Arrangement and method for system of locally deployed module units, and contact unit for connection of such a module unit

• US 20040236885A1
• Filed: 12/08/2003
• Published: 11/25/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 06/06/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Longhorn Automotive Group LLC (Alpha Alpha Intellectual Partners LLC), Kvaser Consultant, Kvaser Consultant Aktiebolag
• Original Assignee: Xinshu Management LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Fredriksson, Lars- Berno, Lennartson, Kent, Fritzon, Joachim
• Granted Patent: US 7,882,275 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 710/100
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/044 comprising hierarchical management structures
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 41/046 comprising network management agents or mobile agents therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/00 Arrangements for monitoring or testing data switching networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 43/0817 by checking functioning

Abstract

An arrangement for a system for controlling, monitoring, communication etc. comprises locally deployed module units which each perform one or more local function(s). The system also comprises one or more system-functioning-determining unit(s) at a higher level than said module units. Also included are one or more connection(s) connecting said units. Each module unit is connected to the connection concerned via a connection facility or connection point. The facility or point comprises one or more microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)) arranged with compatibility with signalling appearing on the connection according to the rules of systems engineering which apply, and with a higher-level function in relation to the module unit. The invention also relates to a method for said system and a contact arrangement for connection of a module unit to the connection. The invention makes possible outstanding separation of system functions and module unit functions, the result of which is that the various part functions can be produced individually with hardware and used by the system/module unit constructor.

Claims

1. Arrangement in a control, monitoring and/or communication system which comprises module units (nodes) (10, 11, 12) which are locally deployed (spread out) and perform one or more function(s), one or more unit(s) (2, 2′

) at a higher level than the module units and determining system functioning and temporarily or permanently connected, and one or more connection(s) (1, 1′

) connecting the units, each module unit being connected to the connection concerned via a connection facility or connection point, characterized in that the connection facility (13, 14, 15) or connection point includes one or more microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s) with microprocessor and peripheral equipment) (49″

, 49′

″

) arranged on the one hand with compatibility with signalling (i1, i2) appearing on the connection(s) according to the rules of systems engineering which apply, and on the other hand with a higher-level function in relation to the module unit.

2. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the microprocessor(s) (the microprocessor setup(s)) is (are) arranged with a monitoring or protection function in relation to the module unit (10, 11 or 12) for ascertaining whether the latter is not complying with said rules or is affected by an error and, if this is the case, to disconnect the module unit from the connection.

3. Arrangement according to claim 1, characterized in that the microprocessor(s) (the microprocessor setup(s)) is (are) arranged so as to bring about or take part in testing or simulation functions during system construction.

4. Arrangement in a system comprising locally deployed or spread out module units (nodes) which are arranged so as to perform one or more function(s) (control, monitoring etc.), one or more unit(s) at a higher level than the module units and arranged so as to work according to fixed rules, and one or more connection(s), to which the module units are connected via connection facilities or connection points, characterized in that each connection facility or connection point includes one or more microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setups) arranged so as to work with passively higher-level functioning, which means, for example, functioning for monitoring, protection, simulation etc. in relation to the module unit concerned, which is then arranged with its own microprocessor(s) which, essentially separately from the microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)) of the connection facility or connection point, handle(s) the locally performed function(s) of the module unit, and/or in that the microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)) of the connection facility or connection point is (are) arranged so as to work actively with protocol or signal conversion functions (that is to say as a gateway) essentially separately from said locally performed function(s) in the module unit.

5. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)) of the connection facility or connection point is (are) arranged so as to perform the monitoring function(s) during normal operation of the system.

6. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that each module unit comprises or is connected to (a) microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)) arranged so as to handle system requirements, and to (a) microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)) arranged so as in the main to handle the local function(s) of the module unit.

7. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the module unit with its associated microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)) forms, in relation to the connection system and the higher-level units, a separate module unit which is arranged so as to be connectable to various types of connection system.

8. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that, in a case where the connection facility or connection point with its associated microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)) is arranged so as to work as a protocol converter or signal converter (gateway), the connection facility or connection point comprises a permanent point-to-point connection between the connection system and the module unit.

9. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the connection facility or connection point is arranged with (a) microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)) with associated or interacting memory means arranged so as to receive from or send to another module unit, for example a higher-level unit, in the system a downloading function or an application function with a protocol which differs from a current protocol by means of which the system is arranged to work in control, monitoring and/or communication functioning.

10. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the system is arranged so as to work on the one hand with a low-speed protocol, for example a CAN protocol, and on the other hand with a protocol with a higher speed which is arranged so as to obtain access to the connection(s) via time-slot and/or filter arrangements.

11. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the filter arrangement is arranged so as to work by impedance adaptation at the connection facility or connection point concerned in order to reduce the loss in the facility or the point.

12. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the module units are assigned to different system protocols, and in that the modules are arranged for adaptation to the current system connection in cases where this differs from the system affiliation of the module unit.

13. Arrangement according to claim 10, characterized in that the system connection consists of a CAN connection, and the point-to-point connection consists of a standard connection (USE or ISO 1394, Firewire).

14. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that said connections are wire-based, optical and/or radio connections.

15. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the connection facility or connection point comprises or consists of an optical connection between the system connection and the module unit.

16. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the module unit is of standard type (for example 251 type), and in that, in spite of this, the microprocessor(s) of the connection facility or connection point implement characteristics which in conventional cases require more advanced circuits, for example 1053/54 type circuits or circuits with RedCAN characteristics.

17. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that the microprocessor(s) of the connection facility or connection point or peripheral circuits (microprocessor setups) therefor is (are) arranged so as to handle the time-keeping of the module unit, and in that the module unit can then comprise a simplified local clock function or receive timing trigger signals from the connection facility or connection point according to a local protocol or direct trigger lines.

18. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that a freely selected CAN module unit is arranged for connection to said connection facility or connection point, and in that the microprocessor(s) of the connection facility or connection point is (are) arranged to assign to the connected module unit a characteristic (for example a RedCAN characteristic) required at system level, resulting in the module unit not having to be redesigned in its entirety.

19. Arrangement according to claim 4, characterized in that, in the event of errors occurring in the module unit, the latter is arranged so as to be locally disconnectable without any requirement for switching over at bus segment level.

24. Arrangement according to claim 19 any one of patent claims 19-23, characterized in that said one or more protocol(s) work(s) with a bit speed which considerably exceeds the bit speed of the basic protocol.

30. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that each microprocessor (microprocessor setup) is arranged (programmed) so as to execute functional connection and disconnection of the module unit to or from the bus connection for, for example, configuration, diagnosis, function performance according to the sending and receiving schedule etc.

31. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that each microprocessor (microprocessor setup) is arranged (programmed) so as, depending on system information over the bus connection and/or information from the module unit, to execute cut-off of the bus connection in a first direction and functional connection of the bus connection in a second direction, as seen from the module unit.

32. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the memory capacity of one or more memory or memories is distributed between the module unit and one or more microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)) in the second contact unit.

33. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the microprocessor is arranged with programs relating to basic functions for monitoring the bus connection.

34. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the second contact unit is arranged to receive information about the module unit before connection of the latter.

35. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the microprocessor is arranged so as to effect disconnection of the module unit from the bus connection without effect or influence as far as the bus connection is concerned.

36. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the microprocessor (the microprocessor setup) is arranged so as to establish an internal point-to-point communication with the module unit, for example for diagnostics, configuration and/or simulation.

37. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the second contact unit is arranged so as, by means of the microprocessor (the microprocessor setup), to monitor the communication between the module unit and the system (the CAN system) and, for example, to effect control so that or ensure that the module unit has contact with the bus connection according to the sending and/or receiving schedule in question.

38. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the second contact unit is arranged so as, by means of the microprocessor (the microprocessor setup), to bring about monitoring of the protocol functionality, for example checking that messages are sent/received in the correct time slot.

39. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the second contact unit is arranged so as to control the functionality in terms of hardware, for example to physically break off the communication connection of the module unit in the sending state of the module unit when sending is not permitted according to the rules of the system, but still to register whether the module unit attempts to send in spite of the restriction.

40. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the second contact unit is arranged so as, by means of the microprocessor (the microprocessor setup), to establish an exclusive connection between the module unit and the bus connection in order to exchange information before the module unit receives permission to go out onto the bus connection either via the bus connection or a special connection.

41. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the second contact unit is arranged so as, by means of the microprocessor (the microprocessor setup), to exchange information with one or more system-monitoring/controlling unit(s) via the bus connection.

42. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the second contact unit is arranged to exchange information with the module unit when the latter is disconnected from the bus connection or when the module unit is connected to the bus connection but prevented, by the rules of the system, from exchanging information via the bus connection.

43. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the second á

ontact unit is designed as a blind contact unit.

44. Arrangement according to claim 24, characterized in that the second contact unit is arranged with impedance adaptation in order to reduce energy loss in a case where the system works with filter arrangements for first and second signals relating to first and, respectively, second communication protocols on a multi-wire connection of said connections.

20. Arrangement in a control and/or monitoring system which comprises locally deployed module units (nodes), and one or more unit(s) at a higher level than these in the system, and one or more connection(s) connecting the units, the system being arranged so as to work with two different information types where the first information type relates to the locally performed function of the module unit concerned (control, monitoring, simulation etc.) and the second information type relates to system administration, based on rules which apply in the system, performed on the connection(s), characterized in that at least one module unit and preferably all of said module units is or are arranged with a microprocessor setup which handles the two information types essentially separately or individually.

21. Arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that the microprocessor setup comprises one or more first microprocessor(s) for the first information type and one or more second microprocessor(s) for the second information type.

22. Arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that said first microprocessor(s) is (are) integrated with the construction of the module unit concerned, and said second microprocessor(s) is (are) connected or connectable to the connection concerned for the purpose of being divided for only the module unit and the module unit constructor or the system and the system constructor.

23. Arrangement according to claim 20, characterized in that the microprocessor(S) with associated or interacting memory means receive or send, in time slots and/or via filter arrangements, signals (i3, i4) of one or more protocol(s) differing from the signals (i1, i2) in the basic protocol of the system.

