Multi-Protocol OBD Chip Architecture for Reliable Vehicle Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing OBD products face limitations due to the need for separate designs for different vehicle models, large layout areas, high hardware costs, and communication failures between protocol chips and MCU, limiting adaptability and reliability.
Innovation Solution
An on-board diagnostics system integrated into a single chip with a master control module, selection module, and multiple protocol transceivers, enabling switching between various protocols to support multiple vehicle models, reducing hardware requirements and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate designs are used for different vehicle models with multiple protocol chips, then protocol coverage is improved, but device complexity and layout area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal OBD device architecture where a single MCU can work with different protocol transceiver modules through standardized interfaces. The system supports multiple protocols (CAN, LIN, K-Line, I2C, SPI, UART) by selectively connecting to appropriate transceiver modules, eliminating the need for separate dedicated designs for each vehicle model while maintaining broad protocol coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the protocol support functionality into independent transceiver modules that can be selectively connected to the MCU. Each transceiver module handles a specific protocol, and the system dynamically configures which modules are active. This modular segmentation reduces the permanent hardware footprint while maintaining the ability to support multiple protocols as needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple protocol transceiver modules are permanently connected to MCU, then protocol adaptability is improved, but layout area and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic connection switching between the MCU and protocol transceiver modules. Instead of permanent fixed connections, the system uses switchable interfaces that dynamically establish connections only when a particular protocol is detected or required. This dynamic approach allows the same physical hardware to serve multiple protocol functions without requiring all transceiver modules to be permanently instantiated on the PCB.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary protocol detection upon connection to the vehicle, identifying which protocols are actually present before activating corresponding transceiver modules. This preliminary action allows the system to configure only the necessary hardware connections, reducing the active layout area while maintaining the capability to support multiple protocols if needed.
3Area of stationary object
If protocol transceiver modules are integrated into a single chip, then device size is reduced, but communication reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the protocol transceiver functionality directly into the MCU chip, combining what were previously separate discrete components into a unified integrated circuit. This merging reduces the overall device size and eliminates external connection interfaces that could fail, while the integrated architecture ensures stable internal communication pathways. The integration maintains reliability by using proven internal MCU communication buses while adding protocol-specific processing capabilities.
Data Source
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AI summary
An on-board diagnostics device (10) and system, a testing method and a computer-readable storage medium are disclosed. The on-board diagnostics device (10) may include: a master control module (11), a controller (12), a selection module (13), and a plurality of protocol transceivers (14), where the selection module (13) is connected to some or all of protocol transceivers (14); the master control module (11) is configured for controlling the controller (12), the selection module (13) and the protocol transceivers (14), and performing data transceiving on the basis of the selected protocol transceivers (14) and corresponding pins; the controller (12) is configured for receiving an external control signal and controlling the selection module (13) according to the external control signal; the selection module (13) is configured for switching between different protocol transceivers (14) and the pins; and the protocol transceivers (14) are configured for data transceiving of supported protocols.