JP2001233145A - Power feed system and control system for electric equipment for automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an integrated control unit for an automobile capable of coping with a diversified automobile control system flexibly and easily, suppressing an increase of the number of part items of a control device, capable of forming the whole at low cost, and capable of arranging various sections reasonably. SOLUTION: This control system comprises an arithmetic unit 1 making calculations based on control contents, an input/output unit 3 implementing the process of a plurality of input/output signals, and an interface means 2 connecting two units 1, 3.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a general control unit for a vehicle, and more particularly to a general control unit for a vehicle suitable for configuring or reconfiguring a plurality of systems in a plurality of forms.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Since microcomputers have been used for automobile control, many systems such as engine control, A / T control, and suspension control have been digitized, and each system has made dramatic progress. In recent years, in order to obtain higher value-added vehicles, more advanced control and self-diagnosis functions have been required,
As one of the means, there is a system that allows data communication freely between different systems.

Conventionally, this type of system is realized by connecting each system that had previously functioned independently using a communication means such as a LAN, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-195453. It enabled data communication between systems. Further, as shown in, for example, JP-A-3-283843, a communication node for a controller and a communication node for a sensor and an actuator are provided independently on a multiplex transmission line, and a data connection is formed by connecting each of them. Free transmission and reception.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Among the above prior arts,
When the existing independent systems are connected by communication means as in the former case, input / output to each unit is performed from sensors and actuators required for the system. Therefore, when the installation positions of the sensors and actuators are dispersed in various places in the vehicle, there is a problem that the enlargement of the wire harness due to the wiring between the unit and the sensors and actuators is inevitable.

[0005] Further, in such a method, one system must basically be constituted by one unit. Therefore, in order to easily configure and reconfigure a plurality of systems, it is necessary to design with a margin so that any system can construct a unit that can be commonly used in many systems, and a large amount of waste occurs in a small system. There was also a problem that things could not be avoided.

On the other hand, when the sensor and the actuator and the arithmetic unit are connected to each other by the communication means, each of which is provided with the communication means as in the latter case, the unit, the sensor, the actuator and the like are used to flexibly. It is possible to configure the system. However, since all the raw data must be transmitted through the communication means, the burden on the communication means is large, and furthermore, an ultra-high-speed communication means is required. There is a problem that the system is likely to be completely down. In addition, since all signals from each sensor and actuator are transmitted via communication means, it is necessary to provide transmission means and signal processing means for all sensors and actuators, which significantly increases the number of system components. Had the disadvantage that

An object of the present invention is to flexibly and easily cope with diversifying automobile control systems, and furthermore, it is possible to suppress the increase in the number of parts of the control device and to configure the whole at low cost. It is another object of the present invention to provide an integrated control unit for a vehicle, in which the components can be arranged reasonably.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object,
The automobile general control unit according to the present invention basically uses an input / output processing means capable of processing a plurality of input / output signals in an automobile control system and a signal processed by the input / output processing means. It is characterized by comprising an arithmetic unit for performing arithmetic operations of various types of vehicle control, and an interface means for connecting these two units. As a more specific example, the input / output processing means may be divided into an input unit for executing processing of a plurality of input signals and an output unit for executing processing of a plurality of output signals, or the interface means. The one using multiplex communication means can be mentioned.

[0009]

According to the present invention constructed as described above, the input / output processing means and the arithmetic means are provided independently, so that the input / output signal processing and the arithmetic processing in various systems can be performed by one or a plurality of units, respectively. It can be efficiently realized using input / output processing means and arithmetic means. In addition, since the interface means is provided independently of the input / output processing means and the arithmetic means, it is possible to use an interface means suitable for the system to be constituted, and from this, it is possible to use various systems by using a common unit. It can be realized efficiently.

[0010] Further, standardized input / output processing means,
A structure that can process multiple input / output processes enables the simultaneous input of signals that are close to the physical layout when configuring a system that requires a large number of input / output processes without excessively increasing the number of parts. Alternatively, it is possible to output, and it is possible to efficiently reduce the wire and harness.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment according to the present invention.
In FIG. 1, an integrated control unit for a vehicle according to the present invention uses an input / output unit 3 which is input / output processing means capable of processing a plurality of input / output signals, and a signal processed by the input / output unit 3. It comprises an arithmetic unit 1 which is an arithmetic means for performing an arithmetic operation for vehicle control, and an interface means 2 for connecting these two units 1 and 3. The arithmetic unit 1 includes arithmetic means 4,
An output value is calculated using an input value from the input / output unit 3 based on the control content. The input / output unit 3 includes a calculation unit 5 for processing input / output signals, and a unit (not shown) for taking in an input signal from the sensor 6 and outputting the input signal to the calculation unit. Means (not shown) for driving the actuator 7 based on the control value. The two units are connected by an interface means 2 and have a structure capable of exchanging signals with each other.

