Distributed OBD Architecture Master Module Arbitration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current on-board diagnostic (OBD) systems in vehicles are not adaptable to varying system configurations, particularly in complex vehicles like hybrid electric vehicles, requiring time, effort, and cost to tailor diagnostics for each vehicle platform.
Innovation Solution
A distributed OBD architecture with multiple control modules, including a master OBD control module that arbitrates malfunction indicator lamps, stores diagnostic trouble codes, and communicates with other modules to coordinate diagnostics across the vehicle systems, allowing for a common diagnostic approach across different vehicle configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional OBD system is used in complex vehicles with multiple control modules, then complete diagnostic coverage can be achieved, but the system requires significant time, effort, and cost to be tailored to each vehicle platform
Solution Approach 1:
The OBD system is segmented into a master OBD control module that performs centralized diagnostic functions and multiple slave control modules that perform local self-diagnosis. This segmentation allows the system to maintain comprehensive diagnostic coverage while reducing the complexity of platform-specific customization, as the master module provides a standardized diagnostic interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The master OBD control module acts as an intermediary between the diagnostic tool and the various slave control modules. It receives diagnostic requests, coordinates the diagnostic process across multiple control modules, and provides unified diagnostic data, thereby enabling platform-adaptable diagnostics without requiring custom integration for each vehicle configuration.
2Measurement precision
If OBD systems are tailored to unique systems of each vehicle platform, then diagnostic accuracy is improved, but development time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The master OBD control module is designed with universal functionality to interface with multiple types of control modules across different vehicle platforms. It implements standardized diagnostic protocols and can coordinate with various slave modules (engine control, transmission control, etc.), providing accurate diagnostics without requiring platform-specific development for each module type.
Solution Approach 2:
Each slave control module performs self-diagnosis of its own functions and reports status to the master OBD control module. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex centralized diagnostic logic and allows the system to maintain high diagnostic accuracy across different platforms without increasing development time, as each module independently validates its own operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple control modules are used to regulate vehicle systems, then system functionality is improved, but coordination of OBD diagnostics becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the diagnostic coordination function into a single master OBD control module that consolidates the arbitration of MIL states, storage of DTCs, and coordination of diagnostic activities across multiple slave control modules. This merging reduces diagnostic coordination complexity while maintaining the ability to interface with multiple vehicle systems, as the master module provides a unified diagnostic management layer.
Data Source
AI summary
A distributed on-board diagnostic (OBD) architecture for a control system of a vehicle includes a plurality of control modules that are in communication with one another and a designated master OBD control module that is one of the plurality of control modules. The master OBD control module performs functions that a remainder of the plurality of control modules are incapable of performing including at least one of arbitrating a malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) state, arbitrating and storing OBD freeze frame data and determining OBD status flags of the remainder of the plurality of control modules.