Star Coupler Parallel Forwarding FlexRay Bandwidth
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Time-controlled communication systems, such as those based on the FlexRay standard, face inefficiencies in message forwarding, particularly during startup and synchronization phases, where messages are not processed by a sufficient number of recipients, and there is a need to reduce message volume and improve bandwidth utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method and star coupler that enable parallel forwarding of messages by activating multiple disjoint forwarding paths, allowing messages to be forwarded independently of time in a non-synchronized state, and using a cut-through method for rapid forwarding, which increases available bandwidth and allows for transparent integration into existing networks without configuration changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple forwarding paths are activated in parallel, then bandwidth utilization is enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the forwarding function into multiple independent forwarding paths, each handling specific message routing. The star coupler divides the communication task into parallel path segments that can be independently activated based on synchronization state, allowing bandwidth enhancement while managing complexity through functional decomposition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic switching between different forwarding path configurations based on the synchronization state of the communication system. In non-synchronized state, multiple paths are activated for rapid message distribution; in synchronized state, paths are selectively activated based on temporal requirements. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by adjusting complexity only when necessary for productivity gains
2Speed
If messages are forwarded independently of time in non-synchronized state, then rapid forwarding is achieved, but temporal determinism may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary synchronization checks before activating time-critical forwarding paths. In the non-synchronized state, the system prepares multiple forwarding paths in advance and activates them only when message urgency requires immediate transmission, while maintaining the ability to switch to time-deterministic modes when synchronization is achieved
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of message forwarding based on system state. In non-synchronized state, forwarding occurs without strict temporal constraints to maximize speed; in synchronized state, temporal parameters are enforced to maintain determinism. This parameter adaptation allows the system to optimize for speed when necessary while preserving temporal stability when possible
3Reliability
If startup and synchronization messages are forwarded without impairment, then system initialization is ensured, but message volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts startup and synchronization messages from the general message flow and handles them through a dedicated forwarding mechanism. These critical messages are identified and separated for unconditional forwarding, ensuring system initialization reliability while allowing the main message flow to be optimized for volume reduction through selective path activation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different forwarding qualities to different message types. Startup and synchronization messages receive unconditional, high-priority forwarding treatment to ensure reliable system initialization. Other messages receive conditional forwarding based on synchronization state and bandwidth requirements, reducing overall message volume while maintaining critical communication reliability
Data Source
Figure 1~5
AI summary
To forward messages in a time-controlled communication system using a star coupler configured as a multirouter (10), messages arriving via ports (P1,...,P6) are forwarded according to a rule defined in the star coupler. Forwarding paths are switched according to a rule defined in the star coupler, which describes forwarding paths for messages (N1, N2), specifically in the synchronized operating state depending on the time according to the global time base of the communication system. In at least one time slot (t1), at least two forwarding paths can occur simultaneously, being disjoint from each other, meaning that each port belongs to at most one forwarding path at any given time.At the latest during the forwarding of a message, the content of the message is checked to determine whether the forwarding of the message complies with an admissibility rule; depending on this check, the forwarding of the message is aborted or terminated by invalidating the message for those destination ports for which the rule has not been complied with.