Gateway ECU Powered by External Apparatus for Zero Standby Consumption
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing vehicle communication systems face increased consumption current and battery drain due to the standby power consumption of gateway ECUs, which are necessary for authentication and security, leading to potential unauthorized access and fuel consumption degradation.
Innovation Solution
A communication system where the gateway ECU is powered by an external apparatus's battery only when connected, eliminating standby power consumption and enhancing security through authentication using both power supply and ID code verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a gateway ECU is mounted to prevent unauthorized access and authenticate external apparatus, then security is improved, but consumption current increases due to standby power requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway ECU transitions from a static always-on standby state to a dynamic on-demand operational state. The ECU remains in a low-power state until an external apparatus is connected, then activates to perform authentication and relay communications, and returns to low-power state after disconnection. This dynamic operation eliminates continuous standby current while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The external apparatus provides power to the gateway ECU through the connector during connection, eliminating the need for the ECU to draw standby power from the vehicle battery. The ECU is self-powered during operation through the connected apparatus, and consumes no power when no apparatus is connected.
2Ease of operation
If the gateway ECU is always in standby state to prepare for authentication, then authentication readiness is improved, but battery runs down due to continuous power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway ECU performs authentication processing immediately when an external apparatus is connected, without requiring advance standby. The ECU is prepared to authenticate by being able to quickly activate upon connection, eliminating the need for continuous standby while maintaining authentication capability.
3Device complexity
If a relay system with separated power supply circuit and CAN transceiver is used, then device complexity is reduced, but consumption current is not reduced since both gateway ECU and control ECU are on-vehicle ECUs
Solution Approach 1:
The external apparatus acts as an intermediary power source for the gateway ECU. During connection, the external apparatus supplies power to the gateway ECU through the connector, enabling the ECU to operate without drawing power from the vehicle battery. This intermediary power supply eliminates standby current consumption while maintaining the simplified relay system architecture.
Data Source
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AI summary
An on-vehicle gateway apparatus that carries out authentication of an external apparatus at a time of connection between the external apparatus and a vehicle, and relays communications between the external apparatus and in-vehicle communication when the authentication is successful, operates due to power supply from the external apparatus at a time of connection between the external apparatus and the vehicle, and carries out authentication of the vehicle.