ECU test box, ECU and vehicle comprising the test box

Abstract

The present application relates to an ECU test box, comprising: a power supply for supplying power to the test box and an ECU; a switching circuit for connecting each output channel to all the one or more input channels, and configured to convert a test signal output by the ECU when controlling the corresponding output channel into an excitation signal of the one or more input channels; and a monitoring module configured to receive detection results provided by the one or more input channels, and determine whether the one or more input channels and / or the corresponding output channel has a functional abnormality based on the received detection results. Furthermore, the present application also relates to a vehicle ECU comprising the test box according to the present application, and a vehicle comprising the vehicle ECU according to the present application.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of vehicle automation testing, in particular to an ECU test box, an ECU and a vehicle comprising the test box. BACKGROUND

[0002] ECU (Electronic Control Unit) is also known as "driving computer", "vehicle computer" and the like, and is the core component of vehicle electronic control system. Generally speaking, ECU is composed of microprocessor (MCU), memory (ROM, RAM), input / output interface (I / O), analog / digital converter (A / D) and other necessary integrated circuit components. In the debugging operation or formal operation in the vehicle, ECU performs operation, processing and judgment according to various sensor signals or data generated from a plurality of sensors arranged at various positions in the vehicle and input or collected through its input channels (typically including analog input, digital input and frequency input, etc.), and then outputs corresponding control signals or instructions to the actuators also arranged in the vehicle through its corresponding output channels (typically including switch output, frequency output, etc.) if necessary, so as to perform corresponding functions. Therefore, it is particularly important to emphasize that the function test of ECU, especially the function test of output channel and input channel, directly affects whether the microprocessor of ECU can collect accurate sensor signals or data in time, so as to output corresponding control commands to the actuators in time for necessary control or operation.

[0003] In the typical ECU function test scheme today, ECU function test load box (hereinafter referred to as test box) is usually used. In particular, the function test of its input channel and output channel is usually carried out separately during the function test. For typical engine ECU function test, the input channel can include analog input channel, digital input channel and frequency input channel. In the test of input channel, according to the prior art, excitation source (such as analog voltage external excitation input, digital voltage external excitation input and frequency external excitation input) from outside the load box must be used to apply excitation to the corresponding channel for corresponding measurement. Accordingly, the test of output channel (frequency output channel, switch output channel, etc.) needs to use detection equipment (such as oscilloscope, multimeter, etc.) from outside the load box for corresponding measurement. For example, Figure 1 A typical ECU function test schematic diagram according to the prior art is shown. As shown in Figure 1It can be seen that the left side is three modules of analog voltage external excitation input, digital voltage external excitation input and frequency external excitation input, the middle is each structural component module of the ECU, and the right side is a detection device (such as an oscilloscope, a multimeter, etc.) from the outside of the load box.

[0004] It is self-evident that the typical ECU function test scheme adopted according to the prior art has the following defects: Figure 1

[0005] -As the load box needs additional external excitation sources and external detection devices, the external excitation and detection setting process is very complicated and prone to errors during the test process based on the existence of many channels and sub-channels to be tested, and once an error occurs, the error process is also time-consuming;

[0006] -As the test is in an open-loop serial mode, the test time of the entire test process is relatively long;

[0007] -As manual setting of external excitation and detection is required for each sample when measuring multiple samples, it is time-consuming and laborious on the one hand, and prone to errors on the other hand, and it is not easy to find errors. SUMMARY

[0008] In the above background, the purpose of the present application is to improve the ECU function test load box (hereinafter referred to as "test box" or "load box") of the prior art as described above, so as to overcome or reduce the above-mentioned defects of the ECU test box as much as possible. Furthermore, the purpose of the present application is also to propose a vehicle ECU comprising the test box according to the present application and a vehicle comprising the vehicle ECU according to the present application.

