ECU Timer-Based Short-Circuit Detection Between Vehicle Sub-Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicle distribution systems with multiple sub-systems, short-circuits between signal lines can occur, leading to erroneous signal recognition and potential vehicle control errors, compromising driving stability due to the lack of effective detection methods.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for detecting short-circuits in signal lines between sub-systems by comparing the difference in system timer values between current and previous sensor signals with a threshold value, allowing for initialization and periodic short-circuit detection in a redundant distribution system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sub-systems are disposed immediately adjacent to each other in a distribution system, then vehicle control functionality and driver assistance capabilities are improved, but the risk of short-circuit between signal lines increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a reference signal line as an intermediary element between sub-system signal lines. This reference signal line serves as a mediator to detect short-circuits by comparing timing differences between signals received through the reference line and actual signal lines, enabling detection without directly monitoring all signal line interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the timing difference between signals transmitted through reference signal lines and actual signal lines. When the timing difference exceeds a threshold, the system generates a short-circuit detection signal, creating a closed-loop feedback mechanism for safety monitoring.
2Device complexity
If sub-systems are placed close together to reduce system complexity, then device integration is improved, but signal line short-circuit detection becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-transmitting reference signals through reference signal lines before actual signals. This allows the system to establish a baseline timing reference in advance, enabling subsequent detection of short-circuits by comparing actual signal arrival times against the pre-established reference timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference signal line acts as an intermediary that provides a known timing reference. By introducing this mediator element, the system can detect short-circuits in densely integrated sub-systems without increasing overall complexity, as the reference line serves multiple detection purposes.
3Measurement precision
If reference signal lines are transmitted through ECUs to detect short-circuits, then detection accuracy is improved, but signal transmission time and processing delay increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic transmission of reference signals at predetermined intervals through the ECUs. This periodic action allows for efficient use of ECU processing resources while maintaining accurate timing detection, as the ECUs only need to handle reference signal timing at specific intervals rather than continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The reference signal is essentially a copy or duplicate of the signal transmission path, allowing timing comparison without requiring separate dedicated detection hardware. By copying the signal flow through reference lines that mirror actual signal paths, the system achieves accurate detection while minimizing additional transmission time.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for detecting short-circuit between sub-systems in a distribution system, and a distribution system including the same are disclosed. A device for detecting short-circuit may include a first sensor, a first electronic control unit (ECU) electrically connected to the first sensor, and a first signal line connecting the first sensor and the first ECU. The first ECU may perform initialization for initial configuration setting when receiving a first sensor signal through the first signal line, and may perform, when executing a specific periodic function, a short-circuit detection with a second sub-system, which is another sub-system included in the distribution system, by comparing a difference value between a current system timer value when receiving a current sensor signal and a previous system timer value when receiving a previous sensor signal with a threshold value or range.