Universal Transceiver Switching Between CAN and FlexRay Buses

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing requirement for separate transceivers for CAN and FlexRay bus systems in automotive and other transport applications leads to increased costs and inflexibility, as manufacturers need to develop distinct modules for each standard, despite the need for compatibility between the two.

Innovation Solution

A transceiver device that can be configured on the fly to interact with both CAN and FlexRay buses, featuring a receiver assembly with adjustable voltage offsets and differential regulators that apply reference potentials based on the connected bus type, allowing seamless operation between the two standards.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate transceivers are developed for CAN and FlexRay bus systems, then compatibility with each specific bus standard is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebus standard compatibilityVSAvoidtransceiver variety

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal transceiver design that can operate with both CAN and FlexRay bus standards using a single device. The transceiver includes a receiver assembly with multiple receivers and a drive assembly with multiple drivers, where a selector switches between different configurations to support both bus types, eliminating the need for separate transceivers for each standard

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transceiver employs dynamic reconfiguration through a selector that can switch between CAN and FlexRay modes. The receiver assembly and drive assembly are dynamically adjusted based on the selected bus type, allowing the same physical hardware to adapt its electrical characteristics and signal processing to match the requirements of either standard

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If separate transceivers are developed for CAN and FlexRay bus systems, then specific bus requirements are met, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebus standard compatibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal transceiver design that can operate with both CAN and FlexRay bus standards using a single device. The transceiver includes a receiver assembly with multiple receivers and a drive assembly with multiple drivers, where a selector switches between different configurations to support both bus types, eliminating the need for separate transceivers for each standard

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functionality of separate CAN and FlexRay transceivers into a single integrated device. The receiver assembly combines multiple receivers that can process signals from both bus types, and the drive assembly combines multiple drivers that can output to both standards, merging what would traditionally be separate components into one unified transceiver

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If both CAN and FlexRay transceivers are integrated into one module, then versatility is improved, but the requirement for two communication buses increases complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebus standard supportVSAvoidbus configuration requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transceiver employs dynamic reconfiguration through a selector that can switch between CAN and FlexRay modes. The receiver assembly and drive assembly are dynamically adjusted based on the selected bus type, allowing the same physical hardware to adapt its electrical characteristics and signal processing to match the requirements of either standard

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes electrical parameters dynamically based on the selected bus type. The selector switches between different voltage levels, impedance values, and signal differential configurations appropriate for CAN versus FlexRay operation, allowing the transceiver to present the correct electrical interface for whichever standard is being used

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10291281B2Transmitter-receiver device connectable to a communications network by a CAN-type or FlexRay-type bus

Publication Date: 2019.05.14 VITESCO TECHNOLOGIES GMBH

AI summary

Disclosed is an electronic transmitter-receiver device for integrating into an electronic module connected to a communication network by a bus, the bus being of the CAN or FlexRay type, the electronic transmitter-receiver device including a receiving assembly (R) and a control part (D) which are configured so as to allow switching from a CAN operating mode to a FlexRay operating mode of the device, and vice versa, without needing to change the electronic component.