Onboard communication system, switching device, and control method

An in-vehicle communication system includes a first switching device and a second switching device each configured to relay, via a transmission path, information between a plurality of function units mounted to a vehicle. Upon being supplied with a power source voltage via a power-source-dedicated line from a power source device mounted to the vehicle, the first switching device supplies a power source voltage via the transmission path to one or a plurality of the function units and the second switching device that are connected to the first switching device, and the second switching device extracts a power source voltage from the transmission path, and supplies a power source voltage via the transmission path to one or a plurality of the function units that are connected to the second switching device.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an in-vehicle communication system, a switching device, and a control method.

This application claims priority on Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-131585 filed on Jul. 17, 2019, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND ART

For example, Japanese Laid-Open Patent Publication No. 2015-067187 (PATENT LITERATURE 1) discloses a vehicle control system as below. That is, the vehicle control system is for controlling a plurality of function units of a vehicle, and includes: a plurality of function ECUs that are disposed separately in a plurality of regions of the vehicle, that control the plurality of function units, and that are classified into a plurality of groups in accordance with functions of the function units to be controlled; a plurality of relay ECUs respectively disposed in the plurality of regions; a first network that connects the plurality of relay ECUs with each other; and a second network that is provided in each of the plurality of regions, and that connects the function ECU and the relay ECU in each region. Each function ECU, when performing communication with a function ECU that is disposed in a region different from the region where the function ECU is disposed and that is classified in the same group as the function ECU, performs transmission or reception of data via the second network and the relay ECU in the region where the function ECU is disposed, the first network, and the relay ECU and the second network in the region where the function ECU to be communicated with is disposed.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

Non Patent Literature

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

(1) An in-vehicle communication system of the present disclosure includes: a first switching device and a second switching device each configured to relay, via a transmission path, information between a plurality of function units mounted to a vehicle. Upon being supplied with a power source voltage via a power-source-dedicated line from a power source device mounted to the vehicle, the first switching device supplies a power source voltage via the transmission path to one or a plurality of the function units and the second switching device that are connected to the first switching device, and the second switching device extracts a power source voltage from the transmission path, and supplies a power source voltage via the transmission path to one or a plurality of the function units that are connected to the second switching device.

(4) A switching device of the present disclosure includes: a switching unit configured to relay, via a transmission path, information between a plurality of function units mounted to a vehicle; a power source receiving and supplying circuit configured to extract a power source voltage from the transmission path; and a power source supply circuit configured to supply, via the transmission path, the power source voltage extracted by the power source receiving and supplying circuit or a voltage based on the power source voltage, to one or a plurality of the function units that are connected to the switching device.

(5) A control method of the present disclosure is to be performed in an in-vehicle communication system including a first switching device and a second switching device each configured to relay, via a transmission path, information between a plurality of function units mounted to a vehicle. The control method includes: a step, performed by the first switching device upon being supplied with a power source voltage via a power-source-dedicated line from a power source device mounted to the vehicle, of supplying a power source voltage via the transmission path to one or a plurality of the function units and the second switching device that are connected to the first switching device; and a step, performed by the second switching device, of extracting a power source voltage from the transmission path and supplying a power source voltage via the transmission path to one or a plurality of the function units that are connected to the second switching device.

(6) A control method of the present disclosure is to be performed in a switching device configured to relay, via a transmission path, information between a plurality of function units mounted to a vehicle. The control method includes: a step of extracting a power source voltage from the transmission path; and a step of supplying, via the transmission path, the extracted power source voltage or a voltage based on the power source voltage, to one or a plurality of the function units that are connected to the switching device.

One mode of the present disclosure can be realized not only as an in-vehicle communication system that includes such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a program for causing a computer to execute such characteristic process steps. One mode of the present disclosure can be realized as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes a part or the entirety of the in-vehicle communication system.

One mode of the present disclosure can be realized not only as a switching device that includes such a characteristic processing unit, but also as a program for causing a computer to execute such characteristic process steps. One mode of the present disclosure can be realized as a semiconductor integrated circuit that realizes a part or the entirety of the switching device.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Problems to be Solved by the Present Disclosure

For example, in the in-vehicle network as described above, when a large number of function units are provided in the vehicle, wires and the like between function units are increased in association with increase of the function units. As a result, the total length of the transmission lines in the in-vehicle network is increased.

The present disclosure has been made in order to solve the above problem. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an in-vehicle communication system, a switching device, and a control method that are capable of realizing an in-vehicle network having a simpler configuration in which wires are effectively reduced.

Effects of the Present Disclosure

According to the present disclosure, an in-vehicle network having a simpler configuration in which wires are effectively reduced can be realized.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

First, contents of embodiments of the present disclosure are listed and described.

(1) An in-vehicle communication system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a first switching device and a second switching device each configured to relay, via a transmission path, information between a plurality of function units mounted to a vehicle. Upon being supplied with a power source voltage via a power-source-dedicated line from a power source device mounted to the vehicle, the first switching device supplies a power source voltage via the transmission path to one or a plurality of the function units and the second switching device that are connected to the first switching device, and the second switching device extracts a power source voltage from the transmission path, and supplies a power source voltage via the transmission path to one or a plurality of the function units that are connected to the second switching device.

With this configuration, for example, the switching devices can be disposed at separate places in the vehicle. Thus, in a case where the disposition locations of the respective function units are distributed in the vehicle, increase in the total length of transmission lines for communication in the in-vehicle network can be suppressed. With the configuration in which a power source voltage is supplied to the first switching device via a power-source dedicated line, and a power source voltage is distributed from the first switching device to each function unit via a transmission line for communication, the length of wires for communication can be reduced, and further, the wires for power source in the in-vehicle network can be reduced. With the configuration in which a power source voltage is supplied from the first switching device via a transmission line for communication to the second switching device and the power source voltage is distributed from the second switching device to each function unit, the wires for power source in the in-vehicle network can be further reduced. Therefore, an in-vehicle network having a simpler configuration in which wires are effectively reduced can be realized.

