Dual Microcomputer Motor Control Arbitration Timing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor control devices with dual controllers face challenges in synchronizing timing for vehicle control due to improper communication or calculation timing, leading to difficulties in providing intended vehicle control, especially in electric power steering systems.
Innovation Solution
The motor control device employs two controllers with inter-microcomputer communication to perform arbitration processes such as AND-start, OR-start, and forced arbitration to synchronize the start and end of vehicle control, ensuring consistent operation based on vehicle signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two controllers are used for motor control, then system reliability is improved, but timing synchronization between controllers deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having controllers perform arbitration processes before executing motor control operations. The arbitration process determines in advance which controller should execute specific control tasks, establishing timing coordination before actual control actions occur. This prevents timing conflicts during critical motor control operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an arbitration mechanism as an intermediary between the two controllers. This arbitration process acts as a mediator that coordinates timing and determines which controller should perform specific control operations, ensuring synchronized operation without direct conflict between controllers.
2Ease of operation
If inter-microcomputer communication is implemented, then control coordination is improved, but communication abnormalities may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by implementing arbitration processes that anticipate and prevent communication conflicts before they occur. The arbitration mechanism establishes clear protocols for inter-microcomputer communication, determining in advance which controller should initiate communication or how conflicts should be resolved, thereby cushioning against potential communication abnormalities.
3Loss of time
If arbitration processes are performed, then timing synchronization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the control functions into distinct segments that can be independently arbitrated. Different arbitration processes (AND-start, OR-start, forced arbitration) are applied to different control scenarios, breaking down the complex synchronization problem into manageable segments rather than attempting to solve all timing issues simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor control device drives a motor based on a vehicle signal including drive assist information and performs vehicle control. The motor control device includes: a first controller and a second controller that perform a calculation operation concerning drive control over the motor. A first microcomputer corresponds to a calculation portion of the first controller. A second microcomputer corresponds to a calculation portion of the second controller. The first microcomputer and the second microcomputer mutually transmit and receive operation results by inter-microcomputer communication, or the first microcomputer unilaterally transmits an operation result from the first microcomputer by the inter-microcomputer communication. The first microcomputer and the second microcomputer synchronize timings to start and end control by performing at least one of three types of arbitration processes including: an AND-start arbitration process; an OR-start arbitration process; and a forced arbitration process.