DE102022207686A1 - Data processing device and processing system on board a vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A processing system (100) on board a vehicle (105) comprises a first data network (C, L, E, F) for the transmission of data from or to a connected control device (120); an energy network (U, P) for providing electrical energy to a connected control unit (120); and a PLC gateway (130) for exchanging data between the energy network (U, P) and the first data network (C, L, E, F). In this case, the PLC gateway (130) is set up to feed data that are modulated onto electrical energy in the energy network (U, P) into the data network (C, L, E, F) and data from the data network (C, L, E, F) to modulate energy in the energy network (U, P).

Description

The present invention relates to data processing on board a vehicle. In particular, the invention relates to a data processing device and processing system on board a vehicle.

A vehicle includes a plurality of controllers, each controlling one or more systems or subsystems onboard the vehicle. Exemplary such systems may include seat adjustment or power steering. The control devices are communicatively networked with one another in order to exchange requirements or results with one another. A wired serial bus is usually used for this purpose, in particular a CAN bus or a LIN bus. A separate vehicle electrical system is provided to supply the control devices with electrical energy.

It has been proposed to combine the vehicle electrical system with the data bus in that data is transmitted by modulating a voltage or a current with which a control device is supplied with energy. This eliminates the need for a separate data bus, which means that a wiring harness in the vehicle can be significantly simplified. In addition, dedicated data lines can be saved, so that the cable harness can be made lighter. A plug connection between the wiring harness and the control device can produce both a power connection and a data connection with only two contacts.

Such a technique is known as PLC (Power Line Communication). However, it is not well suited for fast transmission of data, a large number of participants or a real-time protocol, since a usable bandwidth of the power line is limited.

Another proposal is to use fiber optics in the vehicle to enable very fast data transmission. For example, sensor values from a high-resolution camera with a high sampling rate can be transmitted well over a fiber link. A disadvantage of fiber optics is the sensitivity of the transmission medium to mechanical stress, which can occur during assembly or operation of the vehicle, or the risk of malfunctions due to moisture or dirt.

An object on which the present invention is based is to specify an improved technique for data transmission on board a vehicle. The invention solves this problem by means of the subject matter of the independent claims. Subclaims reflect preferred embodiments.

According to a first aspect, a processing system on board a vehicle comprises a first data network for transmitting data from or to a connected control unit; an energy network for providing electrical energy to a connected control device; and a PLC gateway for exchanging data between the energy network and the first data network. The PLC gateway is set up to feed data that is modulated onto electrical energy in the energy network into the data network and to modulate data from the data network into energy in the energy network.

According to the invention, an architecture of devices on board a vehicle can be specified by the processing system, which can be largely compatible with known components, so that established or indispensable existing elements, for example a specific sensor or actuator or a specific control unit, can be integrated unchanged. The proposed architecture can enable a simple extension, for example in the form of a further sensor, actuator or control device. Important data connections between different components can be redundant, so that the processing system can achieve a high level of functional reliability. In this way, a flexible and future-proof communication system can be provided that can be used quickly and for a long time on a large number of different vehicles.

By using the power grid to transmit data, a control device can be easily integrated into the processing system. The energy network can supply connected components with electrical energy at a predetermined voltage. A control device can transmit data by changing its current consumption, so that a current flowing through the energy network or a voltage applied to it are changed accordingly. In other words, data can be modulated onto a current or a voltage in the energy network. Another control device connected to the energy network can detect these fluctuations and thus read out the data that has been fed in.

By providing data on an energy network, this can become the PLC network, which can further be used to distribute electrical energy and also to transmit data. The energy network requires in a simple embodiment just two electrically insulated conductors between which a voltage is applied. The energy network can be laid out in any desired topography, for example linearly in the manner of a bus.

The processing system can also include a second data network, with the PLC gateway being set up to exchange data between the energy network and the second data network. The second data network can be provided for connection to a classic control device that expects separate energy and data supplies. In this case, the power supply to this control unit can be effected by means of the power bus described. Fluctuations in the voltage or in the current on the energy bus are preferably so small that they do not impair energy consumption by a control unit.

