Vehicle Microcontroller Expansion Bus for Self-Programming Input Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for interfacing new or alternative input devices with existing serial data networks in vehicles are incomplete, lacking a comprehensive and user-friendly method for self-programmability, modularity, and expansion capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A self-programmable microcontroller with an expansion data bus, switch module, programmer module, and calibration source code, allowing for easy integration and customization of new input devices with existing serial data networks like CAN and LIN, enabling modular and user-friendly operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new or alternative input device is installed in a vehicle with existing serial data networks, then the vehicle can be adapted for individual needs (e.g., handicap alterations), but the integration becomes problematic due to protocol incompatibility and lack of self-programmability
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller automatically detects the communication protocol of the serial data network and configures itself without requiring external programming devices or complex setup procedures. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-programming when connected to the vehicle's serial network, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing integration complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
2Ease of operation
If a microcontroller is designed to be self-programmable and modular, then ease of operation and user-friendliness improve, but the device requires additional components (programmer module, expansion data bus) increasing initial complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The programming functionality is extracted as a separate, removable programmer module that connects to the microcontroller via the expansion data bus. This allows the microcontroller to be self-programmable without permanently integrating complex programming hardware, enabling ease of operation while keeping the base device structure relatively simple. The programmer module can be added only when programming is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The expansion data bus is designed with universal compatibility to work with various programmer modules and configuration scenarios. This universal interface allows the same microcontroller architecture to serve multiple functions (normal operation, self-programming, calibration) without requiring separate dedicated hardware for each function, thereby improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing microcontrollers are used without self-programming capability, then device simplicity is maintained, but the ability to integrate with diverse serial data networks and adapt to different vehicle configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The microcontroller's communication protocol is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. It can automatically detect and adapt to different serial data network protocols (CAN, LIN, FlexRay, etc.) in real-time through self-programming capability. This dynamic adaptability allows the device to work with diverse vehicle networks without requiring multiple dedicated hardware versions, achieving high protocol compatibility while maintaining relatively simple base hardware through the use of an expansion data bus.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method are disclosed for a self programmable microcontroller for a vehicle. The self programmable microcontroller comprises an expansion data bus. A switch module is electrically coupled to the expansion data bus. A second input device is electrically coupled to the switch module. An expansion module is electrically coupled between the original equipment manufacturer control module and the expansion data bus. A source code stored in the switch module for operating the switch module and the expansion module based on an electrical signal from the second input device. A calibration source code stored in the expansion module for calibrating the expansion module relative to the original equipment manufacturer control module. The switch module receives an electrical signal from the second input device and communicates through the expansion module and through the original equipment manufacturer control module for activating the original equipment manufacturer output device.