EP2633640A1

EP2633640A1 - Network and method for operating a network

Info

Publication number: EP2633640A1
Application number: EP11775743.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Martin Döring; Olaf Krieger; Andreas Titze; Henning Harbs
Original assignee: Volkswagen AG
Current assignee: Volkswagen AG
Priority date: 2010-10-27
Filing date: 2011-10-24
Publication date: 2013-09-04
Also published as: DE102010049835A1; WO2012055525A1; US20130229054A1; CN103201980B; CN103201980A; US9216706B2

Abstract

The invention relates to a network, in particular in a motor vehicle, wherein the network (1) comprises a central subscriber (2) and at least one first subscriber (3), wherein the central subscriber (2) and the at least one first subscriber (3) are connected via at least one first cable (7), wherein the central subscriber (2) comprises at least one signal coupling unit and at least one energy coupling unit (14), wherein by means of the signal coupling unit an AC voltage can be impressed on at least one first line (21) of the first cable (7) or can be tapped therefrom, wherein by means of the energy coupling unit (14) a first DC voltage having a first predetermined voltage level can be impressed on the first line (21) of the first cable (7) and a further DC voltage having a further predetermined voltage level can be impressed on a second line (22) of the first cable (7), wherein the at least one first subscriber (3) comprises at least one signal coupling unit and at least one energy coupling unit (15), wherein by means of the signal coupling unit an AC voltage can be tapped from the at least one first line (21) of the first cable (7) or can be impressed thereon, wherein by means of the energy coupling unit (15) the first DC voltage can be tapped from the first line (21) of the first cable (7) and the further DC voltage can be tapped from the second line (21) of the first cable (7), wherein the first DC voltage is a first operating voltage of the first subscriber (3) or can be transformed into the first operating voltage of the first subscriber (3), wherein the first operating voltage can be applied to at least one first input (23) of the first subscriber (3), wherein the further DC voltage is a further operating voltage of the first subscriber (3) or can be transformed into the further operating voltage, wherein the further operating voltage can be applied to the first input (23) or to a further input (26, 27, 35) of the first subscriber (3), wherein the first predetermined voltage level of the first DC voltage is different from the further predetermined voltage level of the further DC voltage. The invention further relates to a method for operating a network.

Description

description

Network and method for operating a network

The invention relates to a network and a method for operating a network.

Control units in motor vehicles can be connected via various bus systems, such as e.g. CAN, MOST, FlexRay or LIN bus systems. The bus systems mentioned differ in their properties, such as e.g. a data rate of data to be transmitted, plug and cable types, number of connectable to the bus control units, maximum allowable cable length, etc. A power supply of the control units can be made from an electrical system, usually via so-called terminals. Here you can

Control units can only be supplied with energy when needed or constantly from a vehicle electrical system.

In the case of continuously supplied control units, the problem arises that such control units constantly load the energy stores in the motor vehicle, in particular the vehicle electrical system battery, which can lead to a complete emptying of the vehicle electrical system battery. Therefore, methods for network management have been developed by which controllers can be put into an off state or a sleep state when needed, from which they can then be woken up. By switching off or putting in a sleep state energy consumption of the control units can be reduced, which leads to a discharge of the electrical system battery.

With the aim of further energy savings, methods are currently being developed for operating networks in a so-called subnetwork operation. In this case, it should be possible to selectively switch on and off selected control units even during a driving operation of the motor vehicle and thus to let communicate with one another only when necessary. To implement such a subnetwork, however, an integration of complex logic in the transceiver modules and control units of the respective bus system is necessary. Furthermore, a suitable control for coordinating the network state is necessary. This increases the already high system complexity and justifies an increased error potential.

In contrast to CAN, FlexRay and LIN bus systems, Ethernet allows DC-free communication. In case of Ethernet realized bus systems can thus a

Communication signal, usually an AC signal, can be modulated to a DC voltage without fear of sacrificing quality of communication are. DE 10 2008 030 222 A1 discloses a control unit for communication with a differential bus system, wherein the control unit comprises a coupling unit for feeding and / or for detecting a signal, wherein the coupling unit has a common potential with another connected to the bus system Unit uses.

If control units from a vehicle electrical system are supplied with energy, then there may be a need to transform a voltage level of the vehicle electrical system voltage to a voltage level of an operating voltage of the respective control unit. For such a transformation, i.a. so-called switching regulators and so-called series regulators can be used. At a

Switching regulator, an input voltage of the switching regulator is periodically switched on or off and given to a memory element. Depending on the ratio of on and off time is at the output of the switching regulator or the memory element a specific

Average voltage. Advantageous in this case are a low power loss, but disadvantageous a high Schaltungsaufwänd and EMC interference due to the fast switching operations.

In contrast, series regulators offer the advantage of a low-noise

Output voltage, but have a worse due to higher heat loss

Efficiency as a switching regulator. However, there is the problem that when supplying the control units from a vehicle electrical system each control unit must be assigned to at least one of the previously described controller.

The technical problem is to provide a network and a method for operating a network, which ensures a reduction of network elements, in particular elements for wiring, and a simple and secure and

energy-saving subnetwork operation allowed.

The solution of the technical problem results from the objects with the features of the independent claims 1 and 10. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

Proposed is a network, in particular a network in a motor vehicle. The network here is preferably a DC-free network, in particular an Ethernet network.

The network comprises a central participant and at least a first participant. In this case, the central subscriber can be a central control unit, in particular a so-called gateway. The first subscriber may be a peripheral controller. Of course, the network may include other participants in addition to the first participant. Of the central participants and the at least one first participant are connected via at least a first cable. Analogously, further subscribers can be connected to the central subscriber via additional cables in each case. Overall, this results in a so-called

Star topology of the network according to the invention.

The central subscriber comprises at least one signal coupling unit and at least one power coupling unit. By means of the signal coupling unit is an AC voltage aufprägbar on at least a first line of the first cable or tapped from this. The AC voltage serves to transmit data for communication between the central subscriber and the first subscriber. Communication is possible bidirectionally. When sending data characterizes e.g. the central subscriber has a corresponding AC voltage on the at least first line of the first cable. When receiving data, the central subscriber accesses the corresponding AC voltage from the at least first line of the first cable.

By means of the energy coupling unit, a DC voltage with a predetermined first voltage level can be impressed onto the first line of the first cable. The AC voltage and the DC voltage can therefore be impressed simultaneously on the first line of the first cable. It is therefore possible to modulate the AC voltage to the DC voltage. By means of the power coupling unit can further DC voltage with a

predetermined further voltage level on a second line of the first cable be imprinted. The first cable. So here includes two lines and can be performed for example as a double cable.

The at least one first subscriber also comprises a signal coupling unit and at least one energy coupling unit. By means of the signal coupling unit is a

AC voltage from the at least first line of the first cable tapped or aufprägbar on this. In this case, the signal coupling unit is used for bidirectional communication with the central subscriber by means of a signal impressed on the first line

AC voltage. By means of the energy coupling unit of the first subscriber, the first DC voltage which can be impressed on the first line of the first cable by the central subscriber can be tapped off from the at least first line of the first cable. Further, by means of the energy coupling unit of the first subscriber, the further DC voltage which can be impressed by the central subscriber on the second line of the first cable can be tapped off from the second line of the first cable.

According to the invention, the first DC voltage is a first operating voltage of the first

Participant or, for example by means of a voltage transformer, the part of Energy coupling unit of the first subscriber can be transformed into the first operating voltage of the first subscriber. Furthermore, the first operating voltage can be applied to at least one first input of the first subscriber.

The first DC voltage is in this case a first operating voltage of the first subscriber or in such a transformable. It thus corresponds to one for operating the subscriber, e.g. a control unit, necessary supply voltage, such as a

Supply voltage of 5 V.

Further according to the invention, the further DC voltage is a further operating voltage of the first subscriber or, e.g. by means of a voltage transformer, the element of

Energy coupling unit of the first subscriber can be transformed into the further operating voltage. The further operating voltage can likewise be applied to the first or a further input of the first subscriber. The first predetermined voltage level of the first DC voltage is different here from the further predetermined voltage level of the further DC voltage.

The first participant may have several inputs to which voltages with different voltage levels can be applied or which require voltages with different levels. For example, the first operating voltage can be used to supply a microcontroller of the first subscriber. The others

Operating voltage can serve a voltage supply of storage units of the first subscriber.

It is essential that the over the first. Line a DC voltage with the first one

predetermined voltage level from the central participant to the first participant and the second line a DC voltage with the other predetermined _.

Voltage level is transferable, the two voltage levels are different.

The further operating voltage is thus only then able to be applied to the first input of the first subscriber, if the further predetermined voltage level of the other

DC voltage, for example by means of a voltage transformer, the part of

Energy coupling unit of the first subscriber may be, is transformed to the first predetermined voltage level, ie the voltage level of the other

Operating voltage is equal to the voltage level of the first operating voltage. In this scenario, it advantageously results that DC voltages with different voltage levels can be transmitted on both lines. This results in an increase in the line cross-section, which advantageously a higher power from central participant to the first participant, in particular to the first input of the first participant, can be transmitted.

Preferably, however, the voltage level of the further operating voltage is different from the voltage level of the first operating voltage, wherein the further

Operating voltage in this scenario can be applied to another input of the first participant. For example, the first DC voltage may be the first operating voltage and directly, so without intermediate voltage converter, be applied to the first input of the first subscriber and the other DC voltage further

Be operating voltage and directly, ie without intermediate voltage converter, be applied to a further input of the first subscriber This results in an advantageous manner that the first line of the first cable to power the first input of the first subscriber, for example, to power a microcontroller of the first subscriber , can be used, wherein the second line for supplying power to the second input of the first subscriber, for example, to the power supply of

Storage units of the first subscriber, can be used.

In a switched-on or awake state of the first subscriber energy is supplied to the supply of the first subscriber via the same line, via which also takes place a transmission of AC signals for communication or data transmission between the participants. Thus, the first participant advantageously no longer needs to be connected to a vehicle electrical system or be connected to this for energy supply. This results in a further advantageous manner that switching elements for electrical connection of the first subscriber to the electrical system, in particular elements for wiring, can be omitted. In particular, if the central subscriber is connected to other subscribers in addition to the first subscriber, a central energy supply for the first and the further subscribers can be provided by the central subscriber. As a result, switching elements for the electrical connection of the first and the further subscribers with the vehicle electrical system can advantageously be saved for the first and all other subscribers.

In another embodiment, one voltage level corresponds to the other

Gleichspannung a Massepotentiai, the other DC voltage to a

Ground input of the first participant can be applied. This results in an advantageous manner that the first participant does not have to be connected to a vehicle ground connection, since a corresponding ground potential is provided by means of the second line of the first cable from the central participant available. Thus, a complex Wiring of the first subscriber to be avoided with a vehicle or on-board electrical ground connection.

Also, the central subscriber can be connected to the first subscriber via a predetermined number of lines, wherein by means of the power coupling unit of the central subscriber to at least one line of the predetermined number of lines a DC voltage can be imposed, the voltage level corresponds to an acse potential, wherein by means of the energy coupling unit of first subscriber this DC voltage from the at least one line of the predetermined number of lines can be tapped and applied to a ground input of the first participant. The remaining lines of the predetermined number of lines serve to transmit at least two DC voltages with different voltage levels.

For example, e.g. conceivable that the central participant and the first participant are electrically connected via two pairs, ie four lines. In this case, one, ie a total of three, DC voltages can be impressed on three lines by means of the energy coupling unit of the central participant and tapped by the energy coupling unit of the first participant, wherein at least two of the three, but preferably all three DC voltages have different voltage levels. On the fourth, remaining line by means of the power coupling unit of the central participant a DC voltage aufprägbar whose voltage level corresponds to a ground potential, by means of the power coupling unit of the first subscriber this DC voltage from the fourth line can be tapped and applied to a ground input of the first participant.

In a further embodiment, the energy coupling unit of the first

Participant at least one voltage converter, wherein by means of the at least one voltage converter, the first or the further operating voltage is variable in its voltage level. The changed in their voltage level first operating voltage can be applied to at least one other input of the first participant. If the first participant comprises e.g. a first input for powering a microcontroller and a second input for supplying memory units, so can by means of the

Voltage transformer, e.g. the first of the first cable of the first cable

Operating voltage tapped DC voltage can be transformed so that it can be applied to the second input, whereby energy for supplying the memory units can also be transmitted via the first line of the first cable. Of course, the energy coupling unit of the first subscriber may comprise further voltage transformers, by means of which the first operating voltage can be transformed to a voltage level of further inputs of the first subscriber. Analogously, the changed in their voltage level second operating voltage to the first or at least one further input of the first participant can be applied.

In a further embodiment, the first subscriber comprises a signaling unit or is assigned to the first subscriber a signaling unit, wherein by means of the signaling unit in a switched-off or sleeping state of the first

Participant a demand signal is generated. The demand signal is from the

Signaling unit to the central subscriber via at least one connecting the first and the central subscriber line transferable. For example, the demand signal can be transferable via the first and / or the second line and / or a further line connecting the first and the central subscriber.

A sleep state (sleep mode) denotes an energy-saving state of the first participant. In this case, a power supply of the first subscriber takes place in such a way that, when awakened, he is put out of the sleep state into an operating state which is the same as the operating state which the first subscriber had when activating this sleep state. This forms the essential difference to the disconnected state of the subscriber. When switched off from the off state, the first participant in a

Initial state offset, which usually does not correspond to the operating state in which the first participant was turned off. Also, an energy requirement of the first subscriber in the off state is lower than in the sleep state.

The demand signal serves for signaling a communication requirement of the first party. In. a switched-off state or sleep state thus reduces the energy consumption of the first participant in comparison with an operating or

Communication state, but there can be no communication between the central participant and the first participant. If a communication requirement of the first subscriber occurs in such a state, the first subscriber must be woken up from the switched-off or sleep state. In accordance with the present invention, waking may also be initiated upon signaling of a need for communication by the first party. This so-called backward awakening advantageously allows a simple operation of the network, which is inexpensive from a control logic, in the so-called subnetwork mode. The term backward awakening here comprises the awakening or switching on signaling a need for communication of the first participant.

For example _, a demand signal may be generated if a communication need of the first participant is detected. For example, a communication requirement of the first subscriber can be made by evaluating signals from a sensor which is assigned directly to the first subscriber. A direct association can be understood, for example, as meaning that the sensor is physically connected to an input interface of at least the first subscriber, for example via at least one line. In this case, the sensor can be connected directly to the input interface of at least the first subscriber, ie that signals of the sensor directly to the first participant and not via other participants in the first. Subscriber, such as in a bus system to be transmitted. Also, the sensor may be hardwired to the first party. It can also be understood by a direct association that the sensor is physically connected exclusively to the first subscriber, for example via at least one line.

In this case, the sensor can also be a control element which can be operated manually, e.g. by a motor vehicle driver, is operable. For example, the sensor may be an operating element of an electric window, wherein the operating element is physically connected to a control unit of the servomotor for adjusting the window pane. The control unit of the servomotor is in this case the first participant according to the invention. Operates e.g. one

Motor vehicle driver the control element, so is a need for communication of the first

Participant detected and thus generates a demand signal. ,

From the evaluation of signals of the first participant directly

associated sensor generated generating a demand signal can be realized in an advantageous manner independent of a central logic backward awakening. In particular, the sensor no longer has to be connected to a central control unit, for example the central one

Participants physically, for example via lines, be connected to a

Communication needs detected and the first participant can be woken up.

