Method and apparatus for processing data associated with at least one interface device

Abstract

A method for processing data associated with at least one interface device, for example, a computer implementation method, wherein the interface device is configured to provide at least one signal for an energy-saving state, the method comprising combining at least one signal for an energy-saving state with first information, and transmitting at least one signal for an energy-saving state together with the first information. The first information is information relating to at least one of the following elements: a) part of a message of a time synchronization protocol, b) control information (e.g., time-critical control information), c) signaling (e.g., signaling for time-critical and / or safety-critical states).

Description

Technical Field

[0006]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for processing data associated with at least one interface device.

[0002] The present disclosure further relates to an apparatus for processing data associated with at least one interface device.

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Exemplary embodiments are, for example, computer-implemented methods, and relate to a method for processing data associated with at least one interface device, wherein the interface device is configured to provide at least one signal for an energy-saving state, and the method comprises: combining at least one signal for the energy-saving state with first information; and transmitting at least one signal for the energy-saving state together with the first information. The first information relates to information on at least one of the following elements: a) part of a message of a time synchronization protocol, b) control information (e.g., time-critical control information), c) signaling (e.g., signaling of a time-critical and / or safety-critical state). In other exemplary embodiments, by such a method, information of a time synchronization protocol can be transmitted, for example, to other interface devices in an operating phase of an interface device where regular transmission of user data is not scheduled.

[0004] For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the first information can characterize, for example, general, for example, time-critical information, and can characterize, for example, time-critical control information and / or for example, time-critical control command information.

[0005] For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the first information can characterize part of a message of a time synchronization protocol.

[0006] For example, in another exemplary embodiment, the first information may be characterized by information that is different from at least a portion of the messages of the time synchronization protocol, for example, information that is not information of the time synchronization protocol, for example, heterogeneous control information or control command information, for example, information that conforms to one or more other protocols and / or protocol types.

[0007] In other exemplary embodiments, the interface device is configured as an Ethernet interface device (e.g., an Automotive-Ethernet interface device) and conforms to or is based on at least one of the following standards, for example: a) IEEE 802.3bw, b) IEEE 802.3bp, c) IEEE 802.3ch, d) IEEE 802.3cy, e) IEEE 802.3cg.

[0008] In other exemplary embodiments, the energy-saving state is configured in accordance with and / or based on the Energy Efficient Ethernet standard, IEEE 802.3az.

[0009] In other exemplary embodiments, the time synchronization protocol is configured in accordance with and / or based on at least one of the following standards: a) Precision Time Protocol, PTP, IEEE 1588; b) generalized Precision Time Protocol, gPTP, IEEE 802.1AS.

[0010] In other exemplary embodiments, combining the first information with at least one signal for energy saving status comprises at least one of the following elements: a) integrating (e.g., embedding) the first information into the at least one signal for energy saving status; b) inserting the first information before (e.g., immediately before) the at least one signal for energy saving status; c) appending the first information after (e.g., immediately after) the at least one signal for energy saving status; and d) providing the first information for transmission within a time range in which the at least one signal for energy saving status can be transmitted.

[0011] In another exemplary embodiment, at least one signal for the energy-saving state is a refresh signal in accordance with the Energy Efficient Ethernet standard, and the method comprises at least one of the following elements: a) integrating (e.g., embedding) the first information into the Infofield information element of the refresh signal; b) integrating (e.g., embedding) the first information into the training sequence of the refresh signal; c) inserting the first information before (e.g., immediately before) the refresh signal; and d) appending the first information after (e.g., immediately after) the refresh signal.

[0012] In other exemplary embodiments, the method includes: distributing messages of a time synchronization protocol to at least one signal for energy saving status (e.g., distributing messages of a time synchronization protocol to multiple signals for energy saving status); and transmitting at least one signal for energy saving status (e.g., transmitting multiple signals for energy saving status).

[0013] In other exemplary embodiments, the first information refers to or characterizes such information of a time synchronization protocol that is sensitive to delay, for example, information associated with a synchronization message of a time synchronization protocol, for example, information associated with a Sync message of a generalized Precision Time Protocol (gPTP).

[0014] In other exemplary embodiments, the first information may have at least one of the following elements: a) the entire message of a time synchronization protocol; b) at least a portion of the message of a time synchronization protocol characterizing trigger information; and optionally, reference information characterizing reference information that characterizes the association between trigger information and header information associated with the trigger information; c) at least a portion of the message of a time synchronization protocol characterizing timestamp information (e.g., of the origin Timestamp type according to the generalized Precision Time Protocol (gPTP)), where at least a portion characterizes at least a portion of the timestamp information; and d) security information.

[0015] In other exemplary embodiments, the method may include: dividing a time synchronization protocol message into multiple parts, and assigning at least one of the multiple parts to at least one signal for an energy-saving state.

[0016] In other exemplary embodiments, the splitting may have at least one of the following elements: a) separating message header information from message trigger information; b) separating message header information from message timestamp information; and c) reducing (e.g., shortening) the timestamp information, i.e., the message timestamp information.

[0017] In another exemplary embodiment, the method may have the following: provide an information element having 12 octets, where at least a portion of the octets have 4 to 10 timestamp information (e.g., shortened timestamp information) of a message of a time synchronization protocol, where, for example, the first three octets have prefixes (e.g., hexadecimal values ​​"BB", "A7", and "00", respectively), and where, for example, the last two octets have a checksum.

[0018] In other exemplary embodiments, the method may have the following: that is, it provides an information element having 12 octets, where at least a portion of the octets have 4 to 10 reference pieces of information (e.g., reference pieces that characterize the association between trigger information and header information associated with the trigger information, e.g., reference pieces that characterize a sequence number), where, for example, the first three octets have prefixes (e.g., hexadecimal values ​​"BB", "A7", and "00", respectively), and where, for example, the last two octets have checksums.

[0019] In other exemplary embodiments, the combination may have a) run at least temporarily and / or at least partially at layer 1 of the ISO / OSI reference model, and / or b) run at least temporarily and / or at least partially at layer 2 of the ISO / OSI reference model.

[0020] Another exemplary embodiment is, for example, a computer implementation method relating to a method for processing data associated with at least one interface device, wherein the interface device is configured to receive at least one signal for energy saving status, and the method comprises: receiving at least one signal for energy saving status, and extracting first information from the received at least one signal for energy saving status. The first information is information relating to at least one of the following elements: a) part of a time synchronization protocol message, b) control information (e.g., time-critical control information (e.g., for camera device settings, e.g., camera settings)), c) signaling (e.g., signaling for time-critical and / or safety-critical status).

[0021] Other exemplary embodiments relate to apparatus for performing methods according to embodiments, for example, the apparatus is configured to perform the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 14 and the method according to claim 15; for example, the apparatus is configured to perform the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 14 but is not configured to perform the method according to claim 15; for example, the apparatus is configured to perform the method according to claim 15 but is not configured to perform the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 15.

[0022] Other exemplary embodiments relate to an interface device having at least one device according to the embodiment.

[0023] Other exemplary embodiments relate to a communication system having at least one device and / or at least one interface device according to the embodiment.

[0024] Other exemplary embodiments relate to vehicles, such as automobiles, having at least one device according to the embodiment and / or at least one interface device according to the embodiment and / or at least one communication system according to the embodiment.

[0025] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a computer-readable storage medium, which, when executed by a computer, includes instructions causing the computer to perform a method according to the embodiment.

