Embedded Protocol for CAN Bus Synchronization and Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication protocols in distributed embedded control systems, such as CAN, face challenges with bandwidth limitations, synchronization issues, and error detection problems due to variations in bit lengths and clock frequencies, leading to potential misalignment and bit errors, which can disrupt data integrity and system performance.
Innovation Solution
A second protocol is embedded within a first protocol, allowing modules to operate using the second protocol without disturbing those only configured for the first protocol, by utilizing additional bit quanta in the CAN message packet for higher-speed data transmission and improved error checking, while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If CAN protocol is used for communication in distributed embedded control systems, then compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but data transmission bandwidth is limited and synchronization precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the CAN message packet into multiple time quanta, allowing different portions to be used for different purposes. The first time quanta maintain CAN protocol compatibility for basic communication, while subsequent time quanta enable higher-speed data transmission through the embedded second protocol, thus resolving the bandwidth limitation without sacrificing compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent embeds a second protocol within the CAN message packet structure, nesting higher-speed communication capabilities inside the existing CAN framework. This allows modules supporting the second protocol to utilize additional time quanta for enhanced data transmission while modules using only the first protocol continue to operate without interruption, effectively increasing bandwidth without requiring system-wide protocol replacement.
2Speed
If second protocol is embedded in first protocol to increase bandwidth, then data transmission speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial action by embedding the second protocol only in the portions of the CAN message packet where additional time quanta are available, rather than requiring complete protocol replacement. Modules can selectively support the enhanced protocol for specific data transmission needs while maintaining basic CAN compatibility, reducing the complexity burden on individual devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates multi-functionality by designing the CAN message packet to serve dual purposes: maintaining original CAN protocol functionality for backward compatibility while simultaneously enabling higher-speed data transmission through embedded time quanta. This universal design allows the same physical layer to support both legacy and enhanced protocols, reducing overall system complexity.
3Productivity
If fixed bit-rate switching is implemented for higher speed transmission, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but synchronization precision and manufacturing precision deteriorate due to clock frequency variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adaptation by allowing receiving modules to adjust their sampling timing based on the actual bit-rate switching events in the embedded protocol. Rather than relying on fixed clock frequencies, the system dynamically resynchronizes at protocol-defined edges, compensating for clock variations and maintaining timing accuracy across modules with different clock frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where receiving modules monitor the transmitted bit stream and adjust their internal timing based on observed transitions. The protocol includes synchronization edges and timing information that feed back to the receiving end, allowing dynamic correction of timing drift and ensuring accurate data recovery despite variations in clock frequency and propagation delay.
4Measurement precision
If additional time quanta are utilized for embedded protocol, then measurement precision and error detection capability are improved, but device complexity and data processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the message packet into distinct time quanta, with later quanta dedicated to embedded protocol data that includes enhanced error detection. By separating error-checking data from the main data payload, the system can process and validate errors independently, improving detection capability without requiring sequential processing of all data, thus reducing overall processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary error detection using the first protocol before transitioning to the second protocol for enhanced transmission. By checking for obvious errors in the initial time quanta, the system can discard corrupted packets early, preventing time-consuming processing of invalid data and reducing the effective processing time for valid transmissions.
Data Source
AI summary
A control network communication arrangement includes a second protocol embedded into a first protocol in a way that modules supporting the second protocol may be aware of and utilize the first protocol whereas modules supporting only the first protocol may not be aware of the second protocol. Operation of modules using the second protocol does not disturb operation of the modules not configured to use or understand the second protocol. By one approach, unique additional information is embedded into an end of frame portion of a message to confirm that the portion is the end of frame portion. This acts as a quality check confirming proper synchronization and decoding of the signaling on the communication bus.