Auxiliary Master Communication System for Vehicle Cable Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
As electronic components become smaller and more densely packed, the communication infrastructure required to connect them, such as in vehicles, often necessitates thick and heavy bundles of cables, which is inefficient and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A two-wire communication system is developed, where a master node communicates with slave nodes over a two-wire bus, using a synchronization control frame and synchronization response frame to manage data transmission and power distribution, allowing each node to act as an auxiliary master in case of disconnection, ensuring continuous operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional communication infrastructure is used to connect electronic components, then reliable data transmission is achieved, but thick and heavy cable bundles are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data transmission and power delivery into a single communication bus system. Multiple data lines are merged into a differential pair, and power is delivered through the same bus infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate heavy power cables and reducing overall cable bundle weight while maintaining reliable communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication bus serves multiple functions simultaneously: data transmission, clock signaling, and power delivery. This multi-functional approach replaces traditional separate cables for each function, reducing the overall cable infrastructure weight while ensuring reliable operation of all components.
2Device complexity
If a single master node controls the communication system, then simplified control architecture is achieved, but system failure occurs when the master node disconnects
Solution Approach 1:
Slave nodes are pre-configured with auxiliary master functionality and detection capabilities before any disconnection occurs. When a slave node detects that the master node has disconnected, it can immediately transition to auxiliary master mode and take over control, ensuring continuous system operation without interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates redundancy by enabling slave nodes to function as auxiliary masters. This preparatory measure cushions against master node failure, ensuring that system control is maintained even when the primary master disconnects, thereby improving system reliability without significantly increasing control complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more components are included in previously un-instrumented devices, then functionality is improved, but communication infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal two-wire bus infrastructure that can connect diverse electronic components including audio processors, amplifiers, and control devices. This single communication protocol and physical interface handles multiple functions and component types, enabling enhanced device functionality without proportionally increasing communication infrastructure complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and techniques for auxiliary master and/or auxiliary call support functionality. For example, in some embodiments, a communication system with auxiliary master functionality may include a master node coupled to a plurality of downstream slave nodes, wherein at least one of the slave nodes may perform master node functions when the master node is disconnected from the system.