FIG. 2 shows a second embodiment according to the present invention.
FIG. 1 shows an example of a system configuration diagram when a multiplex communication such as a LAN is used for an interface.
01 and the input / output unit 202 are connected via the communication means 203.

FIG. 3 shows an example of the configuration of a system using an inter-unit interface using an arithmetic unit, an input / output unit, and communication means shown in FIG. In FIG. 3, an arithmetic unit 301 includes a CPU 306 for performing unit management and various calculations, and an input / output unit 3.
02 is a CPU 3 for performing unit management and data processing.
07, and these CPUs 306, 307 output to the communication connectors 308, 308 via the address bus and the data bus 310, 310 when data is transmitted and received between the units. Each communication connector 308, 308 is a communication circuit 309, 30
The communication circuits 309 and 309 have processing related to communication and a diagnostic function of the unit.
In addition to transmitting the transmission data from the PUs 306 and 307 and the diagnosis results of the units 301 and 302 to the other unit via the communication line 303, the unit also functions to transmit various information flowing to the communication line 303 to the CPU of the unit. Thus, in the illustrated example, the units 301, 30
The communication circuits 309, 309 are provided in the communication connectors 308, 308 outside the CPU 2, and the CPUs 306, 30
7 is connected by an address bus and a data bus 310, so that the degree of freedom before the communication connectors 308 and 308 can be increased.

FIG. 4 shows an example of an actual configuration of a conventional automobile control system in order to compare the configuration of the present invention with that of the prior art. In FIG. 4, control units for engine control, A / T control, active suspension control, and traction control control (TCS), and some control systems such as some sensors and actuators are arranged. The state performed for each system is shown. In FIG. 4, an input signal line 405 from each sensor to each control unit is indicated by a dashed line, and an output signal 406 from each control unit to each actuator is indicated by a dotted line. In particular, a plurality of signal lines are bundled and wired. The places indicated are indicated by thick lines.

FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the present invention constituted by the arithmetic unit, input / output unit, and interface using communication shown in FIG. 3 by applying the second embodiment to the control system shown in FIG. This is specifically realized. Note that, in FIG.
0 is a solid line, an input signal line 514 from the sensor to the control unit is shown by a dashed line, and an output signal line 515 from the control unit to the actuator is shown by a dotted line.

In FIG. 5, a communication and power supply line 500 is provided in the whole vehicle, and the control and operation units 501, 502, 503, and 504 are connected to the sensors and actuators which are close to each other in physical arrangement. Input / output units (noted as IO / U in the figure) 507, 508, 50 arranged at various places to enable connection
9, 510, 511 and 512 are connected. As can be seen from FIG. 5, an appropriate number of sensors and actuators are connected to the input / output units 507 to 512 in the vicinity of the positions where they are arranged. Figure 4
Is shorter than the wiring in the prior art configuration, and the arrangement is rational and rational. Note that, regarding the arithmetic units 501 to 504 shown in FIG. 5, it is not necessary to provide a unit for each control system in the configuration of this example, and the amount of operation, the arithmetic capability of the unit, environmental conditions, and the like are taken into consideration. Thus, the number and arrangement position can be freely determined. Further, the input / output unit 5
Of course, the numbers 07 to 512 are not limited to the illustrated shapes, and the number and arrangement of the input signals or output signals may be freely determined in accordance with the number or type of the input signals or output signals.

Further, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, an interface utilizing multiplex communication is used as an interface between units, and a power supply line 500 is provided alongside a communication line. From this power supply line 500, each arithmetic unit 501
To 504, the input / output units 507 to 512, and electric components provided in the vehicle are configured to receive the supply of electric power.
00 is a power control unit 5 provided in the engine room
05 or fail-safe unit (FS / U) 506
Is connected to the battery 513 via the. The power supply control unit 505 has a function of controlling power supply to a power supply line, such as stopping power supply to each unit when parking for a long time to prevent the battery from running out. Further, the fail-safe unit 506 includes the power control unit 50.
5 has a function to replace the power supply control unit 505 in order to prevent the power supply to various parts from being stopped in the event of a failure. There is a function to warn the user and record necessary information.

FIG. 6 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. The function of the input / output unit shown in FIG. 2 is divided into an input unit 602 capable of inputting and processing a plurality of sensor signals 604 and a control unit. The system is divided into two units of an output unit 603 that can drive a plurality of actuators 605 based on the values.
The input unit 602 and the output unit 603 are connected together with the arithmetic unit 601 via the multiplex communication means 606. According to the configuration of the illustrated example, since it is not necessary to provide a circuit for driving the actuator 605 and a circuit for input signal processing in the same unit, noise countermeasures are facilitated.

