Communication gateway ASIC with integrated high-side switch

Abstract

Disclosed is a communication gateway ASIC (100), which is configured as a communication interface (102) for serial communication for data transmission between a control unit (114) and a plurality of peripheral devices (110). The communication interface (102) is configured for communication in a forward direction from the control unit (114) to the peripheral devices (110) and in a backward direction from the peripheral devices (110) to the control unit (114). Communication takes place in one of the two directions by means of voltage variations, and takes place in the other of the two directions by means of current variations. The communication gateway ASIC (100) furthermore comprises an integrated high-side switch (104) and is additionally configured to switch an energy supply of the peripheral devices (110) using the high-side switch (104).

Description

COMMUNICATIONS GATEWAY ASIC WITH INTEGRATED HIGH-SIDE SWITCH FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

[0001] The invention relates to the field of electrical engineering, more specifically to communication gateway ASICs and electronic assemblies with communication gateway ASICs. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] The operation of peripheral devices, such as sensors in vehicles, places different demands on the necessary electrical circuits. For example, operating such peripheral devices requires means for transmitting data between the peripheral devices and a control unit that manages their operation. Furthermore, means for supplying the peripheral devices with electrical power are required. For example, a communications gateway ASIC is used to implement data transmission, while the power supply, which in itself has nothing to do with data transmission, is generally implemented independently of the data transmission and thus the communications gateway ASIC.

[0003] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved communications gateway ASIC and an electronic assembly with an improved communications gateway ASIC. The objects underlying the invention are achieved by the features of the independent claims. SUMMARY

[0004] In one aspect, a communication gateway ASIC is disclosed, which is configured as a communication interface for serial communication for data transfer between a control unit and a plurality of peripheral devices. The communication interface is configured for communication in a forward direction from the control unit to the peripheral devices and in a reverse direction from the peripheral devices to the control unit. Communication in one of the two directions occurs through voltage variations, while communication in the other of the two directions occurs through current variations.

[0005] The communication gateway ASIC further includes an integrated high-side switch and is additionally configured to switch a power supply to the peripheral devices using the high-side switch. Furthermore, the communication gateway ASIC includes a booster circuit for increasing a supply voltage to the peripheral devices via the high-side switch.

[0006] Implementing forward and reverse communication using variations or modulations of different measurable electrical quantities—i.e., voltage variations on the one hand and current variations on the other—can have the advantage that communication in the two different directions can be clearly separated from each other in a simple and effective manner. If voltage variations are present, it is possible to clearly determine the direction in which the data encoded in the form of the voltage variations should be transmitted. If current variations are present, it is possible to clearly determine the direction in which the data encoded in the form of the current variations should be transmitted.

[0007] By integrating the high-side switch, the power supply to the peripheral devices, which is inherently independent of data transmission, is coupled with the electrical circuitry for controlling the peripheral devices and, in particular, the peripheral devices' data transmission, i.e., the communication gateway ASIC. Thus, using one and the same communication gateway ASIC, the control unit can both control data transmission with the peripheral devices and switch their power supply. For example, the control unit is configured to switch the high-side switch integrated in the communication gateway ASIC.

[0008] For example, data transmission between the communication gateway ASIC and peripheral devices, as well as the power supply to the peripheral devices, are carried out via the same electronic line(s) between the communication gateway ASIC and peripheral devices. For example, different electronic lines are used for data transmission and power supply.

[0009] Integrating the high-side switch into the communication gateway ASIC can have the particular advantage of eliminating the need for an additional, separate component for powering the peripheral devices. The high-side switch is not as a separate component, but rather as part of the communication gateway ASIC. Furthermore, by integrating the high-side switch, the resulting arrangement can be made more compact than with the usual independent implementation, and space can be saved. For example, space can be saved on a circuit board on which the communication gateway ASIC, the high-side switch, and the control unit, for example in the form of a controller, are arranged. Furthermore, integration can save weight of the resulting arrangement. Finally, integration can also save port pins on the control unit, for example a controller such as a microcontroller, for controlling the high-side switch.

