Gateway Controller Frame Normalization for Automotive Heterogeneous Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of handling heterogeneous networking technologies and protocols in automotive gateway controllers, which increases processing demands and latency, especially in real-time applications.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for a gateway controller that performs frame normalization, converting ingress frames from various protocols (such as CAN, LIN, FlexRay, and Ethernet) into a standardized normalized frame format, enabling efficient processing and minimizing latency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If frame normalization is implemented in software on CPU/MCU, then the gateway controller can handle heterogeneous networking protocols, but processing latency increases and real-time performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based frame processing on CPU/MCU with hardware-based processing using dedicated processing circuitry. The gateway controller includes a frame normalization unit that converts ingress frames from various protocols (CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Ethernet) into a standardized format through hardware circuitry, eliminating the need for software interpretation and significantly reducing processing latency while maintaining protocol adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a frame normalization unit as an intermediary component between the heterogeneous protocol interfaces and the internal gateway processing logic. This normalization unit acts as a mediator that translates multiple protocol formats into a unified internal format, allowing the rest of the gateway system to operate independently of the specific ingress protocol while maintaining low-latency hardware processing
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple heterogeneous protocols are supported in the gateway controller, then network versatility improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal frame normalization unit that can handle multiple heterogeneous protocols (CAN, LIN, FlexRay, Ethernet) through a single hardware component. This normalization unit provides multi-functional capability by accepting frames from different protocol sources and converting them all into a standardized internal format, thereby supporting protocol diversity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses configurable hardware parameters and registers within the processing circuitry to adapt the frame normalization behavior for different protocols. By changing operational parameters rather than requiring separate dedicated circuitry for each protocol, the gateway controller achieves protocol versatility while maintaining relatively simple device architecture
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to gateways for user equipment (UE), in particular, to gateway controllers of vehicles. The disclosure provides a device and method for a gateway controller, wherein the device is configured to perform frame normalization. In particular, the device comprises processing circuitry configured to receive one or more ingress frames of bits, wherein each ingress frame has one of multiple frame formats included in a set of frame formats, and to convert each ingress frame into a normalized frame of bits, wherein each normalized frame has a normalized frame format.