In-Vehicle Network Hub with Digital-Analog Signal Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vehicle network systems require a device that can accommodate varying types and numbers of in-vehicle devices, such as actuators and sensors, to facilitate efficient information transmission between a vehicle travel control device and these components, especially in automatic driving systems.
Innovation Solution
A network hub device with trunk side and device side communication ports, including digital and analog ports, along with signal conversion sections to convert digital and analog signals, allowing for a simple network configuration that reduces the need for extensive wiring and can be integrated with in-vehicle devices, such as switches and actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple network configuration is used to reduce wiring complexity, then the network structure becomes simpler and easier to install, but the ability to accommodate varying types and numbers of in-vehicle devices is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The network hub device is designed with multiple communication ports that support different communication protocols (CAN, LIN, Ethernet, FlexRay) and signal types (digital, analog). This universal design allows a single hub device to accommodate various types of in-vehicle devices including sensors, actuators, and control units with different communication requirements, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple network configuration and device adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interconnects are used to support various in-vehicle devices, then the adaptability to different device types and numbers is improved, but the network configuration becomes more complex and requires more wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The network hub device merges multiple communication functions and protocol handling capabilities into a single centralized device. By combining CAN, LIN, Ethernet, and FlexRay communication interfaces along with signal conversion capabilities in one hub, the system reduces the number of separate interconnects and simplifies the overall network configuration while maintaining the ability to support various in-vehicle devices
3Measurement precision
If digital communication ports are used for all in-vehicle devices, then the signal transmission precision and speed are improved, but the compatibility with devices requiring analog signals is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The network hub device incorporates signal conversion sections that can change the parameter type of communication signals. The device includes both digital communication ports and analog communication ports, with the ability to convert between digital and analog signals. This allows the system to maintain high-precision digital communication for devices that require it while also providing analog signal output for devices that require analog input, thereby resolving the contradiction between signal precision and device compatibility
Data Source
AI summary
A network hub device used for building a simple network configuration in an in-vehicle network system is provided. A network hub device (35) is coupled to a trunk network and performs input/output of a signal to/from an in-vehicle device via a plurality of device side communication ports. A signal conversion section (35a, 35b) configured to perform signal conversion between a digital control signal and an analog control signal is provided between a trunk side communication port and an analog port. A second signal conversion section (70) configured to perform signal conversion between a digital control signal and an analog control signal is provided between a digital port (49) and a predetermined in-vehicle device (353).