Measurement probe for tactile measurements on the surface of an object

Abstract

The invention relates to a measuring probe (10, 50, 100, 150), in particular for tactile measurements on the surface of an object, comprising a housing (12) and a measuring head (11) accommodated in the housing (12), wherein at least one communication interface (14) is arranged on the housing (12) and communicates with a circuit (13) arranged in the housing (12), the circuit (13) comprising at least one microcontroller (24) and at least one multiplexer (26), and at least two different communication protocols can be transmitted by the circuit (13) via the common communication interface (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a measuring probe, particularly for tactile measurement of the surface of an object. Background Technology

[0002] Measurement probes are now widely used to test physical parameters (e.g., layer thickness) using specific sensors during or after the manufacturing process. To evaluate the recorded measurements in detail and / or output the data, the measurement data must typically be transmitted from the measurement probe to a data processing device via a communication protocol. If a single communication standard is provided, the possibilities for transmission are limited.

[0003] Therefore, the potential applications for this type of measurement probe are also limited. For example, mobile devices used to read measurement data in the field often have different communication protocols than those used in manufacturing environments. In the case of mobile data processing devices, battery operation is also reduced due to high power consumption.

[0004] According to DE 10 2011 103 123 A1, a measuring probe is known in which measurement data can be transmitted via a fixed connecting cable. This permanently installed connecting cable results in a lack of flexibility in the use of data processing equipment.

[0005] An audio device with a communication interface is known from EP 1 806 661 A1. The communication interface is evaluated based on the logic high / low states of two data contacts to determine the communication standard used by the connected external device. For this purpose, these data contacts are compared with a reference voltage to determine whether a logic high or low is present at the corresponding data contact. Based on the results of this analysis, the communication interface can be configured according to USB and UART communication protocols to enable the transmission of audio files. However, determining the communication protocol therefore relies on a relatively complex evaluation because the voltage amplitude of the two contacts must be analyzed, and both contacts must also be compared with a reference value. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a measurement probe, particularly for tactile measurement on the surface of an object, which allows for flexible transmission of measurement data with low power consumption.

[0007] This objective is achieved according to the measurement probe of this application. Advantageous embodiments and details are described below.

[0008] A measurement probe is provided, comprising circuitry including at least one microcontroller and at least one multiplexer connected to at least one communication interface. Data can be transmitted via the circuitry through a common communication interface using at least two different communication protocols. Because of the different communication protocols, a balance can be struck between modular flexibility and low power consumption. Therefore, for example, the measurement probe can be connected to mobile devices, PCs, etc., via the communication interface, and allows for easy connection to industrial interfaces.

[0009] The communication interface is USB-C. USB-C is now widely known and used in a wide variety of applications. Furthermore, the USB-C interface can be used not only according to the USB communication protocol but also according to the UART communication protocol.

[0010] The communication interface has at least one first voltage contact and at least two data contacts. A multiplexer is coupled to the communication interface and the microcontroller. The multiplexer can be configured according to at least one first communication protocol and one second communication protocol, depending on at least one first voltage amplitude present at the first voltage contact. Specifically, the multiplexer can be configured according to at least one first voltage amplitude such that data can be transmitted from the microcontroller to an external device via the at least two data contacts based on the configured communication protocol. The measurement probe simplifies the detection mechanism for the communication protocol to be used.

[0011] The measurement probe may preferably also include at least one USB-to-serial converter. The multiplexer may be configured based solely on the microcontroller or based on the microcontroller and the USB-to-serial converter, according to at least a first and a second communication protocol. In the first case, the microcontroller may be configured to provide data according to two different communication protocols used by the multiplexer. In this case, the USB-to-serial converter is not required and can be omitted. In the second case, the microcontroller may be configured to transmit data according to only one communication protocol. The USB-to-serial converter is configured to transmit data according to the second communication protocol. For this purpose, the USB-to-serial converter may be coupled to the microcontroller and the multiplexer. In this case, the microcontroller may send data to the USB-to-serial converter according to the first communication protocol, where the data is converted to be presented according to the second communication protocol. The data can then be sent from the USB-to-serial converter to the multiplexer so that it can ultimately be transmitted using a communication interface according to the second communication protocol. The advantage is that the microcontroller can be configured more simply. The microcontroller only needs to be controlled by one communication protocol.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment, the measurement probe may further include a low-dropout regulator. The low-dropout regulator can be coupled to a communication interface. The low-dropout regulator smooths the input voltage received from the communication interface and provides an output voltage as a supply voltage for the microcontroller and / or multiplexer. The low-dropout regulator can be understood, in particular, as a linear regulator. A stable supply voltage can be quite significant for the operation of the microcontroller and / or multiplexer. The voltage provided at the communication interface of the external device can be used to power the multiplexer. If a voltage of, for example, 3.2V to 4.3V is present, the microprocessor is addressed, and the multiplexer continues to operate using the first communication protocol (default), preferably the UART communication protocol. If a voltage greater than 4.3V (particularly 5V) is present, the USB-to-serial converter is optionally supplied with additional voltage, and switching to a second communication protocol, particularly the USB communication protocol, is performed.

