ECU Power Stop Unit for Abnormal Signal Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic control units with multiple microcomputers face complexity and high costs due to the need for flip-flop circuits and AND gates to interrupt output signals during power save modes, especially when monitoring one microcomputer stops, potentially leading to abnormal signal transmission.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control unit with a power supply circuit and a stop unit that allows microcomputers to switch to a low power mode, stopping power supply to output circuits, thereby preventing signal output without requiring flip-flop circuits or complex configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If flip-flop circuits and AND gates are used to interrupt output signals during power save mode, then abnormal signal transmission is prevented, but circuit configuration becomes complicated and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply control function with the monitoring control function by using a single stop unit to control power supply to both the microcomputer and its output circuit. This integration eliminates the need for separate flip-flop circuits and AND gates that were previously required to interrupt output signals, thereby simplifying the circuit configuration while maintaining the ability to prevent abnormal signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls power supply to the microcomputer, controls power supply to the output circuit, and prevents abnormal signal transmission. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple dedicated components (flip-flop circuits, AND gates, separate interrupt mechanisms) and reduces overall circuit complexity.
2Reliability
If multiple flip-flop circuits and AND gates are used for each output signal, then signal interruption during power save mode is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of implementing separate interrupt circuits for each output signal, the patent merges the power supply control for all output circuits into a single stop unit. This unified approach dramatically reduces the number of required components and simplifies manufacturing processes, thereby reducing production costs while maintaining reliable signal interruption capability during power save mode.
3Use of energy by moving object
If microcomputer enters low power mode to reduce power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but monitoring function stops and abnormal output may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by stopping power supply to the output circuit before or simultaneously with the microcomputer entering low power mode. This preventive measure ensures that even if the microcomputer's monitoring function stops during low power mode, the output circuit cannot generate or transmit abnormal signals, thereby maintaining system reliability while reducing power consumption.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic control unit of one embodiment includes first and second microcomputers for mutually monitoring operations, an output circuit for outputting a signal that is outputted from at least one of the first and second microcomputers, a power supply circuit for supplying electric power to the output circuit, and a stop unit for stopping supply of the electric power from the power supply circuit to the output circuit. The first microcomputer has operation modes including a normal mode and a low power mode. In the low power mode, the first microcomputer stops monitoring the operation of the second microcomputer and outputs a power supply stop signal that operates the stop unit to stop the supply of the electric power from the power supply circuit to the output circuit.