[0009] According to the present application, an ECU test box is proposed, wherein the ECU can comprise one or more input channels and one or more output channels, wherein the one or more input channels can be configured to provide corresponding detection results to the ECU upon receiving an excitation signal, and the one or more output channels can be configured to output corresponding test signals under the control of the ECU, wherein the test box can comprise: a power supply, which can be used to supply power to the test box and the ECU; a switching circuit, which can be used to connect each output channel to all the one or more input channels, and the switching circuit can be configured to convert the test signal output by the corresponding output channel under the control of the ECU into an excitation signal of the one or more input channels; and a monitoring module, which can be configured to receive the detection results provided by the one or more input channels, and can judge whether the one or more input channels and / or the corresponding output channels have functional abnormalities based on the received detection results.

[0010] ​The concept of the present application is to introduce an intermediate conversion module, such as a switching circuit as described above, into the ECU test box described in the prior art, to indirectly connect one or more input channels of the ECU to be tested with its corresponding output channel by means of the switching circuit in the case of testing the ECU, so as to realize the functional test of one or more input channels of the ECU to be tested with its corresponding output channel.

[0011] Advantageously, the monitoring module in the ECU test box according to the present application can be configured to compare the detection result of each input channel with the corresponding expected value to determine whether the detection result is normal, wherein if the deviation between the detection result and the expected value is within a predetermined tolerance range, it indicates that the detection result is normal.

[0012] Further, if the detection results of all input channels are normal as described above, it can be indicated that all input channels and corresponding output channels have no functional abnormalities. In contrast, if the detection results of all input channels are not normal, it can be indicated that the corresponding output channel has a functional abnormality. Further, if the detection results of part of the one or more input channels are not normal, it can be indicated that part of the input channels have functional abnormalities.

[0013] Preferably, the switching circuit in the ECU test box according to the present application can include an input connection end connected to one or more output channels as described above and an output connection end connected to one or more input channels as described above, and the switching circuit can include a voltage dividing circuit composed of one or more resistors.

[0014] Preferably, the input connection end and the output connection end of the switching circuit can be connected to the same voltage dividing point on the voltage dividing circuit.

[0015] Preferably, the voltage dividing circuit can include a first resistor and a second resistor connected in series between a power supply and a ground terminal. Wherein the input connection end and the output connection end of the switching circuit are connected to a common node between the first resistor and the second resistor.

[0016] Preferably, the first resistor can be composed of two sub-resistors of the same resistance value connected in parallel, and the second resistor can be composed of two sub-resistors of the same resistance value connected in series.

[0017] Alternatively, the input connection end and the output connection end of the switching circuit can be connected to different voltage dividing points on the voltage dividing circuit, wherein the potential of the voltage dividing point connected by the input connection end can be higher than the potential of the voltage dividing point connected by the output connection end.

[0018] Preferably, the voltage dividing circuit can comprise a third resistor, a fourth resistor and a fifth resistor connected in series between the power supply and the ground terminal. The input connection terminal of the switching circuit can be connected to a common node between the third resistor and the fourth resistor, and the output connection terminal of the switching circuit can be connected to a common node between the fourth resistor and the fifth resistor.

[0019] Preferably, the fourth resistor can be composed of two resistors of the same resistance connected in parallel, and the fifth resistor can be composed of two resistors of the same resistance connected in series.

[0020] Preferably, in the ECU test box according to the present application, the excitation signal of the one or more input channels can be an analog signal or a digital signal, and the test signal output by the one or more output channels can be a switching signal accordingly. Thus, according to the present application, the one or more input channels can be referred to as analog input channels or digital input channels, and the one or more output channels can be referred to as switching output channels.

[0021] Preferably, the excitation signal of the one or more input channels and the test signal output by the one or more output channels can both be PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signals, which can be composed of PWM square waves, for example. The most typical characteristics of the PWM signal include frequency and duty cycle. In other words, the one or more input channels and the one or more output channels can be referred to as frequency output channels and frequency input channels.

[0022] Advantageously, the ECU in the ECU test box according to the present application can be an engine controller of a vehicle. The monitoring module can be a part of the ECU.

[0023] In addition, the present application also aims to provide a vehicle ECU comprising the test box according to the present application as described above.

[0024] In addition, the present application also aims to provide a vehicle comprising the vehicle ECU according to the present application as described above.

