CN116729279A - Electronic control unit with separable cooling and memory modules - Google Patents

Abstract

An Electronic Control Unit (ECU) having separable cooling and memory modules is described. The cooling module has an integrated liquid cooling circuit directly connected to the cooling circuit. The memory module includes a separate memory that can store data and be tested independently of the cooling module. When installed in a vehicle, the cooling module and the memory module are contacted at a thermal contact surface to effect cooling. In this way, the cooling module may provide cooling to one or more memory modules through the thermal contact surface, and the memory modules may be implemented without an internal cooling system.

Description

Electronic control unit with detachable cooling and memory modules

Cross-references to related applications

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/269,012, filed on March 8, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Technical field

The present disclosure relates to an electronic control unit with separable cooling and memory modules.

Background technique

Vehicles such as automobiles often include electronic control units (ECUs) that control systems within the vehicle. ECUs are common and important because modern vehicles can have many ECUs controlling many systems. Due to the importance of these ECUs and their location in the vehicle, these ECUs are designed to handle environmental conditions that other computers and microcomputers typically cannot handle, such as vibration, high and low temperatures, and contaminants.

During manufacturing or post-manufacturing inspection, data and programs can be uploaded to the ECU to enable the ECU to control various systems. However, current ECUs can be difficult to fully inspect when the ECU is not yet integrated within the intended vehicle. After installation, however, inspection, upgrades, and repairs can be difficult because many ECUs include liquid cooling loops to help dissipate heat since high temperature conditions are common and harmful to ECUs.

Contents of the invention

Many current electronic control units (ECUs) include liquid cooling circuits to assist with heat dissipation. It can be difficult to fully inspect these ECUs when they are not yet integrated in the intended vehicle. Once installed, however, inspection, upgrades, and repairs can be difficult because these ECUs have liquid cooling circuits. In contrast, the ECUs disclosed herein with detachable cooling and memory modules enable easier inspection prior to integration with the intended vehicle, and easier inspection, upgrade and maintenance when integrated into the vehicle. /or repair.

The present invention provides an electronic control unit (ECU). The electronic control unit (ECU) includes: a cooling module, the cooling module includes: a first electrical connection; a liquid cooling circuit; and a third thermally connected to the liquid cooling circuit. a thermal contact surface, the first thermal contact surface being configured to contact a second thermal contact surface of the memory module to provide a thermal connection between the liquid cooling circuit and the memory module, and the first electrical A connection is configured to communicatively couple the memory module through a second electrical connection of the memory module to provide electrical communication between the cooling module and the memory module.

The present invention also provides an electronic control unit (ECU), the electronic control unit (ECU) including: a memory module, the memory module includes: a first electrical connection; a memory; one or more computer processors; and a first A thermal contact surface configured to contact a second thermal contact surface of the cooling module, the second thermal contact surface configured to be between a liquid cooling circuit of the cooling module and the memory module. A thermal connection is provided between; and the first electrical connection is configured to communicatively couple the memory module to the cooling module through a second electrical connection of the cooling module.

Description of drawings

Details of one or more aspects of the ECU with separable cooling and memory modules are described below. The use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the specification and drawings refers to similar elements.

Figure 1 shows an example operating environment of an ECU with separable cooling and memory modules.

Figure 2 shows an example assembly diagram of an ECU with a cooling module and two memory modules.

Figure 3 shows an example exploded perspective view of an ECU with a cooling module and two memory modules.

Figure 4 shows an example inverted exploded perspective view of an ECU with a cooling module and two memory modules.

Figure 5 shows an example pre-assembled perspective view of an ECU with a cooling module shown having a thermal contact surface and two memory modules.

Figure 6 shows an example pre-assembled perspective view of an ECU with a cooling module and two memory modules, each memory module being shown with a thermal contact surface.

Figure 7 shows an inverted pre-assembled perspective view of an example inverted pre-assembled ECU with a cooling module and two memory modules and electrical connections for coupling the cooling module and memory modules.

8 shows a perspective view of an example pre-assembled ECU with a cooling module and two memory modules and electrical connections for coupling the cooling module and memory modules.

