Ethernet Vehicle Node Sleep Mode Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current vehicle network systems, such as CAN and FlexRay-based networks, fail to meet the higher transmission rate and system expandability requirements for advanced vehicle systems like telematics and infotainment, and the MOST-based network is costly to implement across all vehicle networks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an Ethernet-based network with a communication node that includes a regulator, a physical (PHY) layer unit, and a processor to control operation modes such as normal, sleep, and power off modes, using signals to manage power supply and transition between these modes efficiently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If MOST-based network is applied to vehicle networks, then transmission rate is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission rateVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies Ethernet-based network technology which is more cost-effective compared to MOST-based networks. The Ethernet protocol and hardware are generally cheaper to implement while providing sufficient transmission rates for vehicle applications, thus resolving the contradiction between achieving high transmission rates and controlling costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Ease of manufacture

If CAN or FlexRay-based network is used, then cost is reduced, but transmission rate and system expandability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidtransmission rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from CAN/FlexRay network architectures to Ethernet-based network architecture, fundamentally changing the technical parameters including transmission rate capability, system expandability, and protocol standards. This parameter change enables both cost-effectiveness and high transmission rates simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If processor operates in normal mode, then processing capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power management by enabling the processor to switch between different operation modes (normal mode and sleep mode) based on system requirements. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize the balance between processing capability and power consumption, improving productivity when needed while reducing energy usage during low-demand periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11320891B2Operation methods of communication node in network

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An operation method of a communication node in an Ethernet-based vehicle network, the communication node including a regulator, a physical (PHY) layer unit, and a processor, includes outputting, by the processor, a first signal to initiate a supply of power to the communication node; outputting, by the processor, a second signal to initiate a transition of the communication node from a normal mode to a sleep mode; and transitioning, by the PHY layer unit, the communication node from the normal mode to the sleep mode when the second signal is received at the PHY layer unit from the processor.