Galvanically Isolated Interprocessor Link for Ground Shift Robustness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reliable interprocessor communication is challenging in control devices with redundant microprocessors, particularly in systems with ASIL-C/D classification, due to synchronization errors and potential ground potential shifts.
Innovation Solution
A galvanically isolated interprocessor communication apparatus with transducers and common ground/power connections ensures reliable communication by enabling wake-up signals, half-duplex communication, and redundancy, maintaining communication even in error events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If galvanic isolation is implemented between microprocessors, then communication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transducers as intermediary devices between the first and second microprocessors. These transducers enable galvanically isolated communication by converting signals between electrically isolated domains, thus improving communication reliability while managing system complexity through standardized interface components
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into electrically isolated domains with dedicated transducers for each microprocessor. This segmentation allows independent power supplies and ground connections for each microprocessor while maintaining reliable communication through the isolated transducer interfaces
2Reliability
If independent power supplies are provided for each microprocessor, then redundancy is improved, but ground potential shifts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes common ground connections and common supply voltage terminals that create equipotential reference points across the isolated systems. This ensures that despite independent power supplies, the ground potentials remain synchronized, preventing ground potential shifts from affecting communication reliability
3Reliability
If wake-up signal functionality is added, then system start reliability is improved, but interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transducer interfaces are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as communication channels and wake-up signal pathways. The same physical interface structures handle both interprocessor communication and system wake-up functions, improving system start reliability without proportionally increasing interface complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures reliable and robust interprocessor communication with reduced synchronization errors and ground potential shifts, allowing redundant actuation of actuators like steering systems.
Implementation Method 1
the interfaces in the coupling element being connected together in a galvanically isolated manner for communication purposes, in particular in a capacitively or inductively isolated manner
Implementation Method 2
the interfaces in the coupling element being connected together in a galvanically isolated manner for communication purposes, in particular in a capacitively or inductively isolated manner
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for interprocessor communication includes a coupling element, a first transducer, and a second transducer. The coupling element includes a first interface to a first microprocessor and a second interface to a second microprocessor. The first interface and the second interface are connected together in a galvanically-isolated manner for communication purposes. The first transducer includes a third interface to the first microprocessor and a fourth interface to the second transducer. The second transducer includes a fifth interface to the second microprocessor and a sixth interface to the first transducer.