(2) Preferably, at least one of the first switching device and the second switching device is capable of switching whether or not to supply a power source voltage, for each of the function units connected thereto.

With this configuration, control of power source supply to each function unit can be concentrated in the switching device, and thus, the control system in the in-vehicle network can be simplified.

(3) More preferably, when a new function unit serving as a function unit that is new has been connected to the second switching device, the second switching device transmits, to the first switching device, authentication information received from the new function unit; receives, from the first switching device, power source control information indicating whether or not to supply a power source voltage to the new function unit; and switches whether or not to supply a power source voltage to the new function unit, in accordance with the received power source control information.

With this configuration, the configurations for authentication regarding a new function unit and power source supply control can be simplified while the in-vehicle network is allowed to be expandable.

(4) A switching device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a switching unit configured to relay, via a transmission path, information between a plurality of function units mounted to a vehicle; a power source receiving and supplying circuit configured to extract a power source voltage from the transmission path; and a power source supply circuit configured to supply, via the transmission path, the power source voltage extracted by the power source receiving and supplying circuit or a voltage based on the power source voltage, to one or a plurality of the function units that are connected to the switching device.

As described above, with the configuration in which the power source voltage is distributed via a transmission line for communication to each of the function units and the switching device, the length of wires for communication can be reduced, and further, the wires for power source in the in-vehicle network can be reduced. Therefore, an in-vehicle network having a simpler configuration in which wires are effectively reduced can be realized.

(5) A control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is to be performed in an in-vehicle communication system including a first switching device and a second switching device each configured to relay, via a transmission path, information between a plurality of function units mounted to a vehicle. The control method includes: a step, performed by the first switching device upon being supplied with a power source voltage via a power-source-dedicated line from a power source device mounted to the vehicle, of supplying a power source voltage via the transmission path to one or a plurality of the function units and the second switching device that are connected to the first switching device; and a step, performed by the second switching device, of extracting a power source voltage from the transmission path and supplying a power source voltage via the transmission path to one or a plurality of the function units that are connected to the second switching device.

With this configuration, for example, the switching devices can be disposed at separate places in the vehicle. Thus, in a case where the disposition locations of the respective function units are distributed in the vehicle, increase in the total length of transmission lines for communication in the in-vehicle network can be suppressed. With the configuration in which a power source voltage is supplied to the first switching device via a power-source dedicated line, and a power source voltage is distributed from the first switching device to each function unit via a transmission line for communication, the length of wires for communication can be reduced, and further, the wires for power source in the in-vehicle network can be reduced. With the configuration in which a power source voltage is supplied from the first switching device via a transmission line for communication to the second switching device and the power source voltage is distributed from the second switching device to each function unit, the wires for power source in the in-vehicle network can be further reduced. Therefore, an in-vehicle network having a simpler configuration in which wires are effectively reduced can be realized.

(6) A control method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is to be performed in a switching device configured to relay, via a transmission path, information between a plurality of function units mounted to a vehicle. The control method includes: a step of extracting a power source voltage from the transmission path; and a step of supplying, via the transmission path, the extracted power source voltage or a voltage based on the power source voltage, to one or a plurality of the function units that are connected to the switching device.

As described above, with the configuration in which the power source voltage is distributed via a transmission line for communication to each of the function units and the switching device, the length of wires for communication can be reduced, and further, the wires for power source in the in-vehicle network can be reduced. Therefore, an in-vehicle network having a simpler configuration in which wires are effectively reduced can be realized.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference signs, and description thereof is not repeated. At least some of embodiments described below may be combined as desired.

First Embodiment

[Configuration and Basic Operation]

FIG.1shows a configuration of an in-vehicle communication system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference toFIG.1, an in-vehicle communication system401includes a switching device151.

The in-vehicle communication system401is mounted to a vehicle101. The vehicle101is provided with a plurality of function units111.

The switching device151is, for example, an in-vehicle ECU (Electronic Control Unit) provided on the front side of the vehicle101, and relays information between a plurality of function units111via an Ethernet (registered trademark) cable10or the like. More specifically, the switching device151is connected to a plurality of function units111via Ethernet cables10or the like, and can perform communication with the plurality of function units111. Between the switching device151and each function unit111, information is communicated by use of an Ethernet frame, for example.

An extra-vehicular-communication device111A is a function unit111, and can communicate with an external device positioned outside the vehicle101.

Specifically, for example, an extra-vehicular-communication device111A is a TCU (Telematics Communication Unit), and can perform wireless communication with an external device201such as a server via a wireless base station device161or the like in accordance with a communication standard such as LTE (Long Term Evolution) or 3G.

Comparative Example 1

FIG.2shows Comparative Example 1 of the in-vehicle communication system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Comparative Example 1 is a comparative example for an in-vehicle communication system shown inFIG.3described later.

With reference toFIG.2, the in-vehicle communication system402includes two switching devices151A,151B, which are each a switching device151. The switching device151A is, for example, connected via Ethernet cables10to the switching device151B, the extra-vehicular-communication device111A, a LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)111B, a driving support device111C, a central gateway111D, and a camera111E. For example, the switching device151B is connected to cameras111F,111G,111H via Ethernet cables10. Hereinafter, each of the switching devices151A,151B will also be referred to as a switching device151.

Here, the LiDAR111B, the driving support device111C, the central gateway111D, and the cameras111E,111F,111G,111H are examples of the function unit111. The LiDAR111B and the cameras111E,111F,111G,111H are examples of sensors. In the in-vehicle communication system402, not limited to the LiDAR and cameras, other types of sensors such as a millimeter wave sensor, may be provided.

