 1036 to the third terminal of PoDL connector 1042 with power line 1048.

[0126] In the above embodiment, it is assumed that the voltages superimposed on each communication line are equal. However, this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. For example, the DC voltage to be superimposed on communication line 1024 may not match the DC voltage superimposed on the electrical signal on communication line 1026. In such cases, in this embodiment, at least one of PoDL connectors 1038 and 1032 may be provided with a voltage conversion function. This is also true when power is supplied from communication line 1028 and CAN 1030 to communication line 1024. In other words, when the voltage of the power source and the voltage of the power destination do not match, it is necessary for at least one of PoDL connectors 1040 and 1034, and at least one of PoDL connectors 1042 and 1036 to have a voltage conversion function. Furthermore, in order to manage heat, if the voltage is boosted before branching the power to another communication line as shown in Figure 16, it is necessary for each PoDL connector to have a voltage conversion function.

[0127] By arranging the PoDL connectors in this manner, ECU1018 supplies DC power to C-ECU1010 via communication line 1026, PoDL connector 1038, power line 1044, PoDL connector 1032, and communication line 1024. C-ECU1012 supplies DC power to C-ECU1010 via communication line 1028, PoDL connector 1040, power line 1046, PoDL connector 1034, and communication line 1024. CAN1030 supplies DC power to C-ECU1010 via PoDL connector 1042, power line 1048, PoDL connector 1036, and communication line 1024. As a result, C-ECU1010 receives sufficient power from ECU1018, C-ECU1012, and CAN1030. Therefore, C-ECU1010 can operate normally.

[0128] As described above, the PoDL connector disclosed herein makes it easy to modify the design of an in-vehicle system so that when there is insufficient power for electronic circuits such as ECUs within the in-vehicle system, it can receive DC power from the PoDL circuit of another device. For example, even if a higher-performance ECU is to be used during the design phase, the power required for the operation of the ECU can be secured without making any changes to other parts of the in-vehicle system. As a result, the degree of design flexibility can be increased.

[0129] Furthermore, according to the PoDL connector disclosed, even if the power supply to the power lines of some ECUs is interrupted or insufficient during the operation of the in-vehicle system, power can be secured with a simple operation without changing the configuration of other parts. As a result, design flexibility is increased and the maintainability of the in-vehicle system during operation is improved.

[0130] In the above description of the embodiments, the PoDL connector was described as separate from the power line. However, this disclosure is not limited to such embodiments. This disclosure may be implemented as a product in which a power line is connected to the third terminal of the PoDL connector. Furthermore, this disclosure may be implemented as a product in which the third terminals of each of a pair of PoDL connectors are pre-connected by a power line. As is clear from the above description, in many cases a pair of PoDL connectors is used simultaneously. Therefore, by pre-connecting such pairs to each other, operations such as power restoration can be easily performed. In this case, neither of the pairs may have a voltage conversion function, only one of the pairs may have a voltage conversion function, or both of the pairs may have a voltage conversion function. When a voltage conversion function is present, the voltage values ​​before and after conversion are determined by the design of the in-vehicle system and the location where the PoDL connector is installed.

[0131] 4. Fourth Embodiment Figure 25 shows a schematic configuration of the PoDL connector 1100 according to the fourth embodiment of this disclosure. The PoDL connector 1100 differs from the PoDL connector 80 shown in Figure 2 in that, instead of having two connection terminals 200 and 202 as the first connection part 210 in Figure 2, it includes a first connection part 1112 made of a metal terminal plate that is in contact with the communication line 76 and electrically coupled to it. In this case, the insulation of the communication line 76 may be removed. The PoDL connector 1100 also includes a housing 1110 with a structure that ensures good contact between the first connection part 1112 and the communication line 76 by sandwiching the communication line 76. One end of the low-pass filter 208 is connected to the first connection part 1112. In this embodiment as well, the low-pass filter 208 has the function of performing power exchange between the communication line 76 and the power line 82.

[0132] According to this fourth embodiment of the PoDL connector 1100, the communication line 76 can be easily attached to the PoDL connector 1100 by sandwiching the communication line 76 with the housing 1110. As a result, not only is the design flexibility of the in-vehicle system increased, but the power distribution path can also be easily constructed according to the actual situation.

