Battery Management Unit Addressing for Parallel Cell Monitoring Chains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery management systems face challenges in effectively communicating with cell monitoring circuits, particularly in parallel communication networks, where enumeration and unique identification of nodes are difficult due to signal attenuation and node limitations in serially connected chains.
Innovation Solution
A battery management unit (BMU) performs a chain-identifier parameter assignment procedure by sending request messages with a default value to cell monitoring circuits (CMCs), receiving unique IDs, and assigning distinct chain-identifier parameters to each CMC, allowing for individual addressing and improved communication in parallel networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a serially connected chain topology is used for communication between BMU and CMCs, then signal attenuation is reduced, but the number of nodes is limited and enumeration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional serial communication topology to a multi-dimensional parallel communication topology. Multiple CMCs are connected in parallel to the BMU, allowing simultaneous communication with multiple nodes. This dimensional change enables the system to accommodate a larger number of nodes while maintaining communication reliability through parallel signal paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication network into independent parallel channels, where each CMC communicates with the BMU through its own dedicated path. This segmentation allows each node to be individually addressed and enumerated using unique identifiers, eliminating the node limitation inherent in serial topologies while maintaining signal integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If parallel communication network is used to increase number of nodes, then node limitations are removed, but signal attenuation and enumeration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service enumeration mechanism where each CMC possesses a unique identifier (such as a serial number or address) that allows the BMU to automatically identify and address each node individually. During initialization, the BMU sends enumeration requests that are responded to by CMCs based on their unique identifiers, enabling automatic configuration without manual intervention despite the parallel topology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where CMCs respond to BMU requests with their unique identifiers and status information. This feedback loop enables the BMU to track which CMCs are present on the network, assign appropriate addresses, and manage communication effectively, thereby reducing enumeration complexity in parallel networks.
3Ease of operation
If unique ID assignment procedure is implemented in parallel network, then individual addressing is enabled, but communication protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs unique identifier assignment and node enumeration during the initialization phase, before normal operation begins. This preliminary action establishes the addressing scheme in advance, allowing the system to use simple identifier-based addressing during operational communication without requiring complex real-time negotiation or address assignment protocols.
Data Source
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AI summary
A battery management unit, BMU, configured to communicate, in parallel, with a plurality of cell monitoring circuits, CMCs, configured to provide for monitoring of battery cells and store a chain-identifier parameter initially comprising a predetermined default value, wherein the BMU is configured to perform a chain-identifier parameter assignment procedure comprising assigning a different chain-identifier parameter to each of the plurality of CMCs, wherein said assigning comprises using a unique ID of each CMC to individually select each one of the plurality of CMCs when assigning the respective different chain-identifier parameter, wherein the unique ID of each CMC is received by the BMU in response to the BMU being configured to send, in parallel to the CMCs using the predetermined default value, one or more request messages requesting that they report their unique IDs to the BMU.