In-Vehicle Master Device ID Assignment via Semiconductor Relay

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems for vehicles require time-consuming and error-prone identification information (ID) setting for slave devices each time they connect to the in-vehicle LAN, due to fixed ID assignment and sequential connection order issues.

Innovation Solution

A communication system with a master device equipped with switches and a storage unit for ID information, where IDs are transmitted upon switch activation, allowing slave devices to set their IDs upon power supply, eliminating the need for repeated ID assignment and reducing erroneous settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ID is set every time a slave device connects to the in-vehicle LAN, then the slave device can be assigned an identification, but it takes time to set the ID and erroneous settings may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveID setting accuracyVSAvoidID setting time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The master device stores identification information in advance in association with each switch before the slave devices connect. When a slave device connects and power is supplied through a specific switch, the pre-stored identification is automatically transmitted, eliminating the need for real-time ID assignment during connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The slave device automatically receives and sets its own identification information upon power supply without requiring manual assignment or complex negotiation protocols. The device self-configures by receiving the pre-prepared ID from the master device through the power supply switch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If a fixed order of IDs is sent by the master device, then ID assignment is simplified, but if the connection order of slave devices differs, an incorrect ID may be set

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveID assignment simplicityVSAvoidID matching accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The identification information is segmented and associated with each individual switch in the plurality of switches provided by the master device. Each switch has its own dedicated identification information stored in the storage unit, creating independent ID-switch pairs that eliminate conflicts from fixed ordering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The power supply switch acts as an intermediary that links the slave device to its corresponding identification information. When power is supplied through a specific switch, that switch serves as the mediator to transmit the correct pre-associated identification to the connected slave device, ensuring accurate matching regardless of connection order.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3560767B1Communication system

Publication Date: 2022.05.04 YAZAKI CORP

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AI summary

In an in-vehicle network, a master device and a plurality of slave devices communicate with each other. A plurality of semiconductor relays for supplying power to the corresponding slave devices is provided for each of the plurality of slave devices in the master device. IDs corresponding to the plurality of semiconductor relays are stored in a flash ROM of the master device. The master device transmits the corresponding ID each time the semiconductor relays are turned on by sequentially turning on the semiconductor relays. The plurality of slave devices set the ID received after power supply as its own ID.