In the third embodiment of the present invention, the input / output unit shown in FIG. 2 is combined as a component, and for example, three types of operation unit, input / output unit and input unit, operation unit, input / output unit and output unit In addition to the method of configuring a control system using units, the method of configuring a system using four types of units including an arithmetic unit, an input / output unit, an input unit, and an output unit, the various system configurations described above are further improved. The technology is a smart sensor (a sensor with an arithmetic function that converts data into a form suitable for use in subsequent calculations and outputs it) and a smart actuator (an arithmetic function with a given control value Many realization methods are conceivable, such as a method of combining an actuator capable of operating based on the above.

FIG. 7 specifically shows a third embodiment of the present invention, which is an example of the configuration of a system using an interface between units using the arithmetic unit, input unit, output unit, and communication means shown in FIG. It is a thing. In FIG. 7, an arithmetic unit 703 includes a CPU 707 for performing unit management and various arithmetic operations.
Reference numeral 04 denotes a CPU 7 for performing unit management and data processing.
08, the output unit 705 includes a CPU 709 for performing unit management and data output processing, and when transmitting and receiving data between the units, these CPUs 707, 708, 709 are connected to an address bus and a data bus 710, The data is output to the communication connectors 702, 702, 702 via 710, 710. Each communication connector 702, 702, 702 includes a communication circuit 706, 706, 706.
06, 706, and 706 are provided with communication-related processing and a diagnostic function of the unit.
8 and 709, and transmits the diagnosis result of the unit to another unit through the communication line 701, and also transmits various information flowing to the communication line 701 to the C of the unit.
Work to send to PU.

In addition, although not specifically shown, using the unit interface means shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.
As described above, a system may be configured by freely combining the arithmetic unit, the input / output unit, the input unit, the output unit, and the like. Further, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, when the communication circuit is provided outside the unit and the input and output between the units are performed via a bus,
It is different from the one using the communication that enables transmission and reception of data between PUs, for example, FIG. 9 and FIG.
It is possible to configure the system by connecting the units using the inter-unit interface as shown in FIG.
This makes it possible to efficiently realize a control system configuration that is diversified in size and form and greatly differs depending on the vehicle using several common units, and also reduces the number of vehicle control parts. Leads to.

FIG. 8 is an example of a layout diagram of a control system for an automobile which is specifically realized by applying the second embodiment of the present invention to the control system shown in FIG. FIG.
, A communication line and a power line 800 are provided throughout the vehicle, and control units 801 and 80 for each control are provided on the communication line and the power line 800.
2, 803, 804, input units (indicated as S / U in the figure) 809, 810, 811 and output units arranged at various places so as to be able to connect to sensors and actuators which are close to each other in physical arrangement (Denoted as D / U in the figure) 807 and 808 are connected. As described above, the input units 809 to 811 and the output units 807 and 808 are connected to an appropriate number of sensors and actuators whose arrangement positions are close to each other. for that reason,
The wiring from the sensor and the actuator to each unit is shorter than the wiring in the prior art configuration shown in FIG. 4, and has an orderly and rational arrangement. In this system, the number and the arrangement positions of the arithmetic units 801 to 804 shown in FIG. 8 are not limited to the configuration of the control system, but are considered in consideration of the arithmetic amount, the arithmetic capability of the unit, environmental conditions, and the like. May be freely determined. In addition, it goes without saying that the number and arrangement position of the input units and output units may be freely determined according to the number and types of input signals and output signals without being limited to the illustrated form.

In FIG. 8, multiplex communication is used for the inter-unit interface as in the case of FIG. 5, and the communication line 800 is provided with a power supply line. Each arithmetic unit 801 to 804, input unit 80
9 to 811, the output units 807 and 808, and electric components and the like provided in the vehicle can be supplied with power from a power supply line 800. In the illustrated example, the power supply line 800 is Power supply control unit 805 or fail-safe unit (FS / U) 8 provided
06 to the battery 813. The power supply control unit 805 and the fail-safe unit 806 have the same operation as the power supply control unit 505 and the fail-safe unit 506 described in the description of FIG. .

In the above-described embodiments shown in FIGS. 5 and 8, consideration has often been given to an automobile control system. However, the signals handled in the present invention are all signals used in automobiles. In addition to the control signal, various signals such as a signal from a switch or the like operated by a passenger, a signal taken from outside the vehicle, a signal from an environment that changes due to an external factor, and the like are included.

FIG. 9 shows a fourth embodiment using the same configuration as the arithmetic unit and input / output unit in the system configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 2 and using different types of interfaces. 1 shows an example of the system configuration.

In FIG. 9, an arithmetic unit 901 and an input / output unit 902 are connected by an interface 903 different from that used in FIG. 2, and a dual port R provided in the interface 903 is provided.
The AM (noted as DPRAM in the figure) 905 has an address bus and data bus 907 inside each unit,
908 are connected. In the configuration of the illustrated example,
Data transmission / reception between the units 901 and 902 is performed through the DPRAM 905. With such a configuration, it is possible to provide a function equivalent to that of a unit having a conventional input / output and to configure the entire device at low cost.
A system capable of high-speed operation can be obtained with a small chip.

