Vehicle Control Chip Layout for Selective Function Powering
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing number of microcomputers in mobile bodies, such as vehicles, complicates the electrical system configuration and leads to higher power consumption, as all microcomputer functions are often constantly actuated.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a single arithmetic unit integrating multiple functional sections and a power source controller on a single chip, where sensors acquire environmental information to control device operations, allowing for selective power supply to functional sections based on vehicle status, reducing the number of chips and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple microcomputers are used to control onboard devices, then control functionality is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple microcomputer functions into a single arithmetic unit with multiple functional sections. The control device integrates first functional sections (always active) and second functional sections (conditionally active) within one arithmetic unit, reducing the number of separate microcomputers from several hundreds to a single integrated unit, thereby simplifying the electrical system configuration while maintaining comprehensive control functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The single arithmetic unit is designed with multi-functionality to perform various control tasks that previously required separate microcomputers. The functional sections can be selectively activated based on vehicle status, allowing one arithmetic unit to universally handle different control functions including autonomous driving, basic vehicle operations, and optional features
2Speed
If all functional sections are constantly actuated to maintain readiness, then response speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management where the actuation state of functional sections changes based on vehicle status. The power source controller dynamically switches between activating all functional sections (for fast response) and activating only necessary sections (for power savings), allowing the system to adapt its power consumption profile to current operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic activation of functional sections based on predetermined conditions. Instead of continuous operation, second functional sections are activated only when their corresponding vehicle status conditions are met, creating a periodic on-demand activation pattern that reduces average power consumption while maintaining readiness when needed
3Use of energy by moving object
If functional sections are selectively powered on and off, then power consumption is reduced, but system reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The arithmetic unit is segmented into first functional sections (always active) and second functional sections (conditionally active). This segmentation ensures that critical functions represented by first functional sections remain continuously operational to maintain system reliability, while second functional sections can be powered down to reduce consumption when not needed
Solution Approach 2:
The power source controller acts as an intermediary between the power source and functional sections, intelligently managing power distribution. It monitors vehicle status and selectively activates functional sections based on predetermined conditions, ensuring that power is supplied to maintain reliability while minimizing consumption through selective activation
Data Source
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AI summary
A control device has an arithmetic unit (100) that controls onboard devices of a mobile body (a vehicle). The arithmetic unit (100) includes: a first functional section that is actuated regardless of a status of the mobile body and generates a control signal to one or more of the onboard devices; second functional sections that are each actuated in accordance with the status of the mobile body and each generate a control signal to the onboard devices other than the one or more onboard devices; power transmitters disposed in a power transmission path between a power source and the respective second functional sections; and a power source controller (32) that controls supply and cutoff of power to the second functional sections in accordance with the status of the mobile body. The first functional section and the power source controller (32) are mounted on a single chip configured as an integrated circuit.