Ethernet AVB Node Transmitter Activation for Power and Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Ethernet AVB transport protocol experiences delays and inefficiencies due to the activation time required for local transmitters and receivers to transition from an energy-saving mode to an active state, which affects power consumption and real-time data transmission in motor vehicle networks.
Innovation Solution
Activating local transmitters and receivers based on reservation messages and scheduled transmission rates before data are input into the transmission frame, using methods such as writing to MAC or PHY registers, timers, or dummy data packets to ensure timely activation and avoid delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If local transmitters and receivers are deactivated in energy-saving mode during non-use periods, then power consumption is reduced, but activation delay occurs when data need to be transmitted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the MAC layer activate the PHY device in advance based on reservation messages from the AVB protocol. The activation is triggered before the actual data transmission starts, allowing the PHY to be ready when needed. This resolves the contradiction by preparing the transmitter ahead of time without requiring continuous operation, thus reducing both activation delay and power consumption.
2Reliability
If transmission rate is reserved in advance using MSRP protocol, then data transmission quality is improved, but complexity of resource reservation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the MAC layer as an intermediary between the AVB protocol and the PHY layer. The MAC layer receives reservation messages from the AVB protocol, processes the transmission rate information, and translates it into appropriate activation commands for the PHY device. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by centralizing the reservation processing logic in the MAC layer rather than requiring complex direct coordination between multiple layers.
3Speed
If local transmitters and receivers are activated continuously to avoid activation delay, then transmission speed is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by deactivating the PHY device during non-use periods when no data transmission is occurring, and activating it only when needed based on reservation messages. This periodic activation pattern allows the system to maintain high transmission speed when required while significantly reducing power consumption during idle periods, resolving the contradiction between continuous operation and energy savings.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for transmitting data using an Ethernet AVB transport protocol between nodes of a motor vehicle includes: reserving resources necessary for the transmission of the data by reservation messages from a dedicated protocol; setting flow of data from a node to a particular transmission rate and/or data rate; transmitting data at cyclic intervals via an Ethernet-based network by inputting the data into a transmission frame and forwarding to local transmitters; deactivating the local transmitters and receivers of a node in non-use periods, in which no data need to be transmitted; activating again the local transmitters and receivers of a node provided that data are pending transmission in a transmission frame, wherein the local transmitters and receivers are available for transmission following an activation time; and activating the local transmitters and/or receivers of the nodes based on a reservation message and a setting of the transmission rate and/or data rate.