Sensor device for detecting electromagnetic interference in an electronic control unit

Abstract

A sensor device (100) for detecting electromagnetic interference for an electronic control unit (300) of a vehicle comprises an antenna (110) which is designed to receive electromagnetic waves from an environment around the antenna (110), and an evaluation unit (120) which is designed to receive signals (45) from the antenna (110) and to detect the electromagnetic interference in the electronic control unit (300) on the basis of the signals (45).

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Sensor device for detecting electromagnetic interference in an electronic control unit

[0003] The present invention relates to a sensor device and a method for detecting an electromagnetic disturbance in an electronic control unit of a vehicle, an electronic control unit with such a sensor device, and in particular to an EMC sensor on a printed circuit board.

[0004] Electromagnetic radiation can trigger faults in an electrical or electronic circuit. This electromagnetic radiation can be generated by elements of such a circuit itself or in the circuit's environment, particularly by nearby electronic devices.

[0005] To protect against such interference, circuits and electronic devices are designed with improved electromagnetic compatibility. Electromagnetic compatibility means the absence of interference during operation or control of the circuit or device on its own components or other devices and equipment that could lead to malfunctions caused by, for example, electric, magnetic, or electromagnetic fields. This includes, for example, interference from currents or voltages.

[0006] Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) also plays a role in vehicles. Particularly in commercial vehicles, numerous electronic circuits or components are housed in control units, each of which can be affected by other circuits or components within the same control unit or by other electronic devices. The specific stresses of ferry operations and the high demands on reliability necessitate robust designs and high redundancies, which can exacerbate electromagnetic compatibility problems. Despite efforts to improve electromagnetic compatibility, such interference often cannot be completely avoided in state-of-the-art devices. Therefore, there is a need to improve the resistance of electronic control units to electromagnetic interference.

[0007] At least some of the aforementioned problems are solved by a sensor device for detecting an electromagnetic disturbance according to claim 1, an electronic control unit according to claim 7, and a method according to claim 13. The dependent claims define advantageous embodiments of the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0008] The present invention relates to a sensor device for detecting electromagnetic interference in an electronic control unit of a vehicle. The sensor device is wholly or partially integrated into the electronic control unit and / or is suitable for being inserted into or integrated into the electronic control unit of the vehicle. The sensor device comprises an antenna configured to receive electromagnetic waves from the vicinity of the antenna and an evaluation unit configured to receive signals from the antenna and, based on these signals, to detect the electromagnetic interference.

[0009] In exemplary embodiments, the vehicle is a commercial vehicle and in particular a transport vehicle, for example a truck with or without a trailer, a semi-trailer truck or a tractor-trailer combination.

[0010] An electronic control unit can be understood as a device designed to perform control functions within the vehicle and comprising at least one circuit. This circuit can be electrical or electronic, i.e., an electrical circuit with semiconductor components. The term "control" can be understood as the directed influencing of behavior. In exemplary embodiments, the electronic control unit is part of a driver assistance system or an autonomous driving system, and can, in particular, be part of a braking system. The control unit is then designed to effect a function within the system in question. This can include, for example, generating, transmitting, receiving, or processing a signal, operating a brake, or executing a driving maneuver.The control can also relate to a process that takes place solely within the electronic control unit or in the circuit of the electronic control unit.

[0011] Electromagnetic interference can be understood as a fault in the control system. In particular, the circuit of the electronic control unit can be in different states during a control process, or assume different states, which may be characterized by current or voltage values. Electromagnetic interference is then generally a change in at least one such state, or in the sequence of such states, caused by the influence of radiation on the circuit.

[0012] Detecting electromagnetic interference can be understood as attributing the antenna signals to an electromagnetic disturbance in the electronic control unit or circuit. The disturbance does not necessarily have to be physically present.

[0013] In exemplary embodiments, the evaluation device can be designed to assume an electromagnetic disturbance based on the signals from the antenna.

[0014] For example, the evaluation unit can be configured to determine, based on the antenna signals, whether radiation of a specific frequency or frequency band with an intensity above a threshold is present in the vicinity of the antenna, and thus in the vicinity of the circuit, leading to the assumption that electromagnetic interference exists. The detection of electromagnetic interference can therefore be independent of the circuit's state, based on an estimation of whether electromagnetic interference is present. Based on the antenna signals, only the electromagnetic radiation is classified as potentially causing electromagnetic interference.

[0015] In these or other embodiments, the evaluation unit can also be configured to correlate the signals with an actual fault or irregularity in the circuit of the electronic control unit and to detect the electromagnetic interference in this sense. Based on the antenna signals, the fault or irregularity is then classified as electromagnetic interference. The evaluation unit can comprise one or more components and / or be integrated into one or more components of the electronic control unit. In particular, the evaluation unit can include a microcontroller and / or an integrated circuit. The components can be designed, in particular, to be mounted on one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) of the electronic control unit.The evaluation unit can be configured to draw power from a power source in the electronic control unit or via a connection to the power supply of the electronic control unit.

[0016] Because the sensor device is suitable for detecting electromagnetic interference that may occur in the electronic control unit, it is adapted to that unit. Therefore, the configuration of the sensor device can be determined by the electronic control unit. In particular, the antenna can be designed to detect electromagnetic radiation with specific frequencies or within specific frequency ranges particularly well. These frequencies or frequency ranges can be determined by expectations. These expectations can be based, for example, on a configuration of the electronic control unit itself (such as typical frequencies or frequency ranges of internal signals, voltages, or currents) or on the location of the electronic control unit in the vehicle (and the typical electromagnetic fields present there).The evaluation unit can be further adapted to the electronic control unit by being designed to estimate the influence of electromagnetic radiation on the electronic control unit or the circuit based on such expectations. For example, a threshold value for amplitude, frequency, or intensity can be provided below or above which the evaluation unit ignores the electromagnetic radiation or the antenna signals because no or only a minor effect on the electronic control unit is expected below or above the threshold value.

[0017] The antenna can be attached directly to the evaluation unit or a component thereof. Optionally, the electronic control unit includes a printed circuit board (PCB), and the antenna is implemented as a conductor track in or on the PCB. Alternatively or additionally, the antenna is designed to be mounted on or attached to the PCB. Mounting may involve clamping, soldering, gluing, or screwing the antenna to the PCB.

[0018] The evaluation unit can be wholly or partially fixed to this circuit board, or designed to be wholly or partially fixed to this circuit board. Parts of the evaluation unit can also be located at other points within the electronic control unit. Additional conductor tracks can be provided on the circuit board to electrically connect the antenna and the evaluation unit, or a component of the evaluation unit.

[0019] Optionally, the evaluation unit includes at least one receiving component, either mounted on the circuit board or configured for mounting on the circuit board, and configured to receive signals from the antenna. The receiving component may be configured to process the signals. This may include converting or changing the frequency of the signals. For this purpose, the receiving component may, for example, include a frequency mixer. Furthermore, the processing may include amplifying the signal. For this purpose, the receiving component may include an operational amplifier. The receiving component may be configured to transmit information from the antenna signals to other components of the evaluation unit.

[0020] Optionally, the electronic control unit includes a circuit and the evaluation unit a detection component, wherein the detection component is configured to detect the electromagnetic interference based on a state of the circuit and the signals from the antenna.

[0021] The circuit can be configured for one or more functions (or configured to perform one or more functions). As previously described, a state is the condition of the circuit during the execution of such a function. A state can be defined, for example, by at least one of the following: voltage, current flow, switch state (open or closed), and energy consumption, or by other characteristic quantities.