The PLC gateway can be set up to exchange data between the first and the second data network. This allows control units that are connected to different data networks to communicate with one another. In general, the PLC gateway can only exchange data between the data networks that is directed from a sender in one of the networks to a recipient in another of the networks. For this purpose, a message from a sender to a recipient can be examined to determine whether or not it needs to be converted to another data network. The investigation may also support broadcast or multicast. In this context, broadcast refers to the sending of messages to all participants in a data network, and broadcast refers to the sending to a plurality of participants in a predetermined group using only one address. This can prevent data from being transferred to a data network in which they have no recipient. In this way, bandwidth can be saved in one of the data networks, so that a faster or less heavily delayed transmission of other data can be made possible.

In one embodiment, a number of second data networks are provided in the processing system, with the PLC gateway being set up to exchange data between the data networks. The second data networks can follow different standards. For example, second data networks can alternatively be implemented according to a CAN, LIN or Ethernet standard. In a manner described herein, data can be exchanged between multiple second data networks or between the first and one or more second data networks. In this embodiment, too, data that do not have a receiver in a connected data network cannot be implemented in this data network.

If several second data networks are provided, the processing system can include a further gateway which is set up to exchange data between the second data networks. For example, a CAN bus and a LIN bus can be coupled to one another by means of the gateway.

In a further embodiment, a converter is provided which is connected to the energy network and which is connected to the further gateway by means of a further data network. In this case, the converter is set up to exchange data between the energy network and the further data network. In other words, the further gateway can be connected to a PLC network by means of a converter, with data transfer between any networks being possible. The converter can redundantly fulfill a function of the further gateway, so that increased functional reliability of the processing system can be achieved.

In a further embodiment, the further gateway is connected to a data network by means of a dedicated line, which in turn is coupled to the PLC network, for example by means of a further converter. The various data networks on board a vehicle can be connected to one another by means of one or more further gateways and optionally one or more converters, whereby one of the networks can comprise a PLC network. In this way, the proposed architecture can be flexibly adapted to different complex scenarios or requirements on board the vehicle.

The processing system can further comprise a processing device which is connected to the PLC gateway by means of a third data network. The PLC gateway is preferably set up to exchange data between the third data network and the energy network. The processing device can be comprised by a control device and in particular can comprise a high-performance computing (HPC) platform. The HPC platform can include one or more well-known RISC or CISC processors. In addition, dedicated processing devices can be provided, which allow parallel processing of specific problems. A processing device optimized for graphics can thus have a large number of shaders at its disposal, which can also be used, for example, for object recognition in image data, in addition to calculating image data.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the processing device is set up to receive sensor data from one or more sensors on board the vehicle, one sensor being set up to scan an environment or an interior of the vehicle. Example sensors include a camera, a radar sensor, and a LiDAR sensor. The processing device can recognize an object in the area surrounding the vehicle on the basis of the sensor data.

Furthermore, the processing device can control the vehicle as a function of a detected object. Longitudinal control can be by means of a drive motor or a braking system; transverse direction control can be performed by means of a steering system.

A sensor or an actuator can each be designed as a control device that is connected to the processing device by means of one of the data networks described herein. In one embodiment, a dedicated data network connected to the processing device is reserved for privileged or broadband communication, for example from a sensor or to an actuator. In a further embodiment, a dedicated data network is provided for communication with the other gateway.

A converter is optionally provided for supplying a control device with electrical energy and for exchanging data with the control device via separate connections. The converter is connected to the energy network and set up to exchange data between the control device and the energy network and to operate the control device using energy from the energy network. The converter can allow a classic control device with separate connections for data and energy to be connected to the PLC network.

The processing system preferably comprises at least one control unit which is connected to one of the data networks. A plurality of control units are usually provided, which are connected to the same or different data networks. The components described between the data networks can allow communication between control units on different data networks. A control unit preferably includes a processing device, an actuator, a sensor or a combination thereof. The control units are preferably supplied with electrical energy by means of the energy network designed as a PLC network. However, provision in other ways may also be supported.

The processing system can also include a feeder for providing electrical energy to the energy network. The feeder can take electrical energy, for example, from an on-board network of the vehicle, which can be supplied by a battery, an accumulator or a generator. The feeder can ensure that sufficient electrical energy is fed into the energy network and that, for example, a predetermined electrical voltage is maintained.

A circuit breaker is preferably also provided in order to separate the energy network from an energy source. In particular, the circuit breaker can be triggered, ie opened, if an electric current flowing through the energy network exceeds a predetermined value. The circuit breaker can also be opened if a voltage present in the energy network exceeds a predetermined value. In yet another embodiment, the circuit breaker may be opened upon request from a controller or processing device. In particular, this request can be transmitted as a PLC message on the energy network to the circuit breaker. The isolating switch can be designed as a control unit. In yet another embodiment, the circuit breaker can also be closed again in response to a corresponding request.

Multiple circuit breakers can be provided, which can be tripped individually or together. Each circuit breaker can protect its own PLC network or a pure energy network. The controller with the circuit breakers can be addressed from different data networks, so that a request to close a circuit breaker can originate from a network whose associated circuit breaker is closed.

A filter is also preferably provided, which is set up to isolate an energy source for the electrical energy from high-frequency oscillations on the energy network. In this way, a sensitive energy source such as an accumulator or load balancer for several accumulator cells can be prevented from being disturbed by signals originating from the PLC network.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehicle includes a processing system as described herein. The vehicle can in particular include a motor vehicle, preferably a motorcycle, a passenger car, a truck or a bus. The motor vehicle can be driven by an internal combustion engine and/or an electric machine.

• 1 ein Verarbeitungssystem an Bord eines Fahrzeugs;
• 2 ein PLC Gateway;
• 3 eine Verarbeitungseinrichtung;
• 4 eine Steuervorrichtung für PLC;
• 5 eine Steuervorrichtung ohne PLC; und
• 6 einen bidirektionalen PLC Konverter

darstellt.The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the attached figures, in which:

• 1 a processing system onboard a vehicle;
• 2 a PLC gateway;
• 3 a processing device;
• 4 a controller for PLC;
• 5 a non-PLC controller; and
• 6 a bidirectional PLC converter

represents.

1 shows a processing system 100 on board a vehicle 105. The processing system 100 is set up to control one or more functions on board the vehicle 105, for example a driving assistant, an entertainment system or an autonomous control of the vehicle 105.

The processing system 100 includes multiple networks identified by letters. U denotes an energy network, P a PLC network, C a CAN network, L a LIN network, E an Ethernet network and F a Fiber Channel network. Elements of processing system 100 bear corresponding designations on connections to the networks.

The networks C, E, F and L (in short: C to L) are exemplary data networks. Each of these data networks C to L can be implemented using any technology, and several separate data networks C to L can also be implemented using the same technology, for example two C networks each as CAN or three networks each as LIN. There can also be more or fewer than the data networks C to L shown.

A transmission medium for devices in a network C to L is usually chosen depending on the respective technology. For example, a CAN network C may require two twisted pairs, a LIN network L may require just one wire, while an Ethernet network E may require multiple twisted pairs and a Fiber Channel network F may require an optical fiber.

The networks U and P are set up to transmit electrical energy. The P network works in a similar way to a U network and can also transmit data by a transmitter varying an electrical voltage of the U network or a current flowing through the U network by a small amount and a receiver evaluating the variation. A simultaneous transmission of electrical energy is not disturbed by this. A conventional device that is not set up for PLC can be connected to the P network in order to be supplied with electrical energy, as a result of which preferably neither data traffic on the P network nor the supply of the device is impaired. A U network and a P network are compatible with each other, and a U network can be upgraded to a P network by connecting at least one device that can send and/or receive data via PLC.

Two conductors that are electrically insulated from one another are used as the medium for a U network, which can be implemented differently on different sections. For example, there can be a double line or a multiple line with several conductors on a section. The line can be shielded and several of the conductors can be twisted together. A single line and a device ground of the vehicle 105 can be used as a conductor on a further section. Instead of the device ground, a conductive element of the vehicle 105 can be used, for example a vehicle sheet metal, a ground strap, a drive motor or a machine part. Multiple P-networks onboard the vehicle 105 may be isolated from each other on one or both conductors.

