CAN Module Test Pulse Injection for Transceiver Error Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current CAN bus systems face challenges in efficiently detecting errors in transceivers and networks, particularly at higher data rates, which is crucial for future autonomous vehicle applications where error-free transmission is paramount.

Innovation Solution

A CAN module and transceiver system that includes a processing logic to detect errors by transmitting a test pulse between frames and comparing its duration with the response from the transceiver, allowing for robust error detection without interfering with regular data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If error detection is implemented in CAN transceivers, then transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary error detection by injecting test pulses between actual data frames and checking for their presence in received signals. This proactive approach allows error detection capabilities to be built into the transmission protocol itself, rather than requiring complex separate monitoring systems, thus improving reliability while managing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The CAN transceiver system performs self-diagnosis by using its own transmission capability to send test pulses and then monitoring for these pulses in the received signals. This self-testing mechanism enables error detection without requiring external testing equipment or additional complex monitoring infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If test pulses are transmitted between frames, then error detection capability is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection capabilityVSAvoidtime offset
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic error detection by injecting test pulses at regular intervals between actual data frames. This periodic approach allows error detection to occur systematically without continuously interrupting data transmission, thereby balancing error detection capability with minimal time loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses partial action by injecting test pulses only in the idle time between frames rather than continuously. This approach provides sufficient error detection coverage while minimizing the impact on overall transmission time, as the test pulses occupy only the inter-frame gaps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If higher data rates are used, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoiderror detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

By injecting test pulses before actual data transmission and checking for their presence, the system establishes a baseline for signal integrity at the current data rate. This preliminary testing allows the system to verify proper signal levels and timing even at higher data rates where signal degradation may occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by monitoring the received test pulses and comparing them against expected characteristics. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect errors that may arise at higher data rates and adjust or report issues, thereby maintaining measurement precision despite increased productivity demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12261715B2CAN module, CAN transceiver, CAN system and method for CAN module
Publication Date: 2025.03.25 NXP BV
  • US12261715B2 patent drawing
  • US12261715B2 patent drawing
  • US12261715B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a CAN module configured to be arranged between a CAN controller and a CAN transceiver. The CAN module received a TXD input signal from the CAN controller and is configured to transmit an TXD output signal to the CAN transceiver, wherein the TXD output signal is adapted by the CAN module to also comprising a test impulse. When monitoring the CAN BUS, the CAN transceiver will feed back an RDX signal to the CAN module and the CAN controller. The CAN module is configured to detect an error on the CAN transceiver or the CAN BUS depending on the transmitted test impulse and the test impulse received via the RDX signal. The present inventio also relates to a system comprising the CAN module and a method for the CAN module.