Vehicle Controller Shutdown Coordination via Auxiliary Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles with electronic control units (ECUs) face challenges in efficiently managing power shutdowns, as they continue to draw current from auxiliary power converters even after primary power is removed, leading to increased power consumption and potential communication disruptions during low power modes.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle controller system where secondary controllers periodically send signals indicating normal or low power modes to a primary controller, allowing the primary controller to request and coordinate a transition to low power mode, consuming less power, and disconnect from the primary power converter only after a predetermined period of inactivity, while remaining connected to the auxiliary power converter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If secondary controllers remain in normal power mode while powered by auxiliary power converter, then communication and operation are maintained, but power consumption exceeds the maximum power limit of the auxiliary power converter
Solution Approach 1:
The secondary controllers dynamically transition between normal power mode and low power mode based on power source availability. When switched to auxiliary power converter, controllers enter low power mode with reduced computational activity and suspended periodic signaling, adapting their operational state to match power constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters including CPU frequency, memory access patterns, and communication signaling frequency when transitioning power modes. The periodic signals sent to the primary controller are suspended or reduced in frequency during low power mode to minimize energy consumption while maintaining essential functionality
2Use of energy by moving object
If secondary controllers transition to low power mode, then power consumption is reduced, but communication with primary controller is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
Before transitioning to low power mode, the secondary controllers send a notification signal to the primary controller indicating the upcoming mode change. This preliminary action allows the primary controller to prepare for reduced communication activity and adjust its operational state accordingly
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the primary controller monitors for periodic signals from secondary controllers. When signals are absent or indicate low power mode, the primary controller adjusts its behavior and can send wake-up signals to restore full communication when needed
3Loss of energy
If primary power converter is disconnected without coordinating shutdown, then power removal is achieved, but uncontrolled current draw and communication disruptions occur
Solution Approach 1:
The primary controller sends a coordinated shutdown signal to all secondary controllers before disconnecting the primary power converter. This preliminary action allows secondary controllers to prepare their shutdown sequences, ensure proper data state, and gracefully terminate operations before power removal
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from periodic status signals sent by secondary controllers to the primary controller. The primary controller monitors these signals to determine when all controllers have successfully transitioned to low power mode or completed shutdown, providing feedback control for the power disconnection timing
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a first controller that sends a request to enter a lower power mode, and a plurality of second controllers. The second controllers each periodically send the first controller signals indicating operation in a normal power mode while being powered by a primary power converter, and responsive to receiving the request, do not send the signals during the low power mode while being capable of powered by an auxiliary power converter that has a maximum power limit less than the primary power converter. Also, the first controller, responsive to not receiving the signals for a predetermined period of time, disconnects the first and second controllers from the primary power converter.