FIG. 10 shows a third embodiment of the present invention, which has the same configuration as the arithmetic unit, input unit and output unit in the system configuration of the third embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 13 illustrates an example of a system configuration according to a fifth embodiment.

In FIG. 10, an operation unit 1001
And the input unit 1002 and the output unit 100
3 is an interface 1 similar to that shown in FIG.
004 and interface 10
04 provided in the dual port RAM (D
An address bus and a data bus 1008, 1009 inside each unit are connected to the PRAM 1005). In this configuration, transmission and reception of data between units is performed through this DPRAM.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the input unit 1002, the output unit 1003 and the DPRAM 1005
Are connected by a common bus 1009. In this case, the address area of the DPRAM 1005 is allocated to each unit and used. Alternatively, although not specifically shown, the interface 1005 is provided with two DPRAMs connected to the buses of the input unit 1002 and the output unit 1003, respectively.
One bus may be connected to the two DPRAMs to exchange data.

Next, a description will be given of a specific example of a common unit applicable to a wide variety of control systems. The common unit is capable of being interconnected by different interfaces.
For example, an arithmetic unit, an input / output unit, an input unit, and an output unit will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 11 is an example of a configuration diagram of the arithmetic unit. In FIG. 11, a ROM 1103 for storing a control content, a data table indicating each state of the system, and the like.
And a flash memory 1105, a RAM 110 used for storing a signal input to the unit, assisting an operation, and the like.
4. C that actually performs an operation based on the stored control contents
A watchdog timer 1107 for monitoring an abnormality of the PU 1106 and the CPU 1106 is provided, and these are connected by a data bus and an address bus 1109. Here, the ROM 1103 and the flash memory 1
Regarding 105, a sufficient function can be achieved even if at least one of them is provided. When both are provided, for example, the contents that can be used in all systems can be written in the ROM 1103, and the contents that change depending on the system such as the data table of the connected device can be written in the flash memory 1105. is there. A watchdog timer 1107 for monitoring an abnormal operation of the CPU 1106 is provided by the CPU 11.
06 is detected, a signal is sent to the communication circuit 1102, and the communication circuit 1102 is connected to the communication line 1110.
To inform other units of the abnormality of the arithmetic unit.

Further, the CPU 110 is provided in the arithmetic unit.
6, a DC-DC converter 110 for supplying power for erasing and rewriting the flash memory 1105
The power is supplied to the unit through a communication connector 1101 from a power line connected to the communication line 1110 together with the power supply to the unit. However, when the flash memory 1105 is not provided, the DC-DC converter 1108 becomes unnecessary.

FIG. 12 is an example of a configuration diagram of an input / output unit capable of processing an arbitrary input / output signal. The input / output unit according to the illustrated example is basically the same as that shown in FIGS.
4 for an input unit and an output unit,
They are configured using the same components or components having the same functions. In FIG. 12, input / output units include a ROM 1203, a RAM 1204, a flash memory 1205, a CPU 1206, a watchdog timer 1207, an A / D converter 1215, and a D / A converter 121.
6, a free-run timer 1217, a serial communication interface 1218, and I / O interfaces 1219, 1219, 1219, 1219, which are connected to each other via a data bus and an address bus 1220.

ROM 1203 and flash memory 12
05, the sensor 122 connected to the input / output unit
1 and the actuator 1222, data on the processing of each input / output signal, input / output assigned ports, procedures for actually processing them, and the like are stored. Both or at least one of them may be used. Also, the flash memory 1205
DC-DC converter 1 for use in erasing and rewriting of data
The power supply method to the 223, the unit, and the watchdog timer 1207 for monitoring the abnormality of the CPU are the same as those of the arithmetic unit described above. RAM 120
4 can be used for various purposes such as supplementary use in data processing, but need not be used if unnecessary.

The CPU 1206 responds to input / output signals by
It has a function capable of performing processing by both CPUs in an input unit and an output unit, which will be described later, and performs necessary processing. The A / D converter 1215 corresponds to FIG.
14 has the same function as the A / D converter used for the input unit, and the D / A converter 1216 has the same function as the D / A converter used for the output unit in FIG.

A free-run timer 1217 and a serial communication interface 1218
Is used in the illustration examples of FIGS. 13 and 14 described below,
It has both functions of input processing and output processing by a free-run timer and a serial communication interface, and has an address bus and a data bus 122.
5, the I / O interfaces 1219 and 121
9, ... are connected.