[0010] An ASIC is an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), i.e., an electronic circuit implemented as an integrated circuit. The function of an ASIC is therefore not changeable. This has the advantage that the manufacturing costs of a large number of ASICs can be kept low, despite initially high one-off costs, such as the provision of appropriate photomasks for manufacturing the ASICs.

[0011] A communications gateway ASIC is an application-specific integrated circuit that implements a communications gateway as an application. A communications gateway is a component that establishes a communication connection for data exchange between two systems—in this case, the control unit on the one hand and the peripheral devices on the other. In this case, a communications gateway is implemented that is configured as a communication interface for serial communication for data transmission between the control unit and the peripheral devices. The communications gateway ASIC implements the communication interface, for example, in the form of a serial bus.

[0012] For example, the communication interface is configured to perform communication between the control unit and the peripheral devices using the DSI3 protocol. The DSI3 (Distributed Systems Interface 3) protocol is described in "DSI3 Bus Standard Revision 1.00" (https: / / www.dsiconsortium.org / downloads / DSI3_%20Bus_Standard_rl.00.pdf), February 16, 2011. The Distributed Systems Interface (DSI) is a bus protocol configured to connect multiple distributed systems, sensors, and / or actuators to a central control unit.

[0013] For example, the communication interface is configured to perform communication between the control unit and the peripheral devices using the PSI5 standard.

[0014] The PSI5 standard (https: / / www.psi5.org / ) defines a digital interface for peripheral sensors. PSI5 is used in automotive electronics to connect peripheral sensors to electronic control units or controllers. Point-to-point and bus configurations with asynchronous and synchronous communication are supported. PSI5 operates according to the current interface principle with modulated transmit current for data transmission to a supply line. A relatively high signal current of 26 mA and bit encoding in Manchester code enable a high level of interference immunity.

[0015] A high-side switch is a semiconductor switch that is positioned in an upper circuit with respect to a load, such as one or more peripheral devices, so that the load is located between the high-side switch and ground. For example, in a circuit where various loads are connected to a single supply voltage, such as in a vehicle with a fixed battery voltage and a grounded body as ground, the output may be susceptible to ground faults. A high-side switch, for example, is suitable for detecting such ground faults.

[0016] A transistor can be used as a high-side switch, for example, to connect or disconnect a high-voltage power supply line, such as 12V in a vehicle, to the load. An n-channel FET, which operates in the saturation range, is used for this purpose. To control the high-side switch, an on / off signal for switching the high-side switch is sent from the control unit, such as a microcontroller, to the high-side switch. For example, the control unit sends a low-voltage on / off signal to a controller circuit, i.e., controller IC, of ​​the high-side switch, which then supplies a higher gate voltage required to switch the high-side switch on and off as needed.

[0017] The integrated high-side switch supplies power to the peripherals. Thus, in this case, the communication gateway ASIC with the integrated high-side switch not only implements communication between the control unit and the peripherals, but also supplies power to the peripherals.

[0018] The control unit is, for example, a controller. The controller is, for example, a microcontroller, i.e., a semiconductor chip that includes a processor and additional functions or elements. A controller generally refers to an electronic hardware unit for controlling specific processes and / or components. If the controller is implemented in the form of an integrated circuit, it is generally referred to as a microcontroller.

[0019] Compared to known communication gateway ASICs, a communication gateway ASIC with an integrated high-side switch also includes, for example, additional high-side switch outputs with additional pins. To integrate the high-side switch into a communication gateway ASIC, additional pads and / or pins are provided on the corresponding ASIC for the integrated high-side switch. For example, these pins are independent pins of the integrated high-side switch. This is especially true when different lines are used for data transmission and for power supply to the peripheral devices.

[0020] For example, a data transfer is generally initiated by the control unit, while the peripheral devices react to a corresponding initiation or corresponding initiation signals from the control unit.

[0021] A booster circuit further included in the communication gateway ASIC can have the advantage of ensuring a sufficient supply voltage for the peripheral devices via the high-side switch. This can be particularly advantageous when the peripheral devices are connected in series, such as in a daisy-chain topology. In this case, too, using the booster circuit can ensure a sufficient voltage supply for all peripheral devices in conjunction with the power supply via the high-side switch.

