Electronic circuit and method for supplying power to multiple electronic systems of a vehicle's electronic control unit, and an electronic control unit for a vehicle.

Abstract

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

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

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

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

[0004] The overall system startup time is aggregated based on the startup time of each SoC, depending on the complexity of the startup process for SoC1. If SoC2 and SoC3 are already highly complex, the time spent starting SoC1 will reduce the time available for SoC2 and SoC3. As a result, it becomes even more difficult for these SoCs to achieve short startup times. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] The objective of this invention is to power on multiple electronic systems of a vehicle's ECU in a short amount of time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This objective is achieved by the subject matter of each independent claim. Further embodiments and preferred embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

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

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

[0009] Multiple electronic systems may consist of two or more electronic systems, i.e., at least two electronic systems, or may include two or more electronic systems. Each electronic system may be of a different type from the others. Electronic systems may be programmable. Electronic systems are preferably microprocessors or microcontroller integrated circuits, or may include them. Electronic systems may also include buses, clock generators, memory storage devices and / or memory interfaces, each with at least one input and / or output.

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

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

[0012] The term "to supply power" can be understood as providing or supplying electricity, i.e., voltage and / or current.

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

[0014] Guiding a vehicle at least partially automatically can therefore include guiding the vehicle according to a fully automatic or fully autonomous driving mode, as defined by SAE J3016 classification level 5. Guiding a vehicle at least partially automatically can also include guiding the vehicle according to a partially automatic or partially autonomous driving mode, as defined by SAE J3016 classification levels 1 through 4.

[0015] The power input detector may be one electronic component of an electronic circuit, or it may consist of at least a separate electrical or electronic component. The power input detector can detect the input voltage immediately and / or instantly when the input voltage is supplied to the power input of the electronic circuit or ECU. The power input detector can, directly or indirectly, immediately and / or instantly generate a first set signal at the output of the power input detector. It is preferable that the switching of the input voltage to ON and the generation of the first set signal occur almost simultaneously. The input voltage may be supplied from the vehicle's higher-level power system, or it may be supplied from the vehicle's auxiliary battery or generator.

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

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

[0018] Each latch can operate, for example, as follows: When a latch receives a set signal at its set input, it generates or sets an enable signal at its output and holds the enable signal until it receives a reset signal at its reset input. The enable signal is therefore preferably a persistent signal. When a latch receives a reset signal at its reset input, it switches the enable signal off, disables it, or resets it until it receives a set signal at its set input.

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

[0020] The enable signal can represent a binary "1" signal. This means that when a latch receives a set signal, the latch will either generate a binary "1" or immediately and / or instantly set the enable signal to a binary "1" at the latch's output. When a latch receives a reset signal, the latch will either generate a binary "0" or, in other words, immediately and / or instantly switch the enable signal off or reset it to a binary "0" at the latch's output. It is also possible that the enable signal represents a binary "0" signal when set, in which case the output will generate a binary "1" when the latch receives a reset signal.

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

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

[0023] A power management circuit, also known as a PMC, may be designed as a Power Management Integrated Circuit (PMIC). Each PMC may be an integrated circuit that can be used to manage the power requirements of each electronic system. Each PMC may also be a solid-state device that can enable control of current flow and direction, as well as / or voltage magnitude. Each PMC preferably comprises one or more DC / DC converters that convert an input voltage into multiple operating voltages of the electronic system. Multiple power management circuits may also be structurally combined into a single power management circuit.

[0024] Each PMC can supply power to a specific associated electronic system. Supplying power means that each PMC can provide the electronic system with at least one, preferably multiple, currents and / or operating voltages necessary to electrically sustain or operate the electronic system. As long as the PMC receives an enable signal from a latch associated with it, preferably on the PMC's respective enable interface or enable pin, the PMC will continuously supply power to the electronic system associated with it. Upon receiving an enable signal, the PMC immediately begins supplying power to the associated electronic system. When the PMC no longer receives an enable signal, it ceases supplying power to the electronic system.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0032] The advantage of instantaneous signal pulses, which are set signals or reset signals, is that desired or undesirable resets of the signal transmitter, such as power input detectors, electronic systems, or other computer processing units, cannot technically generate either set or reset signals, and therefore, undesirable sets or resets of latches do not occur.

