A method for controlling power consumption of electronic control unit (ECU) of a vehicle and a system thereof
By monitoring and controlling ECU power consumption through threshold comparisons and predictive algorithms, the method addresses overconsumption issues, ensuring efficient power use and fault detection in automotive ECUs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SAINT GOBAIN VITRAGE SA
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-02
AI Technical Summary
Existing automotive ECUs are not aware of their own energy consumption, leading to potential overconsumption and battery drain, especially in the presence of hardware failures, without adequate monitoring of power consumption impacts.
The ECU monitors its own power consumption by determining total power usage and comparing it against predefined thresholds, enabling power limitation modes such as disabling features or entering sleep mode when thresholds are exceeded, and using machine learning to predict future power needs.
This approach ensures efficient power utilization by limiting ECU features based on available battery power, detects hardware faults, and optimizes power consumption to prevent battery drain.
Smart Images
Figure IN2025052106_02072026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
A METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POWER CONSUMPTION OF ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) OF A VEHICLE AND A SYSTEM THEREOF TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention generally relates to the field of automobiles, and more particularly relates to a method and system for self-monitoring of energy consumed by an automotive Electronic Control Unit (ECU).BACKGROUND
[0002] The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Modern automotive systems are integral parts of vehicles. These systems are embedded within the vehicle's architecture and work together to enhance various aspects of driving, such as performance, safety, and convenience. Electronic Control Unit (ECU) is a critical component of the modem automotive systems. It serves as a control system that manages various functions and operations of the vehicle. The modern automotive systems often have multiple ECUs, each specialized for specific tasks. In the modem automotive systems, there are increasing number of passive ECUs for controlling body and aesthetic features like Polymer Dispersed Liquid Crystal (PDLC) control, Light Intensity Gradient LIG control ECUs and any other active glazing systems including but not limited thereto, to electrochromic, display, lighting, etc, and it is of greater interest to monitor the power consumed by these ECUs to ensure that the overall power consumption by the ECU or the system is well within the acceptable limits.
[0004] However, the ECUs in the vehicle are not aware of the energy consumed by its own system. The ECU operates to control the functionality of the system, but the power consumed by the individual ECUs are often not monitored. This leads to a point that the ECU consumes overpower and battery is over utilised by the ECU than anticipated. The battery power could be drained at faster rate than anticipated if there are some hardware failures in the ECUs and if the failure contributes to more power consumption. Though the ECU has some diagnostics and monitoring features tomonitor the failures related to the system, the impact in power consumption values because of these failures are often not monitored.
[0005] Thus, there is a need to monitor the power consumed by these ECUs to ensure that the overall power consumption by the ECU or the system is well within the acceptable limits.SUMMARY
[0006] The present disclosure overcomes one or more shortcomings of the prior art and provides additional advantages. Embodiments and aspects of the disclosure described in detail herein are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
[0007] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for controlling power consumption of Electronic Control unit (ECU) of a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises determining total power consumed by the ECU during an operational cycle of the ECU. The method further comprises determining that the total power consumed by the ECU is greater than or equal to a first pre-defined threshold. Upon determining that the total power consumed by the ECU is greater than or equal to the first pre-defined threshold, the method further comprises comparing the total power consumed by the ECU with a second pre-defined threshold and controlling, based on the comparing, the power consumption of the ECU. The method comprises controlling the power consumption of the ECU by: setting a first power limitation mode for the ECU when the total power consumed by the ECU is less than the second pre-defined threshold, and setting a second power limitation mode for the ECU when the total power consumed by the ECU is greater than or equal to the second pre-defined threshold.
[0008] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein to determine the total power consumed by the ECU the method comprises monitoring voltage value and current value received at input terminals of the ECU during the operational cycle of the ECU and determining the total power consumed by the ECU based on the monitored voltage value and the current value.
[0009] In yet another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein to set the first power limitation mode for the ECU, the method comprises selectively disabling one or more operational features of the ECU.
[0010] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein to set the second power limitation mode for the ECU, the method further comprises performing at least one of: disabling all operational features of the ECU and setting the ECU into sleep mode until next operational cycle.