[0026] Other exemplary embodiments relate to a computer program, which includes instructions that cause the computer to perform a method according to the embodiment when the program is executed by the computer.

[0027] Other exemplary embodiments relate to data carrier signals that transmit and / or characterize computer programs according to the embodiments.

[0028] Other exemplary embodiments relate to the following elements of a method according to an embodiment and / or an apparatus according to an embodiment and / or an interface apparatus according to an embodiment and / or a communication system according to an embodiment and / or a vehicle according to an embodiment and / or a computer-readable storage medium according to an embodiment and / or a computer program according to an embodiment and / or a data carrier signal according to an embodiment, a) combining (e.g., transmitting in combination) first information characterizing at least a part of a message of a time synchronization protocol with at least one signal for an energy-saving state, b) reducing latency, c) using a time range of an energy-saving state for transmitting information of a time synchronization protocol, d) enabling time synchronization in an Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE)-based communication system, e) distributing time information in a communication system (e.g., a communication system for a vehicle), for use in at least one of them.

[0029] Further features, applicability, and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments of the invention shown in the figures of the drawings. At this time, all features described or illustrated, by themselves and in any combination, are constitutive of the subject matter of the invention, independent of their aggregation or their citation relationship in the claims and independent of their formulation or expression in the description or the drawings. In the drawings, it is as follows.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1] A diagram schematically showing a simplified flowchart according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 2] A diagram schematically showing a simplified block diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 3] A diagram schematically showing a simplified block diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram schematically showing a simplified block diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 5]This figure schematically shows a simplified block diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 6] This diagram schematically shows a simplified timeline according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure schematically shows a simplified block diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 8] This figure schematically shows a simplified flowchart according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 9] This figure schematically shows a simplified flowchart according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 10] This figure schematically shows a simplified block diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 11] This figure schematically shows a simplified block diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 12] This figure schematically shows a simplified block diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 13] This figure schematically shows a simplified flowchart according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 14] This figure schematically shows a simplified block diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 15] This figure schematically shows a simplified block diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 16] This figure schematically shows a simplified block diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 17] This figure schematically shows a simplified block diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 18] This figure schematically shows a simplified block diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 19] This figure schematically shows a simplified signaling diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 20] This figure schematically shows a simplified signaling diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 21] This diagram schematically shows a data frame according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 22]This diagram schematically illustrates a manner of use according to an exemplary embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] An exemplary embodiment (Figures 1 and 2) relates to a computer implementation method for processing data associated with at least one interface device 10 (Figure 2), wherein the interface device 10 is configured to provide at least one signal SIG-ES for energy-saving conditions (100) (Figure 1), and the method comprises: combining at least one signal SIG-ES for energy-saving conditions with first information 1-1 (102). The first information 1-1 is information relating to at least one of the following elements: a) a portion of a time synchronization protocol message ZS-N (Figure 3) (e.g., in a communication system 1000 having interface devices 10, 20); b) control information (e.g., time-critical control information); c) signaling (e.g., signaling for time-critical and / or safety-critical conditions). The method also comprises transmitting at least one signal SIG-ES for energy-saving conditions together with the first information 1-1 (104) (e.g., via a data connection DV (e.g., wired)). In other exemplary embodiments, time synchronization protocol information (and / or, for example, time-critical control information and / or signaling) may be transmitted in this manner to, for example, another interface device 20 during an operating phase of interface device 10 in which regular transmission of user data is not scheduled.

[0032] In another exemplary embodiment (Figure 2), the interface device 10 is configured as an Ethernet interface device (e.g., an Automotive-Ethernet interface device) and conforms to or is based on at least one of the following standards, for example: a) IEEE 802.3bw, b) IEEE 802.bp, c) IEEE 802.3ch, d) IEEE 802.3cy, e) IEEE 802.3cg.

[0033] For example, in response to this, other interface devices 20 are similarly configured as Ethernet interface devices, and the data connection DV is also configured as an Ethernet data connection.

[0034] In other exemplary embodiments, the energy-saving state is configured in accordance with and / or based on at least the following standard, Energy Efficient Ethernet, IEEE 802.3az.

[0035] In other exemplary embodiments, Ethernet provides a connection (e.g., a "Link") between two PHY devices (not shown, devices for communicating via the PHY layer, i.e., Layer 1 according to the ISO / OSI standard model) that always have full-duplex functionality, for example at Layer 1. This can, in some embodiments, lead to the link being loaded, for example, with "idle" data when no actual payload (user data) is being exchanged. A disadvantage of this is that, in some exemplary embodiments, it may have relatively high energy consumption.

[0036] Therefore, in other exemplary embodiments, the energy-saving state already mentioned above is configured to be available, for example, according to Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE), IEEE 802.3az. In other exemplary embodiments, Energy Efficient Ethernet as a technique for reducing power consumption allows for the interruption of communication in at least one of the two communication directions between two Ethernet-PHYs, at least temporarily, which can be done, for example, during periods when communication (e.g., transmission of user data) is not scheduled (e.g., "Passiv-Phase"). Therefore, in other exemplary embodiments where Energy Efficient Ethernet may be used for an energy-saving state, data exchange of user data is possible during the "Aktiv" phase of the link, and power consumption is correspondingly relatively high.

[0037] In other exemplary embodiments, the PHY chip may not be completely shut down, for example, while maintaining some signal processing, and only certain critical parts, such as the transmitter or receiver, may be temporarily shut down or switched to a special operating mode.

[0038] For example, during the so-called "Low Power Idle" phase (LPI) of Energy Efficient Ethernet, which characterizes an energy-saving state, in other exemplary embodiments, some of the signal processing (not shown) of interface devices 10, 20 (Figure 2) may be interrupted. This is because the connection between interface devices is maintained, for example, by a relatively small amount of update signals, thereby resulting in lower power consumption, i.e., lower power consumption, during the LPI phase. However, conventional approaches do not allow the exchange of user data during the LPI phase. In contrast, the principle according to the embodiment advantageously allows the transmission of first information 1-1 even during the LPI phase of Energy Efficient Ethernet, for example.

[0039] In other exemplary embodiments, the time synchronization protocol is configured in accordance with and / or based on at least one of the following standards: a) Precision Time Protocol, PTP, IEEE 1588; b) generalized Precision Time Protocol, gPTP, IEEE 802.1AS.

[0040] For example, data characterizing information about a time synchronization protocol may be considered user data in the sense of the embodiment. In yet another exemplary embodiment, such data characterizing information about a time synchronization protocol can also be transmitted, for example, in the form of first information 1-1, during the LPI phase of Energy Efficient Ethernet.

[0041] In another exemplary embodiment (Figure 1), combining at least one signal SIG-ES for energy saving status with first information 1-1 (102) includes at least one of the following elements: a) integrating the first information 1-1 into at least one signal SIG-ES for energy saving status (102a) (e.g., embedding it); b) inserting the first information 1-1 before (e.g., immediately before) the at least one signal SIG-ES for energy saving status (102b); c) appending the first information 1-1 after (e.g., immediately after) the at least one signal SIG-ES for energy saving status (102c); and d) providing the first information 1-1 for transmission within a time range T2 (see Figure 6 below) in which the at least one signal SIG-ES for energy saving status can be transmitted (102d).