[0025] In summary, the ECU test box according to the present application has the following advantages compared to the prior art:

[0026] - reducing the external peripherals of the test box, i.e. including the excitation source and the detection equipment (such as an oscilloscope or a multimeter, etc.);

[0027] - reducing the test time; and

[0028] - improving the efficiency of testing multiple samples. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0029] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the accompanying drawings needed to be used in the embodiments or the prior art description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the accompanying drawings in the following description only describe some of the embodiments of the present application. These drawings are not limited to the present application, but serve as an exemplary role. Among them:

[0030] Figure 1 A typical ECU function test scheme principle diagram according to the prior art is shown;

[0031] Figure 2 A typical ECU function test scheme block diagram according to the prior art is shown;

[0032] Figure 3a , 3b A typical ECU function test scheme principle connection diagram and block diagram according to the present application are shown respectively;

[0033] Figure 4 A whole schematic connection diagram of a to-be-tested ECU and a first adapter circuit configured as an intermediate conversion module in an ECU test box according to the first embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0034] Figure 5 A schematic connection diagram of a single-path input and a single-path output in a to-be-tested ECU and a first adapter circuit according to the present application in an ECU test box according to the first embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0035] Figure 6 A schematic connection diagram of a single-path input and a single-path output in a to-be-tested ECU and a second adapter circuit according to the present application in an ECU test box according to the second embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0036] Figure 7 A schematic flow chart of an ECU test method according to the prior art is shown;

[0037] Figure 8 A schematic flow chart of a typical ECU test method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] Figure 2This diagram illustrates a conventional ECU functional testing scheme according to existing technology. The conventional ECU functional testing scheme includes an ECU functional test load box (hereinafter referred to as the "test box" or "load box") equipped with an analog input interface module, a digital input interface module, and a frequency input interface module, which can be externally connected to an analog excitation voltage source, a digital excitation voltage source, and a frequency signal generator, respectively. Furthermore, the load box is equipped with necessary output load interface modules, which can be configured to connect external testing equipment such as oscilloscopes and multimeters. Figure 2 Therefore, a necessary power supply must also be provided to power the load cell. Before performing functional testing on the ECU, the ECU and load cell should be mechanically secured and electrically connected so that the load cell can apply external test excitation signals from the aforementioned analog excitation voltage source, digital excitation voltage source, and frequency signal generator to the corresponding analog input, digital input, and frequency input terminals of the ECU (e.g., ...). Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the corresponding test values ​​or data can be read by external testing devices such as oscilloscopes and multimeters.

[0039] Figure 3a A schematic diagram illustrating the principle of the ECU functional testing scheme according to the present invention is shown. The principle of the ECU functional testing scheme according to the present invention is that, when testing an ECU, one or more input channels of the ECU under test are connected together with one or more corresponding output channels to achieve mutual functional testing between the one or more input channels and their corresponding one or more output channels. Figure 3a The diagram illustrates an exemplary engine ECU, which may include a power module, a microprocessor, and a communication interface located in the center. For example, the communication interface may be configured as a CAN bus communication interface. Furthermore, the ECU may also include analog input channels, digital input channels, and frequency input channels located on the left side.

[0040] In accordance with Figure 3a In the exemplary engine ECU shown, analog input channels are used to input or acquire corresponding analog information or data, such as information or data from various analog sensors located in the vehicle. Similarly, digital input channels are configured to input or acquire corresponding digital information or data, and frequency input channels are configured to input corresponding frequency information or data. Furthermore, the ECU may also include [missing information - likely related to a specific component or feature]. Figure 3aThe exemplary switch quantity output channel and the frequency quantity output channel on the right side. Among them, the switch quantity output channel is configured to output switch quantity control information or commands to the related actuators to perform corresponding functions in the debugging or running of the vehicle. Similarly, the frequency quantity output channel is configured to output frequency quantity information or data to realize corresponding control or adjustment in the debugging or running of the vehicle.