A configuration in which sensors, such as LiDAR and cameras, and in-vehicle ECUs having a switch function for relaying information between a plurality of function units are connected to each other is disclosed in NXP AUTOMOTIVE, Automotive Ethernet Congress (Germany), “AUTOMOTIVE ETHERNET-ENABLER FOR AUTONOMOUS DRIVING”, Feb. 4, 2016 (NON PATENT LITERATURE 1), for example.

The switching device151A, the extra-vehicular-communication device111A, the LiDAR111B, the driving support device111C, the central gateway111D, and the camera111E are provided on the front side of the vehicle101, for example. The switching device151B and the cameras111E,111F,111G are provided on the rear side of the vehicle101, for example.

The central gateway111D is connected to each control device122via a CAN bus11according to a CAN (Controller Area Network) (registered trademark) standard, for example.

For example, the central gateway111D performs a relay process of information between the control devices122respectively connected to different CAN buses11, and performs a relay process of information between the switching device151A and a control device122.

For example, the LiDAR111B includes: a laser device for applying laser light; a light receiving element for receiving scattered light of laser light by an object; a processing circuit and a CPU (Central Processing unit) having installed therein corresponding software; and the like.

The cameras111E,111F,111G,111H each include: an imaging element for capturing an image of the surroundings of the vehicle101; a processing circuit and a CPU having installed therein corresponding software; and the like.

The switching device151performs a relay process of relaying data between function units111in the in-vehicle communication system402. That is, the switching device151transmits an Ethernet frame received from a function unit111, to another function unit111or another switching device151in accordance with the destination of the Ethernet frame.

More specifically, each function unit111and each switching device151belong to one or a plurality of VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) in the in-vehicle communication system402, for example.

Each switching device151and each function unit111have a unique MAC (Media Access Control) address and a unique IP (Internet Protocol) address.

For example, the switching devices151A,151B can perform a relay process in accordance with a layer 2 and a layer 3 at a higher order than the layer 2.

More specifically, in the in-vehicle communication system402, for example, information is transmitted/received by use of an IP packet in accordance with an IP protocol. The IP packet is stored in an Ethernet frame and transmitted.

Specifically, the switching device151A,151B operates in accordance with a communication protocol having a plurality of layers. More specifically, a switching device151can function as an L2 (layer 2) switch, and relays an Ethernet frame transmitted between function units111that belong to the same VLAN, and an Ethernet frame transmitted between the other switching device151and a function unit111.

The switching device151A,151B can also function as an L3 (layer 3) switch, and relays an Ethernet frame transmitted between function units111that belong to different VLANs, and an Ethernet frame transmitted between the other switching device151and a function unit111.

Thus, with the configuration in which even in the vehicle101where wires such as Ethernet cables10connecting function units111are increased because the disposition locations of the function units111are distributed in the vehicle101, the plurality of switching devices151are disposed at separate places in the vehicle101, and increase in the total length of the Ethernet cables10in the in-vehicle communication system402can be suppressed.

Comparative Example 2

FIG.3shows Comparative Example 2 of the in-vehicle communication system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. Comparative Example 2 is a comparative example for the in-vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure shown in later-describedFIG.4and thereafter.

With reference toFIG.3, in the vehicle101having the in-vehicle communication system402mounted thereto, the switching devices151A,151B, the extra-vehicular-communication device111A, the LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)111B, the driving support device111C, the central gateway111D, and the cameras111E,111F,111G,111H are connected to a power source device123by a dedicated line20for power source, for example, and are supplied with a power source voltage via the dedicated line20from the power source device123.

In order to simplify the drawing, inFIG.3, each function unit111and each switching device151are supplied with a power source voltage via a common dedicated line20. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Each function unit111and each switching device151may be supplied with the power source voltage via separate dedicated lines20.

In Comparative Example 2, each function unit provided in the vehicle needs a wire such as a cable for supplying the power source voltage, separately from the Ethernet cable. Therefore, the total length of cables i.e., Ethernet cables and the aforementioned cables, is further increased.

In contrast to this, in the in-vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure, the above problem is solved by the configurations and operations as described below. The contents other than the contents described below are the same as those in the in-vehicle communication systems401,402.

FIG.4shows an example of a configuration of the in-vehicle communication system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference ofFIG.4, an in-vehicle communication system403includes a switching device152A and a switching device152B. Hereinafter, each of the switching devices152A,152B will also be referred to as a switching device152. The switching device152is an example of the function unit111.

The switching device152A is provided on the front side of the vehicle101, for example, and is connected to each of the extra-vehicular-communication device111A, the LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging)111B, the driving support device111C, the central gateway111D, the camera111E, and the switching device152B, by a transmission path such as an Ethernet cable (hereinafter, also referred to as a POE cable)12that corresponds to a POE (Power Over Ethernet (registered trademark)) according to the IEEE 802.3af standard.

The switching device152A is connected to the power source device123by a dedicated line20for power source, for example, and is supplied with a power source voltage via the dedicated line20from the power source device123.

The switching device152B is provided on the rear side of the vehicle101, for example, and is connected to each of the cameras111F,111G,111H by a transmission path such as a POE cable12. That is, the switching device152A and the switching device152B are disposed separately on the front side and the rear side of the vehicle101.

In the in-vehicle communication system403, the POE cable12may be an Ethernet cable that corresponds to PoDL (Power over Datalines) according to the IEEE 802.3bu standard and is used in in-vehicle networks.

FIG.5shows an example of a configuration of the switching device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.5shows a configuration of the switching device152A.