In a further embodiment, the demand signal is detectable by means of the central subscriber, wherein by means of the power coupling unit of the central subscriber, the first DC voltage on the first line of the first cable and the further DC voltage on the second line of the first cable can be imprinted, if the demand signal is detected. By impressing the first DC voltage, the first subscriber is turned on from a turned-off state or woken up from a sleep state. In a further advantageous manner, this results in that the first participant is only then supplied with the first operating voltage from the central participant, that is turned on or woken up, if the central participant detects the demand signal. Of course, by means of the energy coupling unit of the central participant and other DC voltages on a predetermined number of lines that connect the central and the first participant can be aufprägbar, at least two of the impressed DC voltages have different voltage levels, if the demand signal is detected. In particular, can be impressed on at least one line of the predetermined number of lines a DC voltage whose voltage level a

Ground potential corresponds, if the demand signal is detected.

In a further embodiment, a demand voltage with a predetermined voltage level can be generated by means of the signaling unit as a demand signal, wherein by means of the

Energy coupling unit of the first participant the demand voltage on at least one of the first and the central participant connecting line can be impressed. In particular, the demand voltage may be a DC voltage. This results in an advantageous manner that the demand signal can be transmitted via existing elements for electrical connection between the central subscriber and the first subscriber.

In a further embodiment, by means of the energy coupling unit of the central participant the demand voltage can be tapped from the first line and to a

Detection input of the central participant can be applied. By means of an evaluation unit of the central participant is evaluated whether the voltage applied to the detection input voltage exceeds a predetermined voltage level. Further, by means of the power coupling unit of the central subscriber, the first DC voltage to the first line of the first cable and the further DC voltage to the second line of the first cable aufprägbar if the voltage applied to the detection input voltage exceeds the predetermined voltage level. This advantageously results in an easy-to-implement mode of operation of the previously described reverse awakening. In particular, by comparison of the transmitted demand voltage with a predetermined voltage level can be a no-voltage independent wake-up or turn on realize.

In a preferred embodiment, a level of the required voltage is less than a level of the first operating voltage of the first subscriber and / or an operating voltage of the central subscriber. Is e.g. a level of the first operating voltage of the first

Subscriber 5 V, so may be a level of the required voltage, for example, 2 volts. If a level of the required voltage is lower than a level of an operating voltage of the central subscriber, the required voltage can not be used to wake up or switch on the central subscriber and in particular not to supply power to the central subscriber

Serve the participant. In this case, therefore, the central participant is not using the

Demand voltage or one transmitted from the first participant to the central participant DC voltage can be supplied with energy. Also, a level of the required voltage may be smaller than the levels of all the operating voltages of the first subscriber. This results in an advantageous manner that little energy for signaling a communication needs to be transmitted from the first participant to the central participant, whereby the backward awakening is designed to save energy.

In a further embodiment, the signaling unit of the first subscriber comprises at least one switching unit. The signaling unit can be connected to a voltage source by means of the switching unit. The voltage source can be a battery or a

Accumulator whose output voltage is the level of. Demand voltage has. The signaling unit may additionally comprise at least one voltage converter, wherein the voltage converter can be connected to the voltage source by means of the switching unit. In this case, an output voltage of the voltage source may be higher or lower than the level of the required voltage. In this case, the bulking source may be e.g. be the electrical system or the electrical system battery. By means of the voltage converter is a level of the output voltage of the voltage source to the level of the required voltage convertible. The demand voltage is then applied to at least the first line of the first cable when the switching unit establishes an electrical connection between the Signaling unit and the voltage source. The switching unit can in this case be controlled by means of a control unit, wherein the control unit comprises e.g. Evaluates signals of a sensor that is assigned directly to the first participant. Also, the switching unit may be directly connected to the sensor, which is assigned directly to the first participant. This results in an advantageous manner that a demand signal regardless of a state of the first subscriber, in particular independent of an off state or a sleep state of the first

Participant can be transmitted to the central participant.

The leads of the first and possibly further cables serve mainly one

Communication between the central participant and the first participant. At the

Imprinting the first and second DC voltage from the central subscriber on the first and second line of the first cable, it should be noted that the applied operating voltage is to be selected depending on a DC resistance, a length and a current flow through the first and second line. In particular, a first and further direct voltage impressed by the central participant should be chosen such that a

Voltage drop across the first and second line is taken into account.

The voltage converter can be a previously explained longitudinal regulator.

In particular, by means of the voltage converter, in particular the longitudinal regulator, the The first line of the first cable tapped DC voltage can be lowered in their voltage level.

Further proposed is a method for operating a network, in particular in a motor vehicle. The network is in this case designed according to the previously described embodiments of the network.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to several embodiments. The figures show:

1 is a schematic overview of a network according to the invention,

2 is a schematic representation of a central participant,

3 is a schematic representation of a first participant,

4 is a schematic representation of a central and a first participant,

Fig. 5 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a first

oPERATOR

Fig. 6 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a first

oPERATOR

Fig. 7 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a first

Participant and

Fig. 8 is a schematic representation of another embodiment of a

Participant.

