Switch Operation Mode Transition in Vehicle Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle network systems face limitations in supporting high transmission rates and system expandability, particularly with CAN and FlexRay-based networks, which are costly to upgrade, and require network management protocols to change operation modes, making them inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for a switch in an Ethernet-based vehicle network that changes operation modes based on link statuses without supporting network management protocols, using configuration information to identify ports and nodes, and transitioning between normal and low-power modes automatically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If network management protocol (NMP) is used to change operation modes, then operation mode transition is supported, but device complexity increases due to requiring layer-3 or above support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the operation mode transition functionality from the complex layer-3 network management protocol to a simplified layer-2 solution. The switch apparatus monitors link statuses directly at layer-2 and transitions operation modes based on these physical link states, eliminating the need for layer-3 protocol processing while maintaining mode transition capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter for operation mode transition from high-level protocol commands (layer-3 NMP) to low-level physical link status indicators (layer-2 link up/down states). This parameter change simplifies the control mechanism while achieving the same operational effect of mode transitions.
2Speed
If Ethernet-based network is implemented to support high transmission rates, then transmission rate increases, but cost increases for upgrading existing networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive layer-1 and layer-2 switch apparatuses that can be deployed in Ethernet-based vehicle networks to achieve high transmission rates without requiring expensive infrastructure upgrades. These simplified switches provide adequate performance for vehicle network requirements at lower cost points.
3Reliability
If communication node operates in normal mode continuously, then network responsiveness is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic operation mode transitions where the switch apparatus automatically switches between normal mode and low-power mode based on real-time link status monitoring. When links are down, the system transitions to low-power mode to conserve energy; when links become active, it returns to normal mode to maintain responsiveness, creating a dynamic adaptation to operational conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch apparatus periodically monitors link statuses and transitions operation modes based on these periodic assessments. This periodic monitoring enables the system to balance power consumption and responsiveness by entering low-power mode during periods of inactivity while maintaining the ability to quickly resume normal operation when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An operation method of a switch apparatus includes: obtaining configuration information of communication nodes connected to the switch apparatus; identifying ports connected to end nodes among the communication nodes based on the configuration information; identifying link statuses of the ports; and when the link statuses of the ports are a DOWN state during a predetermined period of time, changing an operation mode of the switch apparatus from a normal mode to a low-power mode.