Serial Battery Sensor Data Transmission for Reduced Wiring Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery monitoring systems in hybrid and electric vehicles require complex and costly setups with multiple connections and voltage management issues, especially when dealing with large numbers of battery cells, making efficient data communication and cell identification challenging.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a serial communication method between battery sensors, where each sensor transmits its data word to the next one, forming an overall data packet sent to a central control unit, using a single wire connection and allowing for a reverse channel for control signals, simplifying cell identification and reducing the number of required connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional battery monitoring systems use multiple connections and voltage management for each sensor, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The battery monitoring system is segmented into modular sensor units, each capable of independent operation and data collection. Each sensor module can function autonomously, collecting and processing local battery data without requiring complex interconnections with other sensors, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining monitoring reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor modules are designed with universal functionality to perform multiple measurement tasks (voltage, temperature, current) using a single integrated unit. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated sensors for each parameter, reducing the number of connections required while ensuring comprehensive and reliable battery monitoring across all critical parameters.
2Reliability
If individual sensors are connected to central control unit with multiple connections, then data transmission reliability is improved, but ease of manufacture and installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple data transmission lines from individual sensors are merged into a single shared communication bus that connects all sensor modules to the central control unit. This consolidation reduces the number of separate connections required during installation while maintaining data transmission reliability through protocol-based error checking and retransmission mechanisms on the shared bus.
Solution Approach 2:
A communication protocol serves as an intermediary layer between the physical connection and data transmission, enabling reliable data exchange over a simplified single-wire connection. The protocol includes error detection, acknowledgment, and retransmission features that ensure data integrity without requiring multiple redundant physical connections, thereby easing installation while maintaining reliability.
3Device complexity
If serial communication with single wire connection is used, then device complexity and cost are reduced, but measurement precision and data integrity may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The serial communication system incorporates feedback mechanisms including acknowledgment signals from the central control unit to sensors, error detection codes in transmitted data packets, and automatic retransmission protocols. These feedback features ensure data integrity and measurement precision are maintained despite the simplified single-wire connection, preventing data loss or corruption while reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for monitoring a battery, and a battery and a system for carrying out the method in connection with such a battery. A number of sensors are assigned to the battery, the sensors being connected serially to one another and to a control unit via a data line; at least one of the sensors putting in each case at least one data word on the data line.