[0133] Each process (each function) of the above-described embodiment is implemented by a processing circuit (Circuitry) including one or more processors. The processing circuit may consist of one or more memories, various analog circuits, various digital circuits, and other integrated circuits in addition to the one or more processors. The one or more memories store programs (instructions) that cause the one or more processors to execute each of the above processes. The one or more processors may execute each of the above processes according to the programs read from the one or more memories, or they may execute each of the above processes according to logic circuits that have been pre-designed to execute each of the above processes. The processors may be various processors suitable for computer control, such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), GPU (Graphics Processing Unit), DSP (Digital Signal Processor), FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), and ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). The physically separated multiple processors may cooperate with each other to execute each of the above processes. For example, the above-mentioned processors installed in multiple physically separated computers may cooperate with each other via a network such as a LAN (Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), or the Internet to execute the above-mentioned processes. The above-mentioned program may be installed in the above-mentioned memory via the above-mentioned network from an external server device, or it may be distributed in a state stored on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read-Only Memory), DVD (Digital Versatile Disc)-ROM, or semiconductor memory, and then installed in the above-mentioned memory from the above-mentioned recording medium.

[0134] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative and not restrictive in all respects. The scope of this disclosure is not defined by the detailed description of the disclosure but by the claims, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the wording of the claims are intended. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0135] 50, 100, 150, 340, 370, 400, 490, 540, 610, 670, 790, 840, 900, 950, 1000 In-vehicle systems 60, 350, 380, 410, 500, 502, 550, 680, 720, 722, 746, 760, 800, 850, 852, 910, 1010, 1012 C-ECU 62, 64, 66, 68, 110, 352, 354, 382, ​​412, 414, 504, 506, 508, 510, 552, 554, 556, 558, 682, 684, 724, 726 , 728, 730, 748, 762, 764, 802, 804, 854, 856, 858, 860, 912, 914, 960, 962, 964, 1014, 1016, 1018, 1020 ECU 70, 72, 74, 76, 356, 358, 416, 418, 512, 514, 516, 518, 560, 562, 564, 566, 686, 688, 732, 734, 736, 738, 766, 768, 806, 808, 862, 864, 866, 868, 918, 966, 968, 1022, 1024, 1026, 1028 communication lines 78, 520, 692, 772, 812, 922, 1030 CAN 80, 84, 86, 88, 166, 360, 362, 420, 422, 522, 524, 528, 530, 590, 592, 594, 596, 630, 632, 634, 636, 690, 694, 740, 742, 770, 774, 810, 870, 872, 920, 924, 970, 974, 1032, 1034, 1036, 1038, 1040, 1042 PoDL connectors 82, 90, 364, 424, 526, 532, 598, 600, 602, 604, 640, 642, 644, 646, 696, 744, 776, 814, 874, 916, 926, 976, 1044, 1046, 1048 power lines 164, 254, 318, 588, 972 power line 180, 430, 1110 cabinet 200, 202 connection terminals 204 Second Connection Section 206, 266, 320, 438, 486 Internal communication lines 208, 268, 322, 432, 480 coils 210, 1112 First connection section 250, 300 PoDL circuit 270,326 nodes 272, 328 Capacitors 330, 436, 484, 662 diodes 434, 482, 660 Step-up / Step-down Power Supplies 620, 622, 624, 626 connectors 664 Internal power line 710, 745, 750 In-vehicle network

Claims

1. A housing having a first connection part and a second connection part that are electrically coupled to a communication line that carries electrical signals, The first connection part and the second connection part are connected and provided within the housing, and include a power switching circuit that exchanges power superimposed on the electrical signal on the communication line with power on the power line connected to the second connection part between the first connection part and the second connection part, The aforementioned power exchange circuit is A low-pass filter having a first connection terminal connected to the first connection part and a second connection terminal, The low-pass filter includes a voltage conversion circuit provided between the second connection terminal and the second connection portion. Connector for power superposition.

2. The first connecting portion is A first connection terminal and a second connection terminal, respectively, are electrically connected to the aforementioned communication line. The enclosure includes an internal communication line connecting the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, The power superposition connector according to claim 1, wherein the power exchange circuit is provided between the internal communication line and the second connection part.

3. A power superposition connector system comprising a plurality of the power superposition connectors described in Claim 1, A power superposition connector system including a power line connected to the second connection portion of a first power superposition connector and the second connection portion of a second power superposition connector.

4. The first connection portion of the first power superposition connector is connected to a first communication line that carries an electrical signal on which DC power is superimposed, and branches off at least a portion of the DC power from the first communication line and outputs it to the power line as branched power, The power superposition connector system according to claim 3, wherein the first connection portion of the second power superposition connector is connected to a second communication line that carries an electrical signal on which DC power is superimposed, and the branch power is received from the first power superposition connector via the power line and superimposed on the electrical signal on the second communication line.

5. The power superimposing connector system according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the first communication line and the second communication line is a communication line included in the network.

6. The power superposition connector system according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the first communication line and the second communication line is a power line.