[0011] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of controlling power consumption of Electronic Control unit (ECU) of a vehicle is disclosed. The method comprises determining total power consumed by the ECU for a first predefined time period during an operational cycle of the ECU. The method further comprises predicting total power needed by the ECU for a next predefined time period during the operational cycle based on the power consumed by the ECU for the first predefined time period. The method further comprises comparing the predicted total power with a battery power threshold of an available battery power of a battery of the vehicle and controlling the power consumption of the ECU based on the comparing.
[0012] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein to control the power consumption of the ECU, the method further comprises performing at least one of: setting the ECU in a sleep mode or in a predefined power limitation mode when the predicted total power is greater than or equal to the battery power threshold of the available battery power, and continuing with all operational features of the ECU when the predicted total power is less than the battery power threshold of the available battery power.
[0013] In the non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure described in para
[0012] , wherein to determine the total power consumed by the ECU, the method further comprises monitoring voltage value and current value received at input terminals of the ECU during the operational cycle of the ECU and determining the total power consumed by the ECU based on monitored voltage value and the current value.
[0014] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, an Electronic Control unit (ECU) for controlling self-power consumption, is disclosed. The ECU comprises a memory, a set of sensing circuits connected with a battery source, to monitor voltage value and current value received at input terminals of the ECU during an operational cycle of the ECU, and a processor coupled to the memory and the set of sensing circuits.The processor determines total power consumed by the ECU during the operational cycle of the ECU based on the monitored voltage value and current value . Further, the processor determines that the total power consumed by the ECU is greater than or equal to a first pre-defined threshold. Upon determining that the total power consumed by the ECU is greater than or equal to the first pre-defined threshold, the processor compares the total power consumed by the ECU with a second pre-defined threshold and controls, based on the comparing, the power consumption of the ECU. The processor controls the power consumption of the ECU by: setting a first power limitation mode for the ECU when the total power consumed by the ECU is less than the second pre-defined threshold, and setting a second power limitation mode for the ECU when the total power consumed by the ECU is greater than or equal to the second pre-defined threshold.
[0015] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein to set the first power limitation (LI) mode for the ECU, the processor selectively disables one or more operational features of the ECU.
[0016] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein to set the second power limitation mode for the ECU, the processor disables all operational features of the ECU and / or set the ECU into sleep mode until next operational cycle.
[0017] In one non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, an Electronic Control unit (ECU) for controlling self-power consumption, is disclosed. The ECU comprises a memory, a set of sensing circuits connected with a battery source, to monitor voltage value and current value received at input terminals of the ECU during an operational cycle of the ECU, and a processor coupled to the memory. The processor determines total power consumed by the ECU for a first predefined time period during the operational cycle of the ECU based on the monitored voltage value and current value. The processor predicts total power needed by the ECU for a next predefined time period during the operational cycle based on the power consumed by the ECU for the first predefined time period. Further, the processor compares the predicted total power with a battery power threshold of an available battery power of a battery of the vehicle and controls the power consumption of the ECU based on the comparing.
[0018] In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, wherein to control the power consumption of the ECU, the processor performs at least one of: set the ECU in a sleep mode or in a predefined power limitation mode when the predicted total power is greater than or equal to the battery power threshold of the available battery power, and continue with all operational features of the ECU when the predicted total power is less than the battery power threshold of the available battery power.
[0019] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting.In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0020] The features, nature, and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference characters identify correspondingly throughout. Some embodiments of system and / or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying Figs., in which:
[0021] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary environment for controlling power consumption of Electronic Control unit (ECU) of a vehicle, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0022] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary block diagram illustrating an ECU for controlling selfpower consumption, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0023] FIG. 3 represents a flowchart of an exemplary method for controlling power consumption of an ECU of a vehicle, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0024] FIG. 4a and 4b represents a flowchart of another exemplary method for controlling power consumption of ECU of a vehicle, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0025] It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any block diagrams herein represent conceptual views of illustrative systems embodying the principles of the present subject matter. Similarly, it will be appreciated that any flow charts, flow diagrams, state transition diagrams, pseudo code, and the like represent various processes which may be substantially represented in a computer readable medium and executed by a computer or processor, whether or not such computer or processor is explicitly shown.DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The foregoing has broadly outlined the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description of the disclosure that follows may be better understood. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure.
[0027] The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further objects and advantages will be better understood from the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.