Detailed ways

Electronic control units (ECUs) are typically installed in vehicles to perform control functions through which various systems within the vehicle are controlled. Example systems include the vehicle's powertrain, engine, transmission, braking (e.g., electronic stability control and/or automatic braking systems), battery management system (e.g., charging and/or life extension), speed control, auxiliary drives systems (e.g., self-driven or assisted), suspension, air navigation (e.g., autopilot), radar and/or lidar systems and their signal processing, all-wheel drive and airbag deployment systems, to name just a few that can be controlled by the ECU some of the many systems controlled.

In order to implement these control functions, the ECU may need to upload data to the memory within the unit. Typically, this data can be uploaded during manufacturing, during inspection, or after a fault is detected and maintenance is performed. The ECU may include one or more electrical connectors that enable data to be uploaded to memory within the ECU. However, due to the complex design requirements that the ECU fulfills, these connectors are often located in inaccessible parts of the ECU.

In addition to the design complexity associated with data requirements, the ECU may be required to meet certain thermal requirements. For example, when the ECU performs control functions, the temperature of the ECU may increase, potentially damaging the ECU's components and negatively affecting performance. To help dissipate heat to control ECU temperature, some ECUs can be implemented with a liquid cooling circuit. Typically, these liquid cooling loops are implemented within the ECU, thus increasing the complexity of the ECU design. Additionally, when an ECU needs to be replaced or repaired, the liquid cooling circuit capable of cooling may need to be emptied, which can be a technically difficult and laborious process. Therefore, ECU repair and replacement can be an expensive and difficult process that requires experienced technicians.

While ECU design can create challenges in maintaining the car, ECU requirements can also limit the efficiency and simplicity of manufacturing. In the manufacture of some ECUs, data is uploaded before filling the cooling circuit with coolant. In some cases, this is because the car in which the ECU is installed provides a cooling substance (eg, coolant). In this manner, data testing that occurs prior to installation may be limited in the testing time due to thermal issues that occur when the liquid cooling system (eg, a loop and/or a larger cooling device connected to the loop) is disabled. In other examples, data upload times during manufacturing can lead to inefficient manufacturing of ECUs. In particular, data uploads at the time of manufacturing can force assembly line delays due to the time required to transmit and store data within the ECU.

In contrast to current ECU designs, the ECU described herein is implemented to enable at least two modules (eg, a cooling module and one or more memory modules). In some aspects, the cooling module has an integrated liquid cooling circuit that is directly connected to the cooling circuit and electrical grid provided by the vehicle, although other types of cooling are contemplated herein. The memory module includes independent memory that can store data and be tested independently of the cooling module. When installed in a car, the cooling module and memory module come into contact at cooling surfaces. In this way, the cooling module can provide cooling to one or more modules through the contact surface, and the memory module can be implemented without an internal cooling system.

In some aspects, the memory module does not include a separate liquid cooling supply and is cooled only by the cooling system of the cooling module. Therefore, when the memory module needs to be repaired or replaced, there is no need to change the operation of the cooling system. To aid cooling, the memory module may have a cooling surface that has a simple and in some cases flat shape. In this manner, the memory module can be coupled to any other cooling surface when detached from the cooling module (eg, during testing and manufacturing). Generally, when the memory module is coupled to the cooling module, this cooling surface may be in contact with (or close to) the cooling surface of the cooling module. The memory module may be secured by one or more securing elements to mechanically couple the cooling module and the memory module. The memory module may be communicatively coupled to the cooling module through an electrical connection.

Memory modules can be designed to support large writable portions of memory. In this way, the memory module can independently upload the relevant data required to perform many or all control functions that the ECU is responsible for, and the manufacturing process of the memory module can be independent of the manufacturing of the cooling module. In some implementations, the memory module may have electrical connections to couple to the vehicle's electrical grid. In this way, the memory module can be communicatively coupled to the cooling module and the car itself. Additionally, by implementing the memory module as peripheral to the cooling module rather than within the cooling module itself, servicing portions of the memory module may only require removal or direct access to the memory module, thereby reducing the effort required to update or maintain data stored in the memory module. cost and expertise required. Additionally, memory modules can be maintained or replaced when software or version changes are made without forcing repair or replacement of the cooling module. Separate storage of cooling modules and memory modules can increase ECU safety by reducing maintenance and manufacturing constraints. As such, the ECU described herein may be easier to manufacture, easier to repair/replace, and safer.

Sample operating environment

FIG. 1 illustrates an example operating environment 100 for ECU 102 . In various aspects, the ECU may include a cooling module 104 having a liquid cooling circuit 106 and electrical connections 108 . Liquid cooling circuit 106 may be coupled to a larger vehicle cooling circuit (not shown) that supplies coolant (water or other liquid or gas) to liquid cooling circuit 106 (which may include water and/or other forms of of coolant). Liquid cooling circuit 106 is configured to circulate coolant to assist in dissipating heat from ECU 102 . In some embodiments, cooling module 104 may include memory (eg, cooling module memory 110 ) to store data or programs to be executed by ECU 102 , optionally in whole or in part by at least one cooling module processor 112 .

As discussed in the section above, cooling module 104 may be physically connected to, but subsequently detached from, one or more memory modules 116, such as through physical connection elements 114. Cooling module 104 and memory module 116 may be physically coupled at one or more contact surfaces and may be mechanically secured to each other by physical connection elements 114 . For example, each of the one or more memory modules 116 may be detached from the cooling module 104 to facilitate easy testing, fixing, replacing, or updating the memory modules 116.

Memory module 116 includes electrical connections 118 , memory 120 , and one or more processors 122 . Data may be transferred between memories of ECU 102 , such as memory 120 and cooling module memory 110 of cooling module 104 , via electrical connections 108 and 118 . In addition to data between the memories of the ECU 102 , these electrical connections 108 and 118 may be used to communicate data from and/or about the vehicle 124 and its systems. Additionally or alternatively, power may be provided to ECU 102 through electrical connections 108 and/or 118 . In some aspects, power may be provided to memory module 116 through electrical connection 108 to electrical connection 118 (eg, from cooling module 104 or vehicle 124 to memory module 116). Data may be transferred between vehicle 124 or vehicle systems, cooling module 104 and/or memory module 116 via electrical connections. In some embodiments, electrical connections include Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports, coaxial cable ports, and other serial or parallel connectors (including internal Connector). Electrical connectors may be used to communicate data or programs to the ECU 102, cooling module 104, or memory module 116. In some aspects, electrical connections may include board-to-board connectors, cable/wire-to-cable/wire connectors, and cable/wire-to-board connectors. Additionally, the electrical connections may provide power to the ECU 102 , cooling module 104 , or memory module 116 , as well as sensor data and other information from and/or about the vehicle 124 and its systems. As such, the electrical connection may include an AC (alternating current) connector or a DC (direct current) connector.

Memory 120 and/or cooling module memory 110 of cooling module 104 may include any suitable type of memory medium or storage medium (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), random access memory (RAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM) or flash memory). In the context of this discussion, the memory of the ECU 102 is implemented as at least one hardware-based or physical storage device that does not include transient signals or carriers. Applications, firmware, and/or operating systems (not shown) of the ECU 102 may be implemented on memory as processor-executable instructions, which may be executed by a processor or group of processors of the ECU 102 or a system within the vehicle 124 (e.g., cooling Any one of the module processor 112 and the processor 122) is executed. The memory may also store device data, such as user data or user media that is accessible through the ECU 102's applications, firmware, or operating system. By doing so, cooling module 104 and/or memory module 116 may include or be connected to at least one processor (not shown) to execute instructions stored in the memory of cooling module 104 or memory module 116 to control vehicle 124 one or more systems.

The cooling module 104 and/or the memory module 116 may be implemented within the vehicle 124 (eg, after manufacturing and initial testing). The physical connection elements 114 may include various types of connectors, including connectors that physically couple the cooling module 104 and/or the memory module 116 to the vehicle 124 (these may be the same connectors that connect the cooling module 104 and the memory module 116 and components (different connectors and components).

Although illustrated as a passenger vehicle, vehicle 124 may include any other vehicle (eg, passenger truck, commercial truck, aircraft, vessel, spacecraft, autonomous vehicle, semi-autonomous vehicle, etc.). Vehicle 124 may include an engine on which ECU 102 may perform one or more control functions. In some implementations, ECU 102 is communicatively coupled to one or more systems of vehicle 124 and may perform control functions based on data received from the one or more systems. The ECU 102 may be coupled to or include one or more sensors to determine various characteristics of the engine. In some aspects, the ECU 102 may perform control operations to regulate the operation of the engine based on data received from one or more sensors. Additionally or alternatively, the ECU 102 may be coupled to one or more communication systems that output errors/notifications to a user or system of the vehicle 124 .

In other embodiments, ECU 102 may be implemented within any system including an engine (eg, an internal combustion engine or an electric motor). The engine can be deployed in a mobile or fixed platform.

FIG. 2 shows an example assembly view 200 of an ECU 102 with one cooling module 104 and two memory modules 116 . In some aspects, view 200 shows cooling module 104 coupled to memory module 116 by physical connecting elements 114 (eg, mechanical fasteners). The cooling module 104 may include a coolant circulation connector 202 through which the vehicle 124 supplies (eg, enters and exhausts) coolant to the cooling module through a liquid cooling circuit 106 (not shown in FIG. 2 ). 104. The cooling module 104 may include one or more vehicle electrical connections 204 (eg, examples of electrical connections 108 ). Vehicle electrical connections 204 may be used to couple the cooling module 104 to the electrical system provided by the vehicle. Electrical connections 204 may provide/receive sensor data and control functions to/from the vehicle. In some implementations, vehicle electrical connection 204 provides power to cooling module 104 .

Memory modules 116 may each include a vehicle electrical connection 206 coupled to vehicle 124 (eg, an example of electrical connection 118 ). Similar to vehicle electrical connection 204 , vehicle electrical connection 206 may be used to provide/receive data or power to/from memory module 116 . In some implementations, vehicle electrical connection 206 is used to upload data to memory module 116 during manufacturing.

FIG. 3 shows an exploded perspective view 300 of the ECU 102 with the cooling module 104 and two memory modules 116 . In some aspects, each of memory modules 116 may include at least one independent memory, such as memory 120 of FIG. 1 . Memory 120 may be independent of cooling module 104 and may store data uploaded during manufacturing of ECU 102 or memory module 116 . In this manner, the data transfer time required to upload data to the memory module 116 can be decoupled from the manufacturing of the cooling module 104 . Additionally, generation updates can be more easily uploaded to the memory module 116 independently of the cooling module 104 . In some aspects, this may allow for simple repairs/updates and more detailed fabrication, which may better improve the ECU 102's resistance to attack (eg, improve security). Although a single cooling module 104 and two memory modules 116 are shown, the ECU 102 may include a single memory module or a varying number of multiple memory modules. In some implementations, the ECU 102 is implemented using a number of memory modules, for example, each memory module is configured to enable a specific function or group of functions.

Also shown in FIG. 3 is an interior view 302 of the liquid cooling circuit 106 . In some aspects, liquid cooling circuit 106 is used to deliver coolant through ECU 102 . Liquid cooling loop 106 may be located near the cooling surface of cooling module 104 to assist with thermal cooling of the memory module (described later).

FIG. 4 shows an example inverted exploded perspective view 400 of an ECU 102 with a cooling module 104 and two memory modules 116 .

FIG. 5 shows an example pre-assembled perspective view 500 of an ECU 102 having a cooling module 104 and two memory modules 116 with parallel lines marking the thermal contact surfaces 502 . Liquid cooling circuit 106 (not shown, but mostly under arcuate area 504; see, eg, 302 of FIG. 3 ) may be located near or in direct contact with thermal contact surface 502 of cooling module 104 . By being positioned in this manner, thermal contact surface 502 provides a thermal connection to liquid cooling circuit 106 . In this manner, the liquid cooling circuit 106 of the cooling module 104 may serve as a cooling system for the memory module 116 . For example, thermal contact surface 502 may be located at the interface between cooling module 104 and memory module 116 . In this manner, the memory module 116 may forego the liquid cooling circuit and thermal cooling may be facilitated by the liquid cooling circuit 106 of the cooling module 104 . By removing the need for a liquid cooling circuit from the memory module 116 , repairs to the memory module 116 may not require changes to the liquid cooling circuit 106 (eg, draining the coolant system). In this manner, uploading, repair, or replacement of memory module 116 may be simplified.

In some implementations, thermal contact surface 502 may be designed as a simple flat shape. In this way, by placing the cooling module 104 on the cooling system with the thermal contact surface 502 proximate to the cooling system, the cooling module 104 can be tested with relatively low risk of thermal failure or damage. With this arrangement, even when the liquid cooling circuit 106 is not filled with coolant, the cooling module 104 can be further tested during manufacturing or repair without damaging the cooling module 104 due to overheating.

6 shows an example pre-assembled perspective view 600 of an ECU 102 having a cooling module 104 and two memory modules 116 with parallel lines marking thermal contact surfaces 602 (one for each of the two memory modules 116 surface). The memory module 116 may include a thermal contact surface 602 that may be placed in releasable contact with the thermal contact surface 502 of the cooling module 104 (see Figure 5). Similar to the thermal contact surface of the cooling module 104 (see 502 in Figure 5), the thermal contact surface 602 may be implemented in a simple flat shape (although this is not required). In this manner, the memory module 116 can be placed on many simple cooling systems to aid in heat dissipation (eg, flat and with dimensions between protruding structures at opposite ends, such as various electrical connections). During manufacturing or repair, this arrangement may enable memory module 116 to be better tested (e.g., for longer durations and under higher stress conditions).

FIG. 7 shows an example inverted pre-assembled perspective view 700 of an ECU 102 having a cooling module 104 and two memory modules 116 . In some aspects, view 700 illustrates ECU 102 with cooling module 104 and memory module 116 disconnected. When coupled, cooling module 104 and one or more memory modules 116 may communicate via electrical connection 702 , individually or in combination. In some aspects, electrical connection 702 may be coupled to the electrical connection of cooling module 104 . In this manner, memory module 116 may transfer data stored in memory 120 (within memory module 116) to cooling module 104 to enable cooling module 104 to perform various control functions. In some implementations, cooling module 104 may provide power to memory module 116 via connection 702 . As such, the memory module 116 may be independent of a direct electrical connection to the vehicle, further enabling simple removability of the memory module 116 .

FIG. 8 shows an example pre-assembled perspective view 800 of the ECU 102 with the cooling module 104 and two memory modules 116 disconnected. As shown, each of the memory modules 116 may be removed from the cooling module 104 for individual repair or replacement. In this way, the repair or replacement process can be simplified and the cost of repair or replacement can be reduced. Additionally, cooling module 104 and one or more memory modules 116 may be fabricated independently and assembled after fabrication. In this way, the ECU manufacturing process can be separated from the data transmission time, and the ECU can be manufactured more efficiently. In addition, the memory module 116 can withstand larger tests without reducing manufacturability, thereby improving the reliability and safety of the ECU.

Electrical connection 802 enables communication between cooling module 104 and memory module 116 when they are coupled together. In some implementations, data and/or power may be transferred between cooling module 104 and memory module 116 via electrical connection 802 . In particular, electrical connection 802 may be coupled to an electrical connection of memory module 116 (eg, to electrical connection 702 (FIG. 7)). In this manner, cooling module 104 may execute programs stored within at least one memory module 116 to perform various control functions, such as those described herein.

Additional examples

Some additional examples of ECUs with separable cooling and memory modules are as follows:

Example 1. An electronic control unit (ECU), comprising: a cooling module including: a first electrical connection; a liquid cooling circuit; and a first thermal contact surface in thermal connection with the liquid cooling circuit, the first thermal contact surface a thermal contact surface configured to contact a second thermal contact surface of the memory module to provide a thermal connection between the liquid cooling circuit and the memory module; and the first electrical connection is configured to pass through the memory module A second electrical connection communicatively couples the memory module to provide electrical communication between the cooling module and the memory module.

Example 2. The ECU of Example 1, further comprising a memory module detachable from the cooling module through one or more physical connection elements, the memory module including: a memory; communicatively coupling the memory module and the a second electrical connection of the cooling module; and a second thermal contact surface in thermal contact with the first thermal contact surface.

Example 3. The ECU of example 2, wherein the memory module does not include a liquid cooling circuit.

Example 4. The ECU of Example 2, wherein the cooling module includes one or more computer processors, and the memory of the memory module includes processor-executable instructions responsive to the cooling Execution of the module's computer processor performs control functions to control one or more systems within the vehicle.

Example 5. The ECU of Example 2, wherein the second electrical connection is configured to receive power and sensor data from the cooling module, and wherein the memory module does not include a vehicle electrical connection.

Example 6. The ECU of Example 1, wherein the cooling module includes one or more vehicle electrical connections configured to couple the cooling module to a vehicle.