25. Control, monitoring and/or communication arrangement with one or more module unit setup(s) comprising module units which can communicate via one or more bus connection(s), for example one or more CAN bus(es), and are each connected to the bus connection concerned via an establishment of contact comprising on the one hand a first contact unit with a first set of contact means, which are connected or connectable to the module unit and second and third contact means connected or connectable to said bus connection, and on the other hand a second contact unit which can interact with the first contact unit and has fourth contact means which can interact with the first, second and third contact means in order to make it possible to connect the module unit to the bus connection, characterized in that the second contact unit comprises or is connected to one or more microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)), with which the second contact unit is arranged so as to perform one, two or all of the following alternatives:

a) depending on system information via the bus connection and/or information assigned individually to it, to cooperate in or determine the connection and disconnection of the module unit to and from the bus connection,

b) depending on said system information via the bus connection and/or the information assigned individually to it, to establish internal or direct cooperation with the module unit, for example for configuration, diagnosis, simulation etc. thereof, and

c) to sense the signal status of the bus connection and passability on the bus connection, as seen from the module unit.

26. Arrangement according to claim 25, characterized in that each microprocessor (microprocessor setup) is arranged so as, depending on its program, to act on connection and disconnection means, for example relay means, which are arranged so as to carry out connection and disconnection of the module unit to and from the bus connection.

27. Arrangement according to claim 25, characterized in that each microprocessor (microprocessor setup) is arranged so as, depending on signal control via the bus, connection from another system unit, for example another module unit, to bypass the module unit or connect or disconnect the module unit to or from the bus connection.

28. Arrangement according to claim 25, characterized in that the second contact means comprises or is connected to one or more unit(s).

29. Arrangement according to claim 28, characterized in that the memory or memories is or are arranged so as to buffer at least part or parts of unidirectional or bidirectional communication which appears on the bus connection or emanates from the module unit or is exchangeable between the module unit and the bus connection.

45. Contact unit which can be interconnected with a connection unit forming part of a control, monitoring and/or communication arrangement which comprises one or more module unit setup(s) which in turn comprise(s) module units which can communicate via one or more bus connection(s), for example one or more CAN bus(es), and are each connected to the bus connection concerned via an establishment of contact which can be effected by means of said units, the connection unit being made with a first set of contact means which are connected or connectable to the module unit and second and third contact means connected or connectable to said bus connection, and the contact unit being made with fourth contact means which can interact with the first, second and third contact means in order to make connection to the bus connection possible, characterized in that the contact unit comprises or is connected to one or more microprocessor(s) (microprocessor setup(s)), with which it is arranged so as to perform one, two or all of the following alternatives:

a) depending on system information via the bus connection and/or information assigned individually to it, to cooperate in or determine the connection and disconnection of the module unit to and from the bus connection,

b) depending on said system information via the bus connection and/or the information assigned individually to it, to establish internal or direct cooperation with the module unit, for example for configuration, diagnosis, simulation etc. thereof, and

c) to sense the signal status of the bus connection and passability on the bus connection, as seen from the module unit.

46. Method of producing a distributed control, monitoring and/or communication system, characterized in that

a) a basic system concept is brought about by means of a suitable computer tool, for example of the Kingdom Founder type, which basic concept comprises indicating the messages which the module unit concerned is to serid and receive, the bit speed which is to be used, how the protocol is to be designed, the scheduling of the messages, the cable lengths which are to be used, and indicating error detection and error handling mechanisms which are to be present in the module unit concerned,

b) the basic concept information produced is used in order to determine the construction of a connection facility which is to be present in each module unit, which connection facility is arranged so as in a first stage to serve as a module unit simulator by sending correct messages according to the scheduling in order to verify this and by sending incorrect messages or violating protocol and/or scheduling in order to check that the system behaves in the expected manner in the event of error, and

c) a test program is created in order for it to be possible to monitor the behaviour of the module unit.

47. Method according to claim 46, characterized in that two or more module units, for example all the module units, are, according to the basic concept, provided with a connection facility, and in that the construction concept and functioning concept of the connection facility are supplied in connection with the development or production of the module unit in question.

48. Method according to claim 46, characterized in that, when the construction concept and functioning concept is supplied, software'"'"' or a program is also supplied, in which the construction and functioning concepts are simulated by means of other module unit(s) and connection facilities, in which way each module unit can undergo advanced testing before connection and testing in the final system produced.

49. Arrangement in a control, monitoring and/or communication system which comprises module units (nodes) (10, 11, 12) which are locally deployed (spread out) and perform one or more function(s), one or more unit(s) (2, 2′

) at a higher level than the module units and determining system functioning and temporarily or permanently connected, and one or more connection(s) (1, 1′

) connecting the units, each module unit being connected to the connection concerned via a connection facility or connection point, characterized in that one or more of said connections is or are arranged so as to transmit high frequencies and pulses at high bit speed(s) by means of electromagnetic fields; and

in that the connection facility or connection point is then arranged so as to function as an antenna which transmits signals from one or more unit(s) concerned to or from the bus medium in question which is then in the form of a waveguide.