[0041] As Figure 3a As shown clearly, according to the ECU test principle proposed in the application, the switch quantity output channel of the ECU to be tested is connected to the analog quantity input channel and the digital quantity input channel, and the frequency quantity output channel is connected to the frequency quantity input channel. In order to realize the function test between the analog quantity input channel and the digital quantity input channel of the ECU to be tested and the switch quantity output channel, and the function test between the frequency quantity input channel and the frequency quantity output channel of the ECU to be tested.

[0042] However, according to the ECU test principle proposed in the application, in order to realize the function test between the analog quantity input channel and the digital quantity input channel of the ECU to be tested and the switch quantity output channel, and the function test between the frequency quantity input channel and the frequency quantity output channel of the ECU to be tested, the direct connection between them is often not feasible, so the necessary intermediate conversion module, such as the adapter circuit, must be used to realize the connection.

[0043] Figure 3b The ECU function test scheme principle according to the application is shown in the corresponding block diagram. In Figure 3a The ECU function test scheme principle according to the application shown in the Figure 3b The ECU function test scheme principle according to the application shown in the

[0044] Specifically, the test box can include a power supply for supplying power to the test box and the ECU. In addition, the test box also includes an adapter circuit as an intermediate conversion module according to Figure 3a and 3bThe example of the switching circuit can be used to connect the switching quantity output channel to the analog quantity input channel and the digital quantity input channel, and connect the frequency quantity output channel to the frequency quantity input channel. In addition, the switching circuit can also be configured to convert a test signal output by the ECU under test when the ECU under test controls the corresponding output channel, such as the switching quantity output channel and the frequency quantity output channel, into an excitation signal of the analog quantity input channel, the digital quantity input channel, and the frequency quantity input channel, respectively.

[0045] Furthermore, the ECU test box also includes a monitoring module configured to receive detection results provided by each input channel involved in the test, and determine whether the input channel involved in the test and / or its corresponding output channel has a functional abnormality based on the received detection results. The detailed determination criteria will be further described below. The detection module is not shown in Figure 3b , and is exemplarily a component of the ECU, such as a part of a microcontroller. Naturally, any other reasonable implementation of the detection module that conforms to the basic concept of the present application is also considered by those skilled in the art, and is naturally included in the content claimed by the present application.

[0046] In summary, the ECU function test scheme according to the present application of FIG. 3 can eliminate the external connection of each excitation source for outputting an excitation signal and the external connection of a detection device compared to the conventional ECU function test scheme shown in Figure 2

[0047] Figure 4 The overall schematic connection diagram of the ECU under test and the first switching circuit configured as an intermediate conversion module in the ECU test box according to the first embodiment of the present application is shown. As can be seen from the figure, in the first embodiment, one or more intermediate conversion modules configured as switching circuits in the test box according to the present application are implemented, such as Figure 4 , as shown on the left and right sides of Figure 4 , the two switching circuits shown in Figure 4 may be different or multiple, or the same, and for the sake of clarity, they are shown on the left and right sides of

[0048] As can be seen from Figure 4 , the switching circuit is exemplarily configured as a voltage dividing circuit, and the specific description of the switching circuit will be further illustrated in combination with specific examples below. According to Figure 4 ​On the left side, on the one hand, during the test process, the intermediate node is not only configured such that the input connection end of the intermediate conversion module can be connected with the switch output channel (exemplarily including L1, L2, L3, …, multiple single channels) of the ECU to be tested, but also configured such that the output connection end can be connected with the analog (exemplarily including A1, A2, A3, …, multiple single channels) and / or digital input channel (exemplarily including D1, D2, D3, …, multiple single channels) of the ECU to be tested. As shown in Figure 4 During the test process, the intermediate node is not only configured such that the input connection end of the intermediate conversion module can be connected with the frequency output channel (exemplarily including P1, P2, P3, …, multiple single channels) of the ECU to be tested, but also configured such that the output connection end can be connected with the frequency input channel (exemplarily including F1, F2, F3, …, multiple single channels) of the ECU to be tested.

