Electronic Control Unit Synchronization via Power State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic control units with microcomputers operating on different power supply systems face synchronization issues during data updates, leading to potential malfunctions when power supply states change, causing timing discrepancies between always-on and not-always-on power supply system microcomputers.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a first mode determination device and a second mode determination device in both always-on and not-always-on power supply system microcomputers to synchronize their operating modes by detecting changes in power supply states and determining the appropriate operating modes, preventing operation in on-board mode during reprogramming processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If power supply to microcomputers is stopped and resumed during rewrite mode, then power consumption is reduced, but timing synchronization between always-on and not-always-on microcomputers is lost causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The always-on microcomputer performs preliminary actions by detecting power supply state changes of the not-always-on microcomputer and proactively transitioning to reprogramming mode before the not-always-on microcomputer completes its startup sequence. This ensures that when the not-always-on microcomputer resumes operation, both microcomputers are already in the correct synchronized state, preventing timing conflicts while allowing the not-always-on microcomputer to be powered off during normal operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If microcomputers operate independently on different power supply systems, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but mode synchronization deteriorates leading to system malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The always-on microcomputer continuously monitors the power supply state of the not-always-on microcomputer and uses this feedback information to determine when to transition between control mode and reprogramming mode. This feedback mechanism ensures that both microcomputers maintain synchronized operating modes despite operating on different power supply systems with independent on/off control, thereby preserving system reliability while maintaining power supply flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic control unit mounted in an object includes: a rewritable memory of control and reprogramming software; a not-always-on power supply system micro-computer operating in control and reprogramming modes and connected/disconnected with a power source; and an always-on power supply system micro-computer operating in the control and reprogramming modes and constantly connected with the power source. Each micro-computer includes: a first mode determination device determining whether to operate in an on-board mode when the power source starts to supply the electric power; and a second mode determination device determining whether to operate in the reprogramming mode. The always-on power supply system micro-computer includes a first transition device that detects a change in a power supply state of the not-always-on power supply system micro-computer. The first transition device switches a processing to a determination executed by the first mode determination device when the power supply state has changed.