Compensator Module for V2X Cable Loss Compensation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing data transfer systems in motor vehicles face challenges in efficiently compensating for cable losses in antenna cables, particularly in V2X communication, where signal attenuation affects the reliability and strength of radio-frequency signals.

Innovation Solution

A compensator module with a radio-frequency module and a processing unit that switches between transmit and receive modes based on control data, using a digital data network for control data transfer, and integrating with existing vehicle control units to simplify design and installation, while using amplifiers to compensate for cable losses and adjust signal levels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If control data is transferred together with wanted signals in the same channel, then the system structure becomes simpler, but signal interference and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidsignal transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates control data and wanted signals into different transmission channels: control data is transmitted via the data network (CAN, MOST, Ethernet) while wanted signals are transmitted via the antenna cable. This segmentation eliminates mutual interference between control and signal paths while maintaining system functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Length of moving object

If cable length is increased to extend communication range, then coverage area improves, but signal attenuation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable lengthVSAvoidsignal attenuation
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The compensator module performs preliminary amplification of wanted signals before they are transmitted through the antenna cable. By boosting the signal strength in advance, the system can tolerate longer cable lengths without excessive attenuation, thus extending communication range while maintaining signal quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback mechanisms where the control module receives status information about signal conditions and adjusts transmission parameters accordingly. This allows dynamic compensation for cable losses based on actual signal quality, enabling reliable operation over extended cable lengths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If signal amplification is increased to compensate for cable losses, then signal strength improves, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal strengthVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The amplification level in the compensator module is dynamically adjusted based on actual signal conditions and cable characteristics. Rather than using fixed high amplification, the system adapts the gain level to match the required compensation, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining adequate signal strength.

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 effectively compensates for cable losses, ensuring reliable signal transmission and reception in motor vehicles, enhancing the performance of V2X communication by separating wanted signals and control data and utilizing existing vehicle components for economic and efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

The radio-frequency module comprises a transmit path containing a power amplifier

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal amplification:

Implementation Method 2

a receive path containing a low-noise amplifier. The transmit path is used in the compensator-module transmit operating mode, and the receive path is used in the compensator-module receive operating mode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal amplification:

Data Source

PatentEP3836408A1Compensator module, control module, data transfer system and method for operating a data transfer system
Publication Date: 2021.06.16 HIRSCHMANN CAR COMMUNICATION
  • EP3836408A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3836408A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3836408A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A compensator module comprises a wanted-signal connection for transferring wanted signals, a radio-frequency module for amplifying the wanted signals, a control-data connection for receiving control data, and a processing unit for processing the control data and for driving the radio-frequency module. The control-data connection is designed to be connected to a digital data network. The processing unit is designed to switch the radio-frequency module between a compensator-module transmit operating mode and a compensator-module receive operating mode according to the received control data.