Vehicle ECU Circuit With Hardwired Update Packet Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic control units (ECUs) in vehicles face increased processing load and operational disruptions when receiving software updates, as the bootloader module handles data packets, affecting normal CPU operation during software updates.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a hardware component with hardwired logic in the electronic circuit to encode and receive data packets according to a predefined communication protocol, offloading the software update functionality from the processing unit, thereby reducing processing load and maintaining normal operation during updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bootloader or CPU receives data packets for software update, then the software update function is achieved, but the processing load of the CPU increases and normal operation is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data packet reception and processing function from the CPU to a dedicated hardware component. This hardware component includes a hardwired logic circuit that specifically handles the reception and processing of data packets according to a predefined communication protocol, while the CPU focuses on executing the software program. This separation resolves the contradiction by removing the burden of data packet handling from the CPU, thereby reducing processing load and avoiding interference with normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hardware component as an intermediary between the communication network and the CPU. This intermediary component handles the complex task of receiving and processing data packets according to the communication protocol, translating them into a format suitable for software updates, and managing the update process without involving the CPU directly. This mediator approach allows the CPU to maintain its normal operations while the hardware component handles the update-specific tasks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the CPU handles software updates, then the update process is flexible, but the normal operation of the CPU is negatively affected during receiving data packets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ECU into distinct functional components: a hardware component dedicated to communication protocol handling and data packet reception, and a CPU dedicated to software program execution. The hardwired logic circuit within the hardware component is specifically designed to handle communication protocols, while the CPU maintains its normal operations. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently and efficiently, resolving the contradiction between update functionality and normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the software-based bootloader approach with a hardware-based solution. Instead of using software modules running on the CPU to handle communication protocols and data packets, the invention uses a hardwired logic circuit that is physically designed to perform these functions. This hardware substitution eliminates the processing load and operational interference associated with software-based approaches, while maintaining the necessary flexibility through configurable hardware parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic circuit for a vehicle comprises a network interface for connecting the electronic circuit to a communication network and a hardware component with a hardwired logic to receive at least one data packet representing a software program from the communication network via the network interface according to a predefined communication protocol. The electronic circuit comprises a memory interface connected to the hardware component, wherein the hardware component is adapted to store the software program to a non-volatile memory via the memory interface, and a processing unit, which is configured to read the non-volatile memory and to execute the software program.