JP2017087792A - Electronic control device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electronic control device capable of reducing power consumption even if a failure occurs in a communication bus or the like.SOLUTION: An electronic control device 1 includes: a communication unit 20; a power supply unit 22 which is electrically connected to the communication unit 20 and supplies power; and a control unit 3 which has a normal mode operating with power supplied from the power supply unit 22 and a power consumption saving mode suppressing power consumption as compared with the normal mode and causes a change from the normal mode to the power consumption saving mode when supply of power is not cut off in spite of instructing the power supply unit 22 to cut off its own supply of power through the communication unit 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an electronic control device.

  As a conventional technique, an automobile having a plurality of ECUs (Electric Control Units) having a MCU (Micro Controller Unit), a CAN (Controller Area Network) transceiver / receiver having an ID determination circuit, and a regulator is known. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).

  The plurality of ECUs are connected to each other by a CAN bus. The CAN transceiver / receiver and the MCU are connected by a communication bus different from the CAN bus.

  When the message input via the CAN bus is the ID of its own EUC, the ID determination circuit turns on the regulator to supply power to the MCU or the like. When the regulator is turned on, the MCU measures the idle time of the CAN bus. When the idle time exceeds an arbitrary time, the MCU outputs a power shutdown instruction signal to the ID determination circuit via the communication bus. The power supply to is stopped and the power consumption is reduced.

Japanese Patent No. 5756879

  However, in the case of a conventional automobile, when the communication bus through which the power cut-off instruction signal propagates fails and the power cut-off instruction signal is not input to the ID determination circuit, the power source such as the MCU cannot be cut off and the power consumption is high. May remain.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic control device that can reduce power consumption even if a failure occurs in a communication bus or the like.

  One embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit, a power supply unit that is electrically connected to the communication unit and supplies power, a normal mode that operates with power supplied from the power supply unit, and power consumption that is higher than that of the normal mode. If the power supply is not cut off even though the power supply unit has been instructed to cut off its own power supply via the communication unit, the normal mode is switched to the power saving mode. And an electronic control device including the electronic control device.

  According to the present invention, power consumption can be reduced even if a failure occurs in a communication bus or the like.

Fig.1 (a) shows an example of the block diagram of the electronic control apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment, FIG.1 (b) has shown an example of the block diagram of a vehicle control system. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the electronic control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the electronic control device according to the second embodiment.

(Summary of embodiment)
The electronic control device according to the embodiment includes a communication unit, a power supply unit that is electrically connected to the communication unit, and supplies power, a normal mode that operates with power supplied from the power supply unit, and a normal mode Also has a power saving mode that suppresses power consumption, and if the power supply is not cut off even though the power supply is instructed to cut off the power supply via the communication unit, the power consumption is reduced from the normal mode. And a control unit that transitions to a mode.

  In this electronic control unit, even if the communication unit or the communication bus that connects the control unit and the communication unit fails and the power supply unit does not receive an instruction to shut off the power, Therefore, even if a failure occurs in the communication bus or the like, the power consumption can be reduced.

[First embodiment]
(Outline of electronic control unit 1)
Fig.1 (a) shows an example of the block diagram of the electronic control apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment, FIG.1 (b) has shown an example of the block diagram of a vehicle control system. FIG. 1A shows main signals.

  The electronic control apparatus 1 controls the electronic device mounted in the vehicle as an example. The electronic control device 1 is mounted for each electronic device. As an example, the electronic device includes an engine device, a motor device, a suspension, a steering, a transmission, a software device, an interior lighting device, a seat belt device, a seat device, an air conditioner, an air bag device, a mirror device, a driving support system, and a navigation device. Door lock devices, brake devices, anti-lock brake systems (ABS), headlights, and the like.

  These electronic devices are, for example, those that are always controlled, such as a brake device, and those that are normally in an idle state, such as a mirror device, and that control is started by the occurrence of an event due to an operation, etc. There is. The electronic control device 1 of the present embodiment is mainly intended for an electronic device that is normally in an idle state and whose control is started by the occurrence of an event.

