Dynamic Ethernet Clock Topology for Automotive Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive Ethernet network topologies are static and not dynamically adaptable, leading to inefficiencies in clock synchronization and resource allocation, particularly in complex and diverse production environments where dynamic changes in network configuration and software distribution are necessary.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves dynamically determining the Ethernet network topology, including clock topology, using time synchronization protocols to identify relevant nodes and clock sources, allowing for decentralized exchange of topology information and selection of the best clock source based on specific communication and synchronization needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static network topology is used, then the system is simple to configure and maintain, but the network cannot adapt dynamically to changing production environments and software distribution requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic network topology adaptation by enabling ECUs to autonomously evaluate and select optimal clock sources based on real-time network conditions and communication requirements. The system transitions from static configuration to dynamic reconfiguration, where the clock topology can change adaptively without manual intervention, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity through automated decision-making algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs self-service mechanisms where each ECU independently evaluates potential clock sources and autonomously determines the optimal clock topology for its communication needs. This self-configuration capability eliminates the need for complex external management while enabling dynamic adaptation to changing production environments, effectively resolving the contradiction between adaptability and system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a decentralized clock source selection is implemented, then synchronization accuracy improves, but the complexity of evaluating and selecting the best clock source increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where ECUs continuously monitor network conditions, communication latency, and synchronization quality to evaluate clock source performance. This feedback-driven evaluation enables the system to identify the optimal clock source based on actual performance metrics rather than static configurations, improving synchronization accuracy while managing complexity through iterative optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes evaluation parameters such as communication latency thresholds, clock quality metrics, and synchronization requirements based on production environment needs. By adjusting these parameters autonomously, the system can optimize synchronization accuracy for different scenarios without requiring complex manual configuration, effectively resolving the contradiction between precision and evaluation complexity.
3Productivity
If dynamic topology determination is used, then resource allocation efficiency improves, but the computational overhead for determining and maintaining the topology increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing evaluation criteria, communication protocols, and decision-making algorithms during system initialization. This preparation enables ECUs to quickly evaluate clock sources and determine optimal topologies when needed, reducing computational overhead during runtime while maintaining high resource allocation efficiency through pre-configured evaluation frameworks.
Data Source
AI summary
A method establishes an improved clock topology for a computation system, where the computation system is a network of nodes, and where multiple nodes are capable of being a grandmaster clock source. The method includes sequentially selecting each selectable node as an acting grandmaster node, the acting grandmaster node sending announce messages, each node with a determinative communication requirement extracting topology information from the announce messages. The above steps are repeated with another node until each selectable node has been an acting grandmaster. The method then includes selecting the clock source based on the best clock topology for the set of nodes with determinative communication requirements.