Slave node and local interconnect network (LIN network) having same
First Claim
1. A slave node for use in a LIN network, comprising:
- an input circuit for receiving an incoming message from the LIN network, said input circuit having a first signal input coupled to the LIN network and a first signal output;
an electronic processing device for interpreting the incoming message and/or compiling an outgoing message, said electronic processing device having a second signal input coupled to said first signal output and a second signal output; and
a transmitting device for transmitting the outgoing message to the LIN network, said transmitting device having a third signal input coupled to said second signal output, and a third signal output coupled to the LIN network;
wherein said input circuit is separate from said transmitting device, such that said transmitting device is generally inactive during reception of the incoming message.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A slave node for use with a Local Interconnect Network (LIN network) receives incoming messages from the LIN network in a manner that reduces operating current, power consumption and/or operating temperature. The slave node generally includes an input circuit, an electronic processing device, associated components such as an Integrated Glass Fog Sensor (IGFS) unit, and a transmitting device all mounted on a single circuit board. The input circuit, which can either be separate from or incorporated within the electronic processing device, pre-filters an incoming message from a LIN bus such that it only wakes the transmitting device out of its low-current sleep mode when required. Stated differently, the transmitting device is removed from an incoming message path so that it is only active when it is transmitting an outgoing message.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A slave node for use in a LIN network, comprising:
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an input circuit for receiving an incoming message from the LIN network, said input circuit having a first signal input coupled to the LIN network and a first signal output;
an electronic processing device for interpreting the incoming message and/or compiling an outgoing message, said electronic processing device having a second signal input coupled to said first signal output and a second signal output; and
a transmitting device for transmitting the outgoing message to the LIN network, said transmitting device having a third signal input coupled to said second signal output, and a third signal output coupled to the LIN network;
wherein said input circuit is separate from said transmitting device, such that said transmitting device is generally inactive during reception of the incoming message. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A slave node for use in a LIN network, comprising:
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a level-shift circuit for shifting the voltage of the signals of an incoming message from the LIN network;
a ground-shift circuit for compensating for fluctuations in a ground signal;
a wave-shaping circuit for shaping the signals of the incoming message;
an electronic processing device for interpreting the incoming message; and
a transmitting device for transmitting an outgoing message to the LIN network;
wherein at least one of said level-shift, ground-shift and wave-shaping circuits is integrated into said electronic processing device. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A Local Interconnect Network (LIN network), comprising:
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a LIN bus;
a master node coupled to said LIN bus; and
a slave node coupled to said LIN bus, said slave node comprising;
a level-shift circuit for shifting the voltage of the signals of an incoming message from said LIN bus;
a ground-shift circuit for compensating for fluctuations in a ground reference;
a comparator having a first input terminal coupled to said level-shift circuit and a second input terminal coupled to said ground-shift circuit;
an electronic processing device for interpreting the incoming message; and
a transmitting device for transmitting an outgoing message to the LIN network, said transmitting device is usually maintained in a sleep mode and is coupled to the LIN network;
wherein said electronic processing device interprets the incoming message and only wakes up said transmitting device when it is needed to transmit the outgoing message.
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Specification