ADAS Sensor Ring Network for Low-Latency Redundant Data Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of electronic control unit (ECU) networks in autonomous vehicles leads to data congestion, reduced reliability, and increased latency, making it challenging to maintain and upgrade ADAS systems, and poses issues with redundancy in case of component failures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a ring-based sensor network configuration with multiple ECUs and sensors connected via Ethernet links, providing redundancy and counter-rotating ring topology to ensure data transmission in both directions, allowing for continuous operation even if one component fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple sensors are connected to a single ECU via a traditional network topology, then the system can operate with simple architecture, but data congestion and latency increase as more sensors are added
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor network into multiple independent ring networks, each handling specific sensor data streams. This segmentation prevents data congestion by distributing traffic across multiple networks rather than forcing all data through a single ECU connection, thereby reducing latency while maintaining manageable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional hierarchical topology to a ring topology, adding a dimensional change in network architecture. This ring configuration allows data to flow in multiple directions and paths, reducing congestion and latency by providing alternative routes for data transmission.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional ECU network topology is used, then initial system setup is simple, but reliability decreases when components fail
Solution Approach 1:
The ring network topology provides built-in redundancy that cushions against component failures. If one sensor or network segment fails, data can still reach the ECU through alternative paths in the ring, ensuring continuous operation and maintaining reliability without complicating the overall system configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the network topology parameter from traditional hierarchical to ring configuration, fundamentally altering how data flows through the system. This parameter change enables the network to dynamically adapt to component failures while maintaining simple initial setup procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more ADAS features and sensors are added to autonomous vehicles, then system functionality improves, but network complexity and difficulty of upgrades increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the network into multiple ring configurations, the patent enables easy addition of new sensors and ADAS features without increasing overall network complexity. Each ring can be independently configured and managed, allowing modular expansion of functionality while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ring network topology serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides data transmission pathways, redundancy for failure tolerance, and a scalable framework for adding new sensors. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to new ADAS features without requiring fundamentally different network architectures.
4Ease of operation
If traditional sensor network configuration is used, then initial setup is straightforward, but redundancy is lacking when devices fail
Solution Approach 1:
The ring network configuration provides beforehand cushioning by creating redundant data pathways before failures occur. This allows the system to maintain operation during component failures without requiring complex reconfiguration, preserving ease of operation while significantly improving reliability and failure tolerance.
Data Source
AI summary
Autonomous vehicles including sensors and electronic control units (ECUs) that communicate via ring networks are disclosed. A system includes an ECU of an autonomous vehicle that includes an ECU network interface. The system includes a plurality of sensors disposed on the autonomous vehicle, and each of the plurality of sensors includes a respective sensor network interface. The system includes a plurality of network links communicatively coupling the plurality of sensors to the ECU network interface of the ECU via the respective sensor network interface in a ring configuration.