Upgradable Vehicular Compute System Modular Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive compute systems are inflexible and not easily upgradable, requiring new hardware for software updates and security fixes, which is economically and technically challenging due to proprietary interfaces and specialized power delivery, limiting their ability to support evolving compute silicon and serial interface standards.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an upgradeable vehicular compute system (UVCS) with a modular interface that includes dynamic power delivery and a management channel, along with configurable high-speed interfaces, allowing for the integration of various compute modules with different functionalities, enabling easy upgrades and configurability without requiring specific knowledge of the module by the hub, thus supporting future generations of compute silicon and serial interface standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If proprietary fixed interface assignments are used to optimize for given use case, then manufacturing cost and interface efficiency are improved, but adaptability and upgradability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal carrier board design with standardized interface assignments that can accommodate multiple different compute modules. The carrier board provides a common set of interfaces (USB, Ethernet, display, audio) that can be configured to work with various compute silicon generations, eliminating the need for proprietary fixed interface assignments for each specific module.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into two independent parts: a standardized carrier board and interchangeable compute modules. This segmentation allows the carrier board to maintain fixed, optimized interface assignments while the compute modules can be upgraded independently, resolving the contradiction between fixed interface optimization and module upgradability.
2Reliability
If compute systems are purpose built and fixed to vehicle, then manufacturing precision and system reliability are improved, but adaptability and upgradeability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, fixed compute system to a dynamic, upgradable architecture. The carrier board maintains stable, reliable connections while allowing compute modules to be dynamically replaced and upgraded over time, enabling the system to adapt to new technologies while maintaining reliability through standardized interfaces.
3Productivity
If new compute hardware is mandated for software updates, then software functionality is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the compute module from the carrier board, the patent enables software updates to be implemented by simply replacing the compute module rather than redesigning the entire system. The standardized carrier board remains unchanged, reducing device complexity while allowing software functionality to be updated through module replacement.
4Use of energy by moving object
If proprietary fixed interface assignments are used, then power delivery optimization is improved, but configurability and module interchangeability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier board implements a universal power delivery interface that provides optimized power management for different compute modules. The standardized interface assignments include power delivery capabilities that can serve multiple module types, maintaining power optimization while enabling configurability and module interchangeability.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, storage media and methods associated with computer assisted or autonomous driving (CA/AD), are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an interconnect to mate a pluggable compute module with an in-vehicle compute hub disposed in a vehicle to form an upgradable vehicle compute system for the vehicle, the interconnect having a fixed section and a configurable section. The fixed section includes a dynamic power delivery interface, and a management channel. The configurable section includes a plurality of configurable input/output (I/O) interfaces. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.