Vehicle TCU OTA Reprogramming via Ignition State Protocol Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing over-the-air (OTA) reprogramming methods for transmission control units (TCUs) in vehicles face challenges in achieving fast reprogramming times due to compatibility issues with different communication protocols, particularly when not all systems on the bus support the faster CAN FD protocol, leading to potential errors.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining the vehicle's ignition state to send either classic CAN messages for operating the TCU when the ignition is on or CAN FD messages for reprogramming when the ignition is off, ensuring compatibility and avoiding errors by using CAN FD only when the vehicle is turned off.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If CAN FD protocol is used for OTA reprogramming, then reprogramming speed is improved, but compatibility with all vehicle systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects the communication protocol based on the ignition state. When ignition is off, CAN FD is used for fast reprogramming. When ignition is on, classic CAN is used for broad compatibility. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to switch between protocols depending on operational context.
Solution Approach 2:
The protocol parameters (data rate, message format) are changed based on the ignition state. CAN FD parameters are applied during ignition-off reprogramming for high speed, while classic CAN parameters are used during ignition-on operation for compatibility. This parameter switching enables both fast reprogramming and universal compatibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If classic CAN protocol is used for OTA reprogramming, then compatibility with all vehicle systems is improved, but reprogramming time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs reprogramming during ignition-off periods when the vehicle is not in use. This preliminary scheduling of reprogramming activities allows the use of slower classic CAN protocol without impacting operational time, while still achieving compatibility with all systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic ignition-off cycles to perform reprogramming tasks. During these periodic windows when the vehicle is off, classic CAN protocol is used for compatible communication, and the reprogramming is completed during these scheduled intervals rather than during active operation.
3Productivity
If CAN FD protocol is used when vehicle is on, then reprogramming speed is improved, but system errors occur due to incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system prevents potential communication errors by proactively checking the ignition state before selecting the protocol. This preliminary verification prevents the harmful action of using CAN FD when incompatible systems are active, thereby maintaining reliability while still enabling fast reprogramming when conditions are appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
The ignition state acts as an intermediary condition that mediates protocol selection. This intermediary mechanism ensures that CAN FD is only used when the vehicle is off and all systems are in a safe state, preventing communication errors while still allowing high-speed reprogramming when the intermediary condition is met.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of over the air (OTA) reprogramming of a systems of a vehicle performed by an OTA reprogramming device are provided. For example, the method includes determining whether a vehicle ignition is on or off. When the vehicle ignition is on, the method includes sending a classic controller area network (CAN) message comprising information to operate a transmission control unit (TCU), and using the classic CAN message to operate the TCU. When the vehicle ignition is off, the method includes sending a CAN flexible-data (FD) message comprising information to reprogram the TCU, and using the CAN FD message to reprogram the TCU. The method waits until an ignition of the vehicle is off to reprogram the TCU to avoid incompatibilities with a CAN FD message.