Hereinafter, like reference numerals designate elements having the same or similar technical characteristics.

In Fig. 1, an inventive network 1 is shown. The network 1 according to the invention comprises a central subscriber 2, which can also be referred to as a gateway. Furthermore, the network 1 comprises a first subscriber 3, a second subscriber 4, a third subscriber 5 and a fourth subscriber 6. The central subscriber 2 is connected to the first subscriber 3 via a first cable 7. Analogously, the central participant 2 with the participants 4, 5, 6 via a second cable 8, a third cable 9 and a fourth cable 10th connected. The central participant 2 thus serves as a star point in a so-called

Star topology. The central subscriber 2 comprises a microcontroller 1 1 with a so-called MAC unit (Media Access Control Unit) 12. Furthermore, the central subscriber 2 comprises an Ethernet switch 13 and for each to the central subscriber 2

connected further participants 3, 4, 5, 6 an energy coupling unit 14, which is designed as a DC voltage coupler.

A structure of a further subscriber 3, 4, 5, 6 is explained by way of example in the structure of the first subscriber 3. The first subscriber 3 likewise comprises an energy coupling unit 15, which is likewise designed as a DC voltage coupler. Next includes the first

Subscriber 3 has a microcontroller 16 with an internal MAC unit 17, to which a physical layer 18 of the network, ie the Ethernet, is connected. Furthermore, the first subscriber 3 comprises a control unit periphery 19 for executing predetermined ones

Applications. The MAC unit 17 of the first subscriber 3 contained in the microcontroller 16 regulates an Ethernet communication with the central subscriber 2.

The Ethernet switch 13 of the central user 2 converts in the transmission direction digital signals of the MAC unit 12 in analog transmission signals and distributes them in a so-called point-to-point communication to the respective communication branches, which are used as cable 7, 8, 9, 10 are shown. In the subscribers 3, 4, 5, 6, the physical layer 18 digitizes these analog signals again. In the microcontroller 1 1 of the central participant 2 are

Network information available. From this it is possible to derive a need for communication with regard to the further subscribers 3, 4, 5, 6. On the basis of this network information, the further subscribers 3, 4, 5, 6 can be selectively switched on or off as required. This switching on or off is done by turning on or off one by means of

Power coupling units 14 on the lines 21, 22 (see, for example, Fig. 4) of the cables 7, 8, 9, 10 to be coupled DC voltage.

On the lines 21, 22 of the cables 7, 8, 9, 10 are in the on state of the other participants 3, 4, 5, 6 DC voltages with different voltage levels, which are superimposed by the Ethernet communication, impressed. In the receiver, for example the first subscriber 3, the DC voltages are separated from the communication signal in the power coupling unit 15. The DC voltages serve to supply power to the microcontroller 16, the communication signal (Ethernet signal) being supplied to the MAC unit 17. If required, the microcontroller 16 can switch on the control unit periphery 19 and thus operate, for example, the input / output interface (IO interface) of the first user 3. The power coupling units 14 in this case couple a first DC voltage having a first predetermined voltage level to the first line 21 and a second DC voltage having a second predetermined voltage level to the second line 22 of the cables 7, 8, 9, 10 which are supplied from a central voltage source 20 Is made available. The impressed DC voltages serve as the first and second operating voltage of the other

Participants 3, 4, 5, 6. Here it is shown that the first participant 3 a first

Operating voltage of 5 V, a second operating voltage of 3.3 V and a third operating voltage of 1.6 V required. The second subscriber 4 requires a first operating voltage of 5 V and a second operating voltage of 3.3 V. The third subscriber 5 requires a first operating voltage of 5 V and a second operating voltage of 1.6 V. The fourth participant 6 requires a first

Operating voltage in the amount of 3.3 V and a second operating voltage in the amount of 1, 6 V. Here, the power coupling units 14 of the central subscriber and / or the power coupling units 15 of the other participants 3, 4, 5, 6 comprise voltage transformers, by means of from the central voltage source 20 provided voltage to the required operating voltages of the other participants 3, 4, 5, 6 is adjustable.

If no DC voltage is impressed on the lines 21, 22 of the cables 7, 8, 9, 10, the control device periphery 19 is also completely switched off. A quiescent current can be 0 A in this case. Such network management is thus very beneficial

energy-efficient. Here is a central logic of network management in the central

Participants integrated, which advantageously a complexity of

Network management is reduced and a robustness of the network is increased. Since the combination of active and disconnected further participants 3, 4, 5, 6 is arbitrary, thus can be realized in an advantageous manner any subnetwork operation.

In Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a central participant 2 is shown. Here, in particular, the impressing of an alternating voltage and a first and second

DC voltage through the central subscriber 2 to a first line and a second line 21, 22 of a first cable 7 (see Fig. 1). A signal coupling unit of the central subscriber 2 in this case comprises a first capacitance C1, a second capacitance C2, a first inductance L1 and a second inductance L2. Here, the first capacitance C1 and the first inductance L1 are arranged in the first line 21 of the first cable 7. Furthermore, the second capacitance C2 and the second inductance L2 are arranged in a second line 22 of the first cable 7. By means of the microcontroller 11 and the MAC unit 12, not shown in FIG. 2, and Ethernet switches 13, an AC voltage can be impressed on the first and second lines 21, 22. Here, the capacitors C1, C2 serve a decoupling of the central

Participant 2 of a aufzuprДenden to the first line 21 DC voltage. The Inductors L1, L2 serve as common-mode choke (common-mode choke). This common mode choke has several equal but bifilar wound windings, which are in opposite directions flowed through by a working current. Their magnetic fields at the core of the

Common mode choke cancel each other out. The common mode choke serves to dampen spurious emissions (EMI). The energy coupling unit 14 of the central subscriber 2 comprises an inductance L3 and an inductance L9, wherein a first DC voltage, for example 5 V, is applied to the first line 21 via the inductance L3, which serves to block high frequencies of the communication voltage serving AC can. FIG. 2 shows that the first DC voltage is provided by the central voltage source 20. Via the inductance L9, which likewise serves to block high frequencies of the AC voltage used for the communication, a second DC voltage, for example 3.3 V, can be applied to the second line 22. FIG. 2 shows that the second DC voltage is provided by a further central voltage source 38.

In Fig. 3, a first participant 3 is shown schematically. This includes a

Signal coupling unit of the first subscriber 3 analogous to the signal coupling unit of the central subscriber 2, a first capacitor C3 and a second capacitor CA of

Furthermore, this signal coupling unit comprises a first inductor L4 and a second inductor L5 of the signal coupling unit of the first subscriber 3. The capacitors C3, C4 and the inductors L4, L5 in this case have the same functionality as the previously explained capacitors C1, C2 and inductors L1, L2 of the signal coupling unit of a central station 2. An energy coupling unit 15 of the first subscriber 3 includes i.a. a coil L6, over which a first

DC voltage is tapped from the first line 21. Here, it is shown that the thus tapped first DC voltage is applied to a first input 23 of the first subscriber 3, that is, corresponds to a first operating voltage of the first subscriber 3.

Further, the power coupling unit 15 comprises a first series regulator 24 and a second series regulator 25. About the first series regulator 24 is impressed on the first line 21 first DC voltage, which also corresponds to the first operating voltage to a

Voltage level of 3.3 V and converted to a second input 26 of the first

Participant 3 created. By means of the second series regulator 25, a voltage level of the impressed on the first line 21 first DC voltage of 5 V is transformed to a voltage level of 1, 3 V and applied to a third input 27 of the first subscriber.

Thus, three inputs of the first subscriber 3 can be supplied with a matched operating voltage by means of the DC voltage transmitted via the first line 21. In Fig. 3 it is shown that on a second line 22 of the first cable 7, a second

DC voltage with a voltage level of 0 V is impressed. FIG. 4 shows a schematic interconnection of a central subscriber 2 and a first subscriber 3, a so-called reverse awakening being explained with reference to the circuit shown in FIG. The central subscriber 2 has a detection input 28. By means of the detection input is impressed on a first line 21

Tension can be tapped. Next, the central station 2 has a switching output 29. By means of the switching output 29, a switch 30 is switchable, which has a central voltage source 20 with a first line 21 via an inductance L3 and another central

Voltage source 38 connects to a second line 22 via an inductor L9. The first subscriber 3 is in this case constructed as shown in Fig. 6. Next has a

Signaling unit of the first participant 3, a voltage converter 31 and a diode 32 on. Furthermore, the signaling unit has a switch 33. By means of the switch 33, the voltage converter 31 with an electrical system 34 is electrically connected. Of the

Voltage transformer 31 in this case transforms the level of a vehicle electrical system voltage in the amount of e.g. 12V to a lower level, e.g. 2.7V. Above diode 32, in addition, a so-called forward bias of diode 32 of a predetermined magnitude, e.g. 0.7V, from. If the switch 33 is closed, then the first line 21 is connected to the vehicle electrical system via the inductance L6, the diode 32, the voltage converter 31 and the switch 33. By the

Voltage converter 31 and the diode 32, the level of the vehicle electrical system voltage to a level of a required voltage, e.g. 2 V, transformed down. The demand voltage of 2 V is then impressed on the first line 21. The required voltage serves as

Demand signal, wherein by means of the demand signal in a disconnected or dormant state of the first subscriber 3, a need for communication to the central subscriber 2 is transferable. In a sleeping or off state of the first subscriber 3, the switch 30 is opened, i. on the first line 21 no operating voltage for the first participant 3 is impressed. Thus, there is no voltage on the first line 21

impressed. When the switch 33 of the signaling unit of the first subscriber 3 is closed, the demand voltage having the predetermined voltage level is impressed on the first line 21. By means of the detection input 28 of the central subscriber 2, this required voltage is tapped off via the inductance L3 from the first line 21. By means of a not shown unit of value, which is e.g. can be integrated into the microcontroller 11 of the central subscriber 1, it is evaluated whether the voltage applied to the detection input 28 voltage exceeds a predetermined voltage level, in particular the predetermined voltage level of the required voltage. If the voltage applied to the detection input 28 exceeds the predetermined voltage level, then the switch 30 is controlled by means of the switching output 29 so that it is closed and the central voltage source 20 is coupled to the first participant 3 via the inductance L3. As a result, a first DC voltage with a voltage level of

For example, 5 V on the first line 21 and a second DC voltage with a Voltage level of, for example, 3.3 V impressed on the second line 22 and the first subscriber 3 supplied with a first operating voltage and a second operating voltage. At the same time, the switch 33 can be opened again.

