Real-Time USB-C/PD Port Control Through LIN Vehicle Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automotive USB-PD systems lack direct monitoring and control over standardized vehicle networks, leading to integration difficulties, scalability issues, and increased costs due to the need for non-standardized external controllers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing USB-C/PD systems connected to standardized automotive interfaces like LIN, enabling direct control and monitoring by vehicle ECUs, using a USB-C/PD controller and LIN transceiver to facilitate communication and management of power sharing, thermal sensing, and fault detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If external controllers with I2C or SPI interfaces are used to control USB-PD ports, then control functionality is achieved, but device complexity and integration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The USB-PD controller is designed to perform multiple functions including port control, monitoring, and communication through a single integrated device. It can operate with different communication protocols (I2C, SPI, UART) and supports both USB Type-A and Type-C ports, eliminating the need for separate external controllers for each function or port type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the USB-PD controller, communication interface, and monitoring capabilities into a single integrated device that can be directly connected to the vehicle network. This merging eliminates the need for separate external controllers and complex wiring, reducing integration difficulty while maintaining full control functionality.
2Ease of operation
If I2C or SPI interfaces are wired across the vehicle, then direct control is achieved, but manufacturing cost and scalability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The USB-PD controller supports multiple communication protocols including I2C, SPI, and UART, allowing it to interface with different vehicle networks without requiring dedicated wiring for each protocol. This multi-functionality enables direct control while avoiding the high manufacturing costs associated with extensive I2C or SPI wiring across the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller can dynamically change its communication parameters (protocol type, baud rate, address) to match the vehicle network requirements. This flexibility allows the same hardware design to be used across different vehicle models and network configurations, reducing manufacturing costs and improving scalability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standardized vehicle interfaces are used for USB-PD control, then scalability and integration improve, but communication protocol compatibility may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The USB-PD controller is designed to support multiple standardized vehicle communication protocols including LIN, CAN, I2C, SPI, and UART. This multi-protocol capability allows the controller to integrate with different vehicle networks using standardized interfaces, improving scalability while maintaining protocol compatibility through software configuration rather than hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary device that translates between USB-PD control requirements and various vehicle network protocols. It provides a standardized interface to the vehicle network while handling protocol-specific details internally, allowing scalable integration without requiring complex protocol-specific hardware for each vehicle type.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are solutions for communicating with USB-C/PD systems over standard communication interfaces in automotive, aviation, industrial, or other applications. In one aspect, the solutions facilitate a controller of the automotive Local Interconnect Network (LIN) bus such as a vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) to configure, control, and monitor charging and fault data of ports of a USB-C/PD system over the existing vehicle network. The USB-C/PD system may decode a message frame to determine a frame type. If the message frame is a request frame, control data is received from the ECU over the LIN bus to control the operations of the USB-C/PD port. If the message frame is a response frame, the USB-C/PD port transmits response data that monitors the operations of the USB-C/PD port to the ECU over the LIN bus. Advantageously, the USB-C/PD system may be easily integrated into existing communication networks, providing a cost-effective and scalable solution.