[0013] Furthermore, the input voltage of the low-dropout regulator is preferably specified to be based solely on the voltage present at the first voltage contact of the communication interface. This means not only that the voltage present at the first voltage contact determines the communication protocol by which data can be transmitted via the communication interface, but also that the same voltage is used to supply voltage to the microcontroller and / or multiplexer. This can be made possible, for example, by using a parallel circuit. Advantageously, no additional contacts for the communication interface are required to provide the supply voltage.

[0014] Alternatively, the communication interface may include at least one second voltage contact. The input voltage of the low-dropout regulator can then be based on the voltage present at the second voltage contact of the communication interface. Therefore, the voltage under the supply voltage is separated from the voltage determining the communication protocol. This can result in the voltage under the supply voltage experiencing less distortion from the outset. The requirements imposed on the low-dropout regulator may therefore be lower, allowing the use of simpler and cheaper components.

[0015] A further preferred embodiment provides the fact that the microcontroller includes at least one voltmeter, or is coupled to such voltmeter. This allows the determination of the value of a first voltage amplitude present at at least a first voltage contact. The microcontroller can then use the corresponding measured value of the voltage amplitude to determine the communication protocol on which data transmission should be configured.

[0016] More preferably, the measuring probe may include a voltage divider. The input of the voltage divider may be electrically coupled to at least a first voltage contact. A voltmeter may be applied with the voltage output from the voltage divider. This embodiment is particularly advantageous if the voltage present at the first voltage contact of the communication interface is used both to determine the communication protocol and to supply voltage to the microcontroller and / or multiplexer. The voltage divider may be arranged in a parallel circuit. The voltage divider represents an efficient option for providing a corresponding test voltage that is directly dependent on the voltage of the first voltage contact.

[0017] According to a further preferred embodiment, the multiplexer can be configured according to a first communication protocol unless the voltage amplitude present at the first voltage contact exceeds a first predetermined threshold. If the threshold is exceeded, the multiplexer can then be configured according to a second communication protocol. The threshold represents a very efficient way to distinguish between voltage amplitudes. This also means that the default state of the communication protocol to be used can be determined very efficiently based on the threshold. This is because if there is no voltage at the first voltage contact, the threshold is not exceeded. Therefore, the first communication protocol represents the default state of the communication protocol to be used. Changing the configuration of the multiplexer can depend on the control signal to be provided. The control signal can in particular depend on whether the voltage amplitude present at the first voltage contact exceeds the predetermined threshold. Once this occurs, the multiplexer can be configured according to the second communication protocol by means of the control signal. If the voltage amplitude falls back below the threshold, the configuration of the multiplexer can be changed again so that it falls back and is configured according to the first communication protocol. Hysteresis can be provided with respect to the threshold to prevent any rapid changes between states.

[0018] The voltage amplitude present at at least the first voltage contact to be provided by the external device is preferably specified. This advantageously ensures that the communication protocol to be used can be determined by the external device coupled to the communication interface. If it is considered that only the voltage amplitude present at the first voltage contact determines the communication protocol to be used, this means that devices requiring data communication according to a first and a second communication protocol output a voltage at the same voltage contact of the communication interface. This allows the communication protocol to be used to be determined, i.e., in an automated manner. This is because, regardless of the communication protocol used by the external device to request data transmission, this can always be determined based on the voltage present at the first voltage contact and provided by the external device.

[0019] Depending on the refinement of the measurement probe, the circuit can be configured such that the power supply voltage for the circuitry within the housing is provided only via a first voltage contact, specifically from an external device. This means that power can be supplied to all components in the circuit (i.e., the multiplexer, microcontroller, and optionally, the low-dropout regulator and serial-to-USB converter) solely from the first voltage contact. The circuit can then have exceptionally low complexity.

[0020] The preferred embodiment also provides the fact that the multiplexer is configured solely based on the voltage amplitude present at the first voltage contact. Therefore, evaluating the voltage amplitudes of both voltage contacts can be avoided in order to configure the multiplexer and, optionally, the microcontroller according to the desired communication protocol.

[0021] Specifically, to assess the voltage amplitude present at the first voltage contact, a voltmeter can be coupled to the first voltage contact. The voltmeter is located external to the microcontroller. Assessing multiple voltage amplitudes present at multiple different voltage contacts would require more complex circuitry within the housing. For example, multiple voltmeters would be needed. However, this would not only lead to greater circuitry complexity but also increased power consumption. Consequently, the maximum operating time of the energy storage device used to power the circuitry would be reduced. Specifically, in the case of mobile measurement probe applications, assessing multiple voltage contacts for the voltage amplitude present in each case would result in a limited runtime or operating cycle.