The U network is fed from an energy source 110, which can include a battery, an accumulator or a generator, for example. A regulator is optionally provided in order to provide electrical energy with predetermined properties, for example with a predetermined voltage, a predetermined maximum current or with less than a predetermined residual ripple in a predetermined frequency range. The energy source 110 can be connected to the U network by means of a circuit breaker 115 . The circuit breaker 115 can connect or disconnect the energy source 110 to a branch of the energy network U, for example in the event of an electrical fault such as a detected overcurrent or overvoltage.

The processing system 100 includes a plurality of controllers 120, each preferably including a controller, a sensor, an actuator, or a combination thereof. Each control unit 120 is connected to at least one of the data networks A to L and to one of the energy networks U or P. One is preferred of the control units 120 as a processing device 125 which is preferably set up for high performance computing (HPC). The processing device 125 can perform a function that requires high processing power, a large communication bandwidth, low latency and/or high functional reliability. For example, processing device 125 can control vehicle 105 in the longitudinal and/or transverse direction as a function of information from other control units 120 .

A PLC gateway 130 connects the U network with the present two P networks. The P networks can be separated from one another electrically and/or in terms of data technology, or they can be connected to one another. In addition, the PLC gateway 130 can be connected to one or more data networks C-L. The gateway 130 may allow communication between the P network and a C-L network and/or communication between the C-L networks. In the present example, networks C, E and L, each of which only leads to the processing device 125, are connected to the PLC gateway 130. The processing device 125 is connected to the U network for power supply.

In order to enable communication between data networks C to L, a gateway 135 can be provided. The gateway 135 usually does not exchange data with the PLC network, but power can still be supplied via the P network. Alternatively, the gateway 135 can be powered via the E network. In the present case, the gateway 135 is set up to connect the C network and the L network to one another in terms of data technology. In addition, for example, an F network can be connected, which in the present case leads to the processing device 125 in a point-to-point connection.

In the illustrated embodiment, a first converter 140 is provided, which connects the gateway 135 to data of the P network. In this case, bidirectional communication is preferably possible. The converter 140 can be connected to the first converter 140 using any network technique. The converter 140 is preferably integrated into the gateway 135 or retrofitted thereto. If no other connection is available at the gateway 135, the first converter 140 can establish a connection to a data network which is connected to the gateway 135, ie the C network or the L network in the present example. The first converter 140 can expand the gateway 135 to such an extent that it exchanges data between the P network and another data network C to L like the PLC gateway. The gateways 130 and 135 can operate redundantly, so that if one of the gateways 130, 135 fails, data can still be converted between a data network C to L and the P network.

The three control devices 120 shown by way of example, which are connected to the L network, are preferably supplied with electrical energy via the P network. The same applies to two control units 120 connected to the C network.

To add a controller 120 to an existing processing system 100, a PLC-enabled controller 120 may be used. In the lower right area of 1 another control unit 145 is shown that has this option. The control unit 145 can be installed easily, since the control unit 145 only has to be connected to the P network and no dedicated connection to a data network C to L is required.

Another control unit 145 that does not support PLC communication can also be retrofitted. Such a further control unit 145 is in the lower left area of FIG 1 shown. In this case, a second converter 150 can be used, which is connected to the P network and the additional control unit 145 . The second converter preferably works bidirectionally and can couple data from and/or into the P network and convert it into data that can be exchanged with the additional control unit 145 using any network, in this case a C network, for example. The additional control device 145 can be connected to the U network or to the P network in order to be supplied with electrical energy. The second converter 150 preferably provides suitable electrical energy from the P network for the further control device 145 .

2 13 shows an exemplary PLC gateway 130. The PLC gateway 130 lies between a U network and a P network. A connection to the U network can be established using a filter 205 that is set up to filter out high-frequency voltages or currents in order to protect the energy source 110 . A cut-off frequency, above which voltages or currents in the direction of the energy source 110 are filtered out or at least attenuated to a predetermined extent, can be predetermined. In the embodiment shown, the PLC gateway 130 includes connections for two P networks, which can be separated from one another electrically and/or in terms of data technology.

A converter 210 is set up to receive data from the P network or into to send this. The data can come from a data network C to L or be fed into it. Optionally, communication between connected data networks C to L can also be made possible. In the example shown, a C network, an E network and an L network can be connected to the PLC gateway 130.

3 shows an exemplary processing device 125, which can be connected to other communication partners by means of one or more data networks C to L. Power is supplied via a U or P network. The processing device 125 usually does not communicate directly via the P network, but requires a gateway 130, 135 or a converter 150 for this.