[0042] Figure 3 schematically shows a message ZS-N (which may have multiple parts ZS-N-1a, ZS-N-1b, ...) of a time synchronization protocol, such as gPTP, and illustrates that the multiple parts ZS-N-1a, ZS-N-1b, ... are assigned to multiple signals SIG-ES-1, SIG-ES-2, ... for energy-saving states. In other exemplary embodiments, the information of message ZS-N can be divided into one or more signals SIG-ES-1, SIG-ES-2, ... for energy-saving states, and can be combined with these one or more signals SIG-ES-1, SIG-ES-2, ... as processing related to block 102 according to Figure 1, for example, and is used, for example, for the joint transmission of the corresponding parts of message ZS-N with each of the respective signals SIG-ES-1, SIG-ES-2, ...

[0043] In other exemplary embodiments (Figures 4 and 5), at least one signal SIG-ES for energy saving state is a refresh signal SIG-REFRESH in accordance with the Energy Efficient Ethernet standard, and the method comprises at least one of the following elements: a) integrating the first information 1-1 into the Infofield information element IE-INFOFIELD (Figure 5) of the refresh signal (110) (Figure 4) (e.g., embedding) (see arrow a1 in Figure 5); b) integrating the first information 1-1 into the training sequence TRAIN-SEQ of the refresh signal (112) (Figure 4) (e.g., embedding) (see arrow a2); c) inserting the first information 1-1 before the refresh signal (e.g., immediately before it) (114) (see arrow a4); d) adding the first information 1-1 after the refresh signal (e.g., immediately after it) (116) (see arrow a3).

[0044] In another exemplary embodiment (Figure 4), insertion 114 can provide a non-zero first waiting time between the refresh signal and the first information 1-1 to be inserted.

[0045] In another exemplary embodiment (Figure 4), the addition 116 can provide a non-zero second waiting time between the refresh signal and the added first information 1-1.

[0046] Figure 6 schematically shows a time diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. In a first time range T1, for example, the energy-saving signal SIG-ES is not transmitted, and in at least one second time range T2, the energy-saving signal SIG-ES is transmitted. For example, in another exemplary embodiment, the first time range T1 represents a time range of type lpi_quiet_time according to EEE, and for example, the second time range T2 represents a time range of type lpi_refresh_time according to EEE, and for example, the signal SIG-ES represents the refresh signal SIG-REFRESH according to EEE.

[0047] In another exemplary embodiment (Figure 7), the first information 1-1 may have at least one of the following elements: a) the entire message ZS-N of the time synchronization protocol (e.g., a gPTP message), b) at least a portion of the message ZS-N of the time synchronization protocol, ZS-N-TRIG, which characterizes the trigger information INF-TRIG, and optionally, reference information INF-REF, which characterizes the association of the trigger information INF-TRIG with header information associated with the trigger information INF-TRIG of the message ZS-N, for example, c) at least a portion of the message ZS-N of the time synchronization protocol, ZS-N-TIM (e.g., of the originTimestamp type according to the generalized Precision Time Protocol (gPTP)), which characterizes the timestamp information INF-TS, for example, and d) security information INF-SEC.

[0048] In other exemplary embodiments (not shown), the first information may be characterized by at least one of the following elements: b) control information (e.g., time-critical control information), c) signaling (e.g., time-critical and / or safety-critical signaling).

[0049] In other words, in an exemplary embodiment, the first information 1-1 may characterize, for example, the relevant portion of the time synchronization protocol message ZS-N.

[0050] In other words, in the exemplary embodiment, the first information 1-1 may characterize, for example, control information (e.g., time-critical control information).

[0051] In other words, in exemplary embodiments, the first information 1-1 may characterize, for example, signaling (e.g., signaling of time-critical and / or safety-critical conditions).

[0052] In other words, in an exemplary embodiment, the first information 1-1 may characterize two or more of the elements exemplified above ((some) time synchronization protocol messages ZS-N, control information, signaling).

[0053] In other exemplary embodiments, the first information 1-1 refers to or characterizes information of a time synchronization protocol that is sensitive to delay, i.e., delay dispersion, such as information associated with a synchronization message of a time synchronization protocol, such as information associated with a Sync message of a generalized Precision Time Protocol (gPTP). For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the first information 1-1 characterizes time-critical information (e.g., time-critical information of a time synchronization protocol) and / or control information or signaling.

[0054] In another exemplary embodiment (Figure 8), the method comprises: distributing a message ZS-N of a time synchronization protocol (e.g., a gPTP message) to at least one signal SIG-ES for energy saving status (120), for example, distributing a message ZS-N of a time synchronization protocol to a plurality of signals SIG-ES-1, SIG-ES-2, SIG-ES-3, ... for energy saving status (120a); and transmitting at least one signal SIG-ES for energy saving status (122), for example, transmitting a plurality of signals SIG-ES-1, SIG-ES-2, SIG-ES-3, ... for energy saving status (122a).

[0055] In another exemplary embodiment (Figure 9), the method may include: dividing the time synchronization protocol message ZS-N into a plurality of parts ZS-N-1a, ZS-N-1b, ... (130); and assigning at least one of the plurality of parts to at least one signal SIG-ES, SIG-ES-1, SIG-ES-2, SIG-ES-3 for energy saving states (132).

[0056] In other exemplary embodiments (Figure 9), the division 130 may have at least one of the following elements: a) separating the header information of message ZS-N from the trigger information of the message (130a), b) separating the header information of message ZS-N from the timestamp information of the message (130b), and c) reducing (130c) (e.g., shortening) the timestamp information, i.e., the timestamp information of message ZS-N. Thus, in other exemplary embodiments, portions of message ZS-N may be provided, which are combinatorial with signal SIG-ES, for example in the form of first information 1-1, and can be embedded in signal SIG-ES, for example.

[0057] In other exemplary embodiments (Figures 10 and 11), the method may have the following: namely, providing an information element IE-1 having 12 octets o1, o2, o3, o4, o5, o6, o7, o8, o9, o10, o11, o12 (140), wherein at least a portion of the octets have timestamp information INF-TS (e.g., abbreviated timestamp information) for messages ZS-N (Figure 3) of a time synchronization protocol, for example, the first three octets o1, o2, o3 may have prefix PRE (e.g., hexadecimal values ​​"BB", "A7", and "00", respectively), namely 0xBB, 0xA7, and 0x00, and the last two octets o11, o12 may have checksum PS.

[0058] In other exemplary embodiments (Figures 10 and 12), the method may have the following: namely, providing an information element IE-2 having 12 octets o1 to o12 (142), wherein at least a portion of the octets have reference information INF-REF (e.g., the association of trigger information with header information associated with trigger information, e.g., reference information characterizing the sequence number), for example, the first three octets may have prefix PRE (e.g., the hexadecimal values ​​"BB", "A7", and "00", respectively), and for example, the last two octets may have checksum PS.

[0059] In another exemplary embodiment (Figure 12), information element IE-2 enables a trigger function, which in another exemplary embodiment can be assigned to a gPTP header ("header data"), the gPTP header being sent, for example, before entering the EEE LPI state, and a timestamped gPTP Follow_Up message being sent, for example, after exiting the EEE LPI state.

[0060] In other words, other exemplary embodiments are configured to include the following steps: a) sending at least one gPTP header (e.g., before entering the EEE LPI state), b) transitioning to the EEE LPI state, c) sending at least one information element IE-2 with reference information according to Figure 12 (e.g., as a trigger, the trigger can be assigned to, for example, a gPTP header) while in the EEE LPI state, d) leaving the EEE LPI state, and e) sending a timestamped gPTP Follow_Up message after leaving the EEE LPI state.

