CAN Bus Interconnection Circuit for 60 Ω Load Matching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Interconnecting two independent CAN bus systems with pre-defined termination resistors can result in communication failures due to a drop in bus load below the nominal 60 Ω requirement.

Innovation Solution

A circuit comprising a first and second CAN transceiver, and a pair of transistors and six resistors electrically interconnecting them, is used to interconnect the two CAN bus systems without causing communication failures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If two independent CAN bus systems with pre-defined termination resistors are electrically coupled together with simple conductors, then the interconnection between the CAN systems is achieved, but the bus load drops below the nominal 60 Ω requirement resulting in communication failures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterconnection capabilityVSAvoidcommunication reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary circuit between the two CAN bus systems that includes transistors and resistors. This intermediary circuit acts as a mediator to match the impedance and maintain the bus load at the required 60 Ω nominal value, preventing communication failures while enabling interconnection between the independently terminated CAN systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the interconnection circuit by incorporating specific resistor values and transistor configurations. This modifies the effective bus load seen by the CAN transceivers, transforming the combined load of two 60 Ω systems into an equivalent 60 Ω presentation to maintain communication reliability across the interconnection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If two CAN systems independently operate at the 60 Ω nominal load, then each system maintains reliable communication, but interconnecting them with simple conductors drops the bus load to 30 Ω

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem interconnectabilityVSAvoidinterconnection circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than directly connecting the two CAN systems with simple conductors, the patent introduces an intermediary circuit containing transistors and resistors. This intermediary structure enables system interconnectability while actively managing the bus load to prevent the 30 Ω drop that would occur with direct connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If termination resistors are pre-defined in each CAN system, then each system meets the 60 Ω nominal load requirement independently, but connecting them together causes the bus load to fall below the required threshold

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindividual system reliabilityVSAvoidinterconnection capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by introducing specific resistor values and transistor configurations in the interconnection circuit. This transforms the combined electrical characteristics of two independently terminated systems into an equivalent presentation that maintains the required bus load parameters, enabling reliable interconnection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4507251A1Can bus interconnection circuit
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 HILL ROM SERVICES INC
  • EP4507251A1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4507251A1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4507251A1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A circuit for interconnecting a first controller area network (CAN) bus with a second CAN bus includes a first CAN transceiver, a second CAN transceiver, and a pair of transistors and six resistors electrically interconnecting the first and second CAN transceivers. The first CAN bus is included in a first device, such a bed to support a person or occupant, and the second CAN bus is included in a second device, such as a mattress supported by the bed. The circuit for interconnecting the first and second CAN busses is situated in an interior region of the mattress.