[0022] The booster circuit is configured such that the magnitude of the booster circuit's output voltage, which serves as the supply voltage for the peripheral devices via the high-side switch, is greater than the magnitude of the booster circuit's input voltage. Such a booster circuit is, for example, a boost converter. Such a boost converter can be implemented, for example, using an inductor connected in series with a freewheeling diode, behind which a charging capacitor sums up the output voltage.

[0023] For example, forward communication occurs via voltage variations, and reverse communication occurs via current variations. If voltage variations are present, this clearly represents forward data transmission from the control unit to the peripherals. If current variations are present, this clearly represents reverse data transmission from the peripherals to the control unit.

[0024] For example, forward communication occurs via current variations, and reverse communication occurs via voltage variations. If current variations are present, this clearly represents forward data transmission from the control unit to the peripherals. If voltage variations are present, this clearly represents reverse data transmission from the peripherals to the control unit.

[0025] An implementation of forward and backward communication using variations or modulations of different electrical parameters, i.e., voltage variations on the one hand and current variations on the other hand, can have the advantage that the communication in the two different directions can be clearly separated from each other in a simple and effective manner. For example, a communication using current variations can enable a cost-effective, fast and / or low-radiation implementation.

[0026] For example, communication in the forward direction and / or communication in the reverse direction takes place using a time-division multiplexing method or a time-division multiple access (TDMA) method. In particular, communication in the forward direction and reverse direction can take place using the time-division multiplexing method. In a time-division multiplexing method, the data from different transmitters is transmitted on a common transmission channel in specific time periods or time slots. For example, the time-division multiplexing method is a synchronous time-division multiplexing method. In a synchronous time-division multiplexing method, each transmitter is assigned a fixed time period for transmitting data on the common transmission channel by a multiplexer. For example, the time-division multiplexing method is an asynchronous time-division multiplexing method.With an asynchronous time-division multiplexing method, time slots can also be occupied by other data streams. For example, only those transmitters that are actually transmitting data are allowed to access the transmission channel. This way, unused time slots can be reduced or avoided. For example, channel information or a channel ID is added to each data packet, perhaps in the form of a header. Using this channel ID, a receiving demultiplexer at the destination of the transmission channel can assign the data packets to the correct data stream.

[0027] Separation of transmitted data can be achieved, for example, using half-duplex communication with a time-division multiple access (TDMA) method.

[0028] For example, the communication gateway ASIC is configured to supply power to the peripheral devices using a daisy-chain topology. For example, the communication gateway ASIC is further configured to communicate with the peripheral devices using the daisy-chain topology.

[0029] A daisy-chain topology refers to a topology in which multiple peripheral devices of the corresponding topology are connected in series to a single port on the communication gateway ASIC. If the daisy-chain topologies for power supply and communication coincide, for example, the communication gateway ASIC includes a single port for both power supply and communication. If the daisy-chain topologies for power supply and communication do not coincide, the communication gateway ASIC includes one port each for power supply and communication.

[0030] In a daisy-chain topology, for example, a first of the peripheral devices is connected directly to the communications gateway ASIC. The remaining peripheral devices of the majority of peripheral devices are each connected to their predecessors in the daisy-chain topology according to the series connection principle, forming a chain of peripheral devices known as a daisy chain. Signals to and from one of the peripheral devices pass through its predecessors to the communications gateway ASIC.

[0031] For example, the daisy-chain topology can comprise three lines that connect the peripheral devices connected in series. A first of the three lines is configured, for example, for data transmission between the control unit and the peripheral devices via the communication gateway ASIC. A second of the three lines is configured, for example, for supplying power to the peripheral devices via the high-side switch of the communication gateway ASIC. A third of the three lines is used, for example, to connect the peripheral devices to ground, for example, via the communication gateway ASIC.

[0032] Examples may have the advantage that the power supply and data transmission to the peripherals can be kept independent of each other, despite the integration of the high-side switch into the communication gateway ASIC and the resulting advantages described above.