  These electronic devices are all turned on after the vehicle is powered on, for example. An electronic device whose control is started by the occurrence of an event goes through an idle state for a certain period of time, and the supply of power is cut off in order to suppress power consumption.

  Accordingly, the electronic control device 1 is configured to be turned on after the vehicle is turned on and to cut off the power supplied to the device to suppress power consumption when no event occurs for a certain period of time. (Normal mode).

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 1A, the electronic control device 1 includes a communication unit 20, a power supply unit 22 that is electrically connected to the communication unit 20 and supplies power, and a power supply unit 22. The power supply unit 22 is instructed to shut off the supply of its own power through the communication unit 20. However, when the supply of power is not interrupted, the control unit 3 is configured to transition from the normal mode to the power saving mode.

  The control unit 3 according to the present embodiment is in the normal mode when the power supply is not interrupted even after a predetermined time (first specified time) has elapsed after instructing the power supply to be interrupted. Is configured to transition to a power saving mode.

  As shown in FIG. 1A, the communication unit 20, the power supply unit 22, and the transceiver unit 24 are configured as a system base chip 2.

(Configuration of system base chip 2)
The communication unit 20 of the system base chip 2 is connected to the control unit 3 through an SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) communication bus 4 and performs SPI communication such as a clock signal with the control unit 3. The communication unit 20 communicates with the power supply unit 22. Furthermore, the communication unit 20 is, for example, from the control unit 3 via the SPI communication bus 4, acquires the power-off request S _1, the power supply unit to cut off the signal S ₂ for cutting off the power supplied to the control unit 3 It is comprised so that electric power may be interrupted by outputting to 22.

The power supply unit 22 is configured to generate and supply a drive voltage V ₂ for driving the control unit 3 based on the battery voltage V ₁ supplied from the battery 6 of the vehicle. The power supply unit 22 obtains the interruption signal S ₂ output from the communication unit 20, and is configured to cut off the supply of the drive voltage V _2. Note that the power supply unit 22 also supplies the communication voltage to the communication unit 20 and the transceiver unit 24.

The transceiver unit 24 is connected to a CAN / LIN (Local Interconnect Network) communication bus 95 of the vehicle control system 9 shown in FIG. 1B, for example, and receives a differential signal output from the vehicle ECU 90 or the like to receive a digital signal ( The input signal S ₃ ) is generated, and the generated digital signal (input signal S ₃ ) is output to the control unit 3 via the CAN / LIN communication bus 5. The transceiver unit 24 is configured to convert the digital signal output from the control unit 3 into a differential signal and output it to the CAN / LIN communication bus 95. The transceiver unit 24 supports CAN communication and LIN communication.

An example of the input signal S _3, and Wake up signal to be input to the transceiver unit 24 via a CAN / LIN communication bus 95 from the vehicle ECU90 by the power of the vehicle is turned on, the control unit by the wake-up signal 3 is turned on.

(Configuration of control unit 3)
The control unit 3 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs operations and processes on acquired data according to a stored program, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is a semiconductor memory, a ROM (Read Only Memory), and the like. Microcomputer. In this ROM, for example, a program for operating the control unit 3, mode information 30, and condition information 31 are stored. For example, the RAM is used as a storage area for temporarily storing calculation results and the like. Further, the control unit 3 has means for generating a clock signal therein, and performs an operation based on the clock signal and measures time.

  The mode information 30 is information related to the normal mode and the power saving mode. For example, the control unit 3 executes the normal mode or the power saving mode based on the mode information 30.

In the normal mode, the control unit 3, for example, acquires the input signal S ₃ of the wake-up signal enters the ON state, receives the supply of the drive voltage V ₂ from the power supply unit 22, the control of the connected electronic equipment Do. The control unit 3, a predetermined time based on the condition information 31, the idle state continues, to cut off the driving voltage V ₂ and outputs a power-off request S _1.

The saving consumption mode, the control unit 3 performs an operation to suppress the power consumption since the interruption of the output and the supply of the driving voltage V ₂ by the power-off request S ₁ is not performed. As an example, the power saving mode is a stop mode that is a mode for cutting off power or a sleep mode that is driven by the lowest level of power. In addition, after the transition to the power saving mode, the control unit 3 transitions to the normal mode when a wakeup signal is input.