[0061] In other exemplary embodiments (Figure 1), a) combination 102 may be performed at least temporarily and / or at least partially at layer 1 "PHY" of the ISO / OSI reference model, for example by a PHY device (not shown), and / or b) combination 102 may be performed at least temporarily and / or at least partially at layer 2 "MAC" of the ISO / OSI reference model, for example by a MAC device (not shown).

[0062] Another exemplary embodiment (Figure 13) is, for example, a computer implementation method relating to a method for processing data associated with at least one interface device 10, 20 (Figure 2), wherein the interface devices 10, 20 are configured to receive at least one signal SIG-ES for energy saving states, and the method comprises: receiving at least one signal SIG-ES for energy saving states (180), and extracting first information 1-1 from the received at least one signal SIG-ES for energy saving states (182). The first information 1-1 is information relating to at least one of the following elements: a) part of a message ZS-N of a time synchronization protocol, b) control information (e.g., time-critical control information), c) signaling (e.g., signaling for time-critical and / or safety-critical states). Thus, in the other exemplary embodiment, information 1-1 (and / or control information and / or signaling) associated with, for example, a time synchronization protocol (e.g., gPTP) can also be received, for example, during energy saving states.

[0063] Another exemplary embodiment (Figure 14) relates to apparatus 200, 200a, and 200b for performing a method according to the embodiment.

[0064] For example, the apparatus 200 (Figure 14) is configured to perform the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 14 and the method according to claim 15, namely, for example, the transmission 104 (Figure 1) of first information and the reception 180 (Figure 13) of first information.

[0065] For example, the device 200a is configured to perform a method according to at least one of claims 1 to 14, but is not configured to perform a method according to claim 15, for example; that is, it is for transmission 104 and not for reception 180.

[0066] For example, device 200b is configured to perform the method according to claim 15, i.e., for receiving 180, but is not configured to perform the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 15, i.e., for transmitting (104).

[0067] In other exemplary embodiments (Figure 14), the devices 200, 200a, and 200b may have: an arithmetic unit ("computer") 202 having at least one arithmetic core 202a; and a storage device 204 assigned to the arithmetic unit 202. The storage device 204 temporarily stores at least one of the following elements: a) data DAT (e.g., data characterizing first information 1-1 and / or signal SIG-ES); b) a computer program PRG (e.g., for performing a method according to the embodiment).

[0068] In other exemplary embodiments, the storage device 204 has volatile memory (e.g., working memory (RAM)) 204a and / or non-volatile (NVM-) memory (e.g., Flash-EEPROM) 204b, or a combination thereof or a combination with other memory types not explicitly mentioned.

[0069] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a computer-readable storage medium SM, which, when executed by a computer 202, includes an instruction PRG that causes the computer 202 to perform a method according to the embodiment.

[0070] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a computer program PRG, which includes instructions that cause the computer 202 to perform a method according to the embodiment when the program PRG is executed by the computer 202.

[0071] Another exemplary embodiment relates to a data carrier signal DCS that characterizes and / or transmits a computer program PRG according to the embodiment. The data carrier signal DCS is receivable, for example, via an optional data interface 206 of devices 200, 200a, 200b, which may be configured for data exchange (transmission and / or reception), for example, via a data connection DV (Figure 2).

[0072] In other exemplary embodiments, the configuration according to Figure 14 may also be configured to implement the functions of a MAC device and / or a PHY device.

[0073] In other exemplary embodiments, the functions of devices 200, 200a, and 200b may also be realized by hardware, for example, in the form of (e.g., pure) hardware circuits.

[0074] Another exemplary embodiment (Figure 2) relates to interface devices 10, 20 having at least one device 200, 200a, 200b according to the embodiment. Thus, in the other exemplary embodiment, for example, an Ethernet interface device 10, 20 can be provided which, in addition to being able to perform energy-saving functions according to, for example EEE, information associated with user data (e.g., information for a time synchronization protocol, e.g., gPTP) can be transmitted, for example, in the form of first information 1-1, and can be transmitted, for example, within a time range T2 (Figure 6) in which an energy-saving state (e.g., LPI according to EEE) exists.

[0075] Another exemplary embodiment (Figure 2) relates to a communication system 1000 having at least one device 200, 200a, 200b and / or at least one interface device 10, 20 according to the embodiment.

[0076] Another exemplary embodiment (Figure 15) relates to a vehicle 1, which is, for example, an automobile, and the vehicle 1 has at least one device 200, 200a, 200b according to the embodiment (Figure 14) and / or at least one interface device 10, 20 according to the embodiment (Figure 2) and / or at least one communication system 1000, 1000a according to the embodiment (Figure 14).

[0077] Figure 16 schematically shows a simplified block diagram of a communication system 1000a according to an exemplary embodiment. Element E10 symbolizes, for example, a gateway and comprises, for example, a modem unit or connectivity ("connection") unit (e.g., for providing connectivity between vehicles and / or to a network such as the Internet). Elements E11a, E11b, and E11c symbolize, for example, a central control unit (e.g., "central ECU(s)"). Elements E12a, E12b, E12c, and E12d symbolize, for example, sensor devices and / or actuators, or other components associated with relatively high data rates, for example, transmitting and / or receiving data at a high data rate, at least temporarily (e.g., components for providing and / or processing image data or video data, e.g., radar signal processing, LIDAR, etc., or displays for displaying information, etc.). Elements E13a, E13b, E13c, and E13d symbolize, for example, control devices, such as zone control devices (e.g., "zonal ECU(s)"). The elements collectively indicated by reference numeral E14 symbolize sensors and / or actuators.

[0078] The principle according to the embodiment can be advantageously used in one or more components of the communication system 1000a, for example in the area of ​​elements E11a, E11b, E11c, E12a, ..., E12d, thereby ensuring, in other exemplary embodiments, energy-efficient and high-performance data communication, and also ensuring, for example, reliable and low-latency distribution of information for time synchronization protocols.

[0079] For example, component E12a may include a first interface device 10 (Figure 2) according to the embodiment, control device E11a may have a second interface device 20 (or vice versa), and a data connection DV similar to or identical to the data connection DV according to Figure 2 may be provided between units E11a and E12a.

[0080] In other exemplary embodiments, other control devices or units of the communication system 1000a according to Figure 16 may also have at least one interface device 10, 20 (Figure 2) according to the embodiment.

[0081] Figure 17 schematically shows a simplified block diagram of a communication system 1000b according to an exemplary embodiment. Element E20 symbolizes, for example, a vehicle computer ("vehicle computer"), which here, as an example, has three interface devices 10a, 10b, and 10c according to the embodiment, each having, for example, the configuration described exemplary above with reference to Figure 2. The vehicle computer E20 has a processing unit E21 (e.g., an image signal processor) for processing image signals, i.e., video signals, supplied, for example, from a plurality of sensor modules SM-1, SM-2, ..., SM-N, via their respective data connections DV-1, DV-2, ..., DV-M and associated interface devices 10a, 10b, and 10c.