[0028] As described earlier, due to the use of multiple ECUs in a vehicle the power consumed by the individual ECUs are often not monitored. This leads to a point that the ECU consumes overpower and battery is over utilised by the ECU than anticipated. Thus, it is much need to monitor the power consumed by these ECUs to ensure that the overall power consumption by the ECU or the system is well within the acceptable limits.
[0029] The present disclosure provides an efficient technique to control power consumption of ECU of a vehicle wherein the ECU monitors its own power consumption. In particular, the present disclosure proposes to continuously monitor the power utilization of an ECU and limit the power utilization individually for different ECUs by limiting the ECU features based on the available battery power. Further, the system can also be enabled with machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict the amount of power consumption anticipated by the ECU or the system over the near future. Thus, theestimated total power consumption value can be used to limit the power supplied to the system based on a threshold limit.
[0030] With the present disclosure, power can be utilized more efficiently for individual ECUs.Power limitation can be applied to different ECUs by limiting the ECU features based on the available battery power. By way of the present disclosure, fault detection mechanism can be improved by self- monitoring the ECU where any hardware fault in the ECU or the load can be detected with an abnormal increase in the power consumed by the ECU. By this disclosure, when the power consumed by the ECU reached the threshold value, in terms of total utilizable power from the battery, the system shall be put to less operating mode to consume lesser power. Therefore, if the vehicle power is supported by solar cells or fuel cells and like, the power consumption by passive ECUs shall be limited to the power that could be generated by solar cells or fuel cells or like.
[0031] FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary environment 100 for controlling power consumption of Electronic Control unit (ECU) 102 of a vehicle 101, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The environment 100 is exemplified for a scenario when an automotive system 106 ofthevehicle 101 may comprises multiple ECUs suchasECUl, ECU2.... ECUn placed in different parts of the vehicle 101. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that apart from multiple ECUs, the automotive system 106 may also comprise other systems 107 which may include but not limited thereto, to an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), Infotainment Systems, Autonomous Driving Systems which are designed to work seamlessly within the vehicle to enhance various aspects of driving, such as performance, safety, and convenience.
[0032] As shown in the figure, one or more ECUs are facilitated with self-monitoring features to control its power consumption, as disclosed in ECU 102. In an exemplary implementation, the ECU 102 may be a computing system that may comprise a processor 103, a memory 104, sensing circuits 105. In some implementations, the ECU 102 may include other components (not shown in this fig.) to implement desired functions of the ECU 102. In operation, the sensing circuits 105 continuously monitor voltage value and current value received at input terminals of the ECU during an operational cycle of the ECU. Based on monitored voltage value and the current value, the processor 103 determines a total power consumed by the ECU 102 and appliespower limitation levels by limiting the ECU features based on the available battery power. In some exemplary limitations, the processor 103 implements a decisive module (not shown in this figure) which can be turned ON or OFF based on user preference. In a non-limiting example, the decisive module is a configurable design approach to have two configurations. In an example without limitation, to control the power consumption of the ECU 102, the processor 103 may configure either maximum limit for power utilisation for the ECU 102 or minimum limit for expected period of operation for the ECU 102. A detailed explanation of the proposed technique(s) is disclosed in the forthcoming paragraphs.
[0033] FIG. 2 depicts an exemplary block diagram illustrating an ECU 200 (which is ECU 102 of FIG.l) for controlling self- power consumption, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the ECU 200 may further comprise one or more sensing circuits 201, one or more functional modules 202, a memory 203, one or more modules such as a power computation module 204 and a decisive module 205.
[0034] In some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the one or more sensing circuits 201 are connected with a battery source of the vehicle through one or more input terminals and may comprise a current sensing circuit 201a and voltage sensing circuit 201b. One of ordinary skill will appreciate that any suitable current and voltage sensing circuit that serves intended purpose of the present disclosure may be used to implement the present disclosure. Having the sensing circuits on the output side of the ECU monitors only the load side power consumption. But it is important to monitor the input side power for the ECU 200 to include the power loss values due to different electronics components into account. Thus,
[0035] In some non-limiting embodiments, the one or more functional module 202 may comprise a processor 202a and other functional circuits / modules 202b. In one implementation, the processor 202a may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and / or any devices that manipulate signals based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the processor 202a may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions and otherinformation stored in the memory 203. Other functional circuits / modules 202b may include various capacitors, resistors, different transistors, other electrical and digital circuits that are required to implement the functionalities of the ECU 200.