The condition information 31 is information on the above-mentioned fixed time and information on the first specified time when transitioning to the power saving mode. Control unit 3 is configured to measure the elapsed time of the idle state, it measures an elapsed time from outputting the power-off request S _1.

Control unit 3, the elapsed time of the idle situation, when a predetermined time or more based on the condition information 31, and outputs a power-off request S _1. The control unit 3 determines that the elapsed time from the output power shutdown request S _1, when a first prescribed time or more based on the condition information 31, there is a fault such as SPI communications bus 4, In order to suppress power consumption, the normal mode is changed to the power saving mode.

(Configuration of vehicle control system 9)
The vehicle control system 9, for example, as shown in FIG. 1 (b), the vehicle ECU 90, the electronic control unit 1 connected to the respective electronic device 8a ₁ ~ electronic equipment 8a _n, the electronic device 8a ₁ ~ electronic device and 8a _n, is schematically configured to include a CAN / LIN communication bus 95, the. Note that n is an integer of 1 or more corresponding to the number of electronic devices controlled by the electronic control device 1.

The vehicle ECU 90 is a microcomputer including a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like that comprehensively control the vehicle. The vehicle ECU 90 outputs, for example, a differential signal for starting the electronic control device 1 to the transceiver unit 24 of each electronic control device 1 via the CAN / LIN communication bus 95 when the power of the vehicle is turned on. To do. The transceiver unit 24 converts this differential signal into an input signal S ₃ that is a digital signal, and outputs it to the control unit 3 via the CAN / LIN communication bus 5.

Below, operation | movement of the electronic control apparatus 1 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated according to the flowchart of FIG. Here, after the electronic control unit 1 is started, the case where the elapsed time of the idle state to output a power-off request S ₁ becomes a predetermined time or more.

(Operation)
Control unit 3 of the electronic control unit 1, the elapsed time of the idle state is a predetermined time or longer, in order to shut off the power, the power-off request S _1, and outputs to the system base chip 2 via the SPI communications bus 4 ( Step 1).

Control unit 3, and outputs a power-off request S _1, starts measuring the elapsed time until the power is shut off (Step2). When the measured elapsed time is equal to or longer than the first specified time based on the condition information 31, that is, when the power is not cut off within the first specified time (Step 3: No), the SPI communication bus 4 or the like fails. It determines with having performed, and it transfers to a power saving mode, and complete | finishes operation | movement (Step4).

  Here, in Step 3, when the power is cut off within the first specified time (Step 3: Yes), the control unit 3 ends the operation without shifting to the power saving mode.

(Effects of the first embodiment)
The electronic control device 1 according to the present embodiment can reduce power consumption even if a failure occurs in the SPI communication bus 4 or the like. Specifically, the electronic control unit 1, the communication unit 20 and the SPI communication bus 4 has failed not reach the power-off request S ₁ to the power supply unit 22, even if it is not cut off power, the power consumption is large normal Since the mode can be shifted to the power saving mode with low power consumption, the power consumption can be reduced even if a failure occurs.

  In addition, since the electronic control device 1 can suppress power consumption even when a failure occurs, the electronic control device 1 suppresses battery rising due to the fact that power is not cut off until the electronic control device 1 is replaced. Can do.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that again outputs a power-off request S ₁ when the power is not cut off. In the embodiments described below, parts having the same functions and configurations as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and description thereof is omitted.

  The control unit of the present embodiment gives an instruction to cut off the power supply again when a predetermined time (second specified time) or more has elapsed after instructing to cut off the power supply of itself. Even if the number of instructions reaches a predetermined number (specified number), if the power is not cut off, the normal mode is changed to the power saving mode.

  The condition information 31 of the present embodiment has information on the second specified time and information on the specified number of times. The prescribed number of times is, for example, 3 times.

As an example, the second specified time is set shorter than the first specified time of the first embodiment. This is to shorten the time from when the power cutoff request S ₁ is _first output to when the power cutoff request S ₁ is output a prescribed number of times and the mode is changed to the power saving mode.

