Variable Multiplexer Pin Mapping for Multi-Vehicle Bus Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
The variability in pinout configurations used by different vehicle manufacturers for communication buses, such as CAN bus, necessitates the use of different cables for compatibility, which is inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A variable multiplexer that can be electronically configured to match the specific pinout configuration of various vehicles, using techniques like Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) lookup or checksum verification to determine the correct pinout, allowing compatibility with multiple vehicles using a single standardized cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different cables are used for different vehicle manufacturers, then compatibility with various pinout configurations is achieved, but device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal cable design with standardized pin assignments that can work with multiple vehicle manufacturers through software-based pinout configuration. The cable includes pins arranged in a standardized pattern (e.g., 16-pin or 9-pin connector) that can be programmatically mapped to different vehicle pinout configurations, eliminating the need for manufacturer-specific cables while maintaining broad compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic pinout configuration capability where the cable's pin assignments can be changed through software or firmware based on the detected vehicle type. The system can automatically or manually reconfigure which pins correspond to which functions (CAN_H, CAN_L, GND, etc.) to match the specific vehicle manufacturer's pinout scheme, allowing a single physical cable to adapt to multiple configurations
2Device complexity
If a single standardized cable is used for all vehicles, then device complexity is reduced, but compatibility with varying pinout configurations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a configuration system (software/firmware) as an intermediary between the standardized cable and the vehicle's communication bus. This intermediary layer handles the pinout mapping and translation, allowing the physical cable to remain simple and standardized while the software layer adapts to different vehicle pinout configurations through configuration files, lookup tables, or automatic detection algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes configurable parameters (pin assignment mappings) that can be changed through software to adapt the cable's behavior to different vehicle manufacturers. The system stores multiple pinout configuration sets and switches between them based on the detected or selected vehicle type, allowing the same physical cable to present different logical connections to different vehicles
3Reliability
If multiple cables are maintained for different vehicles, then communication reliability is ensured, but loss of time for cable selection and inventory management occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration capability where the system can pre-determine the appropriate pinout configuration before actual communication begins. The device can automatically detect the vehicle type (through VIN reading, protocol analysis, or user selection) and pre-load the correct pinout mapping, eliminating the need for manual cable selection and ensuring immediate compatibility when connection is established
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media for a variable multiplexer for vehicle communication bus compatibility. A device includes a variable multiplexer that can be electronically configured to a desired pinout configuration to provide compatibility with multiple vehicles. For example, the variable multiplexer may be electronically configured based on a pinout configuration used by the vehicle to connect pins in the device to the corresponding pins on the data link connector that provide the same specified function. The device may therefore use a single standardized cable with vehicles using a variety of pinout configurations.