[0033] For example, communication with the peripheral devices and the power supply to the peripheral devices are each carried out via the same line between the communication gateway ASIC and the corresponding peripheral device. For example, communication with the peripheral devices and the power supply to the peripheral devices are each carried out via different lines between the communication gateway ASIC and the corresponding peripheral device.

[0034] For example, the communication interface is configured to communicate with the peripheral devices using powerline communication via a power supply line that can be switched using the high-side switch to supply power to the peripheral devices.

[0035] This can have the advantage that, for example, a cable can be saved if communication and power supply are carried over the same cable. Such communication via powerline communication can, for example, be carried out using a point-to-point topology to connect the communication gateway ASIC to the peripheral devices. Such communication via powerline communication can, for example, be carried out using a daisy-chain topology to connect the communication gateway ASIC to the peripheral devices.

[0036] For example, the daisy-chain topology can comprise two lines that connect the peripheral devices connected in series. A first of the two lines is configured, for example, to supply power to the peripheral devices via the high-side switch of the communication gateway ASIC and to transmit data between the communication gateway ASIC and the peripheral devices over the same line using powerline communication. A second of the two lines is used, for example, to connect the peripheral devices to ground, for example, via the communication gateway ASIC.

[0037] For example, the communication gateway ASIC is configured to supply power to the peripheral devices using a point-to-point topology. For example, the communication gateway ASIC is further configured to communicate with peripheral devices using a point-to-point topology.

[0038] A point-to-point topology is based on point-to-point (P2P) connections, i.e., direct connections between the communication gateway ASIC and the individual peripheral devices. A direct connection is a direct, immediate connection between the communication gateway ASIC and the corresponding peripheral device without an intermediate station.

[0039] Examples may have the advantage that the communication gateway ASIC can communicate with and / or power individual peripherals directly via independent electrical lines.

[0040] For example, the communication gateway ASIC includes a common interface configured to control the high-side switch and the communication interface.

[0041] Examples can have the advantage that the high-side switch of the communication gateway ASIC for supplying power to the peripheral devices and the communication interface of the communication gateway ASIC for communicating with the peripheral devices can be connected via the same interface. For example, the control unit can use this shared interface to control both the corresponding power supply and the corresponding communication. For example, the use of a shared interface enables a more compact design of the communication gateway ASIC.

[0042] Control via the shared interface can be achieved, for example, using the Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) protocol. The communication interface of the communication gateway ASIC is implemented, for example, as a serial bus.

[0043] Control via the common interface can be achieved, for example, using the lnter-Integrated-Circuit(l 2 C) protocol, where the communication interface of the communication gateway ASIC is implemented, for example, as a serial bus.

[0044] In a further aspect, an electronic assembly is disclosed which comprises a communication gateway ASIC with integrated high-side switch according to one of the previously described examples of a communication gateway ASIC with integrated high-side switch. The electronic assembly further comprises one or more of the Peripherals. For example, the electronic assembly includes all peripherals connected to the communication gateway ASIC.

[0045] According to examples, the one or more of the included peripheral devices are sensors. For example, the one or more included sensors are proximity sensors. For example, the one or more included sensors are ultrasonic sensors.

[0046] For example, ultrasonic sensors are ultrasonic sensors of a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle. For example, the electronic assembly with the ultrasonic sensors is part of a parking assistance system, i.e., a system that supports and facilitates parking a motor vehicle, especially in tight spaces.

[0047] The ultrasonic sensors of the corresponding electronic assembly are integrated, for example, in aprons, such as the front or rear apron of a vehicle. The corresponding system can be a two-, four-, or six-channel system, i.e. a system with two, four, or six ultrasonic sensors per apron. The ultrasonic sensors are designed, for example, as round sensors, which are preferably painted in the vehicle color. The general rule here is: the higher the number of sensors, the more precise and reliable the measurement results. The decisive factor for the number of sensors installed is, for example, the width of the vehicle.Corresponding ultrasonic sensors send and receive ultrasonic signals and transmit the recorded ultrasonic data to the control unit, which can, for example, determine a distance from objects in the detection range of the ultrasonic sensors to the ultrasonic sensors from an ultrasonic signal propagation time.