[0049] According to Figure 4 The power supply VBR and the resistance values of the respective resistors in the first switching circuit in the first embodiment can be set and adjusted according to the needs of the test object, i.e., the ECU to be tested, so that the intermediate node can output a level matching the ECU to be tested during the test process. This will be further illustrated in detail by examples below.

[0050] Figure 5 A schematic connection diagram of a single input and a single output in the ECU to be tested in the ECU test box according to the first embodiment of the present application and a first switching circuit according to the present application is shown. According to Figure 5 The switching circuit shown includes an input connection end connected with an exemplary single switch output channel and an output connection end connected with an analog and / or digital input channel.

[0051] According to Figure 5 The first switching circuit shown includes a voltage dividing circuit composed of four resistors R1, R2, R3, and R4. It is obvious that the input connection end and the output connection end of the first switching circuit are configured as the same voltage dividing point on the voltage dividing circuit. Specifically, according to Figure 5 The first voltage dividing circuit includes a first resistor (R1, R2) and a second resistor (R3, R4) connected in series between the power supply and the ground, wherein the input connection end and the output connection end of the first switching circuit are configured as the common node between the first resistor (R1, R2) and the second resistor (R3, R4). Specifically as Figure 5 As can be seen, the first resistor is composed of two sub-resistors R1, R2 connected in parallel with the same resistance value, and the second resistor is also composed of two sub-resistors R3, R4 connected in series with the same resistance value.

[0052] According to Figure 5, the exemplary single channel switch output of the ECU under test during the test is shown on the left side, and the first switching circuit is connected in the middle, wherein according to the model of the ECU under test, its power supply VBR is set or selected as 24V, or it can also be other values as required. For example Figure 5 The test case of the exemplary diesel engine 24V system low side drive (LSD) ECU is shown in the middle. If the ECU under test belongs to the gasoline engine 13.5V system low side drive (LSD) product series, then its power supply VBR can be set or selected as 13.5V. Corresponding to the switch output on the left side, the exemplary single channel digital / analog input of the ECU under test is shown on the right side. Figure 5

[0053] According to the principle of Figure 4 , if the left side is a frequency output, then the right side is naturally the corresponding frequency input. According to Figure 5 , the specific detection principle is that during the detection, the switch output of the ECU under test on the left side typically exhibits the regular on-off of its MOS tube Q2. When Q2 is on, through the switching circuit, the analog input is 0V. The analog-digital conversion result is 0, with a tolerance of 5%. When Q2 is off, through the first switching circuit, by selecting appropriate resistance values for the four resistors (R1, R2, R3, R4), the analog input is 4V (24V x 0.2 ohm / 1.2 ohm = 4V), that is, a certain proportion of voltage division is achieved, and then the analog-digital conversion result is 819 (4V / 5V x 1024 = 819, 10-bit AD conversion accuracy), with a tolerance of 5%. Such analog input reading results as described above indicate that the switch output and analog input functions of this channel are normal. On the other hand, when Q2 is closed, through the switching circuit, the digital input is 0V, and the digital reading result is 0. When Q2 is open, through the switching circuit, the digital input is 4V (24V x 0.2 ohm / 1.2 ohm), and the digital input reading result is 1. Similarly, such digital input reading as described above indicates that the switch output and digital input functions of this channel are normal. Both the analog input and digital input readings can be achieved by means of the monitoring module in the ECU test box according to the present application, wherein the monitoring module is configured as the MCU of the ECU under test.

[0054] On the other hand, if the input of the first switching circuit on the left side in Figure 5 is the frequency output of the ECU under test, then according to Figure 5 , the right side is naturally connected with the corresponding frequency input (this case is shown in Figure 5 ​The first adapter circuit is used to test the single input and single output of the ECU to be tested. In the test, when the ECU frequency quantity output channel (Q2) outputs at a set frequency and duty ratio (such as 2k Hz, 50%), for example, as a PWM square wave signal, then through the first adapter circuit, the frequency quantity input channel collects the waveform of the frequency quantity output, and the corresponding frequency and duty ratio are also read by the MCU as a monitoring module. Then, after comparing with the set frequency and duty ratio (such as 2k Hz, 50%), if the frequency input and output remain consistent (tolerance range 5%), it indicates that both the frequency quantity output and the frequency quantity input channel are functioning normally.

