Serial Data Link for Relay Control Between PDC and BCM
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for controlling high-current relays in vehicle engine compartments from the passenger compartment require multiple wires and connectors, which increase costs and decrease reliability due to the need for multiple relay control and diagnostic test wires extending through the firewall.
Innovation Solution
A serial data link, such as a coaxial cable or twisted pair, is used to transmit control signals from a passenger compartment-based body control module to an engine compartment-based relay controller, converting parallel inputs into serial data and vice versa, reducing the number of wires needed and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple relay control wires and diagnostic test wires are used to connect BCM and PDC, then control functionality and diagnostic capability are ensured, but system complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate control wires and diagnostic test wires into a single serial data link. The BCM and PDC communicate through a unified serial communication interface, integrating both control signals and diagnostic data transmission into one communication channel, thereby reducing wire count while maintaining full functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electrical parallel wiring system with a serial digital communication system. Instead of using multiple physical wires for control and diagnostics, the system uses serial data packets transmitted over a single link, substituting physical complexity with digital information processing
2Ease of operation
If multiple wires and connectors extend through the firewall, then control signals can be transmitted, but system reliability decreases due to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple separate wire connections passing through the firewall are merged into a single serial data link. This consolidation reduces the number of penetration points and connection interfaces that could potentially fail, while still enabling complete control and diagnostic functionality through the unified serial communication channel
3Ease of operation
If conventional parallel control wiring is used between BCM and PDC, then control signals are easily transmitted, but manufacturing cost increases due to more wires and connectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control and diagnostic wires into a single serial data link, directly reducing the bill of materials for wires and connectors. This consolidation lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining ease of operation through the standardized serial communication interface
Solution Approach 2:
The serial data link serves multiple functions simultaneously - it transmits control signals for relay actuation, carries diagnostic test data, and provides communication between BCM and PDC. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated wires for each function, reducing overall system cost
Data Source
AI summary
Electrical devices in a vehicle engine compartment are controlled from the vehicle passenger compartment over a serial data bus that extends between a relay controller located in the engine compartment and a body control module located in the passenger compartment and which receives commands from various passenger compartment devices. A serial data link passing through the firewall couples the body control module to the relay controller.