[0048] For this purpose, the respective ultrasonic sensors can, for example, transmit a measurement signal or an ultrasonic signal and receive the ultrasonic signal reflected by the objects. The distance to the corresponding object can be determined based on the propagation time between the transmission of the ultrasonic signal and the reception of the ultrasonic signal reflected by one of the objects.

[0049] According to examples, the electronic assembly further comprises the control unit, for example in the form of a controller, such as a microcontroller.

[0050] It is understood that one or more of the aforementioned embodiments may be combined with one another, as long as the embodiments do not exclude one another. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] The following examples are explained in more detail using the drawings. They show:

[0052] Fig. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary assembly with an exemplary communication gateway ASIC with integrated high-side switch,

[0053] Fig. 2 is a block diagram of another exemplary assembly with an exemplary communication gateway ASIC with integrated high-side switch,

[0054] Fig. 3 is a block diagram of another exemplary assembly with an exemplary communication gateway ASIC with integrated high-side switch,

[0055] Fig. 4 is a block diagram of an exemplary assembly with daisy-chain topology,

[0056] Fig. 5 is a block diagram of another exemplary assembly with daisy chain topology,

[0057] Fig. 6 is a block diagram of an exemplary assembly with point-to-point topology,

[0058] Fig. 7 is a block diagram of an exemplary assembly arranged in an apron of a vehicle, and

[0059] Fig. 8 is a block diagram of another exemplary assembly arranged in an apron of a vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0060] In the following, similar elements are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0061] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary assembly 120 with an exemplary communication gateway ASIC 100 with integrated high-side switch 104. The communication gateway ASIC 100 is designed as a communication interface 102 for serial communication for data transmission between a control unit 114, such as a microcontroller, and a plurality of peripheral devices 110 of a plurality 112 of peripheral devices 110 connected to the communication gateway ASIC 100. For example, the communication gateway ASIC 100 is arranged on a printed circuit board. For example, the Communication gateway ASIC 100 is arranged on the circuit board together with the control unit 114. The communication interface 102 is configured for communication in a forward direction from the control unit 114 to the peripheral devices 110 and in a reverse direction from the peripheral devices 110 to the control unit 114. Communication in one of the two directions occurs via voltage variations, while communication in the other of the two directions occurs via current variations. For example, communication in the forward direction occurs via voltage variations and communication in the reverse direction occurs via current variations. For example, communication in the forward direction occurs via current variations and communication in the reverse direction occurs via voltage variations.

[0062] The communication gateway ASIC 100 further includes an integrated high-side switch 104 and is additionally configured to switch a power supply of the peripheral devices 110 using the high-side switch 104.

[0063] Integrating the high-side switch 104 into the communication gateway ASIC 100 can have the advantage of eliminating the need for an additional, standalone component for powering the peripheral devices 110. The high-side switch 104 is not provided as a separate component, but rather as part of the communication gateway ASIC 100. Furthermore, by integrating the high-side switch 104, the resulting arrangement can be made more compact compared to the usual independent implementation, and space can be saved. For example, space can be saved on a circuit board on which the communication gateway ASIC 100, the high-side switch 104, and the control unit 114 are arranged. Furthermore, the integration can save weight of the resulting arrangement.

[0064] For example, the electronic assembly 120 is implemented in a vehicle, such as a motor vehicle. For example, the peripheral devices 110 are sensors, such as ultrasonic sensors.

[0065] The peripheral devices 110 are electrically connected to the communication gateway ASIC 100 for power supply, for example, using a daisy-chain topology. For example, the peripheral devices 110 are electrically connected to the communication gateway ASIC 100 for communication using the daisy-chain topology.

[0066] The peripheral devices 110 are electrically connected to the communication gateway ASIC 100 for power supply, for example, using a point-to-point topology. For example, the peripheral devices 110 are electrically connected to the communication gateway ASIC 100 for communication using the point-to-point topology.