[0082] For example, the vehicle computer E20 has, for example, a central time reference CLK and can transmit time information and / or synchronization information to sensor modules SM-1, SM-2, ..., SM-N via data connections DV-1, DV-2, ..., DV-M using, for example, a time synchronization protocol (e.g., gPTP), and sensor modules SM-1, SM-2, ..., SM-N can adjust, i.e., verify, a local time reference based on this reference. To receive time information and / or synchronization information via data connections DV-1, DV-2, ..., DV-M, sensor modules SM-1, SM-2, ..., SM-N have, for example, interface devices 20a, 20b, 20c according to the embodiment. Through these interface devices 20a, 20b, 20c, in other exemplary embodiments, user data (e.g., control data for the operation of sensor modules SM-1, SM-2, ..., SM-N) can also be received. In other exemplary embodiments, time information and / or synchronization information can be transmitted over interface devices 10a, 10b, 10c, 20a, 20b, 20c, i.e., corresponding data connections DV-1, DV-2, ..., DV-M, in combination with at least one signal SIG-ES for energy-saving conditions, favorably according to gPTP, for example. In other exemplary embodiments, by applying the principles according to the embodiments, time information and / or synchronization information can be exchanged, for example, transmitted over data connections DV-1, DV-2, ..., DV-M, by interface devices 10a, 10b, 10c, 20a, 20b, 20c, for example according to gPTP, even when interface devices 10a, 10b, 10c, 20a, 20b, 20c are in an energy-saving condition, for example, LPI according to EEE.

[0083] Figure 18 schematically shows a simplified block diagram of a communication system 1000c according to an exemplary embodiment. Element E20' symbolizes, for example, a vehicle computer ("vehicle computer"), which, for example, has N interface devices 10a, 10b, ..., 10c according to the embodiment, and a gPTP time supply unit, for example, a gPTP-based grandmaster ("GM") E22. For example, a network coupling element, for example, a switch E23, may be provided to couple, for example, the interface devices 10a, 10b, ..., 10c with each other, and / or with at least one other component of the vehicle computer E20' (for example, an arithmetic unit E21).

[0084] Element E25 symbolizes, for example, a gPTP bridge device (which can be implemented, for example, by or within a zone control device), which can exchange and, for example, distribute gPTP messages between the vehicle computer E20' and sensor modules E26 and E27. For example, for this purpose, the gPTP bridge device E25 also has interface devices 20a, 20b, and 20c, and the sensor modules E26 and E27 also have interface devices; see elements 20d and 20e.

[0085] In other exemplary embodiments (Figure 18), by applying the principles according to the embodiment, time information and / or synchronization information can be exchanged, for example, transmitted, via data connections between components E20', E25, E26, E27, for example, according to gPTP, even when interface devices 10a, 10b, 10c, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d, 20e are in an energy-saving state, for example, LPI according to EEE. This also applies to data connections between components E20', E25 and between components E26, E27 in other exemplary embodiments.

[0086] Figure 19 schematically shows a simplified signaling diagram according to an exemplary embodiment, where element E30 symbolizes the MAC layer of the first interface device 10 (Figure 2), element E31 symbolizes the PHY layer of the first interface device 10, element E32 symbolizes the PHY layer of the second interface device 20 (Figure 2), and element E33 symbolizes the MAC layer of the second interface device 20. Here, elements E30 and E31 are associated, for example, with a gPTP master port, i.e., characterizing the gPTP master port, and here, elements E32 and E33 are associated, for example, with a gPTP slave port, i.e., characterizing the gPTP slave port. The arrow DL symbolizes a first transmission direction according to the exemplary embodiment, e.g., a downlink ("DL") direction from the gPTP master port to the gPTP slave port, and the arrow UL symbolizes a second transmission direction according to the exemplary embodiment, e.g., an uplink ("UL") direction from the gPTP slave port to the gPTP master port.

[0087] Arrows a10, a11, and a12 symbolize gPTP messages from element E30 to element E31, from element E31 to element E32, and from element E32 to element E33, respectively. Arrows a13, a14, and a15 symbolize gPTP messages from element E33 to element E32, from element E32 to element E31, and from element E31 to element E30, respectively.

[0088] In Figure 19, the block shown as "A" as an example symbolizes the active phase ("no energy saving state") along the vertically downward time axis in Figure 19, and the block shown as "R" as an example symbolizes, for example, the energy saving state refresh phase block, which is between the energy saving state Q. (e.g., "Quiet") phase (not shown) along the vertically downward time axis in Figure 19. For example, in the "R" phase, one or more signals SIG-ES for the energy saving state can be transmitted, for example, along with gPTP messages a10, a11, a12, a13, a14, a15, or parts thereof.

[0089] The symbol e in Figure 19 symbolizes a relatively small delay in the transmission of a gPTP message, which is made possible on the basis of the embodiment by the fact that, for example, first information 1-1 can be transmitted together with one or more signals SIG-ES for energy saving status (see block "R"). For example, in some embodiments, at time t1, a first gPTP message a10 is transmitted from block E30 to block E31, and after a short delay e, a second message a11 based on the first gPTP message a10 is already transmitted to block E32, because after a short delay e, one or more signals SIG-ES for energy saving status are transmitted to block E32, for example, a refresh signal according to EEE, and this and the second message a11 can be combined, for example (e.g., embedding at least a portion of message a11 in the refresh signal), see block R located vertically below the delay e. As a result, the second message a11 is received in block E32 before time t2, and message a12, sent from block E32 based on it, is received in block E33 at time t2.

[0090] In contrast, in a conventional system where gPTP messages, like other user data, can only be transmitted during the active phase ("A"), the transmission of gPTP message a11 is not possible before time t2, but only becomes possible at time t5, for example. At time t5, downlink transmission becomes possible because the downlink connection becomes active from t5. See block A-t5 for more details.

[0091] Figure 20 schematically shows a simplified signaling diagram according to an exemplary embodiment. Element E20' symbolizes a vehicle computer, for example, according to Figure 18, which represents a gPTP grandmaster as an example. Element 10a in Figure 20 symbolizes a gPTP master port accordingly. Element E25 symbolizes a zone control device that can operate as a gPTP bridge device; see also Figure 18. Element 20a symbolizes a gPTP slave port of gPTP bridge device E25, which cooperates with the gPTP master port 10a of element E20', and element 20b symbolizes a gPTP master port of gPTP bridge device E25, which cooperates with the gPTP slave port 20d of element E26.

[0092] Below, based on an exemplary embodiment, exemplary gPTP messages exchanged between units E20', E25, and E26 are described according to Figure 20.

[0093] Arrows a20 and a21 symbolize gPTP Announce messages. Arrows a22, a23, a24, a25, a32, a33, a34, a35, a42, a43, a49, a50, a56, a57, a58, and a59 symbolize gPTP Sync messages, which are conventional gPTP Sync messages exchanged, for example, in the active phase, e.g., outside of the energy saving state, e.g., in LPI based on EEE.

[0094] In contrast, arrows a44, a45, a51, and a52 symbolize gPTP Sync messages, i.e., parts of gPTP Sync messages, which are exchanged within an energy-saving state, for example, an LPI based on EEE, according to principles according to the embodiment, here for example, exchanged between elements E25 and E26, and exchanged, for example, in the form of first information 1-1, in combination with, for example, at least one signal SIG-ES for the energy-saving state.

