Motor Vehicle Network Central Subscriber AC-DC Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management in motor vehicles faces challenges in reducing energy consumption and system complexity, particularly in implementing partial network modes, due to the need for complex logic and increased potential for errors in controller power supply and communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A network architecture utilizing a central subscriber with signal and energy coupling units to transmit AC and DC voltages simultaneously over a two-core cable, allowing for efficient power supply and communication, and enabling reverse waking for energy-saving partial network modes without requiring onboard power supply connections for peripheral subscribers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If controllers are constantly supplied with power from the onboard power supply system, then controllers can operate continuously without interruption, but the onboard power supply system battery is drained completely due to constant energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic power supply to controllers by alternating between active and inactive states. The control unit periodically activates individual controllers based on communication requirements, allowing controllers to be powered only when needed rather than continuously. This periodic activation pattern reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining necessary operational functionality.
2Use of energy by moving object
If partial network mode is implemented to disconnect selected controllers for energy saving, then energy consumption is reduced, but complex logic must be integrated into transceiver chips and controllers increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex control logic from individual controller chips and concentrates it in a separate central control unit. This external control unit manages the activation and deactivation of controllers, handling all the complex decision-making logic externally rather than embedding it within each transceiver chip or controller. This extraction approach maintains energy-saving functionality while reducing the complexity burden on individual controller components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a separate control unit as an intermediary between the power supply system and the controllers. This intermediary component coordinates power distribution, manages activation sequences, and handles communication requirements without requiring complex logic integration into the controllers themselves. The control unit acts as a mediator that simplifies the overall system architecture while enabling partial network mode operation.
3Loss of energy
If switched-mode regulators are used to transform voltage levels, then power loss is minimized, but high level of circuit complexity and EMC disturbances occur due to fast switching operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive linear voltage regulators instead of complex switched-mode regulators. While linear regulators have higher power loss, the patent compensates by using simple, reliable, and cost-effective components that do not require complex control circuits. The approach accepts higher power consumption in exchange for dramatically reduced circuit complexity and eliminated EMC issues associated with fast switching operations.
4Power
If each controller has its own voltage regulator, then voltage level transformation is achieved, but the number of network elements and wiring complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the voltage regulation function into a centralized power supply unit that serves multiple controllers. Instead of each controller having its own dedicated voltage regulator, the system uses a single centralized power supply with integrated voltage transformation capability that distributes power to multiple controllers. This consolidation reduces the total number of network elements, simplifies wiring requirements, and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining voltage transformation functionality.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies network operation, reduces energy consumption, and eliminates the need for complex wiring and power supply connections, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing system complexity while allowing for flexible partial network modes.
Implementation Method 1
a communication signal, usually an AC voltage signal, to be modulated onto a DC voltage
Implementation Method 2
a DC voltage which is used for supplying power to the first subscriber
Implementation Method 3
it is therefore possible for a communication signal, usually an AC voltage signal, to be modulated onto a DC voltage without needing to fear losses in a quality of the communication
Data Source
AI summary
A network, in particular in a motor vehicle, wherein the network includes a central subscriber and at least one first subscriber, wherein the central subscriber and the at least one first subscriber are connected via at least one first cable, wherein the central subscriber has at least one signal coupling unit and at least one energy coupling unit, wherein by the signal coupling unit an AC voltage can be impressed on at least one first line of the first cable or can be tapped therefrom. Also disclosed is a method for operating a network.