[0067] For example, the communication interface 102 is configured to communicate with the peripheral devices 110 via powerline communication via a power supply line that can be switched using the high-side switch 104 to supply power to the peripheral devices 100. For example, the communication interface 102 is configured to communicate with the peripheral devices 110 via a standalone communication line that is independent of the power supply line.

[0068] The assembly 120 further comprises a booster circuit for increasing a supply voltage of the peripheral devices 110 via the high-side switch 104, which is not shown in Fig. 1 for the sake of simplicity.

[0069] Fig. 2 shows another exemplary assembly 120 with an exemplary communication gateway ASIC 100 with integrated high-side switch 104. The assembly 120 shown in Fig. 2 corresponds to the assembly 120 of Fig. 1, wherein Fig. 2 explicitly shows the booster circuit 106 for increasing a supply voltage of the peripheral devices 110 via the high-side switch 104. The booster circuit 106 is configured such that the magnitude of an output voltage of the booster circuit 106, which serves as a supply voltage of the peripheral devices 110 via the high-side switch 104, is greater than the magnitude of an input voltage of the booster circuit 106. Such a booster circuit 106 is, for example, a boost converter.Using an additional booster circuit 106 of this type to increase the voltage can have the advantage that a sufficient voltage supply for all peripheral devices 100 can be ensured during the power supply via the high-side switch 104. Particularly when the peripheral devices 110 are connected in series, for example in the case of a daisy-chain topology, a sufficient voltage supply for all peripheral devices 100 can be ensured during the power supply via the high-side switch 104 using the booster circuit 106.

[0070] Fig. 3 shows another exemplary assembly 120 with an exemplary Communication gateway ASIC 100 with integrated high-side switch 104. The one shown in Fig. 3 The assembly 120 shown corresponds to the assembly 120 of Fig. 1, with the difference that the communication gateway ASIC 100 of Fig. 3 includes a common interface 106, which is configured to control the high-side switch 104 and the communication interface 102 by the control unit 114. This can have the advantage that the high-side switch 104 of the communication gateway ASIC 100 for supplying power to the peripheral devices 110 and the communication interface 102 of the communication gateway ASIC 100 for communicating with the peripheral devices 110 can be connected via one and the same interface 108. For example, the control unit 114 can control both the corresponding power supply and the corresponding communication via this common interface. For example, the use of a common interface 108 enables a more compact design of the communication gateway ASIC 100.Control via the common interface 108 can be achieved, for example, using the SPI protocol or the l. 2 C protocol. Like the module 120 of Fig. 1, the module 120 of Fig. 3 also includes a booster circuit for increasing a supply voltage of the peripheral devices 110 via the high-side switch 104, which is not shown in Fig. 3 for the sake of simplicity.

[0071] Fig. 4 shows an exemplary assembly 112 with daisy-chain topology 150. The communication gateway ASIC 100 corresponds, for example, to one of the exemplary communication gateway ASICs 100 with an integrated high-side switch shown in Figs. 1 to 3. The peripheral devices 110 are electrically connected to the communication gateway ASIC 100 for power supply and communication using a daisy-chain topology 150. For example, the peripheral devices 110 are electrically connected to the communication gateway ASIC 100 for communication using the daisy-chain topology.

[0072] The plurality of peripheral devices 110 are connected in series to the communication gateway ASIC 100 according to the daisy-chain topology 150, with a first peripheral device of the plurality of peripheral devices 112 being connected directly to the communication gateway ASIC 100. The other peripheral devices 110 of the plurality of peripheral devices 112 are each connected, for example, to their predecessors according to the series connection principle, thus forming the chain of peripheral devices 110 referred to as a daisy chain. Signals to and from one of the peripheral devices 110 pass through its predecessors to the communication gateway ASIC 100.