[0022] The voltage amplitude present at the first voltage contact can be evaluated using a comparator, for example, with respect to at least one threshold. The comparator can therefore be part of a voltmeter. This simplifies the evaluation. Since the multiplexer is evaluated based solely on the voltage amplitude (present at the first voltage contact), an additional comparator is unnecessary, thus enabling reduced power consumption and extended operating time as a function of the given storage capacity of the energy storage device.

[0023] The comparator can evaluate the voltage amplitude present at the first voltage contact with respect to at least one threshold. The comparator's output signal can specify whether the voltage has fallen below or exceeded the threshold. Hysteresis can be provided to prevent rapid changes. Specifically, the multiplexer and optionally the microcontroller can be configured according to a first or second communication protocol depending on the output signal of the voltmeter (in this case, the comparator).

[0024] The first voltage contact can be, in particular, the VBUS1 contact of a communication interface, especially a USB-C interface. The VBUS1 contact is commonly used in USB-C interfaces to provide the power supply voltage. Here, the circuitry of the measurement probe can therefore be supplied with the power supply voltage according to the standard via the VBUS1 contact. However, the same contact can also be evaluated to identify the communication protocol required by the external device. According to the prior art, other pins of the USB-C interface (e.g., CC1 and CC2) are used for interface configuration. However, this makes the circuitry more complex. According to the prior art, multiple pins must also be evaluated regarding the existing voltage amplitude. Here, this is not the case. A single VBUS1 contact pin provides both the power supply voltage for the circuitry of the measurement probe and simultaneously (through the existing voltage amplitude) information about the communication protocol to be used. Therefore, the complexity of the circuitry is reduced, and the operating cycle is increased.

[0025] In an alternative embodiment, the voltmeter and the low-dropout regulator can be arranged in parallel circuits relative to the first voltage contact. Therefore, the first voltage contact can be particularly easily used both to provide the supply voltage and to identify the desired communication protocol. The supply voltage is advantageously smoothed by the low-dropout regulator, thus subsequent components (e.g., microcontrollers) experience less distortion.

[0026] A further preferred embodiment provides the fact that the first communication protocol is the UART communication protocol, and the second communication protocol is the USB communication protocol. These communication protocols enable a wide range of applications for the measurement probe. The UART communication protocol is typically used to perform digital serial interface communication. The USB communication protocol represents a serial communication protocol. Specifically, these communication protocols represent the main applications of mobile applications.

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the measurement probe may include a measuring head having a sensor device for measuring the thickness of a corrosion-protected layer for material testing, temperature testing, or surface testing. The measurement data from the sensor device can be communicated to an external device using at least a first or second communication protocol. Such a measurement probe is used, for example, to test the thickness of a coating layer. This is typically performed outside the on-site manufacturing environment (e.g., on a runway in the case of an aircraft). This is particularly advantageous if the measurement data can be read, on the one hand, by a special mobile handheld device operated by a battery, and on the other hand, by a conventional computer, tablet, or similar device that is also powered by mains power or operates only when stationary. Various devices generally use different communication protocols, particularly UART or USB communication protocols. This measurement probe thus enables the provision of corresponding measurement data for external evaluation in many different ways and for many applications. Specifically, in the case of battery-operated applications, the requirement for evaluation using only a single voltage contact of the communication interface is advantageous because it allows for extended device uptime. Attached Figure Description

[0028] The invention and its further advantageous embodiments and refinements are described and explained in more detail below using examples shown in the accompanying drawings. According to the invention, features inferred from the specification and drawings can be applied essentially alone or in any desired combination. In the drawings: Figure 1 A view showing a measuring probe according to the invention and options for connecting the measuring probe to other communication devices; Figure 2 A simplified schematic diagram of a measurement probe according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 3 A simplified schematic diagram of a measuring probe according to a further embodiment is shown; Figure 4A simplified schematic diagram of a measuring probe according to a further embodiment is shown; Figure 5 A simplified schematic diagram of a measuring probe according to a further embodiment is shown; Figure 6 A simplified schematic diagram of a measuring probe according to a further embodiment is shown; Figure 7 A simplified schematic diagram of a measurement probe according to a further embodiment is shown; and Figure 8 A simplified schematic diagram of a multiplexer is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0029] Figure 1 A simplified schematic representation of a measurement probe 10 is shown. The measurement probe 10 includes a measurement head 11, which is suitable for various applications and tasks. Circuitry 13 is disposed on the housing 12 of the measurement probe 10, opposite to the measurement head 11, and is connected to a communication interface 14. This communication interface 14 (receptacle) is preferably configured as a USB-C interface, and is described below accordingly; however, the communication interface 14 is not limited to this and may include other types.

