FlexRay Nodes Transmit IP Packets via Physical Layer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems in motor vehicles, such as FlexRay, face challenges in meeting increased data transmission rates and real-time requirements while maintaining reliability, particularly with the growing need for distributed applications like driver assistance systems.
Innovation Solution
A communication system that utilizes Flex-Ray network nodes to transmit payload data packets in IP or Ethernet formats directly to the physical layer of the Flex-Ray bus system, bypassing conventional Flex-Ray data frames, allowing for flexible and cost-effective integration of IP/Ethernet technology with Flex-Ray technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional Flex-Ray data frames are used for data transmission, then reliability and real-time capability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of data transmission from the complex Flex-Ray protocol stack by implementing a simplified media access layer that directly maps IP/Ethernet packets to the physical layer, removing the need for intermediate Flex-Ray data frame structures while maintaining reliable communication
Solution Approach 2:
The communication control device is designed to handle multiple packet formats (IP packets, Ethernet frames) and convert them directly to physical layer signals, making the system universally compatible with different network protocols while simplifying the overall architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If IP/Ethernet technology is integrated into Flex-Ray network, then flexibility and cost effectiveness are improved, but compatibility with existing Flex-Ray infrastructure is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a media access layer as an intermediary between the IP/Ethernet network layer and the Flex-Ray physical layer, enabling seamless integration of different protocols while ensuring compatible communication through standardized signal mapping
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into distinct functional layers: the media access layer handles protocol conversion and packet formatting, while the physical layer handles signal transmission, allowing independent optimization and maintenance of each layer's compatibility requirements
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a communication system comprising a plurality of FlexRay network nodes (FR1, FR2, FR3), which provide useful data packets in an IP packet format or Ethernet packet format, the IP packet format or the Ethernet packet format having a plurality of bit positions, and comprising a FlexRay bus system (FRB), the physical layer of which is used to transmit data between the FlexRay network nodes (FR1, FR2, FR3). The FlexRay network nodes (FR1, FR2, FR3) are set up in such a way that the content of the bit positions of the useful data packets is converted in response to corresponding signals of the physical layer of the FlexRay bus system (FRB).