[0073] For example, the daisy chain topology 150, as shown in Fig. 4, may have two lines 142, 146, which connect the series-connected peripheral devices 110 to each other A first power supply line 142 of the two lines 142, 146 is configured, for example, to supply power to the peripheral devices 110 via the high-side switch integrated in the communication gateway ASIC 100 and to transmit data between the communication gateway ASIC 100 and the peripheral devices 110 via the same line 142 using power line communication. This can have the advantage that, for example, an extra line for data transmission can be saved if communication and power supply occur via the same line 142. A second ground line 146 of the two lines 142, 146 serves, for example, to connect the peripheral devices 110 to ground via the communication gateway ASIC 100. In the case of a vehicle, the ground is provided, for example, by the body.

[0074] The communication gateway ASIC 100 has two connection pins 101 for connecting to the peripheral devices 110 in the example shown in Fig. 4, while the peripheral devices 110 each have four connection pins 111 for connecting to one or two adjacent peripheral devices 110 or to the communication gateway ASIC 100.

[0075] For example, in an arrangement with six peripheral devices 110 spaced 40 cm apart, a total of 12 cable sections with a total length of 2*50 cm + 10*40 cm = 5 m are required. A distance of 50 cm was assumed between the communication gateway ASIC 100 and the first peripheral device 110.

[0076] Fig. 5 shows another exemplary assembly 120 with daisy-chain topology 150. In contrast to the daisy-chain topology 150 shown in Fig. 4, the daisy-chain topology 150 shown in Fig. 5 comprises three lines 142, 144, 146 that interconnect the series-connected peripheral devices 110. A first power supply line 142 of the three lines 142, 144, 146 is configured, for example, to supply power to the peripheral devices 110 via a high-side switch integrated into the communication gateway ASIC 100. A second communication line 144 of the three lines 142, 144, 146 is configured, for example, for data transmission between a control unit, such as a microcontroller, and the peripheral devices 110 via the communication gateway ASIC 100. A third ground line 146 of the three lines 142, 144, 146 serves, for example, to connect the peripheral devices 110 to ground via the communication gateway ASIC 100.

[0077] Such an arrangement with three lines 142, 144, 146 can, for example, have the advantage that the power supply and the data transmission to the peripheral devices 110 can be maintained independently of each other, despite the integration of the high-side switch into the communication gateway ASIC 100 and the resulting advantages described above.

[0078] For example, in an arrangement with six peripheral devices 110 spaced 40 cm apart, a total of 21 cable sections, i.e., 3 + 3*6, with a total length of 3*1.25 m + 5*40 cm + 2*6*1.25 m = 20.75 m, are required. As shown in Fig. 5, two splices 113 were assumed, with an average spacing of 1.25 m between splices 113 and peripheral devices 110, as well as between the communication gateway ASIC 100 and splices 113.

[0079] The communication gateway ASIC 100 has three connection pins 101 for connecting to the peripheral devices 110 in the example shown in Fig. 5, while the peripheral devices 110 each have four connection pins 111 for connecting to one or two adjacent peripheral devices 110 or to the communication gateway ASIC 100.

[0080] Fig. 6 shows an exemplary assembly 120 with a point-to-point topology 152. Such a point-to-point topology 152 is based on a direct connection between the communication gateway ASIC 100 and the individual peripheral devices 110. A direct connection is a direct, immediate connection between the communication gateway ASIC 100 and the corresponding peripheral device 110 without an intermediate station, in particular not via another peripheral device 110. This can have the advantage that the communication gateway ASIC 100 can communicate with the individual peripheral devices 110 directly via independent electrical lines and supply them with power. In the example shown in Fig. 6, each of the peripheral devices 110 is electrically connected to the communication gateway ASIC 100 via three lines 142, 144, 146.A first power supply line 142 of the three lines 142, 144, 146 is configured, for example, to supply power to the corresponding peripheral device 110 of the plurality of peripheral devices 112 via a high-side switch integrated into the communication gateway ASIC 100. A second communication line 144 of the three lines 142, 144, 146 is configured, for example, to transmit data between a control unit, such as a microcontroller, and the corresponding peripheral device 110 of the plurality of peripheral devices 112 via the communication gateway ASIC 100. A third ground line 146 of the three lines 142, 144, 146 serves, for example, to connect the corresponding peripheral device 110 of the plurality of peripheral devices 112 to ground via the communication gateway ASIC 100.