In Fig. 5 is a schematic block diagram of the power supply of a first

Subscriber 3 by means of a first and a second line 21, 22 of a first cable 7 (see Fig. 1). Here, the first participant 3 is constructed as shown in Fig. 3. In addition, however, the first input 23 of the first subscriber 3 and the first and the second longitudinal exciter 24, 25 via an inductor L7 and another longitudinal regulator with the second line 22 of the first cable 7 is electrically connected. On the second line 22, a second DC voltage of 3.3 V can be impressed by means of an energy coupling unit 14 of a central subscriber 2 (see FIG. 1), which by means of the other

Longitudinal regulator 37 is transformed to a voltage level of the first operating voltage (5 V). This results in an advantageous manner an increase in the conductor cross-section, since a current to the power supply of the first subscriber 3 can flow in addition to the first line 21 via the second line 22 to the first participant 3.

FIG. 6 shows a voltage supply of a first input of a first subscriber 3 via a first line 21 and a voltage supply of a second and a third input 26, 27 with a lower voltage level by means of a second line 22. Here it is shown that e.g. by means of the power coupling unit 14 of a central subscriber 2 (see Fig. 1) a first DC voltage e.g. is impressed on the first line 21 in the amount of 5 V, wherein the first DC voltage of a first

Operating voltage of the first participant 3 corresponds. This is tapped off via an inductance L6 from the first line 21 and applied to a first input 23 of the first subscriber 3. By means of the energy coupling unit 14 or another

Energy coupling unit of the central subscriber 2, a second DC voltage, which is lower than the first DC voltage, impressed on the second line 22. This is picked off via an inductance L7 from the second line 22 and applied to a second input 26 of the first subscriber. Thus, the second DC voltage corresponds to a second operating voltage of the first subscriber 3. By means of a series regulator 36, the tapped from the second line 22 second operating voltage can be transformed to a lower voltage compared to this second operating voltage level and to a third input 27 of the first subscriber. 3 be created.

In Fig. 7 is shown in contrast to Fig. 6, that of the first line 21st

tapped first operating voltage in the amount of 5 V, first, to the first input 23 of the first subscriber 3 and a first longitudinal regulator 24 to a second input 26 of first participant 3 is created. A second DC voltage which is lower in comparison with the first DC voltage, which corresponds to the first operating voltage, for example in the amount of 1.3 V, is impressed on the second line 22 of the first cable 7 illustrated in FIG. By means of an inductance L7 this is tapped from the second line 22 and applied to a third input 27 of the first participant 3. Advantageously, the tapped from the second line 22 second DC voltage, which corresponds to a second operating voltage serves as a maintenance voltage for registers or memory states. Thus one can in one

Embodiment of Fig. 7 in an advantageous manner, the operating voltage for the first and the second input 23, 26 of the first subscriber 3 off and provide only the second line 22, the second operating voltage. Thus, the information stored in the processors or memory can be preserved. This can also be referred to as a so-called freeze state. In such a case, the first subscriber 3 can be quickly put back into its previous state (state when switching off or falling asleep) when connecting the first DC voltage in the amount of 5 V. A time-consuming booting or initializing could thus be omitted.

In contrast to FIGS. 6 and 7, FIG. 8 shows that via a first line 21 a first DC voltage of 5 V and on a second line 22 a second one

DC voltage in the amount of 0 V is impressed. In this case, the second line 22 has a ground potential, in particular a potential of a vehicle ground. Via an inductance L8, this ground potential can be tapped off from the second line 22 and applied to a ground input 35 of a first subscriber 3. This can advantageously a first

Participants 3 are operated without separate connection to a vehicle ground.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

network

central participant

first participant

second participant

third participant

fourth participant

first cable

second cable

third cable

fourth cable

microcontroller

MAC unit

Ethernet switch

Energy coupling unit

microcontroller

MAC unit

physical layer

ECU periphery

central supply voltage

first line

second line

first entrance

first longitudinal regulator

second longitudinal regulator

second entrance

third entrance

detection input

switching output

switch

DC converter

diode

switch

Board supply voltage

ground input

linear regulators 37 longitudinal regulator

38 more central voltage source C1 first capacity

C2 second capacity

C3 first capacity

C4 second capacity

L1 first inductance

L2 second inductance

L3 inductance

L4 first inductance

L5 second inductance

L6 inductance

L7 inductance

L8 inductance

L9 inductance

Claims

claims

1) network, in particular in a motor vehicle, wherein the network (1) a

central participant (2) and at least one first participant (3), wherein the central participant (2) and the at least one first participant (3) via at least a first cable (7) are connected, wherein the central participant (2) at least a signal coupling unit and at least one energy coupling unit (14), wherein by means of the signal coupling unit an AC voltage on at least a first line (21) of the first cable (7) aufprägbar or from this can be tapped, wherein by means of the energy coupling unit (14) has a first