[0055] Figure 6 The schematic connection diagram of the single input and single output in the ECU to be tested in the ECU test box according to the second embodiment of the present application and the second adapter circuit according to the present application is shown. Unlike the first adapter circuit in Figure 5 , the input connection end and the output connection end of the second adapter circuit according to Figure 6 are configured as different voltage division points on a voltage division circuit. In particular, according to Figure 6 , the voltage division point connected by the input connection end is higher than the voltage division point connected by the output connection end.

[0056] More specifically, according to Figure 6 , the second adapter circuit configured as a voltage division circuit includes a third resistor (R11), a fourth resistor (R12, R13) and a fifth resistor (R14, R15) connected in series between the power supply and the ground end, wherein the input connection end of the second adapter circuit is configured as a common node between the third resistor and the fourth resistor, and the output connection end of the second adapter circuit is configured as a common node between the fourth resistor and the fifth resistor. More specifically, the fourth resistor is configured by two resistors R12, R13 of the same resistance value connected in parallel, and the fifth resistor is configured by two resistors R14, R15 of the same resistance value connected in series.

[0057] According to the second embodiment of Figure 6 , the input connection end of the second adapter circuit is configured for connection with the output channel of the ECU to be tested, and the output connection end of the second adapter circuit is configured for connection with the input channel of the ECU to be tested.

[0058] Similarly to the embodiment according to Figure 5 , according to Figure 6 , the test case of an exemplary diesel engine 24V system high-side drive (LSD) ECU is shown. Naturally, if the ECU to be tested belongs to the gasoline engine 13.5V system high-side drive (LSD) product series, then its power supply VBR can be set or selected as 13.5V. Correspondingly, if the left side is a switching quantity output, then in Figure 6The right side shows an exemplary single-channel digital / analog input of the ECU to be tested. Similarly, if the left side is a frequency output, then the right side is naturally a frequency input.

[0059] Similarly to Figure 5 , Figure 6 The specific detection principle in the ECU to be tested is that, during the detection process, the switch output of the ECU to be tested on the left side typically exhibits regular on-off of its MOS tube Q4. When the switch output channel (Q4) of the ECU is closed, through the adapter circuit, the analog input is 4V (24V*0.2 ohm / 1.2 ohm=4V), and the analog-digital conversion result is 819 (4V / 5V*1024=819, 10-bit AD conversion accuracy), with a tolerance of 5%. When Q4 is disconnected, through the adapter circuit, the analog input voltage is close to 0V (24V*0.2 ohm / 181200=0.000026V). The analog-digital conversion result is 0, with a tolerance of 5%. Such analog input reading results indicate that the switch output and analog input functions are normal. Similarly, in the case of digital input, when Q4 is closed, through the adapter circuit, the digital input is 4V (24V*0.2 ohm / 1.2 ohm=4V), and the digital input reading result is 1; when Q4 is disconnected, through the adapter circuit, the digital input voltage is close to 0V (24V*0.2 ohm / 181200=0.000026V), and the digital input reading result is 1. Such digital input reading results indicate that the switch output and digital input functions are normal. The reading of both analog input and digital input is achieved by means of the MCU of the ECU to be tested. On the other hand, if the input of the adapter circuit on the left side is the frequency output of the ECU to be tested, then according to Figure 6 , the corresponding frequency input on the right side is naturally connected accordingly (this case is not further shown in FIG. 6). Similarly to Figure 5 , when the ECU frequency output channel (Q4) outputs at a set frequency and duty cycle (2 kHz, 50%), through the second adapter circuit, the frequency input channel collects the frequency output waveform, and the corresponding frequency and duty cycle are read by the MCU. By comparing with the set frequency and duty cycle (2 kHz, 50%), if the input and output remain consistent (tolerance range 5%), it is verified that the frequency output and frequency input channel functions are normal.