[0036] In some implementations, the memory 203 may include one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage media, such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, EPROM, one or more memory devices, flash memory devices, etc., and combinations thereof. In an embodiment, input data 203a may be stored within the memory 203 in the form of various data structures. In a non-limiting example, input data 203a refers as a plurality of inputs relating to voltage values and current values received from the one or more sensing circuits 201. The memory 203 may also store other data 203b such as temporary data and temporary files, generated by the processor 202a or other any other parts of the ECU 200 including the power computation module 204 and the decisive module 205 for performing the various functions of the present invention.
[0037] In the illustrated figure, the power computation module 204 and the decisive module 205 are shown to reside outside the processor 202a and may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, state machines, logic circuitries, and / or any devices that computes based on operational instructions. However, one of ordinary skill will appreciate that in other implementations, the power computation module 204 and the decisive module 205 may also form a part of the processor 202 or memory 203 and may be implemented through software and / or hardware or a suitable combination of software and hardware as per the implementation requirements of the present disclosure. In said implementation, the processor 202 may perform all the functions of the present disclosure by executing the power computation module 204 and the decisive module 205.
[0038] As previously indicated, the processor 202a implements the decisive module 205 which can be turned ON or OFF based on user preference. In a non-limiting example, the decisive module is a configurable design approach to have two configurations. In an example without limitation, to control the power consumption of the ECU 200, the processor 202a may configure either maximum limit for power utilisation for the ECU102 or minimum limit for expected period of operation for the ECU 102. Each of these configurations are discussed below.Configuration 1: Maximum power utilisation limit
[0039] In operation, the one or more sensing circuits 201 may continuously monitor voltage value and current value received at input terminals of the ECU during an operational cycle of the ECU 200. Based on the monitored voltage value and the current value, the processor 202a may continuously integrate the voltage value and current value to determine total power consumed by the ECU during the operational cycle. In one exemplary implementation, the power computation module 204 may determine total power consumed by the ECU during the operational cycle and may suitably apply different first power limitation modes as described below.
[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 202a may determine that the total power consumed by the ECU is greater than or equal to a first pre-defined threshold. Upon determining that the total power consumed by the ECU is greater than or equal to the first pre-defined threshold, the processor 202a may compare the total power consumed by the ECU 200 with a second pre-defined threshold and may control the power consumption of the ECU based on the comparison. In one exemplary implementation, the processor 202a may control the power consumption of the ECU by setting a first power limitation mode for the ECU when the total power consumed by the ECU is less than the second pre-defined threshold. In other exemplary implementation, the processor 202a may control the power consumption of the ECU by setting a second power limitation mode for the ECU when the total power consumed by the ECU is greater than or equal to the second pre-defined threshold.
[0041] In an exemplary embodiment, for setting the first power limitation mode (LI) for the ECU, the processor 202a may selectively disable one or more operational features of the ECU. In another exemplary embodiment, for setting the second power limitation mode (L2) for the ECU, the processor 202a may perform at least one of: disable all operational features of the ECU and set the ECU 200 into sleep mode until next operational cycle.
[0042] To illustrate configuration 1, few of the non- limiting examples are provided below.
[0043] Non-limiting example scenario 1 - Use case: PDLCa. Initial state: All segments of PDLC turned ON.b. Self-Monitoring feature estimates power consumption by PDLC ECU in the driving cycle.c. Until total power consumed by ECU < Threshold power 1, repeat step b.d. If Total power consumed by ECU >= Threshold power 1, Disable all segment operation of PDLC. Only half of the total number of segments will be allowed to turn ON.e. If Total power consumed by ECU >= Threshold power 2, Disable total PDLC operation. Set the ECU to sleep mode until next driving cycle.
[0044] Non-limiting example scenario 2 - Use case: LIGa. Initial state: All LEDs are turned ON with animation feature.b. Self-Monitoring feature estimates power consumption by LIG ECU in the driving cycle.c. Until total power consumed by ECU < Threshold power 1, repeat step b.d. If Total power consumed by ECU >= Threshold power 1, Disable all animation effects in LEDs. Only static animation should be enabled in first power limit mode. e. If Total power consumed by ECU >= Threshold power 2, Disable total LEDs operation. Set the ECU to sleep mode until next driving cycle.
