Variable-Resistance CAN Transmission Circuit for Noise and Overcurrent

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle communication systems face challenges in effectively suppressing common mode noise and overcurrents due to signal skew in differential signals, particularly in CAN communication, which can degrade signal quality and system performance.

Innovation Solution

A transmission circuit with variable resistor portions and current restriction portions, controlled by a control unit, adjusts resistance values to manage signal waveforms and current flow, thereby suppressing common mode noise and overcurrents.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If differential signal transmission is used in CAN communication, then communication reliability is improved, but common mode noise and overcurrents occur due to signal skew

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidcommon mode noise and overcurrents
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by introducing current restriction portions before the harmful effects manifest. These portions proactively limit current flow in each signal line, preventing overcurrents from occurring in the first place rather than reacting after they occur. The variable resistor portions are configured to provide opposing resistance that counteracts the harmful current surges caused by signal skew.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses variable resistor portions as intermediary elements between the signal source and the transmission lines. These resistors act as mediators that can dynamically adjust their resistance values to balance the differential signals and suppress common mode noise. By positioning these intermediary components in each signal line, the system can independently control current flow to mitigate the harmful effects of signal skew.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If signal skew is present in differential signals, then transmission speed is improved, but signal quality deteriorates due to common mode noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission speedVSAvoidsignal quality
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by using variable resistor portions that can dynamically adjust their resistance values in response to signal conditions. Rather than using fixed resistors, the variable resistors can change their impedance characteristics to maintain optimal signal balance even when skew varies with transmission speed. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to preserve signal quality across different transmission rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the resistance values of the variable resistor portions to compensate for signal skew. By changing the electrical parameters (resistance) of the intermediary components, the system can counteract the effects of skew and maintain proper differential signal balance, thereby preserving signal quality while allowing high-speed transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If current restriction portions are added to each signal line, then overcurrent suppression is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveovercurrent suppressionVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves universality by designing current restriction portions that serve multiple functions simultaneously. The variable resistor portions not only limit current flow to prevent overcurrents but also help balance differential signals and suppress common mode noise. By making each component multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If variable resistor portions are used to balance differential signals, then common mode noise suppression is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommon mode noise suppressionVSAvoidresistance value precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the variable resistor portions to automatically adjust and balance the differential signals without requiring external calibration or precise manual setting. The resistors can dynamically adapt to signal conditions and self-regulate to maintain proper balance, reducing the need for high manufacturing precision and external adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12388476B2Transmission circuit, electronic control unit, and vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.08.12 ROHM CO LTD
  • US12388476B2 patent drawing
  • US12388476B2 patent drawing
  • US12388476B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A transmission circuit includes a first terminal configured so that a first voltage is applied thereto, a second terminal, a third terminal, and a fourth terminal configured so that a second voltage lower than the first voltage is applied thereto. The transmission circuit further includes a first variable resistor portion provided between the first terminal and the second terminal, a first current restriction portion configured to restrict a current flowing from the first terminal to the second terminal, a second variable resistor portion provided between the third terminal and the fourth terminal, a second current restriction portion configured to restrict a current flowing from the third terminal to the fourth terminal, and a control portion configured to control, based on transmission data, the respective resistance values of the first variable resistor portion and the second variable resistor portion.