Power Saving in Automotive Ethernet

Abstract

A network sleep and wake-up concept designed to promote in-vehicle energy efficiency is nowhere to be found in the BroadR-Reach automotive Ethernet standard [1]. However, a variety of approaches which would be compatible with the standard are conceivable. Below we set out some objectives in relation to the implementation of a sleep and wake-up process and take a closer look at various possible approaches. On technical grounds we shall come down in favour of an approach which permits the control of the sleep and wake-up processes using the network’s own resources. We go on to discuss partial networking as a network management operational state for an Ethernet-based transmission system and show how the associated sleep and wake-up process can be implemented at physical level. The proposed solution employs familiar AUTOSAR control mechanisms which are already in use in today’s vehicle networks.