[0045] Different power limitation modes are illustrated with non-limiting examples in the table below:Configuration 2: Minimum period of operation
[0046] In operation, the one or more sensing circuits 201 may continuously monitor voltage value and current value received at input terminals of the ECU during an operational cycle of the ECU 200. Based on the monitored voltage value and the current value, the processor 202a may continuously integrate the voltage value and current value to determine total power consumed by the ECU 200 for a first predefined time period (e. g. 10 seconds) during the operational cycle. In one exemplary implementation, the power computation module 204 may determine total power consumed by the ECU 200 for the first predefined time period (e. g. 10 seconds) during operational cycle and may suitably control the power consumption of the ECU 200 as described below.
[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the processor 202a may predict total power needed by the ECU 200 for a next predefined time period (e. g. 15 seconds) during the operational cycle based on the power consumed by the ECU for the first predefined time period (e. g. 10 seconds). Once the total power needed by the ECU 200 is predicted, the processor 202a may compare the predicted total power with a battery power threshold of an available battery power of a battery of the vehicle. Based on the comparison, the processor 202a may control the power consumption of the ECU 200.
[0048] In an exemplary embodiment, to control the power consumption of the ECU 200, the processor 202a may perform at least one of setting the ECU in a sleep mode or in a predefined power limitation mode when the predicted total power is greater than or equal to the battery power threshold of the available battery power, and continuing with all operational features of the ECU when the predicted total power is less than the battery power threshold of the available battery power.
[0049] To illustrate configuration 2, few of the non- limiting examples are provided below.
[0050] Non-limiting example scenario 3 - Use case: PDLCa. Initial state: All segments of PDLC turned ON.b. Self-Monitoring feature estimates power consumption by PDLC ECU in the driving cycle.c. With the calculated power value for past x seconds (1st time), the decisive algorithm can estimate the maximum power the system will be consuming for next y seconds (second time).d. Until total power consumption predicted by the ECU for next y seconds < p% of the total battery power available, there shall be no limitation applied. (Let p and y be configurable values)e. If the total power consumption predicted by the ECU for next y seconds > p% of the total battery power available, then the ECU shall be put to sleep mode.
[0051] FIG. 3 represents a flowchart of an exemplary method for controlling power consumption of the ECU of a vehicle, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The order in which the method 300 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof. However, for ease of explanation, in the embodiments described below, the method 300 may be implemented by the processor 202a, and / or the power computation module 204 and the decisive module of FIG. 2.
[0052] At step 301, the method may start for performing the subsequent steps.
[0053] At step 302, the method may include determining total power consumed by the ECU during an operational cycle of the ECU. In one implementation, the processor 202a may determine total power consumed by the ECU during an operational cycle of the ECU.
[0054] At step 303, the method may include comparing the total power consumed by the ECU with a first pre-defined threshold. In one implementation, the processor 202a may compare the total power consumed by the ECU 200 with a first pre-defined threshold.
[0055] At step 304, the method may include determining whether the total power consumed by the ECU 200 is greater than or equal to the first pre-defined threshold. In oneimplementation, the processor 202a may determine whether the total power consumed by the ECU is greater than or equal to the first pre-defined threshold.
[0056] At step 305, upon determining the total power consumed by the ECU 200 is greater than or equal to a first pre-defined threshold, the method may include comparing the total power consumed by the ECU with a second pre-defined threshold. In one implementation, upon determining the total power consumed by the ECU 200 is greater than or equal to a first pre-defined threshold, the processor 202a may compare the total power consumed by the ECU 200 with a second pre-defined threshold.
[0057] At step 306, the method may include determining whether the total power consumed by the ECU 200 is greater than or equal to the second pre-defined threshold. In one implementation, the processor 202a may determine whether the total power consumed by the ECU 200 is greater than or equal to the second pre-defined threshold.
[0058] At step 307, the method may include setting a first power limitation (LI) mode for the ECU 200 when the total power consumed by the ECU 200 is less than the second predefined threshold. In one implementation, the processor 202a may set a first power limitation (LI) mode for the ECU 200 when the total power consumed by the ECU 200 is less than the second pre-defined threshold.
[0059] At step 308, the method may include setting a second power limitation (L2) mode for the ECU 200 when the total power consumed by the ECU is greater than the second pre-defined threshold. In one implementation, the processor 202a may set a second power limitation (L2) mode for the ECU when the total power consumed by the ECU is 1 greater than the second pre-defined threshold.