With reference toFIG.5, the switching device152A includes a switching unit51, a storage unit53, a plurality of communication ports54, and a plurality of power source supply circuits56. The switching unit51includes: one or a plurality of interface circuits57that each perform physical layer (PHY) processing; and a switch circuit58. It should be noted a single communication port54and a single power source supply circuit56may be provided.

The switching unit51and each power source supply circuit56in the switching device152A are connected to the power source device123, for example. More specifically, the switching unit51and each power source supply circuit56are connected to the power source device123via the dedicated line20, and are supplied with a power source voltage via the dedicated line20from the power source device123. The switching unit51operates in accordance with the power source voltage.

Each communication port54in the switching device152A is a terminal to which a POE cable12can be connected, for example. The communication port54may be a terminal of an integrated circuit.

Each of the plurality of communication ports54is connected to the switching device152B or one of the plurality of function units111via a POE cable12. Each of the plurality of communication ports54is associated with a VLAN, for example.

The switching unit51performs a relay process of relaying, via a POE cable12, information between a plurality of function units111. The storage unit53retains information to be relayed.

More specifically, for example, the switching unit51operates as an L2 switch, and relays an Ethernet frame between function units111that belong to the same VLAN.

Specifically, when an interface circuit57in the switching unit51has received a signal via a corresponding communication port54from a function unit111, the interface circuit57subjects the received signal to A/D (Analog-to-Digital) conversion, for example, to acquire an Ethernet frame. Then, the interface circuit57outputs the acquired Ethernet frame to the switch circuit58.

The switch circuit58stores the Ethernet frame received from the interface circuit57into the storage unit53, and confirms the destination MAC address of the Ethernet frame. Then, for example, with reference to an address table stored in the storage unit53, the switch circuit58specifies a communication port54that corresponds to the confirmed destination MAC address. The address table indicates a correspondence relationship between the port number of a communication port54, and a VLAN ID and the MAC address of a connection destination device.

Then, the switch circuit58acquires the Ethernet frame from the storage unit53, and outputs the acquired Ethernet frame to an interface circuit57that corresponds to the specified communication port54.

The interface circuit57subjects the Ethernet frame received from the switch circuit58to D/A (Digital-to-Analog) conversion, and transmits, via the communication port54and a POE cable12, the converted signal to the function unit111indicated by the destination MAC address of the Ethernet frame.

In addition, the switching unit51operates as an L3 switch, for example, and relays communication data between function units111that belong to different VLANs.

Specifically, the switch circuit58in the switching unit51confirms that the destination MAC address of an Ethernet frame received from an interface circuit57is the MAC address of the switch circuit58, and takes out an IP packet from the Ethernet frame.

For example, with reference to a network table stored in the storage unit53, the switch circuit58specifies the ID of the VLAN that corresponds to the destination IP address included in the IP packet. The network table indicates a correspondence relationship between a VLAN ID and a network address.

Further, with reference to an ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) table stored in the storage unit53, the switch circuit58acquires a MAC address of a function unit, e.g., the switching device152B, that corresponds to the gateway of the VLAN that corresponds to the specified ID. The ARP table indicates, for each VLAN ID, a correspondence relationship between an IP address and a MAC address.

Then, the switch circuit58creates an Ethernet frame that includes the acquired MAC address as the destination MAC address and that includes the IP packet, and stores the Ethernet frame into the storage unit53.

With reference to the above address table, the switch circuit58specifies a communication port54that corresponds to the destination MAC address.

Then, the switch circuit58acquires the Ethernet frame from the storage unit53and outputs the acquired Ethernet frame to an interface circuit57that corresponds to the specified communication port54.

The interface circuit57transmits, via the communication port54and a POE cable12, a signal obtained by subjecting the Ethernet frame received from the switch circuit58to D/A (Digital-to-Analog) conversion, to the function unit111, e.g., the switching device152B, indicated by the destination MAC address of the Ethernet frame.

The switching unit51need not necessarily be configured to relay information between a plurality of function units111via a POE cable12, but may be configured to relay information between the other switching device152and a function unit111via a POE cable12. More specifically, the switching unit51in the switching device152A may relay information between the switching device152B and a function unit111via a POE cable12.

[Supply of Power Source Voltage]

The switching device152A supplies, via a POE cable12, a power source voltage to each of one or a plurality of function units111and the switching device152B that are connected to the switching device152A.

Specifically, the power source supply circuit56in the switching device152A supplies, via a POE cable12, a power source voltage received via the dedicated line20from the power source device123, to one or a plurality of function units111connected to the switching device152A.

More specifically, one or a plurality of power source supply circuits56in the switching device152A output the power source voltage received via the dedicated line20from the power source device123, to corresponding communication ports54.

Accordingly, the power source voltage supplied from the power source supply circuits56is supplied, via POE cables12connected to the respective communication ports54, to the function units111and the switching device152B.

Specifically, with reference toFIG.3again, each power source supply circuit56in the switching device152A supplies, via a POE cable12, the power source voltage to each of the extra-vehicular-communication device111A, the LiDAR111B, the driving support device111C, the central gateway111D, the camera111E, and the switching device152B.

The power source supply circuit56may be configured to supply a voltage based on the power source voltage. More specifically, the power source supply circuit56may be configured to output, to a corresponding communication port54, a power source voltage obtained by boosting or stepping-down the power source voltage received via the dedicated line20from the power source device123.

In this manner, in the POE cable12in the in-vehicle communication system403, a signal obtained through D/A conversion of an Ethernet frame by the interface circuit57is superimposed on the power source voltage supplied by the power source supply circuit56, and is transmitted.

In the in-vehicle communication system403, due to the configuration in which a plurality of switching devices152are disposed at separate places in the vehicle101, in a case where the disposition locations of the respective function units111are distributed in the vehicle101, increase in the total length of the POE cables12in the in-vehicle communication system403can be suppressed.

