Vehicle ECU Equalizer-Based Transmission Path Diagnosis

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high cost of diagnosing communication system deterioration in vehicles limits effective data transmission path assessment and mitigation.

Innovation Solution

An electronic control unit (ECU) with a reception unit, equalizer, and determination unit that acquires environmental information to calculate compensation parameters for data signal compensation, allowing for low-cost determination of transmission path state.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional diagnosis methods are used to determine transmission path state, then measurement precision is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission path state determination accuracyVSAvoiddiagnosis cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses its own equalizer's compensation parameter as an indicator of transmission path state. The equalizer automatically adjusts compensation based on received signals, and the determination unit reads the compensation parameter to assess transmission path quality, eliminating the need for separate expensive diagnostic equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The equalizer serves dual functions: it compensates for signal distortion during data reception and simultaneously provides transmission path state information through its compensation parameter. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated diagnostic devices, reducing overall system cost while maintaining diagnostic accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If shielding is applied to mitigate adverse effects on data transmission, then reliability is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoidmounting cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors transmission path state through the equalizer's compensation parameter and can adaptively adjust transmission parameters or trigger retransmission when deterioration is detected. This feedback mechanism maintains reliability without requiring permanent physical shielding modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces physical shielding (mechanical approach) with signal processing and adaptive equalization (electronic/software approach). The equalizer compensates for interference effects electronically, achieving the same reliability goal without the cost and complexity of physical shielding materials and mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11750424B2Electronic control unit and determination method

Publication Date: 2023.09.05 ASTEMO LTD

AI summary

An electronic control unit is mounted on a vehicle, and includes a reception unit that receives a data signal transmitted via a transmission path mounted on the vehicle; an environmental information acquisition unit that acquires environmental information of the vehicle; and a determination unit that determines the state of the transmission path, in which the reception unit includes an equalizer that compensates for the data signal, the equalizer calculates a compensation parameter for compensating for the data signal, and the determination unit determines the state of the transmission path based on the compensation parameter and the environmental information.