Example 7. The ECU of example 6, wherein the one or more vehicle electrical connections are further configured to enable receiving power from the vehicle, receiving sensor data from the vehicle, and providing control functions to the vehicle.

Example 8. The ECU of Example 1, wherein the cooling module further includes a coolant circulation connector configured to receive coolant and discharge coolant to and from the liquid cooling circuit. Liquid cooling circuit drains coolant.

Example 9. An electronic control unit (ECU), comprising: a memory module including: a first electrical connection; a memory; one or more computer processors; and a first thermal contact surface, the first thermal contact surface The contact surface is configured to contact a second thermal contact surface of the cooling module to provide a thermal connection between the liquid cooling circuit of the cooling module and the memory module; and the first electrical connection is configured to pass through the cooling module. A second electrical connection of the module communicatively couples the memory module to the cooling module.

Example 10. The ECU of Example 9, further comprising a cooling module, the cooling module and the memory module are physically connected but detachable from each other through one or more physical connection elements, the cooling module includes: a cooling circuit; communicatively coupled a second electrical connection of the memory module and the cooling module; and a second thermal contact surface in thermal contact with the first thermal contact surface.

Example 11. The ECU of example 9, wherein the memory module does not include the liquid cooling circuit or another liquid cooling circuit.

Example 12. The ECU of example 9, wherein the memory of the memory module includes processor-executable instructions that perform control functions in response to execution by the one or more computer processors to control One or more systems within the vehicle.

Example 13. The ECU of Example 12, wherein the one or more systems within the vehicle are assisted driving systems, and wherein the control function implements self-driving or assisted driving of the vehicle.

Example 14. The ECU of example 12, wherein the one or more systems within the vehicle are a braking system, and wherein the control function implements automatic braking or electronic stability control of the vehicle.

Example 15. The ECU of example 12, wherein the one or more systems within the vehicle are a battery management system, and wherein the control function enables battery charging or battery life extension.

Example 16. The ECU of example 12, wherein the one or more systems within the vehicle are an air navigation system, and wherein the control function enables autonomous driving functionality.

Example 17. The ECU of example 12, wherein the one or more systems within the vehicle are radar or lidar systems, and wherein the control functionality enables processing of radar or lidar signals.

Example 18. The ECU of example 9, wherein the memory module does not include a vehicle electrical connection and the communication link with the vehicle is received through the second electrical connection of the cooling module.

Example 19. The ECU of example 18, wherein the memory module includes one or more vehicle electrical connections and the communication coupling with the vehicle is received through the one or more vehicle electrical connections.

Example 20. The ECU of example 19, wherein the one or more vehicle electrical connections are further configured to enable receiving power from the vehicle, receiving sensor data from the vehicle, and transmitting data from the memory module to the The vehicle provides control functions.

in conclusion

Although aspects of the ECU having separable cooling modules and memory modules have been described in language specific to features and/or methods, the subject matter of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, these specific features and methods are disclosed as exemplary implementations of the described ECUs and other equivalent features and methods are intended to be within the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, various aspects of an ECU having separable cooling modules and memory modules are described, and it is understood that each described aspect may be implemented independently or in combination with one or more other described aspects.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, the word "or" as used herein may be considered to use an "inclusive or" or a term that permits the inclusion or application of one or more items associated with the word "or" (e.g., the phrase "A or B" may be interpreted as allowing only "A", only "B", or both "A" and "B"). Additionally, as used herein, phrases referring to "at least one" of a list of items shall mean any combination of such items, including individual members. For example, "at least one of a, b, or c" may encompass a, b, c, a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c, as well as any combination of multiples of the same elements (e.g., a-a, a-a-a, a-a-b, a-a-c, a-b-b, a-c-c, b-b, b-b-b, b-b-c, c-c and c-c-c, or any other order of a, b and c). Furthermore, items represented in the drawings and terms discussed herein may refer to one or more items or terms, and thus may be referred to interchangeably in this written description in single or multiple forms of the items and terms.

