MODULAR POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM, METHOD, AND APPARATUS HAVING CONFIGURABLE OUTPUTS
First Claim
1. A power distribution system for a controller area network (CAN) of a vehicle comprising:
- a plurality of power modules having configurable outputs;
a J1939 bus, the J1939 bus being coupled to each said power module via an associated node;
a plurality of electrical components, each said electrical component being coupled to a power module of said plurality; and
a power supply to provide power to each said power module,wherein each said power module is configured to supply power to associated ones of said electrical components coupled thereto,wherein each said power module includes;
a control module coupled to said J1939 bus and configured to receive and transmit signals associated with said J1939 bus;
a plurality of power output lines, each said power output line being configured to provide power to one said electrical component coupled thereto;
a plurality of pluggable power elements, a plurality of said pluggable power elements being associated with each of said power output lines, anda power supply line to supply power from said power supply to said plurality of pluggable power elements, andwherein said control module is configured to electronically control at least one of said pluggable power elements for each said power output line,wherein said control module is configured to electronically control at least one of said pluggable power elements based on signals associated with said J1939 bus,wherein each said power module is configured to provide power load shedding for associated electrical components, andwherein, for each power output line, said control module is configured to switch automatically from a malfunctioning pluggable power element to a backup pluggable power element to supply power for the associated power output line.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system, method, and apparatus for controlling the supply of power for components of a vehicle. The system comprises a plurality of power modules or apparatuses, a J1939 bus, a plurality of electrical components, and a power supply. Each component is coupled to at least one power module, and the power modules are configured to supply power to electrical components coupled thereto. Each power module includes a controller, a plurality of power output lines, a plurality of pluggable power elements, and a power supply line. The controller is configured to electronically control at least one of the pluggable power elements for each power output line. Thus, the outputs of the power modules are configurable based on controlling the pluggable power elements.
36 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A power distribution system for a controller area network (CAN) of a vehicle comprising:
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a plurality of power modules having configurable outputs; a J1939 bus, the J1939 bus being coupled to each said power module via an associated node; a plurality of electrical components, each said electrical component being coupled to a power module of said plurality; and a power supply to provide power to each said power module, wherein each said power module is configured to supply power to associated ones of said electrical components coupled thereto, wherein each said power module includes; a control module coupled to said J1939 bus and configured to receive and transmit signals associated with said J1939 bus; a plurality of power output lines, each said power output line being configured to provide power to one said electrical component coupled thereto; a plurality of pluggable power elements, a plurality of said pluggable power elements being associated with each of said power output lines, and a power supply line to supply power from said power supply to said plurality of pluggable power elements, and wherein said control module is configured to electronically control at least one of said pluggable power elements for each said power output line, wherein said control module is configured to electronically control at least one of said pluggable power elements based on signals associated with said J1939 bus, wherein each said power module is configured to provide power load shedding for associated electrical components, and wherein, for each power output line, said control module is configured to switch automatically from a malfunctioning pluggable power element to a backup pluggable power element to supply power for the associated power output line. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for controlling power to electrical components in a network for a vehicle, comprising:
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providing a circuit board coupled to a backplane of a power module; removably coupling a power element to a receptacle of the circuit board; providing a controller adapted to control electronically a supply of power for at least one of the electrical components in the vehicle network; associating the power element with the at least one electrical component of the vehicle network; diagnosing a characteristic associated with the power element; generating a signal in response to the diagnosing; the controller electronically controlling a supply of power for said at least one electrical component by controlling the power element associated with the at least one electrical component based on said generating a signal in response to the diagnosing; and reconfiguring the supply of power in response to the signal. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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14. A reconfigurable apparatus comprising:
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power controlling means for controlling power output to outside the reconfigurable apparatus; power supplying means for supplying power to said power controlling means; and controlling means for electronically controlling said power controlling means, said controlling means being coupled to said power controlling means, wherein said controlling means electronically controls said power controlling means based on at least one of signals received from a bus external to the reconfigurable apparatus and signals received from said power controlling means, and wherein said power controlling means is automatically reconfigurable in response to at least one of said signals. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification