Switchable CAN Encoding for Faster Data Transfer Without Bus Conflicts

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing CAN protocols face limitations in transmitting large data blocks efficiently, leading to delays and impaired real-time properties, especially when bit-by-bit arbitration is required, and existing solutions either compromise on data integrity or interrupt communication.

Innovation Solution

A modified data transmission method called AC-CAN, which uses alternate coding techniques and adjusts bus clock rates to increase data transmission rates while maintaining error detection and network consistency, allowing for faster data transfer without disrupting standard CAN operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bit-by-bit arbitration is used to ensure non-destructive transmission and real-time properties, then data transmission reliability is improved, but data transmission speed deteriorates due to the relatively low bit rate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission reliabilityVSAvoiddata transmission speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The message is divided into two distinct parts: an arbitration field transmitted using standard CAN bit-by-bit arbitration for reliability, and a data field transmitted using alternative coding at higher bit rates for speed. This segmentation allows each part to use the most appropriate transmission method for its requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between two coding methods (standard CAN coding and alternative coding) depending on the part of the message being transmitted. The coding method is not fixed but adapts based on whether the current transmission phase is arbitration or data transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the bit rate is increased by reducing the duration of individual bits, then data transmission speed is improved, but the uniform picture of bus status among all bus participants deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebit rateVSAvoidbus status consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The message transmission is segmented into two phases with different bit rates: the arbitration field uses standard bit durations to ensure all participants maintain a uniform picture of bus status, while the data field uses reduced bit durations for faster transmission where arbitration is no longer needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The arbitration field is transmitted first using standard coding to establish bus ownership and ensure all participants have synchronized status information before the high-speed data transmission begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Speed

If communication interface is switched to another for transferring large data blocks, then data transmission speed is improved, but communication with CAN protocols is interrupted and real-time properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata block transfer speedVSAvoidCAN protocol communication continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges two different communication approaches into a single unified method: standard CAN arbitration for reliability and alternative high-speed coding for data transfer. This combination eliminates the need to switch between separate communication interfaces while maintaining both speed and protocol continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The CAN protocol communication continues uninterrupted throughout the entire message transmission process. The alternative coding is applied within the CAN framework rather than requiring a switch to a different communication interface, ensuring continuous and reliable CAN protocol operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Quantity of substance

If larger data blocks are transmitted via CAN domain, then data capacity is improved, but transmission time increases due to the relatively low bit rate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata block sizeVSAvoidtransmission time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bit rate parameter is changed during message transmission: standard bit rates are used for the arbitration field, while significantly higher bit rates are used for the data field. This parameter change allows larger data blocks to be transmitted in less time without compromising the arbitration process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2700017B1Method and device for serially transferring data, having switchable data encoding
Publication Date: 2015.06.10 ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
  • EP2700017B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2700017B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP2700017B1 patent drawingFigure 3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a method and to a device for transferring data in a network having at least two data processing units, which exchange messages by means of the network, wherein the exchanged messages have a logical structure according to CAN specification ISO 11898-1, wherein the bits are encoded as per the method according to CAN standard ISO 11898-1 for at least one first specifiable range within the exchanged messages, and wherein the bits are encoded as per a method deviating from CAN standard ISO 11898-1 for at least one second specifiable range within the exchanged messages if a switching condition is present.