RF Coax Interface for Low-Latency CAN Protocol Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CAN bus control systems require multiple cable runs, leading to latency, increased cost, and installation complexity due to the need for differential signaling over twisted-pair cables, which is not ideal for low-latency and compact form factor applications.
Innovation Solution
An electronic circuit and method that integrate CAN communications onto a single radio frequency (RF) coax cable by converting CAN signals to RF signals for transmission, enabling compliant CAN protocol signaling with low latency and improved form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If differential signaling over twisted-pair cables is used for CAN bus communications, then CAN protocol compliance is achieved, but multiple cable runs are required leading to increased latency and installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple CAN signal lines (CAN_H, CAN_L, and ground) into a single RF coax cable transmission channel. The conversion circuit maps differential CAN signals to a single-ended RF signal, allowing all CAN communications to traverse one cable instead of multiple separate cable runs, thereby reducing latency and simplifying installation while maintaining CAN protocol compliance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a conversion circuit as an intermediary device that translates between differential CAN signaling and single-ended RF signaling. This intermediary enables compatibility between traditional CAN nodes and the simplified single-cable interface, resolving the contradiction by providing a translation layer that maintains protocol compliance while enabling lower-latency single-cable operation
2Reliability
If differential signaling over twisted-pair cables is used for CAN bus communications, then CAN protocol compliance is achieved, but multiple cable runs increase installation complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple cable functions into a single RF coax cable by converting differential CAN signals to single-ended RF signals. This consolidation reduces the number of cable runs from multiple twisted-pair cables to one coaxial cable, directly decreasing installation complexity and material costs while preserving CAN protocol functionality through the conversion circuit
Solution Approach 2:
The RF coax cable interface serves multiple functions: it carries CAN data signals, provides ground reference, and enables power delivery if needed. This multi-functional approach replaces the specialized twisted-pair CAN cables with a universal coaxial interface that simplifies installation across different applications while maintaining full CAN protocol compliance
3Reliability
If multiple control cables are used for CAN signaling, then differential signaling requirements are met, but the form factor increases and compactness is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate control cables (CAN_H, CAN_L, ground) into a single RF coax cable assembly. The conversion circuit performs the signal transformation from differential to single-ended format, enabling all necessary CAN communications to occur over one cable, thereby reducing the physical volume and improving the compact form factor of the CAN interface
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
The solution allows for efficient, low-latency CAN protocol signaling over a single RF coax cable, reducing installation complexity and costs while maintaining compliance, thereby addressing the limitations of conventional CAN bus systems.
Implementation Method 1
a conversion circuit configured to convert the first CAN signal to a RF signal
Data Source
AI summary
A method for implementing controller area network (CAN) communications between a plurality of CAN nodes using a single radio frequency (RF) coax cable is provided. In an aspect, a hardware interface (e.g., an electronic circuit) may be coupled to each of the plurality of CAN nodes. The hardware interface may receive a CAN signal from a first CAN node. The hardware interface may convert the CAN signal to a single RF signal and transmit the RF signal to a second CAN node over the single RF coax cable. Moreover, the hardware interface may transmit a CAN feedback signal received over the RF coax cable to the first CAN node. In an aspect, the hardware interface may include an amplitude modulation (AM) modulator, an AM detector, and a bandpass filter.