Dual Microcontroller CAN-FD Integration via FlexRay Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of the CAN-FD communication protocol into motor vehicles is hindered by the need for significant software developments and increased costs, particularly due to the requirement for new, more powerful microcontrollers.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electronic computer with two microcontrollers, where one microcontroller uses FLEXRAY™ communication controllers to exchange data internally and the other includes a CAN-FD communication controller to interface with the vehicle's bus, allowing for quicker integration of CAN-FD without requiring software updates on the primary microcontroller, and utilizing simpler interfacing logic circuits instead of FLEXRAY™ bus drivers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If new more powerful microcontrollers are used to support CAN-FD protocol, then CAN-FD communication capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and software development complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic computer is divided into two separate microcontrollers: a first microcontroller that handles application logic using existing CAN protocol, and a second microcontroller that handles CAN-FD communication protocol. This segmentation allows each microcontroller to be optimized for its specific function, enabling CAN-FD capability without requiring the primary microcontroller to be upgraded to a more powerful model.
Solution Approach 2:
The second microcontroller acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's CAN-FD communication bus and the first microcontroller. It translates and forwards communication packets between the CAN-FD bus and the first microcontroller, allowing the primary system to benefit from CAN-FD capabilities without directly implementing the complex CAN-FD protocol stack.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new more powerful microcontrollers are used to support CAN-FD protocol, then CAN-FD communication capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into two microcontrollers with distinct roles, allowing the use of a standard, cost-effective first microcontroller for application logic while adding a dedicated second microcontroller for CAN-FD communication. This approach avoids the need to upgrade to an expensive powerful microcontroller that would handle both application logic and CAN-FD protocol simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The second microcontroller independently handles all CAN-FD communication tasks, including protocol processing, packet translation, and bus management. This self-service capability allows the first microcontroller to remain simple and cost-effective, as it does not need to incorporate complex CAN-FD protocol handling capabilities.
3Productivity
If FLEXRAY communication controllers are used for internal data exchange, then integration speed is improved, but hardware complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The FLEXRAY communication controllers in both microcontrollers are designed to handle multiple communication protocols and modes. They can operate in FLEXRAY mode for high-speed internal communication between microcontrollers, and also support other automotive communication standards, providing multi-functionality that justifies the hardware investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The FLEXRAY communication controllers are pre-configured and integrated into the microcontrollers during manufacturing, with communication interfaces and protocols already established. This preliminary preparation enables rapid deployment and integration of the dual-microcontroller system without requiring complex on-site configuration or additional hardware assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle electronic computer, including a first microcontroller and a second microcontroller including respective FlexRay.TM. communication controllers that are linked to one another by connections, the first microcontroller and the second microcontroller being configured to exchange data with one another by way of the FlexRay.TM. communication controllers. Furthermore, the second microcontroller includes a CAN-FD communication controller by way of which the electronic computer is able to be linked to a communication bus of the vehicle in order to exchange data with a remote device, and the CAN-FD communication controller is linked to the FlexRay.TM. communication controller of the second microcontroller.