Electronic Control Device Hierarchical Mode Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic controlling device architectures face inflexibility when changing between system modes, requiring increased implementation effort and unnecessary processing due to module-by-module prioritization and evaluation of system mode requests.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hierarchical architecture that prioritizes system modes centrally, decoupling system modes from module reactions and allowing programmable configuration units to define module modes based on applications, reducing the need for module-level prioritization and enabling flexible module behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If system mode requests are distributed to every single relevant module for evaluation, then each module can independently respond to system modes, but the implementation effort increases significantly when redesigning the microcontroller architecture or establishing new system modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized mode management unit that acts as an intermediary between system mode requests and individual modules. This unit receives, evaluates, and distributes mode requests, eliminating the need for every module to independently evaluate all system modes. The intermediary handles the complexity of mode management centrally, reducing implementation effort when adding new modes or redesigning the architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the system mode evaluation functionality into a centralized unit rather than distributing it across all modules. By combining the evaluation logic in one location, the system reduces the overall complexity of implementing new system modes or redesigning the microcontroller architecture, while still enabling all modules to respond appropriately to system modes.
2Ease of operation
If system mode requests are evaluated on a module by module basis, then each module can make independent decisions, but unnecessary processing occurs and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized mode management unit serves as an intermediary that pre-evaluates system mode requests before distributing them to modules. This eliminates redundant processing where each module would independently evaluate the same request. The intermediary filters and prepares mode requests, allowing modules to execute decisions quickly without unnecessary evaluation overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary evaluation of system mode requests in a centralized unit before distributing them to individual modules. This preliminary action determines which modules need to respond and what actions they should take, eliminating unnecessary processing in modules that don't need to act on a particular system mode request.
3Reliability
If module reactions are hard-mapped to specific system modes, then the system behavior is predictable, but the system loses flexibility in accommodating various applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic configuration capabilities that allow the mapping between system modes and module reactions to be changed based on application requirements. The centralized mode management unit can adapt the system behavior dynamically, enabling the same hardware to serve multiple applications with different mode requirements while maintaining predictable behavior within each configured application context.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized mode management unit provides universal control over system modes, allowing a single system mode request to trigger different module reactions based on the configured application. This multi-functional approach enables the system to accommodate various applications without hard-coding specific reactions, maintaining predictability through configuration rather than hardware constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic controlling device and method is disclosed. One embodiment provides at least one module performing specific functions within one of a plurality of module modes on reception of a corresponding module mode request. A system control unit is provided to operate the at least module in one of a plurality of module modes by distributing a corresponding system mode request. The at least one module is adapted to translate the distributed system mode request to a module mode request which is configurable.