In-Vehicle Relay Architecture for Ethernet-CAN Protocol Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in-vehicle communication systems face challenges in integrating service-oriented communication protocols, particularly with the transition from CAN to Ethernet-based protocols like SOME/IP, leading to inefficiencies in communication efficiency and protocol compatibility.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hierarchical communication structure within vehicles using Ethernet for upper layers and CAN for lower layers, with a centralized in-vehicle communication device managing time-series information and relaying devices to facilitate service-oriented communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a hierarchical communication structure with Ethernet for upper layers and CAN for lower layers is implemented, then communication efficiency and protocol compatibility are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for protocol translation and centralized management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between CAN-based in-vehicle networks and Ethernet-based external networks. The gateway performs protocol translation, message routing, and data filtering to enable seamless communication between different protocol domains while maintaining the simplicity of existing CAN devices
Solution Approach 2:
The communication system is segmented into distinct layers: the lower layer maintains CAN protocol for legacy in-vehicle devices, while the upper layer uses Ethernet for high-speed external communication. The gateway device segments protocol handling functions, allowing each layer to operate independently with optimized performance
2Adaptability or versatility
If service-oriented communication protocols are integrated into in-vehicle systems, then adaptability and functionality are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex protocol integration and management
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple communication protocols (CAN, Ethernet, SOME/IP) simultaneously. It provides universal interface capabilities that allow diverse in-vehicle devices to communicate through a standardized gateway mechanism, simplifying operation while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway acts as an intelligent mediator that abstracts complex service-oriented communication protocols from end devices. It handles protocol translation, message routing, and service discovery automatically, allowing devices to operate with simple CAN messages while the gateway manages the complexity of Ethernet-based service-oriented communication
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vehicle communication system includes an in-vehicle communication device having a stream database and multiple in-vehicle relay devices connected to the in-vehicle communication device. Each in-vehicle relay device is connected to multiple in-vehicle control devices. The in-vehicle communication device and the in-vehicle relay device communicate with each other in a first communication protocol. The in-vehicle relay device and the in-vehicle control devices communicate with each other in a second communication protocol. The in-vehicle communication device stores time-series information received from the in-vehicle relay device in the stream database, and delivers the information stored in the stream database to the in-vehicle relay device. The in-vehicle relay device receives information delivered from the in-vehicle communication device and transmits it to the in-vehicle control devices and receives information transmitted from the in-vehicle control devices and transmits it to the in-vehicle communication device to store the information in the stream database.