EPB Control Unit Redundancy via MCU Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electric parking brake system faces increased costs and a need for redundancy to ensure operation even when a fault occurs in one of the microcontrollers (MCUs), as each MCU is typically multicore, which complicates the system's reliability and safety.
Innovation Solution
A control unit for the electric parking brake system that includes multiple MCUs with driver circuits and switches, allowing one MCU to take over the operation of another in case of a fault, and implementing a cut-off circuit to prevent malfunction, ensuring redundancy and maintaining system functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple MCUs are used to increase reliability, then system redundancy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is divided into multiple independent MCUs (first MCU with multiple cores, second MCU with single core), each capable of independently controlling the driver circuit. This segmentation allows one MCU to take over if another fails, achieving redundancy without requiring a single complex multicore processor.
Solution Approach 2:
Both the first MCU and second MCU are designed with the same functional capability to control the driver circuit and actuators. The second MCU, though having fewer cores, can perform the same parking brake control functions as the first MCU, providing universal functionality for failover operations.
2Reliability
If each MCU is formed as multicore, then operational reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies different levels of processing power to different MCUs based on their specific roles. The first MCU has multiple cores for primary control, while the second MCU has a single core for backup control. This local differentiation optimizes cost by not making the backup MCU as complex as the primary MCU, while still ensuring reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If switches are added for MCU takeover, then system adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second switches are pre-configured in the circuit to enable MCU takeover before any fault occurs. When a fault is detected in the first MCU, the second switch can immediately connect the second MCU to the driver circuit without requiring complex real-time reconfiguration, thus achieving adaptability with minimal additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a device for securing redundancy of an electric parking brake system, which includes a first MCU (micro control unit) having a driver circuit including a first driver circuit and a second driver circuit respectively connected to a first motor and a second motor for providing a driving force to an electric parking brake to control the first motor and the second motor, and a plurality of core processors to control the first driver circuit and the second driver circuit connected according to reception of an electric parking brake (EPB) switch signal, a second MCU having one core processor and connected to the second driver circuit, a first switch for connecting the first MCU and the second driver circuit, and a second switch for connecting the second MCU and the second driver circuit, and it may be applied to other exemplary embodiments.