[0095] Accordingly, reference numeral B1 represents a first time range of "normal" operation, i.e., operation of the interface devices 10a, 20a, 20b, and 20d used without any energy-saving states. Similarly, reference numeral B3 represents a third time range of "normal" operation, i.e., operation of the interface devices 10a, 20a, 20b, and 20d used without any energy-saving states. Temporarily, between time ranges B1 and B3, there is a second time range B2, which is characterized by energy-saving states of the interface devices 20b and 20d in the downlink direction, such as those based on the LPI mode according to EEE, i.e., the corresponding energy-saving states. Conventional systems cannot transmit user data in LPI mode, and therefore cannot transmit information for gPTP, for example. However, the principle according to the embodiment advantageously allows, for example, gPTP Sync messages to be combined with energy-saving signals, such as signals in LPI mode, and therefore gPTP Sync messages a44, a45, a51, and a52 can be transmitted in the second time range B2 as well.

[0096] In other exemplary embodiments, messages a44, a45, a51, and a52 are configured to have an exemplary structure IE-1 according to, for example, Figure 11, i.e., structure IE-1 can be used to embed at least one signal SIG-ES for energy saving status.

[0097] Arrows a26, a29, a36, a39, a46, a53, a60, and a63 in Figure 20 symbolize gPTP delayed request messages, arrows a27, a30, a37, a40, a47, a54, a61, and a64 in Figure 20 symbolize gPTP delayed response messages, and arrows a28, a31, a38, a41, a48, a55, a62, and a65 in Figure 20 symbolize gPTP followup response messages.

[0098] Blocks E40, E41, E42, E43, E44, E45, E46, E47, E48, E49, E50, and E51 according to Figure 20 symbolize time setting (e.g., clock adjustment) and are based on at least some of messages a20 to a65 exchanged according to Figure 20, for example. For example, time setting of unit E26 according to another exemplary embodiment can also be performed, for example, during a second time range B2, see blocks E43, E45, E47, and E49.

[0099] In other exemplary embodiments, one or more other message types can be transmitted in place of, or in addition to, the gPTP Sync type and gPTP Announce type messages illustrated above with reference to Figure 20, by applying the principles according to the embodiment, for example, according to gPTP, and can be transmitted, for example, in a second time range B2, i.e., during an energy-saving state (e.g., EEE LPI), by combining, for example, one or more other message types (e.g., according to gPTP) with at least one signal SIG-ES for the energy-saving state.

[0100] In other exemplary embodiments, for example, the following gPTP messages, i.e., message types, can be transmitted by applying the principles according to the embodiments. These include, for example, the message types Announce message, Sync message (two step), Sync message (one step), Sync Follow_Up (e.g., two step), Pdelay_Req, Pdelay_Resp, and Pdelay_Resp_Follow_Up).

[0101] In other exemplary embodiments, the energy-saving state (e.g., EEE LPI) can be transitioned to or exited according to a predetermined plan and / or based on data traffic observed by, for example, a zone control device E25, e.g., the software of the zone control device E25.

[0102] In other exemplary embodiments, the energy-saving state (e.g., EEE LPI) can also be transitioned to or exited based on, for example, information and / or status of a time synchronization protocol (e.g., gPTP).

[0103] In other exemplary embodiments, it is preferable to integrate the first information 1-1 into at least one signal SIG-ES for energy saving status (102a) (Figure 1), for example, by embedding it, because this does not require any changes to the existing structure of the signal SIG-ES for energy saving status, i.e., the data frame associated with it.

[0104] In other exemplary embodiments, the implementation of the principle according to the embodiment may differ with respect to different protocol layers, such as PHY and MAC, and / or different transmission speeds.

[0105] The following describes further exemplary embodiments applicable to the automotive sector, for example, and based on at least one of the following Ethernet standards, but see also, for example, the following items: IEEE P802.3bp (1000BASE-T1), IEEE P802.3ch "Multi-Gig" (2.5 / 5 / 10GBASE-T1), and IEEE P802.3cy (25GBASE-T1).

[0106] a)IEEE P802.3bp Standard for Ethernet Amendment 4: Physical Layer Specifications and Management Parameters for 1 Gb / s Operation over a Single Twisted-Pair Copper Cable b) "IEEE Standard for Ethernet-Amendment 8: Physical Layer Specifications and Management Parameters for 2.5 Gb / s, 5 Gb / s, and 10 Gb / s Automotive Electrical Ethernet," in IEEE Std 802.3ch-2020(Amendment to IEEE Std 802.3-2018 as amended by IEEE Std 802.3cb-2018, IEEE Std 802.3bt-2018, IEEE Std 802.3cd-2018, IEEE Std 802.3cn-2019, IEEE Std 802.3cg-2019, IEEE Std 802.3cq-2020, and IEEE Std 802.3cm-2020), vol., no., pp.1-207, 30 June 2020, doi: 10.1109 / IEEESTD.2020.9146430 c)IEEE P802.3cy Standard for Ethernet - Amendment: Physical Layer Specifications and Management Parameters for greater than 10 Gb / s Electrical Automotive Ethernet

[0107] In other exemplary embodiments, for example, for a 1000BASE-T1 Automotive Ethernet Physical Layer and / or for a Multi-Gig (2.5 / 5 / 10MGBASE-T1) Automotive Ethernet, during an energy-saving state (e.g., EEE LPI), i.e., during "lpi_refresh_time" (see time range T2 in Figure 6), the signaling has a binary PAM (pulse amplitude modulation) refresh signal, and according to conventional standards, the Infofield information element has zero.

[0108] Figure 21 illustrates an exemplary configuration of training data frames ("Training Frames") according to another exemplary embodiment, which can be transmitted, for example, during "lpi_refresh_time" (see time range T2 in Figure 6), i.e., as a signal for energy saving status. The first training data frame is denoted by reference code TF-1, and the second training data frame is denoted by reference code TF-2.

[0109] The first training data frame TF-1 is provided with a first Infofield information element IF-IE-1, which, according to the conventional approach, has zero as its data content, for example. The second training data frame TF-2 is provided with a second Infofield information element IF-IE-2, which, according to the conventional approach, has zero as its data content, for example.

[0110] In other exemplary embodiments, bits, i.e., bit positions, of Infofield information elements IF-IE-1 and IF-IE-2 may be used to accommodate, for example, first information 1-1. In other words, at least a portion of the time synchronization protocol message ZS-N ZS-N-1a (Figure 3) can be integrated into at least one of the Infofield information elements IF-IE-1 and IF-IE-2 of the training data frames TF-1 and TF-2. As already described above, in other exemplary embodiments, first information 1-1 may include, for example, (neither shortened as necessary) timestamp information (e.g., originTimestamp according to gPTP, and / or shortened originTimestamp according to gPTP) and / or trigger information or reference information, and / or, for example, an entire message, e.g., a gPTP message.

[0111] In other exemplary embodiments, reference information (see also, for example, reference code INF-REF in Figure 12) can be used to associate the reception time with further gPTP information, such as header data and / or timestamp information (e.g., of type originTimestamp). For example, in other exemplary embodiments, the reference information INF-REF may have, for example, a sequence ID (e.g., "sequenceID") or equivalent information.

[0112] In another exemplary embodiment (Figure 7), the first information 1-1 may include, for example, security information INF-SEC (e.g., security identifier, e.g., security tag (e.g., "SecTAG")), the security tag enabling, for example, sender authentication. In another exemplary embodiment, the security information INF-SEC can be combined with one or more of the other exemplary pieces of information for, i.e., part of, the first information, as shown in Figure 7, for example.

[0113] In other exemplary embodiments (Figure 7), the first information 1-1 may also include information derived from elements ZS-N, ZS-N-TRIG, ..., which have been illustrated with reference to Figure 7, for example.