[0060] It should be pointed out that, whether it is the first adapter circuit in Figure 5 , or the second adapter circuit in Figure 6 , the structure and parameter selection (power size, resistance value) of each component (power supply and resistance) are exemplary, and any other adapter circuit implementation and parameter selection in accordance with the concept of the present application can be considered by those skilled in the art.

[0061] Figure 7 A schematic flowchart illustrating an ECU testing method according to existing technology is shown. Similarly, in comparison, Figure 8 This diagram illustrates a typical ECU testing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 Compared to the prior art shown in the figure, in Figure 8 The method proposed in the paper naturally eliminates the need for various external excitation sources (such as excitation voltage sources and signal generators) and testing equipment (such as oscilloscopes and multimeters) during implementation. Specifically, according to... Figure 8 The method for testing the ECU function is implemented using an ECU test box according to the various embodiments of the present invention described above. The method typically includes the following steps: connecting an intermediate conversion module (typically configured as a converter circuit) between the output channel of the ECU under test and the corresponding input channel of the ECU under test; wherein the output channel of the ECU under test is connected to the input connection terminal of the intermediate conversion module, and the output connection terminal of the intermediate conversion module is connected to the corresponding input channel of the ECU under test; powering the load box; and recording or storing the test results.

[0062] In other words, according to Figure 8 The ECU functional testing method implemented using the test box according to the present invention clearly illustrates how to determine whether the input channels and / or their corresponding output channels involved in the test are malfunctioning, according to the principles of the present invention. The detailed judgment criteria are as follows: Specifically, as described above, during testing using the test box according to the present invention, the monitoring module is configured to compare the detection result of each input channel with the corresponding expected value to determine whether the detection result is normal. If the deviation between the detection result and the expected value is within a predetermined tolerance range, it indicates that the detection result is normal. Further, after completing all tests, if the detection results of all input channels are normal, it indicates that all input channels and their corresponding output channels are not malfunctioning. Conversely, if the detection results of all input channels are abnormal, it indicates that the corresponding output channels are malfunctioning. Furthermore, if the detection results of some input channels out of one or more input channels are abnormal, it indicates that some input channels are malfunctioning. This will be illustrated below with specific examples.

[0063] For example, combining Figure 4 and Figure 8In the first example, where to be tested are the ECU's switch output channels (exemplarily including L1, L2, L3... multiple single channels) and analog input channels (exemplarily including A1, A2, A3... multiple single channels) and digital input channels (exemplarily including D1, D2, D3... multiple single channels). When the switch output L1 generates a switch level under the control of the ECU, the switch level is transferred via the transfer circuit to all analog (A1, A2, A3...) and digital (D1, D2, D3...) input channels for detection. After detection:

[0064] - if all analog / digital channels (A1, A2, A3... / D1, D2, D3...) are detected normally, i.e. it is verified that the switch L1 and all analog / digital inputs are functioning normally;

[0065] - if a certain analog / digital input channel (Ax / Dx) cannot obtain the expected detection result, i.e. it is verified that this input channel (Ax / Dx) is functioning abnormally;

[0066] - if all analog / digital input channels (A1, A2, A3... / D1, D2, D3...) cannot obtain the expected detection result, i.e. it is verified that the switch output L1 channel is functioning abnormally.

[0067] In the second example combined with Figure 4 and Figure 8 , where to be tested are the ECU's frequency output channels (exemplarily including P1, P2, P3... multiple single channels) and frequency input channels (exemplarily including F1, F2, F3... multiple single channels). When the frequency output P1 generates a frequency signal (such as a PWM square wave) under the control of the ECU, the frequency signal is transferred via the transfer circuit to all frequency input channels (F1, F2, F3...) for detection. Similarly to the first example, after detection:

[0068] - if all frequency input channels (F1, F2, F3...) are detected normally, i.e. it is verified that the frequency output P1 and all frequency input channels (F1, F2, F3...) are functioning normally;

[0069] - if a certain frequency input channel (Fx) cannot obtain the expected detection result, i.e. it is verified that this input channel (Fx) is functioning abnormally;

[0070] - if all frequency input channels (F1, F2, F3...) cannot obtain the expected detection result, i.e. it is verified that the frequency output P1 channel is functioning abnormally.

