CAN/LIN-to-Ethernet Gateway Frame Merging for Routing Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle networks face inefficiencies in data conversion between Ethernet and legacy communication protocols like CAN/LIN, leading to overhead and underutilization of Ethernet payload capacity due to lengthy headers and periodic data transmission.
Innovation Solution
A gateway apparatus with a network processor that converts non-Ethernet frames into Ethernet frames, applying frame conversion information to optimize transmission through broadcast or multicast, and divides frames based on controller groups for efficient routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If Ethernet communication is used for vehicle networks, then communication speed and bandwidth are improved, but the lengthy Ethernet header causes inefficient data transmission when converting from legacy CAN/LIN frames
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple non-Ethernet frames (CAN/LIN frames) into a single Ethernet frame, allowing the Ethernet header to be shared across multiple payload frames. This combining approach eliminates redundant headers and improves transmission efficiency while maintaining high communication speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway apparatus is designed to handle multiple communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet) universally, converting between them efficiently. The single Ethernet frame structure can carry multiple different types of non-Ethernet frames, making the system multi-functional and adaptable to various vehicle network requirements.
2Reliability
If CAN/LIN data is transmitted periodically even when data value does not change, then data freshness is maintained, but overhead on the controller increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements selective periodic transmission where data is transmitted periodically only when changes occur. The gateway monitors data values and triggers transmission only when necessary, maintaining data freshness while avoiding unnecessary periodic transmissions that would burden the controller.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms to monitor data changes and control transmission timing. By detecting whether data values have changed, the gateway intelligently determines when transmission is necessary, reducing controller overhead while ensuring updated data is transmitted promptly.
3Device complexity
If a single frame is used as the payload of CAN or LIN data, then frame structure is simplified, but the Ethernet header becomes disproportionately large compared to the payload
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple non-Ethernet frames are merged into a single Ethernet frame payload, increasing the effective data volume transmitted per Ethernet frame. This approach makes the Ethernet header size proportional to the actual data being transmitted, improving overall transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple non-Ethernet frames are embedded within a single Ethernet frame. The Ethernet frame acts as a container that holds multiple smaller frames, optimizing the ratio of header to payload and reducing overall transmission overhead.
4Ease of manufacture
If data conversion between Ethernet and legacy communication is performed on a one-to-one basis, then conversion simplicity is maintained, but routing efficiency between heterogeneous networks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway combines multiple legacy frames into a single Ethernet frame during conversion, improving routing efficiency by reducing the number of individual conversion operations required. This many-to-one conversion approach maintains manageable complexity while significantly improving throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the conversion process into distinct stages: receiving multiple non-Ethernet frames, consolidating them, and transmitting as a single Ethernet frame. This segmentation of the conversion process improves efficiency while keeping each stage manageable and well-defined.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a gateway apparatus for improving routing efficiency between heterogeneous vehicle networks and an operation method therefor. The gateway apparatus for improving routing efficiency between heterogeneous networks includes: a communication module that communicates with a non-Ethernet network and an Ethernet network; a memory that stores one or more programs; and a network processor that executes the one or more stored programs, wherein the network processor receives a plurality of non-Ethernet frames from the non-Ethernet network, converts the received non-Ethernet frames into an Ethernet frame, applies first frame conversion information of the converted non-Ethernet frames to the Ethernet frame, and transmits the Ethernet frame with the first frame conversion information applied thereto to the Ethernet network.