Sensor Interface Protocol Adaptation for Current Consumption Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of numerous sensors in modern vehicles poses challenges due to long wiring lengths, high current consumption, and associated heat dissipation issues, which increase costs, weight, and emissions, while also reducing reliability.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular control system with a sensor interface that dynamically adjusts communication protocols based on predetermined criteria, such as current consumption targets and physical parameter changes, to reduce current consumption and optimize data transmission, using protocols like PSI5 or DSI3, and modifying communication modes to conserve power and enhance reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors use current modulation to transmit data to the ECU, then data transmission reliability is improved, but current consumption increases and heat dissipation becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic communication protocol selection that adapts between different transmission modes (e.g., current modulation vs. voltage modulation) based on real-time conditions such as data change frequency, distance, and current consumption thresholds. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to use current modulation only when necessary for reliability, while switching to lower-current protocols when sufficient, thereby resolving the contradiction between transmission reliability and current consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes communication parameters (protocol type, data transmission frequency, modulation depth) based on operating conditions. By monitoring current consumption and adjusting communication parameters dynamically, the system maintains adequate data transmission reliability while optimizing current usage, thus resolving the contradiction between these two parameters.
2Adaptability or versatility
If long cables are used to connect sensors to the ECU, then sensor integration flexibility is improved, but current consumption increases and emissions are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adjusts communication parameters based on cable length and resistance characteristics. For longer cables, the system may increase transmission voltage levels or reduce transmission frequency to compensate for signal attenuation while managing power consumption. This parameter adaptation allows flexible sensor integration across different distances while optimizing energy efficiency.
3Length of stationary object
If high current is transmitted along long cables, then data transmission distance is improved, but emissions are generated and device reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces high-current electrical transmission with alternative communication methods for certain scenarios. Instead of continuously using high-current modulation over long distances, the system switches to voltage-based protocols or reduces transmission frequency, thereby achieving adequate communication range while minimizing harmful electromagnetic emissions and improving device reliability.
4Use of energy by moving object
If communication protocol is adjusted dynamically, then current consumption is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the sensor monitors current consumption, data change frequency, and communication effectiveness, then feeds this information back to the ECU. The ECU uses this feedback to dynamically select appropriate communication protocols. This feedback loop enables automatic optimization of current consumption while managing system complexity through structured decision-making based on predefined criteria.
Data Source
AI summary
An engine control system operates to communicate via a sensor link with one or more sensors in a vehicle based on different communication protocols. The sensors alter communication protocols for communicating via the sensor link to an engine control unit to reduce or increase a current consumption according to one or more predetermined criteria. In response to a predetermine threshold of one or more of the predetermined criteria being satisfied, a sensor communicates in a first communication protocol as opposed to a second communication protocol while operating to communicate a current signal or a modulated current signal.