[0071] It must be pointed out that, Figure 8The flow chart of Figure 1 merely shows an exemplary ECU testing method according to one embodiment of the present application. In particular, the order between the various steps is exemplary, in that any other order of the steps, which is consistent with the concept of the present application, is considered and is within the scope of the present application.

[0072] The above description of the disclosed embodiments is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many embodiments of the application will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the foregoing description. The scope of the application should be determined, not with reference to the above description, but instead with reference to the appended claims, along with their full scope of equivalents. Numerous modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents, the application can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Claims

1. An ECU test box, the ECU comprising one or more input channels and one or more output channels, the one or more input channels being configured to provide a corresponding detection result to the ECU upon receiving an excitation signal, the one or more output channels being configured to output a corresponding test signal under the control of the ECU, wherein, The test box comprises: a power supply for supplying power to the test box and the ECU; a switching circuit for connecting each output channel to all of the one or more input channels, and configured to convert a test signal output by the corresponding output channel into an excitation signal of the one or more input channels when the ECU controls the corresponding output channel to output the test signal, the switching circuit comprising an input connection end connected to the one or more output channels and an output connection end connected to the one or more input channels, and the switching circuit comprising a voltage dividing circuit composed of one or more resistors, the input connection end and the output connection end of the switching circuit being connected to different voltage dividing points on the voltage dividing circuit, wherein the voltage at the voltage dividing point connected to the input connection end is higher than the voltage at the voltage dividing point connected to the output connection end; and a monitoring module configured to receive detection results provided by the one or more input channels, and determine whether the one or more input channels and / or the corresponding output channel have functional abnormalities based on the received detection results.

2. The test box of claim 1, wherein the monitoring module is configured to compare the detection result of each input channel with a corresponding expected value to determine whether the detection result is normal, wherein if the deviation between the detection result and the expected value is within a predetermined tolerance range, it indicates that the detection result is normal.

3. The test box of claim 2, wherein if the detection results of all input channels are normal, it indicates that all input channels and the corresponding output channel have no functional abnormalities.

4. The test box of claim 2, wherein if the detection results of all input channels are not normal, it indicates that the corresponding output channel has a functional abnormality.

5. The test box of claim 2, wherein if the detection results of part of the one or more input channels are not normal, it indicates that the part of the input channels have functional abnormalities.

6. The test chamber of claim 1, wherein, The input connection end and the output connection end of the switching circuit are connected to the same voltage dividing point on the voltage dividing circuit.

7. The test chamber of claim 6, wherein, The voltage dividing circuit comprises a first resistor and a second resistor connected in series between the power supply and the ground terminal, wherein the input connection end and the output connection end of the switching circuit are connected to a common node between the first resistor and the second resistor.

8. The test chamber of claim 7, wherein, The first resistor is composed of two sub-resistors of the same resistance value connected in parallel, and the second resistor is composed of two sub-resistors of the same resistance value connected in series.

9. The test chamber of claim 8, wherein, The voltage dividing circuit comprises a third resistor, a fourth resistor and a fifth resistor connected in series between the power supply and the ground terminal, wherein the input connection end of the switching circuit is connected to a common node between the third resistor and the fourth resistor, and the output connection end of the switching circuit is connected to a common node between the fourth resistor and the fifth resistor.

10. The test chamber of claim 9, wherein, The fourth resistor is composed of two resistors of the same resistance value connected in parallel, and the fifth resistor is composed of two resistors of the same resistance value connected in series.

11. The test chamber of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The excitation signal of the one or more input channels is an analog signal or a digital signal, and the test signal output by the one or more output channels is a switching signal.

12. The test chamber of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The excitation signal of the one or more input channels and the test signal output by the one or more output channels are both PWM signals.

13. The test chamber of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The ECU is an engine controller of the vehicle, and / or the monitoring module is a part of the ECU.

14. A vehicle ECU comprising the test box according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A vehicle comprising the vehicle ECU according to claim 14.

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