DC voltage with a first predetermined voltage level on the first line (21) of the first cable (7) and a further DC voltage with a further predetermined voltage level on a second line (22) of the first cable (7) can be imprinted, wherein the at least first participant ( 3) at least one

Signal coupling unit and at least one energy coupling unit (15), wherein by means of the signal coupling unit, an AC voltage from the at least first line (21) of the first cable (7) can be tapped or impaled on this, wherein by means of the energy coupling unit (15) the first DC voltage from the first Line (21) of the first cable (7) and the further DC voltage from the second line (21) of the first cable (7) can be tapped off,

characterized in that

the first DC voltage is a first operating voltage of the first subscriber (3). or in the first operating voltage of the first subscriber (3) is transformable, wherein the first operating voltage to at least one first input (23) of the first subscriber (3) can be applied, wherein the further DC voltage another

Operating voltage of the first subscriber (3) or in the further operating voltage is transformable, wherein the further operating voltage to the first input (23) or another input (26, 27, 35) of the first subscriber (3) can be applied, wherein the first predetermined voltage level of the first DC voltage is different from the further predetermined voltage level of the further DC voltage.

2) Network according to claim 1, characterized in that a voltage level of the further DC voltage corresponds to a ground potential, wherein the further

DC voltage to a ground input (35) of the first participant (3) can be applied.

3) Network according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the energy coupling unit (15) of the first subscriber (3) at least one

Voltage converter (24, 25), wherein by means of at least one Voltage converter (24, 25) the first or the further operating voltage in its voltage level is variable, wherein the voltage level changed in the first operating voltage to another input (26, 27) of the first subscriber (3) can be applied, wherein the changed in their voltage level further operating voltage to the first input (23) or to a further input (26, 27) of the first

Participant (3) can be applied.

4) Network according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first subscriber (3) comprises a signaling unit, wherein by means of

Signaling unit in a switched-off or sleeping state of the first subscriber (3) a demand signal is generated, wherein the demand signal from the signaling unit to the central participant (2) via at least one of the first and. the central subscriber (3, 2) connecting line is transferable.

5) Network according to claim 4, characterized in that by means of the central

Subscriber (2) the demand signal is detectable, wherein by means of

Energy coupling unit of the central subscriber (2) the first DC voltage to the first line (21) of the first cable (7) and the further DC voltage to the second line (22) of the first cable (7) can be imprinted, if the demand signal is detected.

6) Network according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that by means of the signaling unit as a demand signal a demand voltage having a predetermined voltage level can be generated, wherein by means of the energy coupling unit (15) of the first participant (3) the demand voltage to one of the first and the central Subscriber (3, 2) connecting line is imprägbar.

7) Network according to claim 6, characterized in that by means of

Energy coupling unit (14) of the central subscriber (2) the demand voltage from the first and the central subscriber (3, 2) connecting line can be tapped and to a detection input (28) of the central subscriber (2) can be applied, wherein by means of an evaluation of the central participant (2) can be evaluated whether the voltage applied to the detection input (28) voltage exceeds a predetermined voltage level, wherein by means of the energy coupling unit (14) of the central participant (2) the first DC voltage to the first line (21) of the ^' first cable ( 7) and the further DC voltage can be imparted to the second line (22) of the first cable (7), if the voltage applied to the detection input (28) is the predetermined one Voltage level exceeds.

8) Device according to one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that a level of the required voltage is less than a level of the first operating voltage of the first subscriber (3) and / or an operating voltage of the central subscriber (2).

9) Network according to one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that the

Signaling unit of the first subscriber (3) comprises at least one switching unit, wherein the signaling unit by means of the switching unit with a

Voltage source is connectable.

Method for operating a network, in particular in a motor vehicle, wherein the network (1) comprises a central subscriber (2) and at least one first subscriber (3), wherein the central subscriber (2) and the at least first subscriber (3) have at least a first cable (7) are connected, wherein the central participant (2) at least one. Signal coupling unit and at least one energy coupling unit (14), wherein in a communication state of the first subscriber (3) by means of the signal coupling unit, an AC voltage to at least a first line

(21) of the first cable (7) is impressed or tapped, wherein by means of

Energy coupling unit (14) a first DC voltage having a first predetermined voltage level on the first line (21) and a further DC voltage having a further predetermined voltage level on a second line (22) of the first cable (7) is impressed, said at least first participant ( 3) at least one signal coupling unit and at least one energy coupling unit (15), wherein by means of the signal coupling unit an AC voltage from the at least first line (21) of the first cable (7) is tapped or impressed on this, wherein by means of the energy coupling unit (15) the first DC voltage from the at least first line (21) and the further DC voltage from the second line

(22) of the first cable (7) is tapped,

characterized in that

the first DC voltage is a first operating voltage of the first subscriber (3) or is transformed into the first operating voltage of the first subscriber (3), the first operating voltage being applied to at least one first input (23) of the first

Subscriber (3) is applied, wherein the further DC voltage another

Operating voltage of the first subscriber (3) is or is transformed into the further operating voltage, wherein the further operating voltage to the first input (23) or to another input (26, 27, 35) of the first subscriber (3) is applied, the first predetermined voltage level of the first DC voltage is different from the further predetermined voltage level of the further DC voltage.