CAN Bus Signal Restoration for Accurate Code Binarization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing signal generation apparatuses for CAN communication struggle with generating accurate code specifying signals due to voltage fluctuations and collisions, leading to erroneous code specification when high rates of change occur in logic signals.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus integrates a signal restorer to generate a restored signal with a waveform equivalent to the logic signal, using a transformer and resistor configuration, followed by a signal generator that binarizes the restored signal with a threshold voltage to produce a correct code specifying signal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a signal generation apparatus uses a detector with transformer and resistor to detect differential signals from coated conductors, then the apparatus can generate code specifying signals from CAN communication bus, but voltage fluctuations and signal collisions cause erroneous code specification when high rates of change occur in logic signals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecode specification accuracyVSAvoidsignal detection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a waveform shaper before the signal generator that pre-processes the differential signal to maintain constant voltage levels during low and high voltage periods. This preliminary waveform shaping ensures that when the signal reaches the binarization stage, voltage fluctuations and collisions have already been corrected, preventing erroneous code specification before it occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the voltage level parameter of the differential signal by using a waveform shaper that actively maintains constant voltage levels during low voltage periods and high voltage periods. This parameter change transforms the fluctuating differential signal into a stable waveform with consistent amplitude, enabling reliable binarization and accurate code specification even during signal collisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If the apparatus directly binarizes differential signals with threshold voltage, then the device complexity is low, but pulse or step-shaped voltage changes cause erroneous code specification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal processing circuit complexityVSAvoidcode specification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a waveform shaper as an intermediary component between the detector and signal generator. This mediator circuit pre-processes the differential signal by maintaining constant voltage levels, thereby eliminating pulse or step-shaped voltage changes before binarization. The added complexity of this intermediary component is justified by the significant improvement in code specification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If wiring capacitance of shielded cables is neglected in the configuration, then the device complexity is reduced, but voltage levels become unstable during signal transitions causing erroneous binarization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit configuration complexityVSAvoidvoltage level stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent actively changes and controls the voltage level parameter through a waveform shaper that maintains constant voltage levels during low and high voltage periods. This compensates for the instability caused by neglected wiring capacitance, ensuring stable voltage levels throughout signal transitions without requiring complex capacitance compensation circuits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ensures accurate code specification even with pulse or step-shaped voltage changes, maintaining signal integrity by aligning voltage levels and using a single threshold voltage for reliable binarization.

Implementation Method 1

a transformer, which has a primary winding and a secondary winding... when signals that have been detected by the pair of electrodes via the coupling capacitance between the pair of electrodes and the pair of coated conductors are inputted into the terminals of the primary winding, the differential signal mentioned above is detected based on an output signal outputted from the terminals of the secondary winding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

signals that have been detected by the pair of electrodes via the coupling capacitance between the pair of electrodes and the pair of coated conductors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4044536B1Signal generating device and signal reading system
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 HIOKI DENKI KK
  • EP4044536B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4044536B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4044536B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A code specifying signal is correctly generated while still using a configuration that connects to a communication path via a coupling capacitance. A signal generation apparatus 2A that generates a code specifying signal Sf capable of specifying a code corresponding to a logic signal Sa, based on the logic signal Sa that is transmitted via a CAN bus (or "communication path") SB composed of coated conductors La and Lb, includes: a signal restorer 8 that generates a restored signal Sre with a signal waveform that is equivalent to the signal waveform of the logic signal Sa by integrating a signal waveform corresponding to a differential waveform of the logic signal Sa detected from the coated conductors La and Lb; and a signal generator 6 that generates the code specifying signal Sf by binarizing the restored signal Sre in comparison with a threshold voltage Vth.