Automatic Addressing Circuit for Automotive Bus Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex monitoring and control systems, such as those in automobiles, face increased wiring complexity and cost due to dedicated lines or buses connecting electronic modules to an ECU, with multiple failure points and the need for unique addresses in common bus architectures like CAN-bus or LIN-bus.
Innovation Solution
A daisy chain configuration with automatic addressing circuitry in each module allows for node address assignment via a common bus, using a dedicated auto-addressing line and ASICs to enable communication, and includes a bypass resistor for signal path continuity even if the automatic addressing circuit fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated lines or buses are used to connect each module to the ECU, then communication reliability is improved, but wiring complexity and system cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dedicated communication lines are merged into a single common bus that all modules share. The patent implements a LIN bus architecture where multiple sensor modules communicate with the ECU through a single shared communication medium, eliminating the need for separate dedicated lines for each module while maintaining communication functionality through a standardized protocol.
Solution Approach 2:
The common bus is designed to serve multiple functions and multiple modules simultaneously. The LIN bus infrastructure provides a universal communication pathway that can handle data transmission between the ECU and various sensor modules (wheel speed sensors, steering angle sensors, etc.) using a single standardized interface and protocol, reducing the need for module-specific wiring.
2Device complexity
If a common bus architecture is used to connect modules to the ECU, then wiring complexity is reduced, but unique address assignment becomes necessary
Solution Approach 1:
Address assignment is performed automatically during system initialization or power-up sequence before normal operation begins. The ECU automatically detects and assigns unique addresses to each sensor module connected to the LIN bus, eliminating the need for manual address configuration. This preliminary automated addressing ensures that the system is ready for operation without requiring manual intervention for address setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-addressing where the ECU automatically identifies and assigns addresses to modules without external assistance. The automatic addressing circuitry in the ECU detects the presence of modules on the bus and autonomously configures their addresses, allowing the system to self-configure and reducing the burden on users or installers.
3Reliability
If manual address assignment is required for each module, then address uniqueness is ensured, but system installation and configuration time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-addressing where the ECU automatically identifies and assigns addresses to modules without external assistance. The automatic addressing circuitry in the ECU detects the presence of modules on the bus and autonomously configures their addresses, allowing the system to self-configure and reducing the burden on users or installers.
Solution Approach 2:
Address assignment is performed automatically during system initialization or power-up sequence before normal operation begins. The ECU automatically detects and assigns unique addresses to each sensor module connected to the LIN bus, eliminating the need for manual address configuration. This preliminary automated addressing ensures that the system is ready for operation without requiring manual intervention for address setup.
Data Source
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AI summary
An integrated circuit includes a first configuration terminal, a second configuration terminal, a bus terminal, and an auto addressing circuit coupled to the first and second configuration terminals. The auto addressing circuit is responsive to a data pattern received at the first configuration terminal to assign a node address to an operational circuit, and subsequently to couple the first configuration terminal to the second configuration terminal. The integrated circuit is subsequently responsive to the node address when the node address is received.