Below, operation | movement of the electronic control apparatus 1 which concerns on this Embodiment is demonstrated according to the flowchart of FIG. Like the first embodiment, after the electronic control unit 1 is started, the case where the elapsed time of the idle state to output a power-off request S ₁ becomes a predetermined time or more.

(Operation)
Control unit 3 of the electronic control unit 1, the elapsed time of the idle state is a predetermined time or longer, in order to shut off the power, the power-off request S _1, and outputs to the system base chip 2 via the SPI communications bus 4 ( Step 10).

Control unit 3, and outputs a power-off request S _1, starts measuring the elapsed time until the power is shut off (Step11). Control unit 3, when the elapsed time measured is the second predetermined time or more based on the condition information 31, i.e. the power is not shut off in the second specified time (Step12: No), it outputs the power-off request S ₁ Confirmed number of times, that is, the number of retries.

Control unit 3, if the retry count has not reached the specified number of times (Step13: No), outputs a power-off request _{S 1} again (Step14), the process proceeds to step 11.

  Here, in step 12, when the power is cut off within the second specified time (Step 12: Yes), the control unit 3 ends the operation without transitioning to the power saving mode.

  In Step 13, when the number of retries reaches the specified number (Step 13: Yes), the control unit 3 determines that the SPI communication bus 4 or the like has failed, makes a transition to the power saving mode, and ends the operation (Step 15).

(Effect of the second embodiment)
The electronic control unit 1 of the present embodiment, it is possible to output a power-off request S ₁ until it reaches the specified number of times, which may be interrupted power within the specified number of times.

The electronic control unit 1, although acceptable output power off request S ₁ until it reaches the specified number of times, by shortening the second specified time to determine the retry time unchanged and if not retry The mode can be changed to the power saving mode.

  Here, the control unit 3 of the electronic control device 1 as another embodiment does not cut off the supply of power despite instructing to cut off the supply of its own power, and transitions from the normal mode to the power saving mode. In such a case, the apparatus is configured to perform at least one of storage of failure and notification of failure.

  When storing the failure, the control unit 3 performs diagnostic communication with an inspection device connected to the vehicle and outputs the stored content to the inspection device.

  When notifying the failure, the control unit 3 notifies the failure by displaying the failure location on a sub-monitor that displays a travel distance or the like, or by lighting a mark imitating the failure location.

  As mentioned above, although some embodiment of this invention was described, these embodiment is only an example and does not limit the invention which concerns on a claim. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, and the like can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, not all the combinations of features described in these embodiments are essential to the means for solving the problems of the invention. Furthermore, these embodiments are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

1 ... electronic control unit 2 ... system base chip 3 ... control section 4 ... SPI communications bus 5 ... CAN / LIN communication bus 6 ... battery _8a 1 _~8a n _... electronic device 9 ... vehicle control system 20 ... communication unit 22 ... power supply Unit 24 ... Transceiver unit 30 ... Mode information 31 ... Condition information 95 ... CAN / LIN communication bus

Claims (4)

A communication department;
A power supply unit that is electrically connected to the communication unit and supplies power;
It has a normal mode that operates with the power supplied from the power supply unit, and a power saving mode that suppresses power consumption compared to the normal mode, and supplies its power to the power supply unit via the communication unit. When the supply of power is not cut off even though it has been instructed to cut off, the control unit transitions from the normal mode to the power saving mode;
An electronic control device. The control unit transitions from the normal mode to the power saving mode when the power supply is not cut off even after a predetermined period of time has passed since the instruction to cut off the supply of the own power is given.
The electronic control device according to claim 1. The control unit gives an instruction to cut off the power supply again when a predetermined time has passed since the instruction to cut off its own power supply, and the number of instructions reaches the predetermined number of times. Even if the power is not cut off, the normal mode transits to the power saving mode.
The electronic control device according to claim 1. When the control unit is instructed to cut off its own power supply, but the power supply is not cut off and transitions from the normal mode to the power saving mode, the storage of the failure and the notification of the failure are performed. Do at least one,
The electronic control apparatus of any one of Claim 1 thru | or 3.

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