Bus-Line Current Modulation for EMI-Resistant Data Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data communication methods in automotive applications, particularly for autonomous or semi-autonomous driving, face challenges in achieving high functional safety while being cost-effective and resistant to electromagnetic interferences.

Innovation Solution

A method where devices connected via an electrical bus line detect and modulate device current to establish priority, allowing for robust data transmission without requiring excessive circuitry, enabling reliable and low-cost communication suitable for safety-related functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional data communication methods are used in automotive applications, then data transmission can be achieved, but functional safety and resistance to electromagnetic interferences are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional safetyVSAvoidelectromagnetic interferences
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional electrical voltage-based communication with a magnetic field-based communication system. The transmitting device generates a magnetic field signal that is detected by the receiving device, substituting traditional electrical signal transmission. This substitution provides inherent immunity to electromagnetic interferences while maintaining functional safety requirements for automotive applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary medium for data transmission between devices. Instead of direct electrical signal transmission that is susceptible to EMI, the magnetic field acts as a mediator that carries information while being inherently resistant to electromagnetic interference, thus improving reliability in harsh automotive environments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If robust data communication with high functional safety is implemented, then reliability improves, but implementation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional safetyVSAvoidimplementation costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs self-service principles where the magnetic field-based communication system inherently provides its own protection against electromagnetic interference without requiring additional shielding or complex error correction circuits. The system serves itself by using physical principles that naturally reject EMI, reducing implementation costs while maintaining high functional safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of data transmission from electrical voltage to magnetic field strength. This parameter change enables robust communication with high functional safety using simpler, more cost-effective hardware compared to traditional methods that would require expensive shielding, filtering, and redundancy systems to achieve the same level of reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If device current is raised and modulated for data transmission, then data communication robustness against EMI improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata communication robustnessVSAvoidcircuitry requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes complex electrical circuitry with a magnetic field generation and detection mechanism. Instead of using complex modulation circuits and shielding to achieve EMI robustness, the system uses magnetic field signals that are naturally resistant to interference, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving communication robustness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables reliable and cost-effective data communication that is robust against electromagnetic interferences, suitable for use in safety-critical applications like Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), by simply raising and modulating device current, thereby ensuring data integrity and reducing implementation costs.

Implementation Method 1

data is transferred by the one device after announcing the transfer of data by means of modulation of the device current of the other devices

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical current modulation: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP3570176B1Method for performing a data communication
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 APTIV TECHNOLOGIES LTD
  • EP3570176B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3570176B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3570176B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for performing a data communication between at least two devices, wherein - the at least two devices are connected via an electrical bus line, - each of the devices detects the magnitude of a device current flowing from the respective device to the bus line, - one device raises the device current of the other devices in order to announce the transfer of data, - data is transferred after announcing the transfer of data by means of modulation of the device current of the other devices.