With the configuration in which the power source voltage is distributed from the switching device152A to each function unit111and the switching device152B via the POE cables12, the dedicated line20that connects the switching device152B and each function unit111to the power source device123is not necessary. Therefore, wires in the in-vehicle communication system can be further reduced.

FIG.6shows another example of the configuration of the switching device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG.6shows a configuration of the switching device152B.

With reference toFIG.6, when compared with the switching device152A shown inFIG.5, the switching device152B further includes a power source receiving and supplying circuit55. The switching device152B includes power source supply circuits56by a number that is less, by one, than the number of communication ports54of the switching device152B.

The power source receiving and supplying circuit55is connected to the switching unit51and each power source supply circuit56, and is connected to the switching device152A via one of the plurality of communication ports54and a POE cable12.

The respective power source supply circuits56are connected to corresponding function units111via the other corresponding communication ports54and POE cables12.

[Acquisition of Power Source Voltage]

The switching device152B extracts the power source voltage from a POE cable12. More specifically, the power source receiving and supplying circuit55in the switching device152B extracts the power source voltage from a POE cable12.

Specifically, for example, the power source receiving and supplying circuit55extracts, by using a filter (not shown), the power source voltage transmitted via a POE cable12and a communication port54from the switching device152A.

Then, the power source receiving and supplying circuit55outputs the extracted power source voltage to the switching unit51and each power source supply circuit56. The power source receiving and supplying circuit55may be configured to output, to the switching unit51and each power source supply circuit56, a power source voltage obtained by boosting or stepping-down the power source voltage received from the switching device152A via a POE cable12and a communication port54.

For example, the switching unit51operates in accordance with the power source voltage received from the power source receiving and supplying circuit55. Then, for example, the switching unit51performs the above relay process similar to that performed in the switching device152A. More specifically, the switching unit51in the switching device152B relays, via POE cables12, information between a plurality of function units111, and information between the switching device152A and a function unit111.

With reference toFIG.4again, the switching device152B supplies, via a POE cable12, the power source voltage to each of one or a plurality of function units111connected to the switching device152B.

More specifically, with reference toFIG.6again, the power source supply circuit56in the switching device152B supplies, via a POE cable12, the power source voltage extracted by the power source receiving and supplying circuit55, to one or a plurality of function units111connected to the switching device152B.

More specifically, one or a plurality of power source supply circuits56in the switching device152B output the power source voltage supplied by the power source receiving and supplying circuit55, to corresponding communication ports54.

Accordingly, the power source voltage supplied from the power source supply circuits56is supplied, via POE cables12connected to the respective communication ports54, to corresponding function units111.

The power source supply circuit56may be configured to supply a voltage based on the above power source voltage. More specifically, the power source supply circuit56may be configured to output, to a corresponding communication port54, a power source voltage obtained by boosting or stepping-down the power source voltage supplied from the power source receiving and supplying circuit55.

Each device in the in-vehicle communication system according to the embodiment of the present disclosure includes a computer that includes a memory. An arithmetic processing unit such as a CPU in the computer reads out, from the memory, a program including a part or all of steps in the sequence diagram or flow chart described below, and executes the program. Programs of the plurality of devices can each be installed from outside. The programs of the plurality of devices are each distributed in a state of being stored in a storage medium.

FIG.7shows an example of a sequence of supply of a power source voltage and a relay process performed in the in-vehicle communication system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference toFIG.7, first, upon being supplied with a power source voltage via the dedicated line20from the power source device123, for example, the switching device152A starts operation (step S101).

Next, the switching device152A supplies the power source voltage via a POE cable12to each of one or a plurality of function units111and the switching device152B that are connected to the switching device152A (step S102).

The switching device152A performs a relay process of relaying, via a POE cable12, information between a plurality of function units111connected to the switching device152A (step S103).

Next, the switching device152B extracts the power source voltage from the POE cable12and starts operation in accordance with the extracted power source voltage (step S104).

Next, the switching device152B supplies the power source voltage via a POE cable12to each of one or a plurality of function units111connected to the switching device152B (step S105).

Next, the switching device152B performs a relay process of relaying, via a POE cable12, information between a plurality of function units111connected to the switching device152B (step S106).

FIG.8is a flow chart describing an operation procedure of supply of a power source voltage and a relay process performed in the switching device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference toFIG.8, first, the switching device152starts operation upon being supplied with the power source voltage via the dedicated line20from the power source device123, or starts operation upon extracting the power source voltage from a transmission path such as a POE cable12, for example (step S201).

Next, the switching device152supplies via a POE cable12to each of one or a plurality of function units111connected to the switching device152, the power source voltage supplied via the dedicated line20from the power source device123or the power source voltage extracted from the transmission path such as a POE cable12, or a power source voltage obtained by boosting or stepping-down the corresponding one of the above power source voltages (step S202).

Next, the switching device152performs a relay process of relaying, via a POE cable12, information between a plurality of function units111connected to the switching device152(step S203).

In the in-vehicle communication system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the switching device152A and the switching device152B each function as an L2 switch or an L3 switch. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the in-vehicle communication system403, for example, the switching device152A may function as an L2 switch or an L3 switch, and the switching device152B may function as an L2 switch.

In the in-vehicle communication system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the power source receiving and supplying circuit55in the switching device152B is supplied with the power source voltage from the switching device152A via a POE cable12and a communication port54. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. For example, the power source receiving and supplying circuit55may be configured to be supplied with the power source voltage from a function unit111via a POE cable12and a communication port54.

Meanwhile, in an in-vehicle network, when a large number of function units are provided in a vehicle, wires and the like between function units are increased in association with increase of the function units. As a result, the total length of the transmission lines in the in-vehicle network is increased.