[0022] In exemplary embodiments, the detection component is designed to correlate the antenna signals (optionally processed by the receiving component) on the one hand with the state, a sequence of states, and / or results of comparisons of states with target states or sequences of states with sequences of target states on the other hand, in order to detect the electromagnetic interference. In particular, the detection component can be designed to identify a fault or irregularity in the state or sequence of states and to correlate it with the signals, at least temporally.

[0023] The detection of electromagnetic interference can be based on a correlation between the condition, particularly a fault or irregularity, and the signals from the antenna. Whether electromagnetic interference is detected can, for example, depend on the magnitude of the correlation between the fault and the signals. This might involve comparing the temporal correlation of the fault or irregularity's occurrence with the temporal sequence of the signals, with the correlation needing to exceed a certain threshold to be detected as electromagnetic interference. Therefore, electromagnetic interference detection can, in this or another way, include an assessment of whether electromagnetic radiation is a possible source of a detected fault or irregularity.

[0024] The detection component can be identical to the receiving component, or the detection component and receiving component can be integrated.

[0025] Optionally, the detection component is configured to recognize the state of the circuit based on at least one voltage or current, a frequency or amplitude of a voltage or current, and a status signal. The detection component can be configured to receive (and thus "detect") information about the state of the circuit from another location in the electronic control unit, or to detect the state of the circuit independently. The detection component can incorporate a microcontroller and / or processor for this purpose. The detection component can be configured to recognize a sequence of states. The detection component can be configured to evaluate the state or the sequence of states.In particular, the detection component can be configured to compare the actual state with a target state (or information about the actual state with corresponding information about a target state). For this purpose, the detection component can include memory and data relating to one or more target states. For example, the detection component can be configured to compare the values ​​of characteristic quantities, such as current flows and / or voltages, of the actual state and the target state. Similarly, the detection component can also be configured to compare a sequence of states with a sequence of target states.

[0026] Optionally, the detection component is designed to put the circuit into the state.

[0027] The detection component can, for example, be configured to request that the circuit be powered on or perform a specific function. For this purpose, the detection component can have a data connection to a control unit of the circuit on the printed circuit board. The control unit is, in particular, part of the electronic control unit. In exemplary embodiments, the detection component is identical to such a control unit or integrated into it. The detection component can be configured to bring the circuit into a specific state only under certain conditions.In exemplary embodiments, it is provided that the detection component integrated into the control unit of the circuit can perform a function of the circuit (and thereby put the circuit into the state) when a test mode is set that is intended for checking processes in the (entire, not to be confused with the control unit) electronic control unit. Such tests can be carried out in particular during the manufacture or maintenance of the electronic control unit or as part of safety test series.

[0028] Exemplary embodiments also relate to an electronic control unit for a vehicle, wherein the electronic control unit comprises a sensor device of the type described above. The electronic control unit and the sensor device can be designed with features as described above.

[0029] Optionally, the electronic control unit includes, in particular, one or more printed circuit boards on which the sensor device is arranged. In particular, the evaluation unit of the sensor device, as described above, can have several components that may be distributed across the one or more printed circuit boards.

[0030] In advantageous embodiments, the sensor device is mounted entirely on a circuit board of the electronic control unit.

[0031] Optionally, the electronic control unit comprises a circuit and a control device. The control device is configured to control the circuit, or at least a function of the circuit, and thereby detect a fault or irregularity in a state or sequence of states of the circuit. The control device is configured to assign the fault or irregularity to the signals from the antenna of the sensor device. This assignment can, for example, include temporal correlation. Based on this assignment, the electromagnetic interference can be detected, i.e., it can be determined or assumed that electromagnetic radiation, which is also received by the antenna, is also the cause of the fault, and thus an electromagnetic interference is present. For this purpose, the control device can, in particular, be identical to the detection component described above.include the detection component described above.

[0032] Optionally, the electronic control unit is configured to perform a control action based on the result of the mapping. This control action can affect a process or function within a vehicle system and / or within the electronic control unit itself. The electronic control unit can therefore be configured to control the function or system differently when electromagnetic interference is detected.

[0033] Optionally, the electronic control unit is designed to perform one of the following actions: interrupting the control of the circuit, issuing an error message, and / or suppressing an error message and / or interrupting the control of the circuit.

[0034] The choice between these reactions can depend on the magnitude of the correlation between the error and electromagnetic radiation or signals from the antenna.

[0035] In particular, the electronic control unit or sensor device may be designed to prevent an interruption of the control that would be triggered by the fault or irregularity. Whether this occurs may depend on further criteria; in particular, the severity or degree of the fault or irregularity may be taken into account. Such a function may be particularly useful for test runs of the electronic control unit or, during operation of the electronic control unit, to prevent unnecessary shutdown of a function or of the electronic control unit as a whole.

[0036] Furthermore, the control unit may be designed to completely interrupt the control or operation of the circuit or function upon detection of a fault or irregularity (without knowledge of the cause). This prevents the function from being performed, and the intended use of the electronic control unit may be limited or even impossible. While such interruptions are generally intended to ensure vehicle safety, they can also lead to failures that themselves pose a risk. Moreover, interrupting the function may be a disproportionate measure in a case where the fault or irregularity is solely due to electromagnetic interference.

[0037] Therefore, the control device can be designed, based on the sensor device, not to suppress the affected function, at least in the case of certain errors or irregularities where an electromagnetic disturbance can be assumed as the cause.

[0038] The vehicle optionally features a braking system, and the electronic control unit is part of that system. Electromagnetic interference can occur in the braking systems of commercial vehicles, making the electronic control unit and / or sensor device particularly advantageous in these cases.

[0039] Exemplary embodiments also relate to a method for detecting electromagnetic interference in an electronic control unit of a vehicle. The method comprises receiving electromagnetic waves from the vicinity of the antenna, based on an antenna. The method further comprises detecting the electromagnetic interference based on the reception of the electromagnetic waves or signals from the antenna.

[0040] Detecting electromagnetic interference can be based solely on an estimation of the received electromagnetic waves (or corresponding antenna signals). Based on these antenna signals, only the electromagnetic radiation is then classified as potentially causing electromagnetic interference.

[0041] The method is advantageously carried out based on a sensor device or an electronic control unit of the type presented.

[0042] In exemplary embodiments in which the sensor device (in particular by the detection component described above) is configured to correlate the signals with a state or sequence of states, or with errors or irregularities in such states or sequences, in a circuit of the electronic control unit, and in which the sensor device itself can bring the circuit into the state, the sensor device or the electronic control unit can be configured to carry out the method independently or automatically. Optionally, the electronic control unit comprises an electrical or electronic circuit and a control device, and the control device is configured to control the circuit or...The process involves controlling a function of the circuit, and further includes detecting a fault or irregularity in a state of the circuit during control, as well as attributing the fault or irregularity to the received electromagnetic waves or signals from an antenna. In this case, the attribution can be understood as part of the detection of the electromagnetic disturbance. Based on the antenna signals, the fault or irregularity is then classified as electromagnetic disturbance.

[0043] Furthermore, the procedure can include maintaining circuit control based on fault attribution. Specifically, circuit operation can be maintained if the fault has been positively attributed (or with a positive result) to received electromagnetic waves, for example, based on a temporal and / or spatial correlation. Thus, if the fault or irregularity is classified as electromagnetic interference, circuit control continues. Conversely, circuit control can be terminated or circuit operation interrupted if the fault has not been attributed (or has a negative result) to received electromagnetic waves. In this case, the cause of the fault can be assumed to be something other than electromagnetic incompatibility.

[0044] Embodiments also relate to retrofitting a conventional electronic control unit with a sensor device of the type presented.

[0045] Important aspects of the sensor device, the electronic control unit and the procedure can also be represented as follows.

[0046] Electromagnetic interference (EMC) cannot be measured by a conventional electronic control unit (ECU) in a vehicle. A sensor device can be integrated into an ECU to measure electromagnetic interference. The sensor device can be mounted wholly or partially on a circuit board of the ECU. Specifically, the sensor device includes a receiving antenna, which can be implemented, for example, as a trace on the circuit board or as a dedicated antenna. The sensor device also includes an evaluation unit configured to process the antenna signal so that a microcontroller can analyze it.

[0047] An internal fault, meaning a defect or irregularity in a state or sequence of states within a circuit, can be caused, for example, by faulty circuitry or poor circuit board design. Comparing activated signals and status feedback with antenna signals can help detect such faults during vehicle operation or development.

[0048] In particular, an external disturbance caused by electromagnetic radiation can be detected in a series control unit, and a fault detected by an affected status signal can be hidden for a certain period of time, depending on the severity of the fault, since it can be assumed that it is not a real fault, but a disturbance of the status signal.

[0049] In some embodiments, for example, a valve fault might be generated by manipulated feedback, even though there is no actual fault at the output stage. The fault can be masked for a certain period of time, for example, until it is determined whether the fault is real or not.

[0050] In these or other embodiments, a disturbance of one or more internal signals, generated by an internal action (e.g., activation of a power stage), can be identified during operation or development of the electronic control unit. This allows the method of signal generation to be changed or the sensitivity of the disturbed signals to be improved.

[0051] Advantages of the sensor device of the electronic control unit and the method include, in particular, the following: Errors generated by electromagnetic interference can be masked or better identified for the duration of the electromagnetic interference.

[0052] Such a fault can be masked for a certain period until it is determined whether the fault actually exists or not. The disturbance of one or more internal signals, generated by an internal action (e.g., activation of a power stage), can be identified (e.g., during development). This allows the method of signal generation to be changed or the sensitivity of the affected signals to be improved.

[0053] The embodiments of the present invention are better understood from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings of the different embodiments, which, however, should not be understood as limiting the disclosure to the specific embodiments, but merely serve for explanation and understanding.

[0054] Fig. 1 shows a sensor device for detecting an electromagnetic disturbance for an electronic control unit of a vehicle according to the present invention.

[0055] Fig. 2 illustrates the sensor device in the electronic control unit using signals.

[0056] Fig. 3 illustrates the sensor device in the electronic control unit using additional signals.

[0057] Fig. 4 shows a method according to the present invention.

[0058] Fig. 5 shows further aspects of both the process and the sensor device and the electronic control unit by means of process steps.

[0059] Fig. 1 shows a sensor device 100 for detecting electromagnetic interference for an electronic control unit 300 of a vehicle. The sensor device 100 comprises an antenna 110 configured to receive electromagnetic waves from the vicinity of the antenna 110, and an evaluation unit 120 configured to receive signals from the antenna 110 and to detect the electromagnetic interference based on these signals. In this embodiment, the sensor device 100 is entirely mounted on a printed circuit board 200. The antenna 110 can, for example, be implemented as a wire and attached to the evaluation unit 120 and spaced apart from the printed circuit board 200. In advantageous embodiments, however, the antenna 110 is implemented as a conductor track on the printed circuit board 200.The printed circuit board 200 comprises at least one circuit 210, for which some electronic components 215, in particular surface-mounted devices (SMDs), are shown as representatives. The circuit 210 may also include components on other printed circuit boards not shown here (which may then be electrically connected to the printed circuit board 200 shown here).

[0060] The evaluation unit 120 is also implemented as a surface-mount component. The evaluation unit can include a separate receiving component configured to receive signals from the antenna 110, and it can include a detection component configured to detect electromagnetic interference based on the state of the circuit 210 and the signals from the antenna 110. The detection component can be concurrent with a control unit of the circuit 210 or integrated into a control unit on the printed circuit board 200. The control unit can, for example, include a microcontroller or a processor.

[0061] The detection component or evaluation device 120 can be configured to detect the state of the circuit 210 based on values ​​of a voltage or current, a frequency or amplitude of a voltage or current of the circuit 210.

[0062] The electronic control unit 300 can also be configured to receive a status signal. The status signal can be received from another device in the vehicle and sent to the circuit board 200, and the circuit 210 can be configured to process the status signal. In particular, the circuit 210 can be configured to control the other device. The other device can receive signals from the electronic control unit 300 via a power stage of the circuit 210, or send signals back to the electronic control unit 300 to which the electronic control unit 300 belongs. The power stage is a component of the

[0063] Circuit 210 receives corresponding control signals from the control unit (for example, a microcontroller) and provides the voltages or currents required to operate the other device at its output. For example, the other device could be a sensor or a valve.

[0064] The control device (which may be identical to or include the detection component) can be configured to detect a fault in a state of the circuit 210. It can be further configured to correlate the fault with the signals of the antenna 110. The control device can be configured to control the circuit 210 based on the result of this correlation. In particular, the control device can be configured to interrupt the control of the circuit 210 based on whether or not an electromagnetic disturbance has been detected.

[0065] The electronic control unit 300 can, for example, be part of a braking system in the vehicle. The vehicle can be a commercial vehicle, in particular a truck with or without a trailer, a semi-trailer truck, or a tractor-trailer combination.

[0066] Fig. 2 illustrates aspects of an embodiment of the sensor device 100 in the electronic control unit 300 using signals. The embodiment can correspond to that in Fig. 1. Shown are four signal waveforms 10, 20, 30, 40 arranged one above the other in the figure, each showing a signal amplitude (for example, a current or a voltage) over time.

[0067] A first signal waveform 10, shown at the top, corresponds to a signal in a circuit 210 to be monitored for electromagnetic interference, in particular circuit 210 on the printed circuit board 200 in Fig. 1, which controls a power stage in the electronic control unit 300. As described above, the power stage can be an interface in the electronic control unit 300 for operating or communicating with another device outside the electronic control unit 300. For example, the other device can be another electronic control unit 300 and / or include a valve or an actuator for the braking system. The control signal of the first signal waveform 10 can be generated by a control device in the circuit 210 of the electronic control unit 300. The control device can be identical to or include the detection component of the sensor device 100.

[0068] A second signal waveform 20, shown below, comprises signals that are generated in the output stage and sent to the control unit. Such a status signal or status feedback can, for example, be generated based on a corresponding message from the other device.

[0069] A third signal waveform 30, shown below, includes interference in another signal in the circuit 210. This other signal can be independent of the control of the other device. The interference here comprises amplitude peaks 35, each correlated with edges in the first signal waveform 10 and / or the second signal waveform 20. In the present embodiment, the interference is induced or caused by electromagnetic radiation from a part of the circuit 210 that transmits or processes the control signal or the status feedback. The interference thus arises from an unwanted radiative coupling of these signals with the other signal.

[0070] A fourth signal waveform 40, shown below, comprises signals 45 from the antenna 110 of the sensor device 100. The antenna 110 also receives the electromagnetic radiation generated by the part of the circuit 210 that transmits or processes the control signal or status feedback. This initially occurs independently of the control signal, the status feedback, and the other signal.

[0071] The evaluation unit 120 can now be configured, for example, to assume, based on a frequency and an amplitude of the signals 45 of the antenna 110, that the electromagnetic radiation will (with high probability) trigger an electromagnetic disturbance in the circuit 210 (which is also the case here), and in this sense detect an electromagnetic disturbance.

[0072] The evaluation unit 120 can be further configured to detect a state or sequence of states of the circuit 210. This includes, in particular, the third signal waveform 30, which exhibits errors or irregularities in the form of amplitude peaks 35. The evaluation unit 120 can be configured to assign these errors or irregularities to the signals 45 of the antenna 110, for example, by determining a correlation through comparison, and thus detecting the disturbance.

[0073] The evaluation unit 120 can be further configured to receive the first signal waveform 10 and the second signal waveform 20 from the state of the circuit 210 and to correlate these signals with signals 45 from the antenna 110. The evaluation unit 120 can be configured to identify the drive signal and / or the status feedback signal of the output stage as the (presumed) source of the electromagnetic interference in the third signal waveform 30.

[0074] The detected electromagnetic interference can also lead to increased electromagnetic radiation or interference emission. Interference emission can result from the excitation of an uninvolved, normally static signal, thereby causing the electromagnetic interference emission.

[0075] Fig. 3 illustrates further aspects of an embodiment of the sensor device 100 in the electronic control unit 300 using signals. The embodiment can correspond to the embodiments in Figures 1 and / or 2. Shown are three signal waveforms 10, 20, 40 arranged one above the other in the figure, each representing a signal amplitude (for example, a current or a voltage) over time.

[0076] The two upper signal waveforms 10 and 20 again comprise a control signal and a status feedback signal from a power amplifier (first signal waveform 10 and second signal waveform 20, respectively). The lowest signal waveform 40 corresponds to signals 45 from the antenna 110 (fourth signal waveform 40).

[0077] In this case, the status feedback includes a briefly increased amplitude 25 as an error or irregularity, which is not part of the intended status feedback. At the same time, the antenna 110 detects electromagnetic radiation, which results in a corresponding signal 45 from the antenna 110.

[0078] The evaluation unit can be re-equipped to detect an electromagnetic disturbance solely from the characteristics of the signals 45 of the antenna 110.

[0079] The evaluation unit 120 can also be configured to compare the fourth signal waveform 40 of the antenna 110 with the first signal waveform 10 and the second signal waveform 20. Based on this, the evaluation unit 120 can be configured to detect an electromagnetic disturbance using the second signal waveform 20.

[0080] Since the first signal path 10 is not affected, the evaluation unit 120 can also be configured to determine that the electromagnetic radiation responsible for the interference likely originates outside the electronic control unit 300, or that a signal from the other device to the electronic control unit 300 is affected by the electromagnetic interference. The cause could also lie in the output stage. Based on the results from the evaluation unit, the diagnostics of processes in the control unit 300 and in the vehicle system can thus be improved.

[0081] Fig. 4 shows steps of a method for detecting electromagnetic interference in an electronic control unit 300 of a vehicle. The method is implemented based on the sensor device 100 and the electronic control unit 300 described above. The method comprises receiving S110 electromagnetic waves from the vicinity of the antenna 110. The method then comprises detecting S120 the electromagnetic interference in the electronic control unit 300 based on the reception S110 of the electromagnetic waves (or on corresponding signals 45).

[0082] Fig. 5 illustrates further aspects of both the method and the sensor device 100 and the electronic control unit 300 by means of process steps. The electronic control unit 300 comprises an electrical or electronic circuit 210 and a control device, and the control device is configured to control the circuit 210. The control device can be identical to or include a detection component of the sensor device 100. The method first comprises receiving S110 of electromagnetic waves from the vicinity of the antenna 110 of the sensor device 100 in the electronic control unit 300. The method also comprises detecting S130 a fault in a state of a circuit 210 on the printed circuit board 200; this can occur in parallel and independently of the reception S110 of the electromagnetic waves.The method comprises mapping S140 of the fault to the received electromagnetic waves, for example, as described for Figures 2 and 3. The method then comprises detecting S120 of the electromagnetic disturbance based on and depending on the mapping S140. Finally, the method comprises maintaining S150 operation of the circuit 210 based on a result of the detection and / or mapping. In particular, operation of the circuit 210 (for example, driving the other device as in Figures 2 and 3) can be maintained despite a fault if the fault was most likely caused only by electromagnetic disturbance. Whether such a fault exists is not determined by the method.

[0083] Whether S150 is maintained can also depend on other criteria (for example, the severity or characteristic size of the fault, the criticality of a function affected by the fault, or whether the vehicle is in an operating situation or a test situation). In exemplary embodiments, the detection of the fault (S130) may therefore regularly interrupt the operation of the circuit, or such interruption may be planned, but this does not occur under the conditions just described, or is replaced by maintaining S150.

[0084] The features of the invention disclosed in the description, claims, and figures can be essential for the realization of the invention, both individually and in any combination. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0085] 10 first signal waveform

[0086] 20 second signal waveform

[0087] 25 errors, 30 third signal waveform

[0088] 35 errors

[0089] 40 fourth signal waveform

[0090] 45 Signal (of the antenna)

[0091] 100 Sensor device 110 Antenna

[0092] 120 evaluation unit

[0093] 200 circuit boards

[0094] 210 circuit

[0095] 215 Component (of the circuit) 300 Electronic control unit

[0096] S110, S120, S130, S140, S150 Steps of a procedure

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A sensor device (100) for detecting an electromagnetic disturbance for an electronic control unit (300) of a vehicle, characterized by: an antenna (110) configured to receive electromagnetic waves from an environment of the antenna (110); and an evaluation device (120) configured to receive signals (45) from the antenna (110) and to detect the electromagnetic disturbance based on the signals (45).

2. The sensor device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic control unit (300) comprises a circuit board (200), and the antenna (110) - is implemented as a conductor track in or on the printed circuit board (200), and / or - is designed to be mounted on or attached to the printed circuit board (200).

3. The sensor device (100) according to claim 2, wherein the evaluation device (120) comprises a receiving component configured to be mounted on the circuit board (200) and to receive the signals (45) from the antenna (110).

4. The sensor device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic control unit (300) comprises a circuit (210) and the evaluation device (120) comprises a detection component configured to detect the electromagnetic disturbance based on a state of the circuit (210) and the signals (45) of the antenna (110).

5. The sensor device (100) according to claim 4, wherein the detection component is configured to detect the state of the circuit (210) based on at least one of the following: - a voltage or current, - a frequency or amplitude of a voltage or current, - a status signal.

6. The sensor device (100) according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the detection component is configured to put the circuit (210) into the state.

7. An electronic control unit (300) for a vehicle, characterized by a sensor device (100) according to one of the preceding claims.

8. The electronic control unit (300) according to claim 7, wherein the control unit (300) comprises one or more printed circuit boards (200) on which the sensor device (100) is arranged.

9. The electronic control unit (300) according to claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the electronic control unit (300) comprises a circuit (210) and a control device, and the control device is configured to control the circuit (210) and thereby detect a fault in a state of the circuit (210), and wherein the control device is configured to assign the fault to the signals (45) of the antenna (110).

10. The electronic control unit (300) according to claim 9, wherein the control device is configured to perform control of the circuit (210) based on a result of the assignment.

11. The electronic control unit (300) according to claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the control device is configured to perform at least one of the following functions: - an interruption of the control of the circuit (210), - displaying an error message, - suppressing an error message and interrupting the control of the circuit (210).

12. The electronic control unit (300) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the vehicle has a braking system and the electronic control unit (300) is part of the braking system.

13. A method for detecting an electromagnetic disturbance in an electronic control unit (300) of a vehicle, characterized by: Receiving, based on an antenna (110), electromagnetic waves from an environment of the antenna (110); and Detecting electromagnetic interference based on the reception of electromagnetic waves.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the electronic control unit (300) comprises a circuit (210) and a control device, and the control device is configured to control the circuit (210), and wherein the method further comprises: Detect, during control of the circuit (210), a fault in a state of the circuit (210); Assignment, based on the detection of the electromagnetic interference, the error to the received electromagnetic waves; and Maintain, based on the assignment of the fault, an operation of the circuit (210).

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