Ethernet Transceiver Synchronization for Serial Protocol Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control devices in motor vehicles require multiple bus systems for data transmission, leading to complex protocol implementations and significant overhead, which limits efficient data exchange during development, production, and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The method employs Ethernet transceivers in both control devices and electronics units, synchronizing them for bidirectional data transmission using a serial protocol (ASC) over Ethernet, thereby eliminating the need for multiple bus system protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bus systems are used for data transmission in control devices, then communication compatibility with different functional units is improved, but protocol complexity and overhead increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by using a single Ethernet-based communication interface that can handle multiple communication protocols and functional units through software configuration rather than dedicated hardware for each bus system. The Ethernet transceiver serves multiple purposes: diagnostic communication, data transmission, programming, and configuration, replacing the need for separate CAN, LIN, or other proprietary bus interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses Ethernet as a universal physical layer that copies the functionality of multiple specialized bus systems. Instead of implementing multiple physical bus interfaces, the system creates a virtual copy of bus functionality over Ethernet using protocol translation and software emulation, thereby reducing hardware complexity while maintaining protocol compatibility.
2Reliability
If specialized bus systems are implemented for different communication needs, then communication reliability for specific functions is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The Ethernet interface is designed to provide universal communication capabilities that can be configured for different reliability requirements through software. The same physical interface can operate in different modes (diagnostic mode, data transmission mode, programming mode) depending on the application, eliminating the need for multiple specialized interfaces while maintaining reliability through protocol optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters dynamically based on the required function. The Ethernet interface can adjust baud rate, data format, error checking mechanisms, and protocol layers according to the specific communication task, thereby achieving reliable communication for different functions without requiring dedicated hardware for each case.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protocol layers are implemented for different bus systems, then functional specificity is improved, but data transmission efficiency decreases due to protocol overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protocol-specific functionality from the physical layer and moves it to the application layer. The Ethernet physical layer handles only the basic data transmission, while protocol interpretation and functional specificity are implemented through software at higher layers. This separation removes the inefficiency of having multiple physical protocol implementations while maintaining functional specificity through software-based protocol handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet interface acts as an intermediary between the physical transmission medium and the various communication protocols. Instead of having direct dedicated interfaces for each protocol, Ethernet serves as a universal mediator that translates and adapts data between different protocol requirements, reducing overhead by handling protocol conversion at the software level rather than requiring multiple hardware interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for performing a data transmission between a control device and an electronics unit. A microcontroller and an Ethernet transceiver are provided in the control unit, and a microcontroller and an Ethernet transceiver are also provided in the electronics unit. For data transmission, the two Ethernet transceivers are first synchronized, taking into account a common clock cycle, and, for data transmission, an Ethernet connection is used as a physical route, and the data transmission is carried out with a serial protocol.