Vehicle WLAN Synchronized Clocks for Deterministic ECU Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle networks face challenges in providing low latency, high reliability, security, and redundancy while interconnecting multiple electronic control units (ECUs) due to interference and non-deterministic behavior of traditional WLAN technologies, which can lead to critical system failures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a high-frequency, high-throughput Wi-Fi network with synchronized clocks and real-time access classes, using IEEE 802.11ay, 802.11aj, and 802.11bb standards, along with security protocols like WPA2 and IEEE 802.11 security schemes, to create a deterministic and secure vehicle wireless local area network (WLAN) for ECU communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional WLAN technologies are used for ECU communication, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to interference and non-deterministic behavior
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from traditional WLAN frequencies to high-frequency bands (60 GHz, 24 GHz, or 900 MHz), which fundamentally alters the communication parameters to achieve deterministic behavior and eliminate interference, thereby resolving the reliability issue while maintaining system feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements synchronized clocks across all ECUs that can be dynamically adjusted and synchronized to within nanosecond precision, enabling deterministic time-critical communications while maintaining the flexibility of wireless communication architecture
2Reliability
If wired connectors with field bus are used for ECU connection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connector system with a wireless communication system operating at high frequencies, eliminating physical wiring while maintaining deterministic and reliable communication through synchronized timing and specialized protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication system is designed to handle multiple functions including time-critical communications, data transfer, and synchronization across all ECUs, replacing the need for separate wired connections for different communication requirements
3Loss of time
If traditional WLAN is used without synchronization, then ease of operation is improved, but latency increases and determinism is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary synchronization of clocks across all ECUs before communication occurs, establishing a predetermined time reference that enables deterministic latency performance without requiring complex real-time negotiation during operation
Data Source
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AI summary
In some examples, a plurality of network controllers including a first network controller and a second network controller are provided in a system. The first network controller comprises a first clock to produce a first oscillating signal, and the second network controller comprises a second clock to produce a second oscillating signal. A wireless local area network (WLAN) over which at least the first network controller and the second network controller are to communicate. A link between the first network controller and the second network controller through the WLAN is a synchronized link based on transition edges of the first oscillating signal being aligned in time with transition edges of the second oscillating signal. Each of the first network controller and the second network controller comprises a respective first queue to store data according to a real-time access class that is to be communicated between the first network controller and the second network controller over the synchronized link and a respective second queue to store non-real-time access class data that is to be communicated between the first network controller and the second network controller over a further link separate from the synchronized link.