4 14 shows an exemplary controller 145 configured for connection to a P network. For this purpose, the control device 145 includes a divider 405, which is set up to receive electrical energy, on which high-frequency data is superimposed or modulated, from the P network and to separate it from one another. The electrical energy separated from the data can be used to operate the control device 145 and the data can be provided to the control device 145 or to a processing device comprised by it. Feeding data into the P network is preferably also possible. The divider 405 can receive data from the control device 145 or the processing device and feed it into the P network. The splitter 405 may be available as an integrated off-the-shelf component or as an off-the-shelf assembly.

Optionally, the divider 405 can also be set up to feed electrical energy into a P network. A separate connection can be provided for this purpose, which can be connected to a U network.

5 Figure 14 shows an example controller 145 that does not directly support communication via PLC. A first connection is intended for the U network, but can also be connected to a P network. Data can be exchanged via a second port which can be connected to a data network C to L. By way of example, the control device 145 shown is set up for connection to a C network.

6 shows an exemplary bidirectional PLC converter 150. The converter 150 is set up for the preferably bidirectional conversion of data between a P network and a data network C to L, in the present case a C network. For this purpose, the converter 150 preferably includes a divider 405 in order to separate electrical energy and data from one another in one direction and to combine them in an opposite direction.

A first converter 140 can be constructed in substantially the same manner as the second converter 150 .

Reference List

100

processing system

105

vehicle

110

energy source

115

circuit breaker

120

control unit

125

processing facility

130

PLC Gateway

135

Gateway

140

first converter

145

another control unit

150

second converter

u

energy

P

PLC, Power Line Communication

C

CAN

L

LIN

E

ethernet

f

Fiber Channel

205

filter

405

divider

Claims (12)

Processing system (100) on board a vehicle (105), the processing system (100) comprising the following elements: a first data network (C, L, E, F) for the transmission of data from or to a connected control unit (120); an energy network (U, P) for providing electrical energy to a connected control device (120); a PLC gateway (130) for exchanging data between the energy network (U, P) and the first data network (C, L, E, F); wherein the PLC gateway (130) is set up to feed data that are modulated onto electrical energy in the energy network (U, P) into the data network (C, L, E, F); and to modulate data from the data network (C, L, E, F) into energy in the energy network (U, P). processing system (100). claim 1 , Further comprising a second data network (C, L, E, F), wherein the PLC gateway (130) is set up to exchange data between the energy network (U, P) and the second data network (C, L, E, F). . processing system (100). claim 2 , wherein the PLC gateway (130) is set up to exchange data between the first and the second data network (C, L, E, F). processing system (100). claim 3 , wherein a plurality of second data networks (C, L, E, F) are provided and the PLC gateway (130) is set up to exchange data between the data networks (C, L, E, F). Processing system (100) according to any one of claims 2 until 4 , a plurality of second data networks (C, L, E, F) are provided; further comprising a further gateway (135) which is set up to exchange data between the second data networks (C, L, E, F). processing system (100). claim 5 , further comprising a converter (140) connected to the power network (U, P); and which is connected to the further gateway (135) by means of a further data network (C, L, E, F), the converter (140) being set up to transfer data between the energy network (U, P) and the further data network (C , L, E, F) to be exchanged. A processing system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a processing device (125) connected to the PLC gateway (130) by means of a third data network (C, L, E, F); wherein the PLC gateway (130) is set up to exchange data between the third data network (C, L, E, F) and the energy network (U, P). A processing system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a converter (150) for supplying electrical energy to a controller (120) and for exchanging data with the controller (120) via separate connections; wherein the converter (150) is connected to the energy network (U, P) and set up to exchange data between the control device (120) and the energy network (U, P) and the control device (120) by means of energy from the energy network (U, P) to operate. A processing system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one controller (120) connected to one of the data networks (C, L, E, F). A processing system (100) as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a circuit breaker (115) is provided to isolate the power network (U, P) from a power source (110). Processing system (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a filter (205) is provided, which is arranged to isolate a power source (110) for the electrical energy from high-frequency oscillations on the power network (U, P). A vehicle (105) comprising a processing system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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