7. The first communication line is connected to the first electronic circuit and the second electronic circuit, The power superposition connector system according to claim 4, wherein the second communication line is connected to the first electronic circuit and a third electronic circuit that is different from both the first electronic circuit and the second electronic circuit.

8. The first communication line connects the first electronic circuit and the second electronic circuit, The power superposition connector system according to claim 4, wherein the second communication line is connected to a third electronic circuit and a fourth electronic circuit, both of which are different from the first electronic circuit and the second electronic circuit.

9. The power superposition connector system according to claim 4, wherein the second communication line is a communication line in which no DC power other than the branch power superimposed by the second power superposition connector is superimposed on the electrical signal.

10. A power distribution system comprising a plurality of the power superposition connector systems described in Claim 3, The first power superposition connector system is connected to a first communication line and a second communication line that are capable of superimposing DC power, The second power superposition connector system is a power distribution system connected between the second communication line and a third communication line that is different from both the first and second communication lines.

11. The first power superposition connector system branches off a portion of the DC power superimposed on the electrical signal on the first communication line and superimposes it on the electrical signal on the second communication line. The power distribution system according to claim 10, wherein the second power superimposing connector system branches off a portion of the DC power superimposed on the electrical signal on the third communication line and superimposes it on the electrical signal on the second communication line.

12. The first power superposition connector system branches off a portion of the DC power superimposed on the electrical signal on the second communication line and superimposes it on the electrical signal on the first communication line. The power distribution system according to claim 10, wherein the second power superposition connector system branches off a portion of the DC power superimposed on the electrical signal on the second communication line and superimposes it on the electrical signal on the third communication line.

13. A power superposition connector system comprising a plurality of the power superposition connectors described in Claim 3, The voltage conversion circuit of the first power superposition connector includes a boost circuit that converts a predetermined first voltage to a second voltage higher than the first voltage. A power superimposed connector system in which the voltage conversion circuit of the second power superimposed connector includes a step-down circuit from the second voltage to a third voltage lower than the second voltage.

14. The power superposition connector system according to claim 13, wherein the third voltage is equal to the first voltage.

15. The power superposition connector system according to claim 13, wherein the third voltage is different from the first voltage.

16. A power distribution system comprising a first power superposition connector system comprising a plurality of the power superposition connectors described in Claim 1, and a second power superposition connector system comprising a plurality of the power superposition connectors described in Claim 1, In both the first power superposition connector system and the second power superposition connector system, at least one of the first power superposition connector and the second power superposition connector included in each has the configuration described in claim 1. The first power superposition connector of the first power superposition connector system is connected to the first communication line, The second power superposition connector of the first power superposition connector system is connected to a second communication line different from the first communication line. The first power superposition connector of the second power superposition connector system is connected to a third communication line that is different from both the first and second communication lines. The second power superposition connector of the second power superposition connector system is connected to the second communication line, The first power superposition connector system branches the DC power of the first voltage superimposed on the electrical signal on the first communication line, converts it to a second voltage, and superimposes it on the electrical signal on the second communication line. The second power superposition connector system is a power distribution system that branches the DC power of the third voltage superimposed on the electrical signal on the third communication line, converts it to the second voltage, and superimposes it on the electrical signal on the second communication line.

17. The power distribution system according to claim 16, wherein the first voltage and the third voltage are different from each other.

18. The power distribution system according to claim 16, wherein the first voltage and the third voltage are equal.

19. A power distribution system comprising a first power superposition connector system comprising a plurality of the power superposition connectors described in Claim 1, and a second power superposition connector system comprising a plurality of the power superposition connectors described in Claim 1, In both the first power superposition connector system and the second power superposition connector system, at least one of the first power superposition connector and the second power superposition connector included in each has the configuration described in claim 1. The first power superposition connector of the first power superposition connector system is connected to the first communication line, The second power superposition connector of the first power superposition connector system is connected to a second communication line different from the first communication line. The first power superposition connector of the second power superposition connector system is connected to the first communication line. The second power superposition connector of the second power superposition connector system is connected to a third communication line that is different from both the first and second communication lines. The first power superposition connector system branches the DC power of the first voltage superimposed on the electrical signal on the first communication line, converts it to a second voltage, and superimposes it on the electrical signal on the second communication line. The second power superposition connector system is a power distribution system that branches the DC power of the first voltage superimposed on the electrical signal on the first communication line, converts it to a third voltage, and superimposes it on the electrical signal on the third communication line.

20. The power distribution system according to claim 19, wherein the second voltage and the third voltage are different from each other.

21. The power distribution system according to claim 19, wherein the second voltage and the third voltage are equal to each other.

22. A first electronic circuit device connected to the first communication line, The power distribution system according to claim 19, further comprising a second electronic circuit device connected to the first communication line.

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