[0060] The order in which the method 300 is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described.
[0061] FIG. 4a represents a flowchart of another exemplary method for controlling power consumption of ECU of a vehicle, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The order in which the method 400 is described is not intended to beconstrued as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method. Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the subject matter described. Furthermore, the method can be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or combination thereof. However, for ease of explanation, in the embodiments described below, the method 400 may be implemented by the processor 202a, the power computation module 204, and the decisive module 205 of FIG. 2.
[0062] At step 401, the method may start for performing the subsequent steps.
[0063] At step 402, the method may include determining total power consumed by the ECU 200 for a first predefined time period during an operational cycle of the ECU 200. In one implementation, the processor 202a may determine total power consumed by the ECU for a first predefined time period during an operational cycle of the ECU.
[0064] At step 403, the method may include predicting total power needed by the ECU 200 for a next predefined time period during the operational cycle based on the power consumed by the ECU 200 for the first predefined time period. In one implementation, the processor 202a may predict total power needed by the ECU for a next predefined time period during the operational cycle based on the power consumed by the ECU 200 for the first predefined time period.
[0065] At step 404, the method may include comparing the predicted total power with a battery power threshold of an available battery power of a battery of the vehicle. In one implementation, the processor 202a may compare the predicted total power with a battery power threshold of an available battery power of a battery of the vehicle.
[0066] At step 405, the method may include controlling the power consumption of the ECU based on the comparing of the predicted total power with a battery power threshold. In one implementation, the processor 202a may controlling the power consumption of the ECU 200 based on the comparing of the predicted total power with a battery power threshold.
[0067] FIG. 4b represents an illustrative flowchart of an exemplary method for controlling power consumption of ECU 200 (precisely step 405 of FIG. 4a) of a vehicle, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0068] At step 405a, the method may include determining whether the predicted total power is greater than or equal to the battery power threshold. In one implementation, the processor 202a may determine whether the predicted total power is greater than or equal to the battery power threshold.
[0069] At step 406, upon determining the predicted total power is greater than or equal to the battery power threshold the method may include setting the ECU in a sleep mode or in a predefined power limitation mode. In one implementation, upon determining the predicted total power is greater than or equal to the battery power threshold the processor 202a may set the ECU 200 in a sleep mode or in a predefined power limitation mode.
[0070] At step 407, upon determining the predicted total power is less than or equal to (not greater than) the battery power threshold the method may include continuing with all operational features of the ECU 200. In one implementation, upon determining the predicted total power is less than or equal to (not greater than) the battery power threshold the processor 202a may continue with all operational features of the ECU.
[0071] The illustrated steps are set out to explain the exemplary embodiments shown, and it should be anticipated that ongoing technological development will change the manner in which particular functions are performed. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration, and not limitation. Further, the boundaries of the functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternative boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.
[0072] Advantages of the present disclosure• Power limitation can be applied to different ECUs by limiting the ECU features based on the available battery power.• Any hardware fault in the ECU or the load can be detected with an abnormal increase in the power consumed by the ECU.• When the power consumed by the ECU reached the threshold value, in terms of total utilisable power from the battery, the system shall be put to less operating mode to consume lesser power.• If the vehicle power is supported by Solar cells, the power consumption by passive ECUs shall be limited to the power that could be generated by solar.
[0001] Alternatives (including equivalents, extensions, variations, deviations, etc., of those described herein) will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the teachings contained herein. Such alternatives fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments. Furthermore, one or more computer-readable storage media may be utilized in implementing embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. A computer-readable storage medium refers to any type of physical memory on which information or data readable by a processor may be stored. Thus, a computer-readable storage medium may store instructions for execution by one or more processors, including instructions for causing the processor(s) to perform steps or stages consistent with the embodiments described herein. The term “computer- readable medium” should be understood to include tangible items and exclude carrier waves and transient signals, i.e., are non-transitory. Examples include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), volatile memory, non-volatile memory, hard drives, CD ROMs, DVDs, flash drives, disks, and any other known physical storage media.
