Duplexed In-Vehicle Communication System Reducing Signal Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
The number of signal lines connected to the Body Control Module (BCM) in in-vehicle systems increases with the number of devices to be controlled, posing a challenge for safety and efficiency, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for reducing signal lines while ensuring system safety.
Innovation Solution
An in-vehicle communication system that includes an input transmission apparatus, a control apparatus, and an output transmission apparatus, utilizing duplexed pairs for data transmission and safety communication to determine proper communication and generate fail-safe control data, thereby reducing the need for additional signal lines and ensuring safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the number of I/O devices connected to the BCM increases, then the functionality of the in-vehicle system is improved, but the number of signal lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple I/O devices into a single in-vehicle network system where devices communicate through a network interface rather than direct signal lines to the BCM. This merging approach allows multiple devices to share common communication infrastructure, reducing the total number of signal lines while maintaining the ability to control diverse devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network interface as an intermediary between I/O devices and the BCM. This mediator handles communication protocols, data routing, and signal management, allowing the BCM to control multiple devices through a reduced set of signal lines while maintaining full functionality.
2Device complexity
If multiplex transmission units are used to reduce signal lines, then the number of signal lines is reduced, but system safety may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into distinct functional modules: I/O devices, network interface, and BCM. This segmentation allows independent verification of safety functions at each level while using multiplexed transmission, maintaining safety through modular design rather than requiring redundant signal lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the network interface monitors communication status and provides status information to the BCM. This feedback loop enables real-time detection of communication errors or failures, allowing the system to maintain safety through active monitoring rather than passive redundant wiring.
Data Source
AI summary
An increase in the number of signal lines of a control apparatus for controlling devices of an automobile can be prevented and safety of the automobile can be secured. An in-vehicle communication system includes an input DHM that obtains device data from an input device, a BCM that generates control data for controlling an output device based on a value of the device data, and an output DHM that controls the output device according to the control data. The input DHM is composed of duplexed input control blocks, duplexed input shared memories, and an input NW control block. The BCM is composed of a BCM_NW control block, duplexed BCM shared memories for different intended uses, and duplexed arithmetic blocks. The output DHM is composed of an output NW control block, duplexed output shared memories, duplexed output control blocks, and a matching circuit.