Bridging real-time CAN networks with in-vehicle single-pair ethernet: A time-sensitive networking approach

This paper explores the challenges of integrating existing in-vehicle networks (IVNs) with ethernet, explicitly focusing on the coexistence of traditional Controller Area Network (CAN) systems with Single Pair Ethernet (SPE) and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN). The research presents an experimental setup using real hardware to simulate a zonal vehicle architecture, where CAN nodes are integrated into the in-vehicle ethernet network. The approach utilizes a gateway implemented on a TSN-enabled switch, facilitating seamless connectivity between the real-time CAN network and the TSN-enabled in-vehicle Ethernet. The study demonstrates the feasibility of combining real-time CAN traffic with high-bandwidth Ethernet traffic through the integrated gateway. It also emphasizes the crucial role of TSN features in maintaining the real-time properties of the CAN network, even in the presence of additional traffic loads.