[0033] Since the signal that enables the PMIC is an output from the latch, these signals remain high and enable the PMIC output unless the latch is reset by a signal from the electronic system.

[0034] For example, if a failure occurs in the first electronic system that causes a self-reset, the output of the first electronic system can also be reset. This resets the output to a high-impedance input. Since the drive signal to the latch is an open-drain active-low signal, the reset of the first electronic system, which changes the port of the first electronic system to a high-impedance input, does not produce an undesirable active-low drive signal to either the set input or the reset input of the latch. Therefore, the output of the latch remains unchanged even when the electronic system is reset.

[0035] This is a crucial feature that allows other electronic systems in the system to perform their tasks when one or more of the electronic systems fail, in order to minimize the level to which the ECU becomes non-functional in the event of an undesirable failure.

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

[0037] Multiple latches include a first latch, a second latch, a third latch, and so on. In this case, the first latch is associated with a first power management circuit and a first electronic system, the second latch is associated with a second power management circuit and a second electronic system, the third latch is associated with a third power management circuit and a third electronic system, and so on, with the number of each not being limited to three.

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

[0039] This advantageous connection ensures that the first electronic system can be reliably switched on independently of the other electronic systems. This means that when only the first electronic system's service is required, only the first electronic system is activated, and therefore the other electronic systems can remain inactive, thereby saving power. Furthermore, it is also advantageous that all electronic systems can be switched off when their service is not required, thereby saving power.

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

[0041] Preferably, the computer processing unit is integrated into the first electronic system. Preferably, one component of the electronic system, for example, one processor core, can be designated as the first computer processing unit. This has the advantage that no additional components are needed in the electronic circuit, and a part of the first electronic system can embody this component. Another advantage of this arrangement is that the first electronic system does not need to be permanently and fully powered up; only the computer processing unit needs to be powered up.

[0042] According to some embodiments, the second output of the first electronic system is connected to the set input of a second latch, which is separate from the first latch, among a plurality of latches. Preferably, the second output of the first electronic system is connected to an OR gate at the set input of the second latch. Preferably, the first electronic system is configured to generate a third set signal, and the second latch is configured to generate its respective enable signal in response to the third set signal. This can result in a second PMC receiving the enable signal and supplying power to the second electronic system.

[0043] Preferably, the further outputs of the first electronic system can be connected to each set input of a further latch so that the further electronic systems can be powered. The advantage of this is that the first electronic system can activate all other electronic systems separately. In this way, the electronic systems required for a particular state can be activated in a targeted manner. This always saves power.

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

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

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

[0047] The latch allows for easy and independent power-off of each electronic system. For example, all electronic systems are powered on after receiving a first set signal that sets the latch output high. If an application use case arises where a third electronic system is not required, the third electronic system can be powered off by resetting the third latch connected to the third PMC. The reset input for the latch for the third PMC is connected not only to the outputs of the first and second electronic systems, but also to the output of the third electronic system. All of these outputs are designed to be open collector or open drain outputs, allowing them to be connected together to the same reset input of the latch. If the first electronic system is the host of the ECU, the output of the first electronic system can be set to an active-low pulse to reset the latch. The latch output goes low, and the PMC stops supplying power to the third electronic system, thereby powering off the third electronic system.

[0048] Since the signals that enable PMC are output signals from the latches, these signals remain in their previous state unless each latch output is set or reset by an active-low pulse.

[0049] Electronic systems can therefore be powered on or off independently of other electronic systems. In this way, electronic systems that are no longer needed in a particular state can be targeted and deactivated. This improves the ECU to further conserve power. For example, a third electronic system can be powered on by a power input detector and a second electronic system, and powered off by the first electronic system, the second electronic system, and the third electronic system itself. If the third electronic system is powered on by the power input detector and then powered off by the first electronic system, the first electronic system does not need to remain in a power supply mode that maintains the powered-on state of the third electronic system. Thus, it is feasible to power off electronic systems depending on the specific use case of the vehicle.