Claims (20)

1. An electronic control unit ECU, the electronic control unit ECU comprising:

a cooling module, the cooling module comprising:

a first electrical connection;

a liquid cooling circuit; and

a first thermal contact surface in thermal connection with the liquid cooling circuit,

the first thermal contact surface is configured to contact a second thermal contact surface of a memory module to provide a thermal connection between the liquid cooling circuit and the memory module, and

the first electrical connection is configured to be communicatively coupled through a second electrical connection of the memory module

The memory module to provide electrical communication between the cooling module and the memory module.

2. The electronic control unit ECU according to claim 1, further comprising the memory module, the memory module being separable from the cooling module by one or more physical connection elements, the memory module comprising:

a memory;

the second electrical connection communicatively coupling the memory module and the cooling module; and

the second thermal contact surface is in thermal contact with the first thermal contact surface.

3. The electronic control unit ECU according to claim 2, wherein said memory module does not include a liquid cooling circuit.

4. The electronic control unit ECU of claim 2, wherein the cooling module includes one or more computer processors and the memory of the memory module includes processor-executable instructions that, in response to execution of the computer processors of the cooling module, perform control functions to control one or more systems within a vehicle.

5. The electronic control unit ECU of claim 2, wherein the second electrical connection is configured to receive at least one of power or sensor data from the cooling module, and wherein the memory module does not include a vehicle electrical connection.

6. The electronic control unit ECU of claim 1, wherein the cooling module comprises one or more vehicle electrical connections configured to couple the cooling module to a vehicle.

7. The electronic control unit ECU of claim 6, wherein the one or more vehicle electrical connections are further configured to enable at least one of receiving power from the vehicle, receiving sensor data from the vehicle, or providing control functions to the vehicle.

8. The electronic control unit ECU of claim 1, wherein the cooling module further comprises a coolant circulation connector configured to receive coolant and drain coolant to and from the liquid cooling circuit.

9. An electronic control unit ECU, the electronic control unit ECU comprising:

a memory module, the memory module comprising:

a first electrical connection;

a memory;

one or more computer processors; and

the first thermal contact surface is provided with a first contact surface,

the first thermal contact surface is configured to contact a second thermal contact surface of a cooling module, the

The second thermal contact surface is configured to provide a thermal connection between a liquid cooling circuit of the cooling module and the memory module; and is also provided with

The first electrical connection is configured to communicatively couple the memory module to the cooling module through a second electrical connection of the cooling module.

10. The electronic control unit ECU according to claim 9, further comprising the cooling module, the cooling module and the memory module being physically connected but separable from each other by one or more physical connection elements, the cooling module comprising:

the cooling circuit;

the second electrical connection communicatively coupling the memory module and the cooling module; and

the second thermal contact surface is in thermal contact with the first thermal contact surface.

11. The electronic control unit ECU according to claim 9, wherein the memory module does not include the liquid cooling circuit or another liquid cooling circuit.

12. The electronic control unit ECU of claim 9, wherein the memory of the memory module comprises processor-executable instructions that, in response to execution by the one or more computer processors, perform control functions to control one or more systems within a vehicle.

13. The electronic control unit ECU according to claim 12, wherein the one or more systems within the vehicle are driving assistance systems, and wherein the control function enables at least one of self-driving or driving assistance of the vehicle.

14. The electronic control unit ECU according to claim 12, wherein said one or more systems within said vehicle are braking systems, and wherein said control function enables at least one of automatic braking or electronic stability control of said vehicle.

15. The electronic control unit ECU of claim 12, wherein the one or more systems within the vehicle are battery management systems, and wherein the control function enables at least one of battery charging or battery life extension.

16. The electronic control unit ECU according to claim 12, wherein said one or more systems within said vehicle are air navigation systems, and wherein said control function enables an autopilot function.

17. The electronic control unit ECU of claim 12, wherein the one or more systems within the vehicle is at least one of a radar or lidar system, and wherein the control function enables processing of radar or lidar signals.

18. The electronic control unit ECU of claim 9, wherein the memory module does not include a vehicle electrical connection and the communication link with the vehicle is received through the second electrical connection of the cooling module.

19. The electronic control unit ECU of claim 18, wherein the memory module includes one or more vehicle electrical connections and the communication link with the vehicle is received through the one or more vehicle electrical connections.

20. The electronic control unit ECU of claim 19, wherein the one or more vehicle electrical connections are further configured to enable at least one of receiving power from the vehicle, receiving sensor data from the vehicle, or providing control functions to the vehicle from the memory module.