Integrated Communication Unit for Compact Electronic Control Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electronic control apparatuses are larger in size due to the separate installation of communication drivers, communication-start detection circuits, and latch circuits on semiconductor circuit boards, which increases the overall size of the apparatus.
Innovation Solution
An electronic control apparatus is designed with a processing unit, a communication unit that integrates both communication and startup signal output functions, and a voltage controller to supply startup voltage based on power voltage, reducing the need for separate components and minimizing size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If communication driver, communication-start detection circuit, and latch circuit are mounted as separate individual components on the semiconductor circuit board, then each component can be independently manufactured and tested, but the size of the semiconductor circuit board increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the communication driver, communication-start detection circuit, and latch circuit into a single integrated communication unit. This merging of previously separate components reduces the number of discrete parts on the circuit board, thereby decreasing the overall board size while maintaining the functional capabilities of each individual component through integrated design
Solution Approach 2:
The communication unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it handles communication protocols (CAN, LIN, FlexRay) and simultaneously generates startup signals for the processing unit. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for communication and startup signal generation, reducing component count and board area
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for communication and startup functions, then functional reliability can be maintained through component redundancy, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the communication driver, detection circuit, and latch circuit into a single communication unit, the patent reduces device complexity while maintaining reliability. The integrated design preserves the functional redundancy and signal verification mechanisms of the separate components but eliminates the complexity of interconnecting multiple discrete parts
Solution Approach 2:
The communication unit automatically detects communication bus activity and autonomously generates appropriate startup signals for the processing unit without requiring external control circuits. This self-service capability reduces the need for additional control components and simplifies the overall system architecture
Data Source
AI summary
In an electronic control apparatus, a processing unit is configured to perform processing on one or more targets. A communication unit is configured to communicate with a communication device using a predetermined communication protocol to accordingly receive a first startup signal for startup of the processing unit from the communication device. The communication unit is configured to output, in response to receiving the first startup signal from the communication device, a second startup signal for startup of the processing unit. A voltage controller is configured to supply, in response to receiving one of the second startup signal and a third startup signal for startup of the processing unit outputted from an external device, a startup voltage based on a power voltage to the processing unit to accordingly start up the processing unit.