[0050] This is particularly useful for applications that require separate firmware updates for electronic systems. Since each electronic system undergoing a firmware update may be reset multiple times during the process, if a reset of a particular electronic system affects other electronic systems within the ECU, a restore process is necessary to allow the electronic systems within the ECU to resume their update from a previous firmware update stage. This complicates the firmware update process and can result in undesirably longer firmware update durations.

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

[0052] The power supply unit may preferably be a DC / DC converter that converts the input voltage to a preferred operating voltage, or may include a DC / DC converter. The advantage of this is that not only the power input detector, but also multiple latches and computer processing units can be supplied with the power voltage directly and simultaneously without wasting time, and can perform their respective tasks as soon as the input voltage is applied. This can further speed up the preparation of the ECU for operation.

[0053] According to some embodiments, each of the multiple power management circuits is connected to a power input and configured to provide an operating voltage, derived from the input voltage provided by the power input, to its respective associated electronic system. The PMCs can be connected in parallel with each other, so that the PMICs are supplied with input voltages simultaneously. This can be advantageous as it reliably reduces the start-up time.

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

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

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

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

[0058] The advantage of such an output is that it can provide an output signal suitable for connection to the input via an OR gate. Furthermore, it is advantageous because it ensures that the signal will not be erroneously output in the event of an intended or unintended reset of the corresponding electronic system.

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

[0060] A further aspect of the present invention provides a method for supplying power to multiple electronic systems of an electronic control unit of a vehicle. This method includes the following steps:

[0061] - A step of switching the input voltage to the electronic control unit to ON. - A step of detecting an input voltage that has been switched ON, and generating a first set signal according to the detected input voltage using a power input detector, - A step of receiving a first set signal by each of the multiple latches, in particular at each set input of each of the multiple latches, and each of the multiple latches generating its respective enable signal in response to the first set signal, - A step in which each power management circuit receives its respective enable signal, and in accordance with each enable signal, power is supplied to each of the multiple electronic systems.

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

[0063] The input voltage is preferably the power input to the ECU or electronic circuit according to the present invention, and is switched on by a higher-level vehicle system capable of controlling the power management of the vehicle's auxiliary systems. The first set signal is preferably generated by a power input detector as soon as the power is switched on. The supply of power is sometimes referred to as power supply.

[0064] An advantage of the method according to the present invention is that it enables the parallel startup of multiple electronic systems, for example, within an automotive ECU, thereby significantly reducing the ECU startup time compared to the sequential startup of at least partial multiple electronic systems. It is advantageous that all multiple electronic systems are powered and started simultaneously. As a result, the ECU becomes available much earlier, compared to when it is activated, which can help further improve the systems within the vehicle.

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

[0066] In some embodiments, each enable signal is switched off when a reset signal is received by each of the latches among a group of latches, and each reset signal is generated by the respective electronic system corresponding to each latch. In some cases, each reset signal may be generated by an electronic system other than the corresponding system.

[0067] The advantage of this is that each electronic system can be switched off or powered off independently of other electronic systems or the ECU. This means that it is not necessary to activate all electronic systems or deactivate all electronic systems. This allows electronic systems that do not currently require service to be switched off. This is particularly power-saving. For example, when a vehicle is stopped with the powertrain turned off, there are no driving functions required, and therefore the corresponding electronic systems can be switched off.

[0068] Further embodiments of the method according to the present invention can be directly derived from various embodiments of the electronic circuit according to the present invention, and vice versa. In particular, individual features and corresponding descriptions relating to various embodiments of the method according to the present invention can similarly be applied to corresponding embodiments of the electronic circuit according to the present invention. The electronic circuit according to the present invention may, in particular, be designed or programmed to perform the method according to the present invention. The electronic circuit according to the present invention performs the method according to the present invention.