In contrast to this, in the in-vehicle communication system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the switching device152A and the switching device152B each relay information between a plurality of function units111via a POE cable12. The switching device152A is supplied with a power source voltage via the power-source-dedicated line20from the power source device123mounted to the vehicle101, and supplies the power source voltage via a POE cable12to each of one or a plurality of function units111and the switching device152B that are connected to the switching device152A. The switching device152B extracts the power source voltage from the POE cable12and supplies the power source voltage via a POE cable12to each of one or a plurality of function units111connected to the switching device152B.

With this configuration, for example, the switching devices152can be disposed at separate places in the vehicle101. Therefore, in a case where the disposition locations of the function units111are distributed in the vehicle, increase in the total length of the transmission lines for communication in the in-vehicle network can be suppressed. With the configuration in which the power source voltage is supplied via the power-source-dedicated line20to the switching device152A, and the power source voltage is distributed from the switching device152A to each function unit111via a POE cable12for communication, the length of wires for communication can be reduced, and further, the wires for power source in the in-vehicle network can be reduced. With the configuration in which the power source voltage is supplied from the switching device152A via a POE cable12to the switching device152B, and the power source voltage is distributed from the switching device152B to each function unit111, the wires for power source in the in-vehicle network can be further reduced.

Therefore, in the in-vehicle communication system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, an in-vehicle network having a simpler configuration in which wires are effectively reduced can be realized.

In the switching device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the switching unit51relays via a POE cable12information between a plurality of function units111mounted to the vehicle101. The power source receiving and supplying circuit55extracts a power source voltage from the POE cable12. The power source supply circuit56supplies, via a POE cable12, the power source voltage extracted by the power source receiving and supplying circuit55or a voltage based on the power source voltage, to one or a plurality of function units111connected to the switching device152.

Thus, with the configuration in which the power source voltage is distributed via a POE cable12to each of the function units111and the switching device152, the length of wires for communication can be reduced, and further, the wires for power source in the in-vehicle network can be reduced. Therefore, an in-vehicle network having a simpler configuration in which wires are effectively reduced can be realized.

Therefore, in the switching device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, an in-vehicle network having a simpler configuration in which wires are effectively reduced can be realized.

In the in-vehicle communication system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, the switching device152A and the switching device152B each relay, via a POE cable12, information between a plurality of function units111. In a control method performed in the in-vehicle communication system according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, first, upon being supplied with a power source voltage via a power-source-dedicated line20from the power source device123mounted to the vehicle101, the switching device152A supplies the power source voltage via a POE cable12to each of one or a plurality of function units111and the switching device152B that are connected to the switching device152A. Next, the switching device152B extracts the power source voltage from the POE cable12and supplies the power source voltage via a POE cable12to each of one or a plurality of function units111connected to the switching device152B.

With this configuration, for example, the switching devices152can be disposed at separate places in the vehicle101. Therefore, in a case where the disposition locations of the function units111are distributed in the vehicle, increase in the total length of the transmission lines for communication in the in-vehicle network can be suppressed. With the configuration in which the power source voltage is supplied via the power-source-dedicated line20to the switching device152A, and the power source voltage is distributed from the switching device152A to each function unit111via a POE cable12for communication, the length of wires for communication can be reduced, and further, the wires for power source in the in-vehicle network can be reduced. With the configuration in which the power source voltage is supplied from the switching device152A via a POE cable12to the switching device152B, and the power source voltage is distributed from the switching device152B to each function unit111, the wires for power source in the in-vehicle network can be further reduced.

Therefore, in the control method performed in the in-vehicle communication system in the first embodiment of the present disclosure, an in-vehicle network having a simpler configuration in which wires are effectively reduced can be realized.

The switching device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure relays via a POE cable12information between a plurality of function units111mounted to the vehicle101. In a control method performed by the switching device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, first, a power source voltage is extracted from the POE cable12. Next, the extracted power source voltage or a voltage based on the power source voltage is supplied via a POE cable12to each of one or a plurality of function units111connected to the switching device.

Thus, with the configuration in which the power source voltage is distributed via a POE cable12to each of the function units111and the switching device152, the length of wires for communication can be reduced, and further, the wires for power source in the in-vehicle network can be reduced.

Therefore, in the control method performed in the switching device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, an in-vehicle network having a simpler configuration in which wires are effectively reduced can be realized.

Next, another embodiment of the present disclosure is described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference signs, and description thereof is not repeated.

Second Embodiment

The present embodiment relates to an in-vehicle communication system that includes a switching device that can control supply of a power source voltage, when compared with the in-vehicle communication system according to the first embodiment. The contents other than the contents described below are the same as those in the in-vehicle communication system according to the first embodiment.

FIG.9shows an example of a configuration of an in-vehicle communication system according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference toFIG.9, when compared with the in-vehicle communication system403, an in-vehicle communication system404further includes a switching device152C that provides a bus to which a new function unit111for expanding the function of the in-vehicle communication system can be added. Hereinafter, each of the switching devices152A,152B,152C will also be referred to as a switching device152.

[Control of Supply of Power Source Voltage]

The switching device152C can switch whether or not to supply a power source voltage for each function unit111connected to the switching device152C.

FIG.10shows an example of a configuration of a switching device according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference toFIG.10, the switching device152C further includes a processing unit52, when compared with the switching device152B shown inFIG.6. The processing unit52operates in accordance with the power source voltage received from the power source receiving and supplying circuit55, for example.

The processing unit52in the switching device152C outputs, to a power source supply circuit56, a control signal for controlling whether or not to perform supply of the power source voltage by the power source supply circuit56, for example.

For example, in the switching device152C, when no function unit111is connected to any of the communication ports54, the processing unit52outputs to each power source supply circuit56, a control signal for stopping supply of the power source voltage by the power source supply circuit56.

Accordingly, each power source supply circuit56stops supply of the power source voltage to a corresponding communication port54in accordance with the control signal received from the processing unit52.

Meanwhile, in the switching device152C, when a function unit111is connected to one or a plurality of communication ports54, the processing unit52outputs, to the corresponding power source supply circuit56, a control signal for causing the power source supply circuit56to supply the power source voltage.

The power source supply circuit56outputs the power source voltage to a corresponding communication port54in accordance with the control signal received from the processing unit52.

In the in-vehicle communication system404, not limited to the configuration in which the switching device152C can switch whether or not to supply the power source voltage for each function unit111connected to the switching device152C, a configuration in which the switching devices152A,152B also include the processing unit52and can perform a similar process, may be adopted. That is, a configuration in which at least one of the switching devices152A,152B,152C can switch whether or not to supply the power source voltage for each function unit111connected thereto, may be adopted.

With reference toFIG.9again, the switching device152A may control whether or not to cause the switching device152C to supply the power source voltage to a function unit111.

With reference toFIG.9andFIG.10, for example, when a new function unit, which is a function unit111that is new, has been connected to the switching device152C, the processing unit52in the switching device152C outputs, to a corresponding power source supply circuit56, a control signal for causing the power source supply circuit56to supply the power source voltage.

The power source supply circuit56outputs the power source voltage to a corresponding communication port54in accordance with the control signal received from the processing unit52.

As a result, the new function unit is supplied with the power source voltage from the power source supply circuit56via the corresponding communication port54and a POE cable12.

With reference to the above-described address table in the storage unit53, for example, the processing unit52confirms that the MAC address of the connection destination device of the communication port54, i.e., the new function unit, is not registered in the address table, and creates an Ethernet frame that includes an authentication request for requesting the MAC address and authentication information of the new function unit.

Then, the processing unit52transmits the created Ethernet frame to the new function unit, via the switching unit51, a corresponding communication port54, and a POE cable12.

The new function unit receives the Ethernet frame transmitted from the switching device152C, and acquires the authentication request included in the received Ethernet frame.

Then, the new function unit creates an Ethernet frame that includes the MAC address and authentication information of the new function unit in accordance with the acquired authentication request, and transmits the created Ethernet frame to the switching device152C.

The switching unit51in the switching device152C receives the Ethernet frame transmitted from the new function unit. More specifically, the switch circuit58in the switching unit51receives the Ethernet frame via a POE cable12, the corresponding communication port54, and the corresponding interface circuit57.

Then, the switch circuit58stores the received Ethernet frame into the storage unit53, and confirms the destination MAC address of the Ethernet frame. Then, with reference to the above address table, the switch circuit58outputs, to the processing unit52, information to the effect that the confirmed destination MAC address indicates the switching device152C.

The processing unit52transmits the authentication information received from the new function unit, to the switching device152A.

More specifically, upon reception of the above information from the switch circuit58, the processing unit52acquires, from the storage unit53, the Ethernet frame including the MAC address of the new function unit and stored by the switch circuit58.

Then, the processing unit52transmits, to the switching device152A, an Ethernet frame in which the destination MAC address of the acquired Ethernet frame is changed to the destination MAC address of the switching device152A, via the switching unit51, a corresponding communication port54, and a POE cable12.

The processing unit52adds, to the above address table in the storage unit53, the MAC address of the new function unit included in the acquired Ethernet frame in association with the port number of the communication port54through which the Ethernet frame has been received, whereby the processing unit52updates the address table.

With reference toFIG.5again, the switching unit51in the switching device152A receives the Ethernet frame transmitted from the switching device152C. More specifically, the switch circuit58in the switching unit51receives the Ethernet frame via a POE cable12, a corresponding communication port54, and a corresponding interface circuit57.

Then, the switch circuit58stores the received Ethernet frame into the storage unit53, and confirms the destination MAC address of the Ethernet frame. Then, with reference to the above address table, the switch circuit58outputs, to the processing unit52, information to the effect that the confirmed destination MAC address indicates the switching device152A.

Upon reception of the information from the switch circuit58, the processing unit52acquires, from the storage unit53, the Ethernet frame stored by the switch circuit58, and on the basis of the authentication information included in the acquired Ethernet frame, the processing unit52performs an authentication process regarding the new function unit.

Then, the processing unit52transmits, to the switching device152C, power source control information indicating whether or not to supply the power source voltage to the new function unit.

More specifically, when the authentication process regarding the new function unit has been successful, the processing unit52creates an Ethernet frame that includes, as the power source control information, an instruction to continue supply of the power source voltage by the switching device152C, and transmits the created Ethernet frame to the switching device152C via the switching unit51, a corresponding communication port54, and a POE cable12.

Meanwhile, when the authentication process regarding the new function unit has failed, the processing unit52creates an Ethernet frame that includes, as the power source control information, an instruction to stop supply of the power source voltage by the switching device152C, and transmits the created Ethernet frame to the switching device152C via the switching unit51, a corresponding communication port54, and a POE cable12.

With reference toFIG.9andFIG.10again, the switching unit51in the switching device152C receives the Ethernet frame transmitted from the switching device152A. More specifically, the switch circuit58in the switching unit51receives the Ethernet frame via a POE cable12, the corresponding communication port54, and the corresponding interface circuit57.

Then, the switch circuit58stores the received Ethernet frame into the storage unit53, and confirms the destination MAC address of the Ethernet frame. Then, with reference to the above address table, the switch circuit58outputs, to the processing unit52, information to the effect that the confirmed destination MAC address indicates the switching device152C.

Upon reception of the information from the switch circuit58, the processing unit52acquires, from the storage unit53, the Ethernet frame stored by the switch circuit58, acquires the power source control information included in the acquired Ethernet frame, and switches whether or not to supply the power source voltage to the new function unit, in accordance with the acquired power source control information.

More specifically, when having acquired, from the Ethernet frame, an instruction to continue supply of the power source voltage by the switching device152C, the processing unit52continues output, to the corresponding power source supply circuit56, a control signal for causing the power source supply circuit56to supply the power source voltage.

Meanwhile, when having acquired, from the Ethernet frame, an instruction to stop supply of the power source voltage by the switching device152C, the processing unit52outputs, to the corresponding power source supply circuit56, a control signal for stopping supply of the power source voltage by the power source supply circuit56.

The power source supply circuit56stops output of the power source voltage to the corresponding communication port54in accordance with the control signal received from the processing unit52.

As a result, the power source voltage is no longer supplied to the new function unit from the power source supply circuit56via the corresponding communication port54and a POE cable12.

FIG.11shows an example of a sequence according to which a power source voltage is supplied to a new function unit in the in-vehicle communication system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

With reference toFIG.11, first, when a new function unit has been connected to the switching device152C, the switching device152C supplies a power source voltage to the new function unit via a corresponding communication port54of the switching device152C and a POE cable12(step S301).

Next, the switching device152C creates an Ethernet frame that includes an authentication request for requesting the MAC address and authentication information of the new function unit, and transmits the created Ethernet frame to the new function unit via the POE cable12(step S302).

Next, the new function unit receives the Ethernet frame transmitted from the switching device152C, and acquires the authentication request included in the received Ethernet frame (step S303).

Next, the new function unit creates an Ethernet frame that includes the authentication information in accordance with the acquired authentication request, and transmits the created Ethernet frame to the switching device152C via the POE cable12(step S304).

Next, the switching device152C receives the Ethernet frame including the authentication information and transmitted from the new function unit, and transmits the received Ethernet frame to the switching device152A via a POE cable12(step S305).

Next, the switching device152A receives the Ethernet frame transmitted from the switching device152C, and acquires the authentication information included in the received Ethernet frame (step S306).

Next, the switching device152A performs an authentication process regarding the new function unit, on the basis of the acquired authentication information (step S307).

Next, in accordance with the result of the authentication process, the switching device152A creates an Ethernet frame that includes power source control information indicating whether or not to supply the power source voltage to the new function unit, and transmits the created Ethernet frame to the switching device152C via the POE cable12(step S308).

Next, the switching device152C receives the Ethernet frame transmitted from the switching device152A, and acquires the power source control information included in the received Ethernet frame (step S309).

Next, in accordance with the acquired power source control information, the switching device152C continues supply of the power source voltage to the new function unit, or stops supply of the power source voltage to the new function unit (step S310).

In the in-vehicle communication system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, when a new function unit has been connected to the switching device152C, the switching device152A performs an authentication process on the basis of the authentication information from the new function unit, so as to switch whether or not to supply the power source voltage to the new function unit, in accordance with the result of the authentication process. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the in-vehicle communication system404, the switching device152C may perform the authentication process, so as to switch whether or not to supply the power source voltage to the new function unit, in accordance with the result of the authentication process.

The in-vehicle communication system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure includes the switching device152B. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The in-vehicle communication system404need not necessarily include the switching device152B.

As described above, in the in-vehicle communication system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, at least one of the switching devices152A,152B,152C can switch whether or not to supply the power source voltage, for each function unit111connected thereto.

With this configuration, control of power source supply to each function unit111can be concentrated in the switching device152, and thus, the control system in the in-vehicle network can be simplified.

In the in-vehicle communication system according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure, when a new function unit, which is a function unit111that is new, has been connected to the switching device152C, the switching device152C transmits, to the switching device152A, authentication information received from the new function unit; receives, from the switching device152A, power source control information indicating whether or not to supply the power source voltage to the new function unit; and switches whether or not to supply the power source voltage to the new function unit, in accordance with the received power source control information.

With this configuration, the configurations for authentication regarding a new function unit and power source supply control can be simplified while the in-vehicle network is allowed to be expandable.

The other configurations and operations are the same as those described in the in-vehicle communication system according to the first embodiment, and thus, detailed description is not repeated here.

The disclosed embodiments are merely illustrative in all aspects and should not be recognized as being restrictive. The scope of the present disclosure is defined by the scope of the claims rather than by the description above, and is intended to include meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims and all modifications within the scope.

The above description includes the features in the additional notes below.

An in-vehicle communication system comprisinga first switching device and a second switching device each configured to relay, via a transmission path, information between a plurality of function units mounted to a vehicle, whereinupon being supplied with a power source voltage via a power-source-dedicated line from a power source device mounted to the vehicle, the first switching device supplies a power source voltage via the transmission path to one or a plurality of the function units and the second switching device that are connected to the first switching device,the second switching device extracts a power source voltage from the transmission path, and supplies a power source voltage via the transmission path to one or a plurality of the function units that are connected to the second switching device,the first switching device and the second switching device are disposed separately on a front side and a rear side of the vehicle,the first switching device operates as a layer 2 switch or a layer 3 switch, andthe second switching device operates as a layer 2 switch.

A switching device comprising:a switching unit configured to relay, via a transmission path, information between a plurality of function units mounted to a vehicle;a power source receiving and supplying circuit configured to extract a power source voltage from the transmission path; anda power source supply circuit configured to supply, via the transmission path, the power source voltage extracted by the power source receiving and supplying circuit or a voltage based on the power source voltage, to one or a plurality of the function units that are connected to the switching device, whereinthe switching device operates as a layer 2 switch or a layer 3 switch.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST