Motor Control Synchronization via Single Signal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor control apparatuses with multiple computers face challenges in synchronizing periodic processes with different cycle periods, leading to increased complexity and the need for multiple synchronization signals, which can result in inefficiencies and potential operational disruptions.
Innovation Solution
A motor control apparatus with a transmission-side computer generating a synchronization signal that synchronizes the driving timings of multiple computers, allowing specific periodic processes to be executed at different natural number multiples of the synchronization signal cycle period, reducing the number of synchronization signals required and enhancing synchronization efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple synchronization signals are used to synchronize periodic processes with different cycle periods, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making a single synchronization signal serve multiple functions: it synchronizes periodic processes with different cycle periods (1ms, 2ms, 5ms, 10ms) across multiple computers simultaneously. The transmission-side computer generates one synchronization signal that is received and utilized by reception-side computers to coordinate their periodic processes, eliminating the need for multiple separate synchronization signals for different process cycles.
2Reliability
If multiple synchronization signals are transmitted, then synchronization reliability is improved, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization signal is designed to be universally applicable across different process cycles and computers. One synchronization signal from the transmission-side computer is received by multiple reception-side computers and used to synchronize various periodic processes with different cycle periods, reducing communication overhead while maintaining synchronization reliability across the entire multi-computer system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If each computer operates with independent clock generation, then operational independence is improved, but synchronization difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments synchronization functions into two distinct roles: transmission-side computer that generates the synchronization signal, and reception-side computers that receive and follow the signal. This segmentation allows each computer to maintain operational independence with its own clock generation while simplifying synchronization through clear role division - the transmission-side computer handles signal generation and distribution, while reception-side computers handle signal reception and process coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
An ECU includes a plurality of motor driving circuits for driving at least one motor, a plurality of computers and a plurality of clock circuits. A first computer, which is at a synchronization signal transmission-side, transmits a synchronization signal to a second computer, which is at a synchronization signal reception-side. The first computer and the second computer execute a plurality of specific periodic processes, which are processes executed at cycle periods (for example, 200 μs, 400 μs) of different natural number multiples of a cycle period (for example, 200 μs) of the synchronization signal and need be synchronized. Each timing of the plurality of specific periodic processes is determined based on one synchronization signal.