CAN Transceiver Mode-Specific Error Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing CAN transceivers face challenges in efficiently detecting errors on CAN signal lines and within the transceiver itself, particularly in distinguishing between electrical shorts and open wires, especially when the transceiver is in different operational modes.

Innovation Solution

The proposed CAN transceiver incorporates a monitoring unit that can differentiate between transmitting and non-transmitting modes, executing distinct error detection processes accordingly. This unit utilizes sensor units and control circuits to enable or disable electrical impedances, allowing for precise error detection by analyzing voltage and current differences across the CAN signal lines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single error detection process is used for both transmitting and non-transmitting modes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of error detection deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection processVSAvoiderror detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The error detection process is segmented into two distinct processes: a first process for non-transmitting mode and a second process for transmitting mode. The monitoring unit executes the appropriate process based on the current operational mode, enabling precise error detection tailored to each mode's specific characteristics without requiring a single complex universal process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If impedance activation is performed during transmitting mode, then the error detection capability is improved, but the reliability of signal transmission deteriorates due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveerror detection capabilityVSAvoidsignal transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts the error detection method based on the operational mode. Impedance activation is dynamically enabled only during non-transmitting mode when it does not interfere with signal transmission. During transmitting mode, the system uses alternative error detection methods that do not involve impedance activation, thus maintaining transmission reliability while still providing error detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The solution enables robust and precise error detection in both transmitting and non-transmitting modes, minimizing interference and accurately identifying electrical shorts and open wires, thereby enhancing the reliability of CAN transceivers.

Implementation Method 1

a signal generation unit connected to the two terminals and configured to generate a differential voltage signal between the terminals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDifferential voltage signal generation: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

Detecting a first voltage at the first terminal using a sensor unit (148) of the monitoring unit, A2) Detecting a second voltage at the second terminal using the sensor unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage detection: Electric Field

Implementation Method 3

a first electrical impedance of the transceiver between the first terminal and a first voltage supply node (168) of the transceiver can be enabled or disabled by the monitoring unit via the control circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical impedance control: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP4236214B1Controller area network transceiver and method for the transceiver
Publication Date: 2025.05.07 NXP BV
  • EP4236214B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4236214B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4236214B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a controller area network, CAN, transceiver (120) comprising a monitoring unit configured to execute either a first process for detecting an error at the CAN signal lines or a different second process for detecting an error at the transceiver or the CAN signal lines depending on a mode of the CAN transceiver detected by the monitoring unit. The present invention also relates to a method for the CAN transceiver.