[0114] In another exemplary embodiment (Figure 15), the principle according to the embodiment is used, for example, in communication systems 1000, 1000a for a vehicle 1, for example, to network sensor modules with each other, that is, to establish data connections from sensor modules to a control device, i.e., a vehicle computer.

[0115] In other exemplary embodiments, the principles according to the embodiments are advantageously applicable to sensor modules with limited power loss (e.g., to avoid excessive self-heating) and / or sensor modules with an asymmetric profile of data traffic (e.g., relatively large amounts of data for data transmission (e.g., image data or video data and / or other data associated with a relatively large amount of information, e.g., transmission to a control device) and relatively small amounts of data for data reception (e.g., control data, e.g., reception from a control device)).

[0116] In other exemplary embodiments, the principles according to the embodiments can be used, for example, in an automotive BASE-T1 Ethernet system, but other exemplary embodiments are not limited to automotive single-pair communication technology.

[0117] In other exemplary embodiments, the principle according to the embodiment can be used, for example, in a camera sensor, which has an uplink rate (e.g., from the camera of the camera sensor to other control devices) that is much higher than the downlink rate (from the control device to the camera sensor). For example, the local control device of the camera sensor, e.g., the camera ECU, transmits acquired camera sensor data to a target via the uplink and receives, for example, image-specific information via the downlink. In other exemplary embodiments, in this configuration, the information transmitted via the downlink is transmitted at intervals, and the corresponding messages have, for example, only a small number of bits. In this configuration, the channels are used, for example, asymmetrically, and the implementation of an energy-saving state (e.g., based on EEE) can be used to the advantage of saving energy. In other exemplary embodiments, using the principle according to the embodiment, information from a time synchronization protocol (e.g., information between the camera sensor and one or more other control devices, e.g., based on gPTP, e.g., information following gPTP) can be combined with a signal for an energy-saving state, thereby ensuring that the time synchronization of the camera module with other elements is maintained even during the energy-saving state phase.

[0118] In other exemplary embodiments, the principle according to the embodiment can be used, for example, in a radar sensor (e.g., a radar sensor in the automotive sector), where the radar sensor is capable of generating data bursts, for example, and the antenna front end is used sequentially for transmitting radar signals and for receiving signals reflected by surrounding objects, for example. Data bursts may also cause, for example, an asymmetric profile of data traffic, and thus energy can be saved using, for example, EEE. In other exemplary embodiments, using the principle according to the embodiment, information from a time synchronization protocol (e.g., information between the radar sensor and one or more other control devices, e.g., based on, e.g., gPTP) can be combined with a signal for an energy-saving state, thereby ensuring that the time synchronization of the radar sensor with other elements is maintained even during the energy-saving state phase.

[0119] In other exemplary embodiments, the principle according to the embodiment can be used, for example, in a communication system (e.g., a communication system for a vehicle) in which several components frequently send data (e.g., "broadcast") to, for example, multiple, or all other components, but receive, for example, relatively little data. In this too, for example, electrical energy can be saved using EEE. In other exemplary embodiments, the principle according to the embodiment can be used to combine information from a time synchronization protocol (e.g., information from a component of the communication system to one or more other components of the communication system, for example, based on, or following gPTP) with a signal for an energy-saving state, thereby ensuring that the time synchronization of the components of the communication system is maintained, for example, even during the energy-saving state phase.

[0120] In other exemplary embodiments, the principles according to the embodiment can be used, for example, in a system for acquiring (and optionally recording) data, such as a data logging system, in which, for example, a data stream of sensor data from a prototype vehicle is transmitted and stored, and simultaneously, energy saving by using EEE, for example, is possible, along with time synchronization in, for example, EEE LPI, even during the energy-saving phase.

[0121] In other exemplary embodiments, the principle according to the embodiment can be used for time synchronization of components that are, for example, in an energy-saving state or in a state where data is transmitted at a reduced data rate. For example, if a vehicle communication system enters an operating state where the amount of high-precision sensor data collected is no longer needed, in other exemplary embodiments, the communication profile can be switched to, for example, an energy-efficient mode (e.g., using EEE), in which a fast restart of the communication (e.g., a relatively short startup time within a time frame of a few minutes) is possible. In this operating state, for example, after the vehicle has been parked or stopped at a signal, in other exemplary embodiments, the acquisition of, for example, long-range radar data may no longer be necessary. Thus, in other exemplary embodiments, the communication connection can transition to a dormant or EEE state, in which state, in other exemplary embodiments, a synchronized time reference is maintained for, for example, a predetermined time using the principle according to the embodiment. This function maintains (time) synchronization and allows the vehicle to switch to a driving state more quickly, for example, if the driver wants to stop for only a short time.

[0122] Other exemplary embodiments (Figure 22) include the following elements of a method and / or apparatus 200, 200a, 200b and / or interface apparatus 10, 20 and / or communication systems 1000, 1000a, 1000b, 1000c and / or vehicle 1 and / or computer-readable storage medium SM and / or computer program PRG and / or data carrier signal DCS according to the embodiment: a) combining first information 1-1 characterizing at least a portion of the message ZS-N of the time synchronization protocol with at least one signal SIG-ES for energy saving status (301) (e.g., combined transmission 302), b) reducing delay (303), c) using an energy saving status time range T2 (Figure 6) to transmit the information of the time synchronization protocol (304), and d) Energy Efficient The invention relates to use (300) for at least one of the following: (305) enabling time synchronization in Ethernet (EEE) based communication systems 1000, 1000a, 1000b, 1000c; (306) distributing time information in communication systems 1000, 1000a, 1000b, 1000c for a vehicle 1.

Claims

1. For example, a computer implementation method wherein an interface device (10;20) is configured to provide (100) at least one signal (SIG-ES) for an energy-saving state, the method comprising combining (102) the at least one signal (SIG-ES) for an energy-saving state with first information (1-1), and transmitting (104) the at least one signal (SIG-ES) for an energy-saving state together with the first information (1-1), the first information (1-1) being characterized by at least one of the following elements: a) a portion of a time synchronization protocol message (ZS-N) (ZS-N-1 a), b) control information (e.g., time-critical control information), and c) signaling (e.g., signaling for time-critical and / or safety-critical states).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the interface device (10; 20) is configured as an Ethernet interface device, for example, an Automotive-Ethernet interface device, and is configured in accordance with or based on at least one of the following standards: a) IEEE 802.3bw, b) IEEE 802.3bp, c) IEEE 802.3ch, d) IEEE 802.3cy, e) IEEE 802.3cg.

3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the energy-saving state is configured in accordance with and / or based on at least the following standard, Energy Efficient Ethernet, IEEE 802.3az.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the time synchronization protocol is configured in accordance with and / or based on at least one of the following standards: a) Precision Time Protocol, PTP, IEEE 1588; b) Generalized Precision Time Protocol, gPTP, IEEE 802.1AS.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the combination (102) of the at least one signal (SIG-ES) for energy-saving status and the first information (1-1) comprises at least one of the following elements: a) integrating the first information (1-1) into the at least one signal (SIG-ES) for energy-saving status (102a) (e.g., embedding it); b) inserting the first information (1-1) before (e.g., immediately before) the at least one signal (SIG-ES) for energy-saving status (102b); c) adding the first information (1-1) after (e.g., immediately after) the at least one signal (SIG-ES) for energy-saving status (102c); and d) providing the first information (1-1) for transmission within a time range (T2) in which the at least one signal (SIG-ES) for energy-saving status is transmittable (102d).