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

[0070] Further features of the present invention are evident from the claims, figures, and description of the figures. Features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, and features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown in the figures, may be included in the present invention not only in the individual combinations described, but also in other combinations. In particular, embodiments and combinations of features that do not possess all of the features of the originally conceived claims are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, embodiments and combinations of features that exceed or deviate from the combinations of features described in the enumeration of claims are also included in the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0071] [Figure 1] This figure schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the electronic circuit according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This figure schematically illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an open-drain circuit used to generate instantaneous signal pulses according to the present invention. [Figure 3]This figure schematically shows some of further exemplary embodiments of the electronic circuit according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a flowchart illustrating the process of an exemplary method according to the present invention. [Figure 5] This figure shows an electronic control device for vehicles according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This figure shows a vehicle electronic control device according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0073] The power input 29 can be supplied with an input voltage through an input voltage line 66 via a protection device 31, such as a fuse 31. The input voltage line 66 can be connected to an internal input power line 38 of the electronic circuit 1, to which PMCs 13, 14, and 15 can be connected directly or indirectly in parallel. In this example, the first PMC 13 is directly connected to the input power line 38. The second PMC 14 and the third PMC 15 are indirectly connected to the input power line 38 via a second power supply unit 33 (also called an SMPS), the second power supply unit can be configured as a switching power supply (SMPS) 33. The input voltage may also be modified by an electronic filter 32 that can reduce or remove undesirable signal components. The filter 32 may be interconnected between the SMPS 33 and the power input 29. Other configurations of the filter 32 are also possible. The SMPS 33 can provide a regulated voltage in parallel to the second PMC 14 and the third PMC 15 via a regulated power line 43. The first PMC13 can operate without SMPS33, and therefore may be a different type from the second PMC14 and third PMC15.

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

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

[0076] When a set signal is received at each set input 10, 11, and 12, each latch 6, 7, and 8 immediately generates their respective enable signals at their respective outputs 16, 17, and 18. Each enable signal can be sent to each PMC 13, 14, and 15 via enable signal lines 40, 41, and 42 to enable each PMC 13, 14, and 15. The received enable signals cause each PMC 13, 14, and 15 to provide multiple operating voltages to each electronic system 2, 3, and 4 via multiple power rails 34, 35, and 36, so that the multiple electronic systems 2, 3, and 4 can be started in parallel.

[0077] The first electronic system 2 can be configured to act as a management master for the ECU 70 to manage and monitor the power and health of the ECU 70's components, particularly the second electronic system 3 and the third electronic system 4. The first electronic system 2 may therefore be able to switch on and / or off not only itself but also the second electronic system 3 and the third electronic system 4 separately. Preferably, the first computer processing unit 25 of the first electronic system 2 can generate set signals for the second output 26 and / or the fourth output 54 of the first electronic system 2. The second output 26 can be connected to the set input 11 of the second latch 7 via a fifth signal line 48. The fifth signal line 48 and the first signal line 44 can be connected to the set input 11 through an OR gate 60, so that the second latch 7 sets an enable signal to output 17 by either a set signal from the power input detector 5 or a set signal from the first electronic system 2.

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

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

[0080] The second electronic system 3 can be configured to be higher in rank than the third electronic system 4 and may, for example, include a processor for calculation functions for automatically driving the vehicle. The second electronic system 3 may therefore be able to switch off not only itself but also the third electronic system 4, and to switch the third electronic system 4 on separately. Preferably, the second electronic system 3 can generate a set signal at the second output 56. The second output 56 can be connected to the set input 12 of the third latch 8 via the ninth signal line 52. The ninth signal line 52 and the first signal line 44 can be connected to the set input 12 through the OR gate 60, so that the third latch 8 sets an enable signal at output 18 by either the set signal from the power input detector 5 or the set signal from the second electronic system 3.

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

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

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

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

[0085] When an input voltage, i.e., the first operating voltage (VCC1), is applied to the electronic circuit 1 via the operating voltage line 39, the open-drain circuit 30 of the power input detector 5 charges a capacitor in the circuit through a series resistor. As the series capacitor continues to charge, the voltage across the series resistor gradually decreases from VCC1 to zero. This voltage turns on the transistor, thereby lowering the voltage at the transistor's collector (i.e., output 9) to low. When the voltage across the series resistor reaches a threshold voltage that prevents the transistor from being turned on, the transistor turns off. Thus, an active-low voltage pulse is generated at output 9, which can be received via the first signal line 44 by a plurality of latches 6, 7, and 8.

