Communication Control Unit Bus Availability Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Collisions between messages transmitted over a bus line can cause transmission errors, especially when multiple communication control units are connected, and determining the availability of the bus line before data transmission is challenging due to temperature-dependent signal propagation changes.
Innovation Solution
A method where the communication control unit determines the current signal propagation time, stores it, and uses it to check the bus line's availability by sending an interrogation signal within a tolerance period, ensuring that the signal is received correctly before initiating data transmission, thereby avoiding collisions and transmission errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bus line availability is checked by sending an interrogation signal, then transmission collisions can be avoided, but temperature-dependent signal propagation changes can cause false availability determination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by dynamically adjusting the tolerance period based on temperature. The control unit determines the actual signal propagation time at different temperatures and adapts the tolerance period accordingly, allowing the system to maintain accurate availability determination despite temperature-dependent signal propagation changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual signal propagation time at the receiving end and using this information to adjust the tolerance period. The control unit continuously monitors signal propagation characteristics and adapts the evaluation criteria based on actual measured values, ensuring accurate availability determination under varying temperature conditions
2Manufacturing precision
If temperature information is acquired and transmission interface is controlled as a function of temperature, then bit time tolerance can be maintained, but device complexity increases due to temperature recording and controlled transmission interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by having the system automatically determine and adapt to temperature-dependent signal propagation changes without requiring external temperature sensors or complex control mechanisms. The receiving end independently measures actual signal propagation time and uses this information to adjust evaluation criteria, eliminating the need for separate temperature monitoring equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the signal propagation time measurement as an intermediary parameter that indirectly reflects temperature effects. Instead of directly measuring temperature, the system measures the actual signal propagation time, which naturally varies with temperature, and uses this intermediary measurement to adjust the tolerance period
3Measurement precision
If signal propagation time is determined and tolerance period is adapted, then availability determination accuracy is improved, but transmission time increases due to additional measurement and adaptation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by determining the actual signal propagation time in advance during initialization or calibration phases. The tolerance period is pre-adapted based on these measurements, allowing the system to use the pre-determined tolerance values during actual data transmission without performing real-time measurements, thus minimizing transmission time delays
Data Source
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AI summary
The method involves determining a signal propagation time variable using current signal run time in a communication control unit (14). The signal propagation time variable is utilized to check whether a bus line (11) i.e. two-wire line, is available for transmitting data through the control unit while an interrogation signal i.e. digital signal, is transmitted over a transmission interface (17) to the bus line at a start time. The availability of the bus line is recognized when the interrogation signal is correctly received in a time space at a receiving interface of the control unit. An independent claim is also included for a communication control unit.