CAN Transceiver Driver-Path Deactivation for Clean Bus Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing the operability of CAN transceivers in a CAN bus network results in significant load and time delay, as it involves sending test messages that compete for arbitration, and can lead to unintended CAN bus signals if faulty or erroneous data is transmitted.
Innovation Solution
A CAN transceiver design with switch units and a control unit that allows for immediate deactivation of driver paths upon receiving a deactivation message, preventing the generation of unwanted CAN bus signals by interrupting the driver paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If test messages are sent to test the operability of CAN transceivers, then the transceiver functionality can be verified, but significant load and time delay are generated on the CAN bus network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the testing function from the normal CAN bus operation by providing a dedicated test mode that bypasses the arbitration mechanism. Test messages are sent through a separate path using a dedicated test control signal, allowing transceiver verification without competing for arbitration with other nodes, thus reducing network load and time delay while maintaining reliability verification capability
2Reliability
If test messages are sent to test the operability of CAN transceivers, then the transceiver functionality can be verified, but time delay is generated due to arbitration competition
Solution Approach 1:
The testing function is extracted from the standard arbitration-based communication by implementing a dedicated test mode with a separate control path. The test control signal directly activates test message transmission without requiring arbitration, eliminating the time delay caused by competition for bus access while still enabling comprehensive transceiver functionality verification
3Productivity
If faulty or erroneous data is transmitted during testing, then testing can be performed, but unintended CAN bus signals are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mediator mechanism in the form of a test control unit that sits between the test data source and the CAN bus interface. This mediator validates and controls the transmission of test messages, ensuring that even if test data contains errors, they are properly managed and do not generate unintended harmful signals on the bus. The mediator provides a safety layer that allows aggressive testing while protecting the network
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a CAN transceiver, comprising: a transmit data, TXD, interface, a CAN BUS interface, a first control interface, a transmitter, and a control unit, wherein the transmitter comprises a first driver path coupled to the CAN bus interface and comprising a first series circuit including first and second switch units the transmitter comprises a second driver path coupled to the CAN bus and comprising a second series circuit including third and fourth switch units, the transmitter comprises a driver unit configured to control the first and third switch units based on a TXD signal, and the control unit is configured to control the switch units based on a first control signal at the first control interface and, if the first control signal represents a deactivation message, to deactivate at least one switch unit of each driver path.