6. The at least one signal (SIG-ES) for the energy-saving state is a refresh signal (SIG-REFRESH) in accordance with the Energy Efficient Ethernet standard, and the method comprises the following elements: a) integrating (110) (e.g., embedding) the first information (1-1) into the Infofield information element (IE-INFOFIELD) of the refresh signal (SIG-REFRESH); b) training the refresh signal (SIG-REFRESH) The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, comprising at least one of the following: a) integrating into (112) (e.g., embedding); c) inserting the first information (1-1) before (e.g., immediately before) the refresh signal (SIG-REFRESH); and d) adding the first information (1-1) after (e.g., immediately after) the refresh signal (SIG-REFRESH).

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the method comprises distributing the message (ZS-N) of the time synchronization protocol to the at least one signal (SIG-ES) for the energy-saving state (120), and transmitting the at least one signal (SIG-ES) for the energy-saving state (122), wherein, for example, distributing (120) is distributing the message (ZS-N) of the time synchronization protocol to a plurality of signals (SIG-ES-1, SIG-ES-2, SIG-ES-3, ...) for the energy-saving state (120a), and for example, transmitting (122) is transmitting the plurality of signals (SIG-ES-1, SIG-ES-2, SIG-ES-3, ...) for the energy-saving state (122a).

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first information (1-1) has or characterizes information of the time synchronization protocol that is sensitive to delay, for example, information associated with a synchronization message of the time synchronization protocol, for example, information associated with a Sync message of the generalized Precision Time Protocol (gPTP).

9. The first information (1-1) includes the following elements: a) the entire message (ZS-N) of the time synchronization protocol; b) a portion of the message (ZS-N) of the time synchronization protocol that characterizes the trigger information (INF-TRIG) (ZS-N-TRIG); and optionally, for example, reference information (INF-REF) that characterizes the relationship between the trigger information (INF-TRIG) and the header information associated with the trigger information; and c) a portion of the message (ZS-N) of the time synchronization protocol that characterizes the timestamp information (INF-TS) (ZS-N-TIM), for example, the generalized Precision Time The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the originTimestamp type conforms to Protocol (gPTP), and for example, the portion (ZS-N-TIM) has at least one of the security information (INF-SEC) which characterizes the portion (INF-TS') of the timestamp information (INF-TS).

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the method comprises dividing the message (ZS-N) of the time synchronization protocol into a plurality of parts (ZS-N-1 a, ZS-N-1 b, ...) (130) and assigning at least one of the plurality of parts (ZS-N-1 a, ZS-N-1 b, ...) to the at least one signal (SIG-ES) for the energy saving state (132).

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the division (130) comprises at least one of the following elements: a) separating the header information of the message (ZS-N) from the trigger information of the message (ZS-N) (130a), b) separating the header information of the message (ZS-N) from the timestamp information of the message (ZS-N) (130b), and c) reducing the timestamp information, i.e., the timestamp information of the message (ZS-N), (130c) (for example, shortening).

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the method comprises providing an information element (IE-1) having 12 octets (o1, o2, o3, o4, o5, o6, o7, o8, o9, o10, o11, o12), wherein at least a portion of the octets has the timestamp information (INF-TS) of 4 (o4) to 10 (o10) of the message (ZS-N) of the time synchronization protocol, for example, the shortened timestamp information, for example, the first three octets (o1, o2, o3) having a prefix (PRE), for example having the hexadecimal values ​​"BB", "A7", and "00", respectively, and for example the last two octets (o11, o12) having a checksum (PS).

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the method comprises providing an information element (IE-2) having 12 octets (o1, o2, o3, o4, o5, o6, o7, o8, o9, o10, o11, o12), wherein at least a portion of the octets has reference information (INF-REF) of 4 (o4) to 10 (o10), the reference information (INF-REF) characterizing, for example, the relationship between the trigger information and the header information associated with the trigger information, for example, a sequence number, for example, the first three octets (o1, o2, o3) having a prefix (PRE), for example, having the hexadecimal values ​​"BB", "A7", and "00", respectively, and for example, the last two octets (o11, o12) having a checksum (PS).

14. a) The combination (102) is performed at least temporarily and / or at least partially at layer 1 (PHY) of the ISO / OSI reference model, and / or b) The combination (102) is performed at least temporarily and / or at least partially at layer 2 (MAC) of the ISO / OSI reference model, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. For example, a computer implementation method wherein an interface device (10;20) is configured to receive (180) at least one signal (SIG-ES) for energy-saving status, the method comprising receiving the at least one signal (SIG-ES) for energy-saving status and extracting (182) first information (1-1) from the received at least one signal (SIG-ES) for energy-saving status, the first information (1-1) characterized at least one of the following elements: a) a portion (ZS-N-1a) of a time synchronization protocol message (ZS-N), b) control information (e.g., time-critical control information), c) signaling (e.g., time-critical and / or safety-critical signaling), the method for processing data associated with at least one interface device (10;20).

16. For example, an apparatus (200) configured to perform the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 14 and the method according to claim 15, for example, the apparatus (200a) configured to perform the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 14 but not configured to perform the method according to claim 15, and for example, the apparatus (200b) configured to perform the method according to claim 15 but not configured to perform the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 15, for example, an apparatus (200; 200a; 200b) for performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. An interface device (10, 20) having at least one device (200; 200a; 200b) as described in claim 16.

18. A communication system (1000; 1000a; 1000b; 1000c) having at least one device (200; 200a; 200b) according to claim 16 and / or at least one interface device (10, 20) according to claim 17.

19. For example, a vehicle (1) having at least one device (200; 200a; 200b) according to claim 16 and / or at least one interface device (10, 20) according to claim 17 and / or at least one communication system (1000; 1000a; 1000b; 1000c) according to claim 18.

20. A computer-readable storage medium (SM) that includes an instruction (PRG), and when the instruction (PRG) is executed by a computer (202), causes the computer (202) to perform the method according to at least one of claims 1 to 15.

21. A computer program (PRG) that includes instructions, and when the program (PRG) is executed by a computer (202), causes the computer (202) to perform at least one of the methods described in claims 1 to 15.

22. A data carrier signal (DCS) for transmitting and / or characterizing the computer program (PRG) according to claim 21.

23. The method according to at least one of claims 1 to 15 and / or the apparatus according to claim 16 (200; 200a; 200b) and / or the interface device according to claim 17 (10, 20) and / or the communication system according to claim 18 (1000; 1000a; 1000b; 1000c) and / or the vehicle according to claim 19 and / or the computer-readable storage medium (SM) according to claim 20 and / or the computer program (PRG) according to claim 21 and / or the data carrier signal (DCS) according to claim 22, of which the following elements: a) part of the time synchronization protocol message (ZS-N) (ZS-N-1 Use for at least one of the following: a) combining the first information (1-1) characterizing the energy-saving state with the at least one signal (SIG-ES) for the energy-saving state (301), for example, by combined transmission (302); b) reducing delay (303); c) using the time range (T2) of the energy-saving state to transmit information of the time synchronization protocol (304); d) enabling time synchronization in an Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) based communication system (305); and e) distributing time information in the communication system (1000, 1000a; 1000b; 1000c) (306) (for example in the communication system (1000, 1000a; 1000b; 1000c) for a vehicle (1)).

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