Further, the I / O interface 121
9, 1219,... Are input and output ports,
It has the function of both the I / O interface used in the input unit and the output unit in FIGS. 13 and 14 described later, and the input line, the power circuits 1226, 1226, 1226, and the failure detection circuit 122 in the subsequent stage.
7, 1227, and 1227 are connected in the same manner as in the examples shown in FIGS.

FIG. 13 is an example of a configuration diagram of the input unit. In FIG. 13, the input unit includes a ROM 130
3, RAM 1304, flash memory 1305, CP
U1306, watchdog timer 1307, A / D
Converter 1315, free-run timer 1317, silicon communication interface 1318, I /
O interfaces 1319, 1319, and 1319 are provided, which are a data bus and an address bus 1325.
Are connected to each other.

ROM 1303 and flash memory 13
05 includes a sensor 132 connected to the input unit.
1, 1321, 1321 and data relating to the processing of each input signal, and a procedure for actually processing the input signals, etc., are stored. The CPU 1306 performs necessary processing based on these, and calculates via the interface. Data can be sent to the unit. However, either one of the ROM 1303 and the flash memory 1305 may be used, or both may be provided and used separately. A DC-DC converter 13 for use in erasing and rewriting the flash memory 1305
23, the power supply method to the unit, and the watchdog timer 1307 for monitoring the abnormality of the CPU 1306 are the same as those of the arithmetic unit described above.

The RAM 1323 can be used for various purposes, such as being used as an auxiliary during data processing, but need not be used if necessary. The A / D converter 1315 converts an analog input signal, the free-run timer 1317 converts a PWM input signal, and the serial communication interface 1318 converts a serial input signal into a digital signal, and sends them to the CPU 1306 via the bus 1325.
In the figure, a 16-bit free-run timer 1317 which is generally required to have sufficient accuracy for an automobile is shown.
However, a necessary device such as a 10-bit device or a 20-bit device can be used in consideration of the contents of the system.

The I / O interface 1319,
An A / D converter 1315, a free-run timer 1317, a serial communication interface 1318, and a bus 1325 are connected to 1319 and 1319, respectively. Signals of various sensors 1321 are switched by an internal switching circuit (not shown). The configuration is such that it can be properly used as an input port or an input port of a bus. Therefore, according to the input unit of the illustrated example, it is possible to input a sensor signal arbitrarily selected and connected in various systems and send it to the arithmetic unit.

FIG. 14 is an example of a configuration diagram of the output unit. The output unit in the illustrated example includes a ROM 1403, R
AM 1404, flash memory 1405, CPU 14
06, a watchdog timer 1407, a D / A converter 1416, a free-run timer 1417, a serial communication interface 1418, I / O interfaces 1419, 1419, 1419, which are connected to each other via a data bus and an address bus 1425. Have been. Here, the ROM 1403 and the flash memory 1405 store information on the actuators 1422, 1422, 1422 connected to the unit, data on processing of each output signal, output allocation ports, and procedures for actually processing them. However, similar to the case of the input unit described above,
ROM 1403 and flash memory 1 if necessary
405 may be used. The DC-DC converter 1423 used for erasing and rewriting the flash memory 1405, the power supply method to the unit, and the watchdog timer 1407 for monitoring an abnormality of the CPU 1406 are the same as those in the case of the arithmetic unit.

Although the RAM 1404 can be used for various purposes, such as being used for data processing, it need not be used. The CPU 1406 sends the data sent from the arithmetic unit 1 of FIG. 1 via the interface to the ROM 1403 or the flash memory 14.
The processing is performed based on the procedure stored in the D / A converter 05 and the D / A converter 1416 and the free-run timer 141.
7 or output to the serial communication interface 1418.

The D / A converter 1416, free-run timer 1417, and serial communication interface 1418 convert the data from the CPU 1406 into an analog signal, a PWM signal, and a serial signal, respectively, and output them to the I / O interface 1419,.
In the figure, however, a 16-bit free-run timer with sufficient accuracy is generally shown for automobiles. However, in consideration of the contents of the system, 10-bit or 20-bit free-run timers are required. Can be used.

A D / A converter 1416 and a free-run timer 141 are provided to the I / O interfaces 1419.
7. Serial communication interface 14
18 and a bus 1425 are connected to each other, and can be selectively used as an output port of a signal to various actuators 1422,... Or an output port of a bus by an internal switching circuit (multiplexer or the like). Therefore, according to this unit, it is configured to be able to output a signal to the actuators 1422,.

The output ports of the I / O interfaces 1419,.
Since... Are connected, some actuators require large power for driving. For this reason, power circuits 1426, 1426, 1426 for amplification can be provided at the output terminals of the I / O interfaces 1422,. Further, as a measure against the failure of the actuators 1422,..., The failure detection circuits 1427, 1427,
.. Can be provided. The output terminals of the failure detection circuits 1427,.
It is connected to 1406 so that necessary processing can be performed when a failure of the actuator or the like is detected.