[0002] REFERENCE NUMERALS
Claims
CLAIMS1. A method of controlling power consumption of Electronic Control unit (ECU) of a vehicle, the method comprising:determining total power consumed by the ECU during an operational cycle of the ECU;determining that the total power consumed by the ECU is greater than or equal to a first pre-defined threshold;upon determining that the total power consumed by the ECU is greater than or equal to the first pre-defined threshold, the method further comprising:comparing the total power consumed by the ECU with a second predefined threshold; andcontrolling, based on the comparing, the power consumption of the ECU by:setting a first power limitation mode for the ECU when the total power consumed by the ECU is less than the second pre-defined threshold; andsetting a second power limitation mode for the ECU when the total power consumed by the ECU is greater than or equal to the second pre-defined threshold.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein for determining the total power consumed by the ECU, the method further comprising:monitoring voltage value and current value received at input terminals of the ECU during the operational cycle of the ECU; anddetermining the total power consumed by the ECU based on the monitored voltage value and the current value.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein setting the first power limitation mode for the ECU comprising selectively disabling one or more operational features of the ECU.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein setting the second power limitation mode for the ECU comprising at least one of:disabling all operational features of the ECU; andsetting the ECU into sleep mode until next operational cycle.
5. A method of controlling power consumption of Electronic Control unit (ECU) of a vehicle, the method comprising:determining total power consumed by the ECU for a first predefined time period during an operational cycle of the ECU;predicting total power needed by the ECU for a next predefined time period during the operational cycle based on the power consumed by the ECU for the first predefined time period;comparing the predicted total power with a battery power threshold of an available battery power of a battery of the vehicle; andcontrolling, based on the comparing, the power consumption of the ECU.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein controlling the power consumption of the ECU by performing at least one of:setting the ECU in a sleep mode or in a predefined power limitation mode when the predicted total power is greater than or equal to the battery power threshold of the available battery power; andcontinuing with all operational features of the ECU when the predicted total power is less than the battery power threshold of the available battery power.
7. The method of claim 5, wherein for determining the total power consumed by the ECU, the method further comprising:monitoring voltage value and current value received at input terminals of the ECU during the operational cycle of the ECU; anddetermining the total power consumed by the ECU based on monitored voltage value and the current value.
8. An Electronic Control unit (ECU), comprising:a memory;a set of sensing circuits connected with a battery source, to monitor voltage value and current value received at input terminals of the ECU during an operational cycle of the ECU; anda processor coupled to the memory and the set of sensing circuits, wherein the processor is configured to:determine total power consumed by the ECU during the operational cycle of the ECU based on the monitored voltage value and the current value;determine that the total power consumed by the ECU is greater than or equal to a first pre-defined threshold;upon determining that the total power consumed by the ECU is greater than or equal to the first pre-defined threshold, the processor is further configured to:compare the total power consumed by the ECU with a second pre-defined threshold; andcontrol, based on the comparing, the power consumption of the ECU by:setting a first power limitation mode for the ECU when the total power consumed by the ECU is less than the second pre-defined threshold; andsetting a second power limitation mode for the ECU when the total power consumed by the ECU is greater than or equal to the second pre-defined threshold.
9. The Electronic Control unit (ECU) of claim 8, wherein for setting the first power limitation mode for the ECU, the processor is configured to selectively disabling one or more operational features of the ECU.
10. The Electronic Control unit (ECU) of claim 8, wherein for setting the second power limitation mode for the ECU, the processor is configured to perform at least one of:disable all operational features of the ECU; andset the ECU into sleep mode until next operational cycle.
11. A power Control unit for controlling self-power consumption, comprising:a memory;a set of sensing circuits connected with a battery source, to monitor voltage value and current value received at input terminals of an electronic control unit (ECU) during an operational cycle of the ECU; anda processor coupled to the memory and the set of sensing circuits, wherein the processor is configured to:determine total power consumed by the ECU for a first predefined time period during the operational cycle of the ECU based on the monitored voltage value and the current value;predict total power needed by the ECU for a next predefined time period during the operational cycle based on the power consumed by the ECU for the first predefined time period;compare the predicted total power with a battery power threshold of an available battery power of a battery of the vehicle; andcontrol, based on the comparing, the power consumption of the ECU.
12. The power Control unit of claim 11, wherein to control the power consumption of the ECU, the processor is configured to perform at least one of:set the ECU in a sleep mode or in a predefined power limitation mode when the predicted total power is greater than or equal to the battery power threshold of the available battery power; andcontinue with all operational features of the ECU when the predicted total power is less than the battery power threshold of the available battery power.