EUC Timing Synchronization via Master ECU Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-precision timing synchronization in network-connected ECUs for vehicular control is achieved in existing systems but requires complex network protocols and microcontrollers, increasing system costs.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control device with a driver ECU, a sensor ECU, and an integrated ECU, where each ECU has a timer, and the integrated ECU serves as a reference for timing synchronization, using a threshold value correction unit to adjust timer variations, allowing for synchronization with simple circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If high-speed TDMA and timing correction processing are implemented in various sensor ECUs and driver ECUs, then high-precision timing synchronization is achieved, but system cost increases due to complex network protocols and microcontrollers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a master ECU as an intermediary that centralizes the timing synchronization function. Instead of each ECU independently implementing complex TDMA protocols and correction processing, the master ECU generates reference timing signals and distributes them to slave ECUs. This mediator approach simplifies the network protocol requirements while maintaining high-precision timing synchronization across all ECUs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing synchronization parameter from distributed correction processing to centralized reference signal distribution. By having the master ECU generate and distribute reference timing signals, the system transforms the synchronization mechanism from a complex distributed algorithm to a simpler signal distribution approach, reducing device complexity while preserving timing precision.
2Measurement precision
If high-speed TDMA and timing correction processing are implemented in various sensor ECUs and driver ECUs, then high-precision timing synchronization is achieved, but system cost increases due to complex microcontrollers
Solution Approach 1:
The master ECU acts as an intermediary that performs the complex timing correction processing centrally. Slave ECUs only need to receive and follow reference timing signals from the master, significantly reducing their microcontroller complexity requirements while maintaining high-precision timing synchronization through the master's centralized correction processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the timing correction parameter processing from distributed microcontrollers to a centralized master ECU. This parameter change in the system architecture allows slave ECUs to use simpler microcontrollers that only need to follow reference signals, while the master ECU handles the complex correction algorithms.
3Device complexity
If distributed architecture with network-connected ECUs is implemented, then ECU complexity is reduced, but timing synchronization precision becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the timing synchronization function into a master ECU that generates reference signals and slave ECUs that follow them. This segmentation allows each ECU to remain relatively simple in the distributed architecture while maintaining precision through the master's centralized timing control. The master handles the precision-critical functions while slaves perform simpler execution tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The master ECU serves as an intermediary that ensures timing synchronization precision in the distributed architecture. It generates and distributes reference timing signals to all slave ECUs, acting as a central coordinating element that maintains precision without requiring complex microcontrollers in each distributed ECU.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention achieves, using simple circuits, timing synchronization among ECUs of an electronic control device which is configured from a driver ECU, a sensor ECU, and an integrated ECU which are connected over a network. This electronic control device is provided with a driver ECU for driving various loads for vehicular control, a sensor ECU for sampling various sensor signals, and an integrated ECU which is connected to the driver ECU and sensor ECU over a network and calculates command values to the various loads in accordance with various sensor data, the electronic control device being characterized in that the driver ECU has timer D for generating internal timing, the sensor ECU has timer S for generating internal timing, and the integrated ECU has timer M serving as a reference for timer D and timer S.