ECU Power Control via CAN/UART Wake-Up Message Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle communication networks, especially those using CAN bus, electric control units (ECUs) consume excessive power due to always being in the ON-state after engine start, leading to reduced fuel efficiency and potential safety risks from unnecessary communication disruptions.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a communication protocol interface that differentiates between CAN and UART protocols, using a regulator to control power supply based on message types, and employing a timer to manage idle periods, allowing for selective power-off of ECUs not actively engaged in critical communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all ECUs are kept in ON-state after engine start, then communication reliability is maintained, but electric power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by transitioning ECUs between ON and sleep states based on communication requirements. The ECU controller monitors communication bus activity and selectively activates only those ECUs that need to communicate, rather than keeping all ECUs continuously powered. This dynamic state adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting power consumption to actual operational needs while maintaining communication reliability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different power states to different ECUs based on their specific communication requirements. Essential ECUs involved in safety-critical communications remain in ON-state, while non-essential ECUs are placed in sleep-state. This localized quality differentiation allows the system to maintain reliability for critical functions while reducing overall power consumption by treating different ECUs differently according to their operational necessity.
2Loss of energy
If ECUs are powered down to reduce power consumption, then fuel efficiency improves, but communication responsiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring ECUs to transition to ON-state before actual communication is needed. The controller monitors communication bus activity and activates relevant ECUs in advance of their required communication tasks. This preliminary activation ensures that when communication becomes necessary, ECUs are already prepared and responsive, eliminating delays while still allowing non-essential ECUs to remain powered down during idle periods, thus improving fuel efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If more ECUs are mounted in vehicles, then functionality increases, but electric power consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal ECU controller that manages multiple ECUs and handles various communication protocols. The controller serves multiple functions: monitoring communication bus activity, determining which ECUs need to be active, transitioning ECUs between power states, and coordinating communication across the network. This multi-functional approach allows the system to support increased vehicle functionality through multiple ECUs while managing overall system complexity through centralized intelligent control rather than requiring separate control mechanisms for each ECU.
Data Source
AI summary
Power supply of ECUs connected to a communication network is optimally controlled so that power consumption is reduced. A transceiver/receiver converts a message of a differential signal received via a CAN bus into a digital signal. A select circuit determines whether the converted message is in a CAN format or a UART format. If it is in the UART format, the select circuit outputs a message to the UART circuit. A UART circuit determines whether the message matches a UART format. If matched, an ID determination circuit determines whether the input message is specifying a CAN ID of its own ECU. If it is the CAN ID of the ECU, the ID determination circuit outputs an enable signal to turn on a regulator and supply power to an MCU and an actuator.