Zone Control Unit PDU Gating for Vehicle Ethernet Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional in-vehicle communications network architectures face inefficiencies due to increased data processing and storage demands with the integration of numerous electronic control units (ECUs) and sensors, especially when transitioning from legacy systems to zone-based central computing architectures.
Innovation Solution
A zone-based, central computing in-vehicle communications network architecture that employs zone control units (ZCUs) with protocol data unit (PDU) gating modules and a switch-based Ethernet network to convert and transmit electronic messages to a central computing platform for data processing and storage, utilizing Ethernet protocol frames and parsing modules for efficient data handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a zone-based, central computing architecture is implemented to reduce physical wiring requirements, then wiring complexity is reduced, but compatibility with legacy systems deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a protocol conversion module as an intermediary component that translates between legacy communication protocols (CAN, LIN, FlexRay) and the new Ethernet-based zone architecture. This mediator enables seamless communication between legacy systems and the modernized network without requiring changes to either side, thus reducing wiring complexity while maintaining legacy system compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the vehicle network into distinct zones with dedicated control units, each handling specific functions. This segmentation allows legacy systems to be isolated in their own zones while new Ethernet-based systems operate in separate zones, enabling independent evolution of different parts of the network without affecting overall compatibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If numerous ECUs and sensors are integrated to enhance vehicle capabilities, then functionality is improved, but data processing and storage demands increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple ECUs and sensors into zone-based control units that aggregate data from multiple sources. By combining processing functions at the zone level before transmitting to the central computing platform, the system reduces the total data processing and storage burden on central systems while maintaining enhanced vehicle functionality through the integrated sensors and ECUs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and separates critical processing functions from individual ECUs and concentrates them in zone control units and the central computing platform. This extraction allows lightweight ECUs to focus on data collection while more complex processing is handled by specialized units, reducing overall system complexity despite increased functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A system for data processing and storage in vehicles having a zone-based, central computing in-vehicle communications network architecture, includes a zone control unit (ZCU) that receives electronic messages from one or more sensors or electronic control units (ECUs) located within a zone of the vehicle, the ZCU comprising a protocol data unit (PDU) gating module that converts the electronic messages into a plurality of PDUs, and a switch-based Ethernet network that transmits the plurality of PDUs, using Ethernet protocol frames comprising the plurality of PDUs, to a central computing platform. The central computing platform includes an Ethernet handler module that decomposes the Ethernet protocol frames into individual PDUs for storage in a shared memory. The central computing platform further includes a plurality of parsing modules that are configured to access the individual PDUs from the shared memory and perform data processing on the individual PDUs.