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

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

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

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

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

[0091] Various embodiments of the present invention relate to embodiments of a circuit that enables parallel startup and separate shutdown of multiple electronic systems within an automobile's ECU. Embodiments of this circuit also enable separate reset of multiple electronic systems within the ECU.

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

[0093] For example, a circuit that detects the occurrence of power input to an ECU, particularly the output signal of a power input detector, can be used as a set signal to activate multiple separate power supplies for multiple electronic systems. Therefore, these electronic systems within the ECU do not need to wait for one of the electronic systems to start up before the other electronic systems are powered by the activated system. The electronic systems can start up in parallel, achieving the shortest possible startup time and processing the end-user application accordingly.

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

[0095] Other signal sources may exist for the set signals that power on the electronic systems within the ECU. These signal pulses can be logically ORed against the latch input, so that if any one of these set signals becomes active, that set signal will enable power to the respective electronic system.

[0096] All of the drive pulses mentioned above may be negative pulses, for example. This, combined with the latch design, also prevents unwanted power-on or power-off of electronic systems within the ECU due to unwanted fluctuations in drive signals from other electronic systems within the ECU. This facilitates the use of open-drain and open-collector circuits, allowing for easy implementation of AND or OR logic circuits without complex circuit components. This open-drain drive circuit design also ensures that the output state of the latch remains unchanged, as there is no set signal output at the latch input when the electronic system is powered off.

[0097] A latch can be used to hold an enable signal to keep the power on, but there may be multiple disable or reset signals that are logically ORed with the latch to disable the latch's output. This allows each electronic system to be powered off either by itself or by other signal sources that can turn off the electronic system.

[0098] Regarding reset signals to the electronic system within the ECU, these reset signals can be designed, for example, entirely in an open-drain or open-collector configuration to prevent uncontrolled reset signals from the electronic system itself, which may result from the electronic system's own reset process.

[0099] Various embodiments may have the advantage that the first electronic system does not need to be active at all times. While it may make sense to keep the first electronic system active while the ECU needs to perform safe driving functions, there may be operating modes in which the ECU does not need to activate all electronic systems. For example, when the vehicle is stopped with the powertrain turned off, there are no driving functions that need to be performed. The ECU may, for example, have its firmware updated during this operating state. The first electronic system may be reset multiple times during the firmware update process, before the firmware update process for the first electronic system is completed. Various embodiments may have the advantage that resetting the first electronic system does not unconditionally turn off the power to the second and third electronic systems, for example, when the second and third electronic systems may also be undergoing firmware update processes. As a result, the ECU may not require a restore process that would allow the second or third electronic system to restore its firmware update process. Therefore, the firmware update processes for the electronic systems within the ECU can be completed separately.

Claims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. The electronic circuit (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that each of the plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4) comprises one or more processor cores.

12. A method for supplying power to multiple electronic systems (2, 3, 4) within the vehicle's electronic control unit (70), - Step (S1) of switching the input voltage to the electronic control unit (70) to ON, - Step (S2) of detecting the input voltage that has been switched ON and generating a first set signal according to the detected input voltage using the power input detector (5), - The steps include receiving the first set signal by each of the multiple latches (6, 7, 8) (S3), and generating an enable signal by each of the multiple latches (6, 7, 8) in accordance with the first set signal (S4), - The power management circuits (13, 14, 15) receive the respective enable signals (S5), and in accordance with the respective enable signals, power is supplied to each of the multiple electronic systems (2, 3, 4) (S6), Methods that include...

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that each of the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8) receives the first set signal in parallel from the power input detector (5).

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that when each reset signal is received by each of the latches (6, 7, 8) among the plurality of latches (6, 7, 8), each enable signal is switched off, and each reset signal is generated by each electronic system (2, 3, 4) associated with each of the latches (6, 7, 8).

15. A vehicle electronic control device (100), - The electronic control device (100) comprises the electronic circuit (1) and the electronic control unit (70) described in claim 1, and the electronic control unit (70) comprises the plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4), or - The electronic control device (100) comprises an electronic control unit (70) having the electronic circuit (1) described in claim 1, and the electronic circuit (1) comprises the plurality of electronic systems (2, 3, 4), Electronic control unit (100).

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