Heterogeneous Protocol Bus Sharing Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles, components using different communication protocols cannot be directly connected to the same communication line, leading to increased complexity and cost due to the need for multiple communication cables, as each protocol requires its own cable infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that enable nodes with different communication protocols to share a common bus by converting data into a standardized format, including error verification and protocol identification, allowing components to communicate seamlessly over a single bus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If components using different communication protocols are connected to separate communication lines, then each component can communicate reliably according to its protocol, but the number of communication cables increases and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple communication protocols (CAN, LIN, SENT, Ethernet) onto a single physical bus infrastructure. The bus controller manages protocol conversion and arbitration, allowing heterogeneous nodes to share the same communication medium while maintaining protocol-specific communication patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus controller acts as an intermediary device that mediates between nodes using different communication protocols. It performs protocol conversion, frame formatting, and arbitration functions, enabling seamless communication between heterogeneous nodes without requiring separate dedicated cables for each protocol.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication protocols are supported in a vehicle system, then communication performance and functionality are improved, but the cost of cables and assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bus controller is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple communication protocols (CAN, LIN, SENT, Ethernet) simultaneously. This universal controller handles protocol-specific operations including arbitration, framing, and error handling for different protocols, eliminating the need for separate dedicated controllers for each protocol type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple protocol support into a single integrated bus system. By merging the physical infrastructure and control functions, the system reduces cable quantity and assembly complexity while maintaining full protocol compatibility across all nodes.
3Device complexity
If a single bus is shared by heterogeneous nodes, then wiring complexity is reduced, but protocol arbitration and signal integrity become more difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The bus controller performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring protocol-specific parameters, arbitration priorities, and transmission timing for each node before communication begins. This preliminary setup enables seamless protocol arbitration and signal management on the shared bus without real-time complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus controller implements feedback mechanisms to monitor bus load, signal integrity, and arbitration status in real-time. This feedback enables dynamic adjustment of transmission parameters and conflict resolution, ensuring reliable communication on the shared bus despite heterogeneous protocol requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A device of the present invention incorporates a data block, received from a Communication Module (CM) connected via an interface, into a frame of a specific format in which a preamble for data synchronization is placed at a head, and transmits the frame to the bus while taking only a data block formed in compliance with an arbitrary Communication Protocol (CP) from a series of frames of the specific format that are constituted from signals detected from the bus. When transmitting data to the bus, the device inserts a code indicating the arbitrary CP into a head part of the preamble, and when a signal corresponding to the head part of the preamble detected from the bus is identified as the code indicating the arbitrary CP, it takes a frame with the identified code to transfer a data block within the taken frame to the CM through the interface.