ECU Mode Switching Sequence Prevents Microcomputer Reset
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic control units face challenges in preventing unintended restarts of microcomputers due to voltage drops during mode switching from low power to normal mode, which requires large capacity capacitors, increasing production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a mode switcher circuit that switches the power circuit to the normal mode before the microcomputer, ensuring stable power supply during mode transitions without the need for large capacitors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large capacity capacitor is added to the output side of the power circuit to prevent voltage drop during mode switching, then the microcomputer restart problem is solved, but the production cost increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mode switcher performs preliminary action by switching the power circuit to normal mode before the microcomputer is ready to operate. This ensures that the power circuit is already in normal mode when the microcomputer starts, preventing voltage drop issues without requiring large capacitors. The timing control unit coordinates this preliminary switching action based on the operation mode switch signal.
Solution Approach 2:
A mode switcher circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the microcomputer and the power circuit. This mode switcher, controlled by the timing control unit, manages the power mode transitions and ensures proper sequencing, eliminating the need for large capacitors while maintaining system reliability.
2Reliability
If a large capacity capacitor is added to prevent voltage drop during mode switching, then the microcomputer restart problem is solved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary switching of the power circuit to normal mode before the microcomputer operation begins. The timing control unit coordinates this advance switching, ensuring power stability without requiring expensive large capacity capacitors, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical solution (large capacity capacitor) with an active control system consisting of a mode switcher and timing control unit. This electronic control approach achieves the same power stability function with smaller, less expensive components, reducing manufacturing costs.
3Speed
If the microcomputer switches to normal mode before the power circuit, then the microcomputer can start operation, but voltage drop causes unintended operation or reset
Solution Approach 1:
The timing control unit coordinates the power circuit mode switching to occur in advance of microcomputer operation. This preliminary action ensures the power circuit is stabilized in normal mode before the microcomputer begins operation, preventing voltage drop issues while maintaining efficient mode switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The timing control unit uses feedback from the operation mode switch signal to coordinate the sequencing of mode transitions. It monitors the microcomputer's operation mode changes and adjusts the power circuit switching timing accordingly, ensuring proper sequencing and maintaining system stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic control unit includes a microcomputer and a power circuit that supplies an electric power to the microcomputer. The microcomputer and the power circuit respectively operate in a normal operation mode and in a low power operation mode that consumes less power than the normal operation mode. The electronic control unit further includes a mode switcher for switching the operation modes of the microcomputer and the power circuit according to an input signal from an external device. When a mode switch signal for switching the operation mode of both devices to the normal operation mode, the mode switcher first switches the power circuit to the normal operation mode and subsequently switches the microcomputer to the normal operation mode, which prevents a reset operation of the microcomputer without using a large capacity capacitor.