Vehicle Ethernet PHY Clock Frequency Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ethernet communication in vehicles experiences high power consumption during idle states due to the generation of idle frames, which is not present in conventional CAN communication, leading to inefficient bandwidth utilization and increased battery discharge.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that dynamically control the clock signal frequency based on the presence of normal or idle frames during Ethernet communication, reducing power consumption by switching to a lower frequency when no data is being transmitted, and reverting when data is present, while ensuring data transmission is not affected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If Ethernet communication is used in vehicles, then communication bandwidth is improved, but power consumption increases due to idle frame generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the clock signal frequency adjustable based on communication state. The system dynamically switches between a first frequency (normal operation) and a second frequency (idle state), allowing the Ethernet communication system to adapt its power consumption to actual data transmission needs while maintaining bandwidth capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the frequency parameter of the clock signal based on communication state. When idle frames are detected, the system transitions from a first frequency to a second frequency, directly modifying a physical parameter to reduce power consumption during periods when no actual data is being transmitted, while preserving the ability to return to normal frequency when data transmission is needed.
2Use of energy by moving object
If clock signal frequency is reduced to save power, then power consumption is improved, but data transmission capability may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by monitoring the Ethernet communication state to determine when to switch clock frequencies. The system detects whether idle frames or normal data frames are present and uses this information to control the clock signal frequency, ensuring that power reduction occurs only when data transmission is not actively occurring, thus maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic action by continuously monitoring the communication state and periodically switching the clock frequency between two states. This periodic switching between first and second frequencies based on detected communication conditions ensures that power consumption is optimized without compromising data transmission capability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for reducing power consumption in an electronic control unit (ECU) equipped with an Ethernet communication function and mounted in a vehicle include initializing a physical layer upon restarting of the physical layer and setting a transmission mode to a data mode. The method includes generating a clock signal having a first frequency for Ethernet communication, checking presence or absence of a normal frame to be transmitted, checking presence or absence of an idle frame based on a reception signal symbol, and determining whether to change the frequency of the clock signal based on checking results in the checking of presence or absence of a normal frame and the checking of presence or absence of an idle frame.