Vehicle USB Hub CRC Error Logging for Fault Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current USB Media modules in vehicles often get incorrectly returned due to unidentified issues, and diagnosing problems in in-vehicle network connectivity is time-consuming and costly, as faults can be attributed to either electronic modules or cables, making it difficult to isolate the exact failure mode.
Innovation Solution
Integrating error counters and packet counters within USB Hubs to collect and process data link quality metrics, including CRC error detection, which allows for error logging and transmission to the Infotainment Headunit, enabling better isolation of issues and reducing incorrect module removals by providing detailed error logs that can be analyzed or sent to cloud-based diagnostic services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If USB Media modules are removed and returned for evaluation, then potential faults can be identified, but this results in increased service costs, replacement part costs, and evaluation time
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary diagnostic actions by continuously monitoring and logging data link quality metrics (CRC errors, packet errors) before faults occur. Error counters and packet counters are maintained in memory, ready for immediate retrieval, eliminating the need for time-consuming post-failure evaluations and module removals
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where data link quality metrics are continuously monitored, logged, and made available for analysis. The host system can retrieve error logs and CRC error information to identify faults, providing continuous feedback on system health without requiring physical module removal
2Measurement precision
If detailed error logging and CRC error detection are implemented in USB Hubs, then fault isolation accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary error counters and packet counters within the USB Hub that mediate between the physical cable/harness and the host system. These counters act as intermediaries that capture and log data link quality metrics, providing precise fault isolation information without requiring complex diagnostic infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The USB Hub performs self-diagnostic functions by maintaining internal error counters and CRC error detectors that automatically monitor data link quality. The system serves itself by generating and storing error logs in memory, eliminating the need for external diagnostic equipment or complex analysis tools
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle USB hub system that includes a USB hub, a controller and memory unit is provided. The vehicle USB hub system collects data link quality metrics for messaging to and within a vehicle. The USB hub has a CRC error detector for detecting CRC errors in messaging received via its ports. Information regarding detected CRC errors is stored in the memory unit. The controller generates a CRC error log using the information stored in the memory unit upon receiving an indication that an error log should be sent. The controller then sends the CRC error log to a device via the USB hub port indicated.