FIG. 15 shows an I / O with input / output switching means.
FIG. 2 shows an example of a configuration diagram of an O interface. 15, the output terminals of the A / D converter 1501, the D / A converter 1502, and the free-run timer 15
03, serial communication interface 1
Two of the input / output terminals 504, the address bus and the data bus 1505 are shown as examples. Also, two terminals among the four input / output ports 1506, 1506... Are shown as examples. As can be understood from FIG. 15, these terminals can be arbitrarily connected to each other through switches 1507,..., And the switching means performs connection between the terminals in accordance with an instruction from the CPU. For this switching means, for example, a circuit such as a multiplexer may be used.

As shown in the figure, each switching means has a data bus and an address bus 1505 in the unit.
Is connected, and the command for switching is
Provided from the CPU of the unit through 505. According to this method, it is possible to switch between input and output by software for devices connected to the same input / output port.

FIG. 16 is an example of a configuration diagram of the actuator failure detection circuit in FIGS. 12 and 14 described above. In FIG. 16, the drive current of the load 1600 flows from the power supply line 1610 taken into the unit, through the resistor R ⁰ 1601 of the drive circuit and the switching element 1602, to the load 1600, and to the ground side. The switching element 1602 is turned on and off by a control signal 1604 output from a CPU 1603 in the unit.

Here, an actual detection method will be described.
On the current path of the driving current, the switching element 1
602 and the load 1600, a current measuring resistor R¹ 16
05, R is proportional to the current value of the load current.¹ 16
A potential difference is generated at both ends of 05. In this detector,
Using the operational amplifier 1607, the potential difference is compared with the value V of 0 potential. ^Three 
Generated by the comparison potential generation unit 1608
Upper limit voltage V^Five , Lower reference voltage V⁶ With comparator 1
609. In the comparator 1609, V⁶ ≤V^Three And
V^Three ≤V^Five CPU 1 determines whether or not the normal condition is satisfied.
603, and the CPU 1603 outputs the control signal 1604
It is judged as abnormal when ON and normal condition is not satisfied
And perform the processing.

Next, an operational amplifier 1607 generates a comparison potential.
The details of the unit 1608 will be described. In FIG.
Current measurement resistance R¹ The load side terminal voltage of 1605 is V¹ ,Power supply
Side end voltage is V^Two , Op-amp input resistance, output resistance
To R as shown in the figure.¹ , R^Two Then, operational amplifier 1
Output voltage V from 607^Five Is the potential from the ground endIt can be expressed as. Further, the comparison potential generation unit 1 shown in FIG.
At 608, the resistance R ^Five , R⁶ Is a variable resistor.
Fixed resistance R^Three , R^Four And are directly connected. Potential V
^Five Is the potential of the power supply with respect to ground^Five / (R^Three + R^Five )
The potential V⁶ Is the potential of the power supply with respect to earth
R⁶ / R^Four + R⁶ ) Is doubled.

By having this type of detection circuit in the unit, it is possible to detect an abnormality of the actuator such as disconnection or short circuit, and use it as a part of a self-diagnosis function added to the system for maintenance and repair. The safety can be further improved by notifying the driver of the actuator failure as soon as possible.

Next, the multiplex communication means provided for the embodiment of the present invention will be described. When various kinds of information are transmitted collectively using a multiplex communication means such as a LAN, the time delay of transmission of some high-speed signals becomes a problem. Communication technology is indispensable for enhancing its effectiveness.

FIG. 17 is an example of a configuration diagram schematically showing multiplex communication. In the illustrated example, a distributed control LAN with a priority (communication line A1702) having a communication control line A'1701 for realizing a priority interrupt and a distributed control LAN
(Communication line B1703). The prioritized distributed control LAN 1702 is configured to transmit data preferentially according to a priority level described later, and high-speed data is transmitted with a short waiting time. Further, even when the communication line A 1702 is in use, another data can be transmitted from the communication line B 1703, so that data communication with extremely little waiting can be expected. Furthermore, since it is a dual LAN, even if one of the LANs becomes unable to communicate due to disconnection or the like, the other LAN can be used to secure the minimum necessary communication. The system is a highly fail-safe communication system.

In FIG. 17, communication interface 1
A communication control line A ′ 1701 and a communication line A 17
02 connected to a communication circuit A1705 and a communication line B17
There are provided two communication circuits, namely, a communication circuit B1706 connected thereto, and these are mainly connected to an address bus and a data bus 1707 in the unit 1706. When a data transmission request occurs in the unit 1706, the CPU 1708 in the unit 1706 performs transmission using the communication line A or B. The procedure is as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19 described below.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing a data transmission priority processing procedure, and FIG.
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing one embodiment of a signal flow in a communication line. In FIG. 18, it is assumed that a request for transmission of L of arbitrary data occurs in a certain unit X (1801).
Here, the data L is given a use priority of the communication line A called a priority level, and these are stored in, for example, a flash memory in the unit. This priority level is low for data that has a relatively long time, such as an operation switch of a power window, and for high-speed data that requires real-time information such as an engine speed signal, for example. It is set to have a high priority level, and several levels are set. When transmitting data, sieving is performed based on this priority level, and the transmission path is determined according to the use state and priority level of the communication line at that time.
Note that both the variable length and the fixed length can be considered as the data length of the priority level. However, when the fixed length is set, the end of data transmission can be easily detected. The priority level is set to a fixed length together with the line forced release signal.

First, data having a low priority level, that is, low-speed data, is filtered out in advance (1802) in order to avoid congestion on the communication line A, and transmitted from the communication line B (1809). However, if the communication line B is in use at this time, the process waits until the communication line B becomes empty (1812).

Next, for data of a higher priority level, if the communication line A is free (1803),
I will send from. At this time, as shown in FIG. 19, the unit X first transmits a processing start signal 1901 from the communication control line A '. This means that other units are prohibited from transmitting to the communication control line A '. The other units decode the priority level signal 1902 which is subsequently transmitted, and transmit the data L by the unit X.
The value is stored until the transmission of is completed. When the transmission of the priority level ends, the prohibition of transmission to the communication control line A 'is released. Subsequently, the unit X transmits the actual data L via the communication line A, and a transmission end signal is added to the end of the data L (1807, 1903, 1906). When other units decode this transmission end signal, the communication line A
, Clear the priority level and prepare for the next communication.

In the determination 1803 of the availability of the communication line A in FIG. 18, when the communication line A is used for other data communication and is not free, the process enters the availability determination 1808 of the communication line B. Here, if the communication line B is empty, the data L is transmitted through the communication line B (1809).

If the communication line B is in use in the determination of the availability of the communication line B, the communication line A is examined again. That is, the priority level of the data L which is currently transmitted using the communication line A and which is waiting for transmission with respect to the priority level of "M" is low, the same level, or high. Is determined (1
805) When the priority level of the data L is low or the same, the transmission of the data L from the communication line A is not performed until the transmission of the data M is completed. , And wait until one of the communication lines becomes empty, and then transmit from the empty communication line. On the other hand, when the priority level of the data L is high, the unit X
Transmits a forced release signal 1904 of the communication line A shown in FIG. 19 from the communication control line A '(1811), and
The priority level signal 1905 shown in FIG.
05). The subsequent processing is the same as the normal transmission method using the communication line A. Here, it is assumed that the data M whose transmission has been interrupted is newly started from the initial processing 1801 as data waiting to be transmitted. However, if the communication processing capability of the unit is sufficiently large, specific processing for data waiting for communication may be performed.

There are various methods for determining the priority interrupt. For example, a method based on the fact that the value of the priority level of data L is larger than the value of the priority level of data M by one or more, There are various ways of determining the criterion according to the method of determining the priority level, such as a method based on being large.
It is to be noted that the communication circuit A or the communication circuit B may actually perform these communication processings in the unit, a part of the processing may be performed by the CPU in the unit, or May be provided with a circuit for performing the processing.

As is clear from the above description, according to the present invention, a unit for arithmetic operation and a unit for performing a plurality of input / output processes are provided separately, and they are connected by an interface. Input / output processing can be performed by any unit, so signals can be taken into units that are physically close to each other, and even if the system becomes complicated, wires and wires for signal input / output can be used. The harness does not enlarge, and it is possible to flexibly and easily respond to changes in the system.

Since the input / output unit is provided with a function of processing a plurality of input / output signals, the utilization rate of the signal processing means and the interface can be increased, and even if the number of input / output signals increases, the configuration of the entire system can be improved. The system can be configured without extremely increasing the number of parts.

Further, since the input / output unit is configured to handle an arbitrary input / output signal, a plurality of systems can be configured by using a common unit. Can be easily configured using common parts.

In addition, since interfaces between units for multiplex communication and the like are provided independently of the units, common units can be connected by various interfaces, and systems of different scales can be connected using the common units. Can be easily realized.

[0067]

As will be understood from the above description, according to the present invention, it is possible to flexibly and easily cope with diversifying automobile control systems, and to increase the number of parts of the control device. It is possible to suppress the entire structure at a low cost and to arrange the respective parts rationally.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a system configuration using an operation / input / output separated unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a system configuration using an operation, an input / output separation type unit, and an interface using multiplex communication according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a system configuration using a calculation unit, an input / output separation type unit, and an interface according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a wiring diagram showing an example of a signal line in a conventional system.

FIG. 5 shows a signal line using the system according to the present invention;
And a wiring diagram showing an example of a power supply line.

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a system configuration using an operation, input / output separation type unit, and an interface using multiplex communication according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a system configuration using an operation unit, an input unit, an output unit, and an interface according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows a signal line using the system according to the present invention,
And a wiring diagram showing an example of a power supply line.

FIG. 9 shows an operation / input / output separated unit according to the present invention, D
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating an embodiment of a system configuration using an interface using a PRAM.

FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of a system configuration using an interface using a computation, input / output separation type unit, and a DPRAM according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an arithmetic unit which can be configured by a system connected by a plurality of types of interfaces according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a configuration diagram showing one embodiment of an input / output unit that can be connected by a plurality of types of interfaces according to the present invention to form a system.

FIG. 13 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an input unit which can be connected by a plurality of types of interfaces according to the present invention to form a system.

FIG. 14 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an output unit which can be configured by a system connected by a plurality of types of interfaces according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an I / O interface unit having an input / output switching unit in a unit capable of performing output processing according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram showing one embodiment of a failure detection circuit.

FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an inter-unit interface using duplex communication having a data priority processing function according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a data transmission priority processing procedure of FIG. 17;

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing one embodiment of a signal flow in a communication line of the communication system in FIG. 17;

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 1 arithmetic unit 2 interface means 3 input / output unit 4 arithmetic means 5 arithmetic means 6 sensor 7 actuator

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[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] January 4, 2001 (2001.1.14)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Name of invention

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Patent application title: Power supply system and control system for electrical components for automobile

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0008

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object,
The power supply system and the control system of the electric component for a vehicle according to the present invention basically include a battery for a vehicle,
A power supply system connected to the battery and having a power supply line for supplying power to an actuator, wherein the power supply line is provided as a dual LAN, or A plurality of electrical components that receive power supply, a power supply line connecting the battery and the electrical components, a plurality of units that send signals to the electrical components, and a communication line for performing communication between the plurality of units And a control system for electrical components for automobiles, wherein the communication line and the power supply line are provided side by side.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0009

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0009] As a more specific example, a battery for an automobile, a plurality of electrical components supplied with power from the battery, a power supply line connecting the battery and the electrical components, and a signal to the electrical components. And a communication line for performing communication between the plurality of units, a control system for electrical components for automobiles,
The communication line and the power supply line are provided side by side, and each of the lines has a dual system.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04Q 9/00 301 H04L 11/00 310Z (72) Inventor Jun Ishii 7-1 Omikacho, Hitachi City, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture No. 1 Hitachi, Ltd. Hitachi Research Laboratory (72) Inventor Shigeki Morinaga 7-1-1, Omika-cho, Hitachi City, Ibaraki Prefecture Inside Hitachi Research Laboratory Hitachi, Ltd.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. An arithmetic unit for performing an arithmetic operation based on control contents, an input / output processing unit for executing processing of a plurality of input / output signals, and an interface unit for coupling the arithmetic unit and the input / output processing unit. An integrated control unit for a vehicle, characterized in that: 2. The input / output processing means according to claim 1, wherein said input / output processing means is divided into an input unit for executing processing of a plurality of input signals and an output unit for executing processing of a plurality of output signals. Integrated control unit for automobile. 3. The integrated control unit for an automobile according to claim 1, wherein multiplex communication means is used as said interface means. 4. The interface means comprises a dual port RAM, and at least one of a data bus and an address bus is provided as connection means between the interface means and the arithmetic means and between the interface means and the input / output unit. The integrated control unit for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the integrated control unit is used. 5. The arithmetic unit and the input / output processing unit each include a communication circuit and a CPU. The communication circuit and the CPU in each of the units are provided separately from each other. Communication circuit and the C
2. The automotive integrated control unit according to claim 1, wherein the PUs are connected using at least one of a data bus and an address bus. 6. The arithmetic unit, the input unit, and the output unit each include a communication circuit and a CPU, and the communication circuit and the CPU in each of the units and the unit are separated from each other. 3. The integrated control unit for a vehicle according to claim 2, wherein the communication circuit and the CPU are connected using at least one of a data bus and an address bus. 7. A plurality of in-vehicle electrical devices are physically located close to one of the input / output processing means or one of the input unit and the output unit, and a communication means is provided between each of the means or units. 3. The integrated control unit for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the integrated control unit is provided. 8. A control unit, wherein a power supply line capable of supplying power to the arithmetic means is provided alongside a communication line used for the multiplex communication means, and an electric device in the vehicle is arranged in a physical vicinity with the power supply line. 4. The integrated control unit for a vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the integrated control unit is arranged to be driven by the following. 9. A method according to claim 8, wherein priorities are assigned to data to be transmitted between the plurality of control units, and means for transmitting data based on the priorities is provided when a plurality of data transmission requests occur simultaneously. Features a comprehensive control unit for automobiles.