Vehicle Control Network Redundancy Using Gateway Communication Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle communication systems have limited redundancy, which can lead to critical failures if one communication channel fails, compromising the safety and functionality of automated driving systems.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a vehicle architecture with a plurality of commanded units controlled by redundant communication lines, featuring at least a first and second control unit connected by an interlink communication line. These control units communicate with commanded units through redundant lines and use a gateway unit to forward information between communication lines, establishing a redundant interlink communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single communication line is used between control units, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to limited redundancy
Solution Approach 1:
The communication architecture is segmented into multiple independent communication lines (first communication line and second communication line) between control units. Each line operates independently, allowing the system to segment the communication path so that a failure in one line does not affect the other, thereby improving reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Gateway units are introduced as intermediaries that facilitate communication between control units through the redundant communication lines. These gateway units act as mediators that can route information through alternative paths when a communication line fails, enhancing reliability without requiring direct complex point-to-point connections between all control units
2Reliability
If redundant communication lines are implemented, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication lines and gateway units are designed with multi-functionality to handle various communication protocols and data types across different vehicle subsystems. This universal design allows the same redundant infrastructure to serve multiple functions (braking, steering, propulsion communications) reducing the need for separate dedicated redundant systems for each function, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple communication functions and protocols are merged into a unified redundant communication architecture. The first and second communication lines carry multiple types of control signals (braking commands, steering commands, propulsion signals) simultaneously, consolidating what would otherwise require separate redundant systems into a single integrated solution
3Reliability
If control units communicate directly with each other, then the communication speed is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to single point of failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes redundant communication paths and gateway units in advance before failures occur. When a communication line fails, the gateway units are already in place to immediately redirect communication through alternative paths without requiring time-consuming reconfiguration, thus maintaining fault tolerance while minimizing speed degradation during failover scenarios
Solution Approach 2:
The communication architecture dynamically switches between direct communication and gateway-mediated communication based on system conditions. During normal operation, control units communicate directly for high speed. When a fault is detected, the system dynamically reroutes communication through gateway units via alternative communication lines, maintaining reliability while adapting communication speed to current system state
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for providing a redundant communication within a vehicle architecture is disclosed. The vehicle architecture includes a plurality of commanded units, each being configured to be controlled by redundant communication lines. The apparatus includes at least a first control unit and a second control unit, which are connected by an interlink communication line and which are each configured to: communicate with the commanded units through one of the redundant communications lines; and communicate with each other through the communication lines by controlling at least one of the plurality of commanded units to act as a gateway unit and to forward information between the redundant communication lines.