[0081] Fig. 7 shows an exemplary electronic assembly 120, which is arranged in or behind an apron 130 of a vehicle. The corresponding apron 130 is, for example, a front apron or a rear apron of the corresponding Vehicle. The corresponding assembly 120 comprises a plurality of peripheral devices 112, such as ultrasonic sensors, which are electrically connected to a communication gateway ASIC 100 of the assembly 120 using a daisy-chain topology. A high-side switch is integrated into the communication gateway ASIC 100, and the Communication gateway ASIC 100 is configured to switch a power supply to the peripheral devices 110 of the plurality of peripheral devices 112 using the corresponding integrated high-side switch.

[0082] The daisy-chain topology shown in Fig. 7 is implemented, for example, using two electrically conductive lines 140. For example, the arrangement of the lines 140 in Fig. 7 corresponds to the arrangement shown in Fig. 4 with the two lines 142, 146.

[0083] Fig. 8 shows another exemplary electronic assembly 120, which is arranged in or behind an apron 130, such as a front or rear apron of the vehicle. The lines 140 can be arranged, for example, according to a daisy-chain topology with the three lines 142, 144, 146 shown in Fig. 5 or according to a point-to-point topology with the three lines 142, 144, 146 shown in Fig. 6.

[0084] Although the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and the foregoing description, this illustration and description is to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 100 Communication Gateway ASICs 101 Pin 102 Communication interface 104 high-side switches 106 Booster circuit 108 common interface 110 Peripheral device 111 Pin 112 Plurality of peripheral devices 113 Splice 114 Control unit 120 assembly 130 apron 140 line 142 Power supply line 144 Communication line 146 Ground wire 150 Daisy chain topology 152 Point-to-point topology

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A communication gateway ASIC (100) configured as a communication interface (102) for serial communication for data transmission between a control unit (114) and a plurality of peripheral devices (110), wherein the communication interface (102) is configured for communication in a forward direction from the control unit (114) to the peripheral devices (110) and in a reverse direction from the peripheral devices (110) to the control unit (114), wherein communication in one of the two directions is effected by means of voltage variations, while communication in the other of the two directions is effected by means of current variations, wherein the communication gateway ASIC (100) further comprises an integrated high-side switch (104) and is additionally configured to switch a power supply of the peripheral devices (110) using the high-side switch (104),wherein the communication gateway ASIC (100) further comprises a booster circuit (106) for increasing a supply voltage of the peripheral devices (110) via the high-side switch (104).

2. The communication gateway ASIC (100) of claim 1, wherein the forward communication is effected by means of voltage variations and the reverse communication is effected by means of current variations, or wherein the forward communication is effected by means of current variations and the reverse communication is effected by means of voltage variations.

3. Communication gateway ASIC (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the forward communication and / or the reverse communication is carried out using a time division multiplexing method.

4. The communication gateway ASIC (100) of any preceding claim, wherein the communication gateway ASIC (100) is configured to supply power to the peripheral devices (110) using a daisy chain topology (150).

5. Communication gateway ASIC (100) according to claim 4, wherein the communication interface (102) for communication with the peripheral devices (110) by means of power line communication via a switchable using the high-side switch (104) Power supply line (142) is configured to supply power to the peripheral devices (110).

6. The communication gateway ASIC (100) of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the communication gateway ASIC (100) is configured to supply power to the peripheral devices (110) using a point-to-point topology (152).

7. Communication gateway ASIC (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the communication gateway ASIC (100) comprises a common interface (108) configured to control the high-side switch (104) and the communication interface (102) 8. An electronic assembly (120) comprising a communication gateway ASIC (100) with an integrated high-side switch (104) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly (120) further comprises one or more of the peripheral devices (110).

9. Electronic assembly (120) according to claim 8, wherein the one or more peripheral devices (110) comprised are sensors, in particular ultrasonic sensors.

10. The electronic assembly (120) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the assembly (120) further comprises the control unit (114).

Images