vECU EOUT Signal Switching for Fault Recovery State Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in managing faults in virtual electronic control units (vECUs) on a system on a chip (SoC) without affecting the operation of other vECUs, and there is a need for efficient fault recovery mechanisms that ensure vECUs are maintained in a known and defined state during recovery.
Innovation Solution
A fault collection and control unit (FCCU) generates an error out (EOUT) signal using an EOUT controller to indicate the state of vECUs, employing toggled or static signals at specific frequencies to distinguish between normal and safe states, and includes an EOUT circuit for each vECU to manage fault recovery, allowing detection of stuck-at-fault conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vECU experiences a fault, then fault recovery is needed to maintain system operation, but the EOUT signal may become stuck and fail to indicate the current state accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by transitioning the EOUT signal from a static indication method to a dynamic toggling mechanism. During fault recovery, the EOUT signal alternates between logic states at a defined toggle frequency, enabling the external device to detect the dynamic pattern and distinguish it from a stuck-at-fault condition. This dynamic behavior ensures reliable state indication even when the vECU was previously faulty.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements Periodic action through the toggle frequency mechanism. The EOUT signal is toggled at a specific frequency during fault recovery, creating a periodic pattern that the external device can recognize. This periodic toggling prevents the signal from appearing stuck and allows the external device to differentiate between a healthy toggling signal and a faulty static signal, thereby maintaining indication accuracy during recovery operations.
2Measurement precision
If the EOUT signal is toggled to indicate normal operation, then the external device can detect operational state, but it becomes difficult to distinguish from a stuck-at-fault condition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies Parameter changes by modifying the toggle frequency parameter based on the operational state. During normal operation, the EOUT signal toggles at a first frequency, while during fault recovery, it toggles at a second, different frequency. The external device uses this frequency differentiation to accurately determine the vECU's state, resolving the ambiguity between normal toggling and stuck-at-fault conditions through parameter-based distinction.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the SoC resets during fault recovery, then the vECU can return to a known state, but the EOUT signal toggle frequency may become misaligned with external device expectations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements Preliminary action by configuring the EOUT circuit to automatically resume toggling at the predefined frequency immediately after the vECU resets during fault recovery. This pre-configured behavior ensures that the signal synchronization is restored without requiring external intervention or complex reconfiguration, maintaining both state consistency and signal alignment with external device expectations.
Data Source
AI summary
An error out (EOUT) controller of a system on a chip (SoC) for fault management generates a first EOUT signal which indicates a virtual electronic control unit (vECU) of the SoC comprising a plurality of vECU is in a first state. The first EOUT signal is output, where the first EOUT signal is toggled at a first toggle frequency. A fault signal which indicates the vECU having a fault is received. Based on receiving the fault signal, an EOUT circuit is selected from a plurality of EOUT circuits and the selected EOUT circuit generates a second EOUT signal which indicates the vECU is in a second state. The second EOUT signal is then output, where the second EOUT signal is a toggled at a second toggle frequency or is a static signal.