Vehicle Network Fabric for Multi-Protocol ECU Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of vehicle communication networks, with numerous electronic devices using different bus protocols, poses challenges in efficient communication and weight reduction for improved fuel efficiency, as existing systems lack a unified and efficient method to manage diverse protocols and reduce wiring weight.
Innovation Solution
A unified network fabric with bridge-routing modules and switch modules, along with a network manager and power manager, facilitates communication among various devices using different protocols, optimizes power consumption, and reduces wiring by enabling efficient packet routing and redundancy, thereby supporting both mission-critical and non-mission-critical functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bus protocols and gateways are used to support various electronic devices, then communication compatibility is improved, but device complexity and wiring weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a unified Ethernet-based network fabric that serves as a universal communication infrastructure for all vehicle electronic devices. Instead of maintaining separate bus protocols (CAN, LIN, FlexRay) for different device types, the system uses a single Ethernet protocol that can handle diverse communication requirements through protocol adaptation layers and gateway functions integrated into the network fabric, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces Ethernet switches and protocol adaptation gateways as intermediary devices within the unified network fabric. These intermediaries enable communication between devices that may use different protocols by performing protocol conversion and packet routing functions, allowing legacy devices to communicate over the Ethernet infrastructure without requiring each device to support multiple protocols directly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple bus protocols and protocol conversion gateways are implemented, then communication between different ECUs is improved, but wiring weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple separate communication bus systems (CAN, LIN, FlexRay) into a single unified Ethernet-based network fabric. This merging eliminates the need for parallel wiring harnesses for each protocol, reducing overall wiring weight. The unified fabric uses standard Ethernet cables and connectors, which are lighter and more space-efficient than the combined wiring requirements of multiple proprietary bus systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified Ethernet network fabric serves as a universal communication medium that can carry traffic for multiple protocol types simultaneously. By using a single wiring infrastructure to handle diverse communication needs through protocol adaptation and packet routing, the system eliminates redundant wiring that would be required if separate physical buses were maintained for each protocol type.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion gateways are added to enable communication between different bus protocols, then communication flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent deploys Ethernet switches and protocol adaptation gateways as intermediary devices that manage protocol conversion centrally within the unified network fabric. Rather than requiring each endpoint device to implement multiple protocol stacks and conversion logic, the intermediaries handle protocol translation and packet routing, simplifying endpoint device design while maintaining communication flexibility across diverse protocol requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The unified network fabric incorporates intelligent protocol adaptation and routing capabilities that automatically detect and accommodate different communication protocols without requiring complex manual configuration. The system performs self-service protocol conversion and path selection, reducing the complexity burden on individual devices while maintaining overall network flexibility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle communication network includes a network fabric, a plurality of vehicle control modules, memory, one or more multimedia processing modules, and a network manager. The network manager is operable to coordinate communication of packets, via the network fabric, among the vehicle control modules, the memory, and the multimedia processing modules based on individual content of the packets and in accordance with a global vehicle network communication protocol. The network manager is further operable to facilitate network resource management to support the communication of packets via the network fabric in accordance with the global vehicle network communication protocol.