[0030] The communication interface 14 is used to connect to the data processing device 4 via a complementary communication interface 15, for example, a cable 3. The data processing device 4 may be in the form of a desktop computer, terminal, or laptop device, but may also be a mobile data processing device (e.g., a tablet, mobile phone, etc.).

[0031] The measuring probe 10 can also be connected to another cable 3 via a communication interface 14, for example to a mobile handheld measuring device 5, which is configured to evaluate the data detected by the measuring probe 10 and display the data on a display 6, for example.

[0032] Adapter 7 is connected to the communication interface 14 of the measuring probe 10 via a complementary communication interface 15. Adapter 7 processes the data detected by the measuring probe 10 and, for example, wirelessly transmits the data to other data processing devices 4, 5. Known technologies for wireless data transmission (e.g., Bluetooth) can be used here. Adapter 7 may also have a battery, specifically a rechargeable battery that preferably powers the measuring probe 10.

[0033] The industrial interface 8, which has a complementary interface, can also be connected to the communication interface 14 of the measuring probe 10. These industrial interfaces 8 have, for example, a UART adapter or an RS485 adapter.

[0034] exist Figure 2 The circuit 13 and communication interface 14 are schematically shown in the figure.

[0035] The communication interface 14, hereinafter referred to as USB-C interface 14, includes 24 contacts in a known manner. Once communication with external devices 4, 5, and 7 is established via USB-C interface 14 according to a UART or USB communication protocol, the 24 contacts can be used in the usual manner. However, in this case, particular attention is paid to the four contacts that are of primary importance in determining the communication protocol to be used and in using the measurement probe 10.

[0036] The four contacts are the first voltage contact (VBUS) 16, the second voltage contact (SUB2) 18, the first data contact (D-) 20, and the second data contact (D+) 22.

[0037] The circuit 13 of the measuring probe 10 also includes a microcontroller 24, a multiplexer 26, a low-dropout regulator 36, and a USB to serial converter 66.

[0038] The first voltage contact 1 is coupled to the low-dropout regulator 36. According to the parallel circuit 42, the first voltage contact 16 is also coupled to the USB-to-serial converter 66 via connection line 46. The second voltage contact 18 is similarly coupled to the low-dropout regulator 36. The output of the low-dropout regulator 36 is coupled to the microcontroller 24 and the multiplexer 26 via power supply lines 38 and 40.

[0039] According to this embodiment, a device externally connected to the USB-C interface 14 provides a power supply voltage at the second voltage contact 18. The power supply voltage typically has a voltage amplitude of 3.3V. To compensate for or at least reduce signal distortion that may originate from the power supply voltage of the externally connected device, a low-dropout regulator 36 smooths the power supply voltage. The power supply voltage is then provided to supply voltage to the microcontroller 24 and the multiplexer 26. This ensures the smooth operation of these components.

[0040] Multiplexer 26 includes output 28, first input 30, and second input 32. Output 28 of multiplexer 26 is coupled to first data contact 20 and second data contact 22. Multiplexer 26 is configured to couple either first input 30 or second input 32 to output 28 via switch line 34, thereby enabling data transmission via UART communication protocol (first communication protocol) or USB communication protocol (second communication protocol).

[0041] Microcontroller 24 is coupled to a first input 30 of multiplexer 26 and to a second input 32 via a USB-to-serial converter 66. According to this embodiment, microcontroller 24 is configured to provide data only according to the UART communication protocol. In the basic setup of multiplexer 26, the first input 30 is coupled to output 28. This means that, in the basic setup, communication from microcontroller 24 based on the UART communication protocol is possible.

[0042] Depending on the voltage amplitude present at the first voltage contact 16 provided by the externally connected device, the state of the multiplexer 26 can be changed by the control signal 44 to enable communication according to the USB communication protocol. For this purpose, it is checked whether the voltage amplitude present at the first voltage contact 16 has exceeded a threshold. The threshold is typically 4.5V. This is because externally connected devices operating according to the UART communication protocol typically only provide voltages in the range of 3.5V to 4.2V. Conversely, in devices operating according to the USB communication protocol, the voltage amplitude is in the range of 4.5V to 5.1V.

[0043] The voltage amplitude present at the first voltage contact 16 can be checked using a voltmeter (not shown). Alternatively, if the low-dropout regulator 36 is multipolar, the voltage amplitude present at the first voltage contact 16 can also be checked by the low-dropout regulator 36. Furthermore, the circuit can be configured such that the USB-to-serial converter 66 and the multiplexer 26 are always supplied with the voltage present at the first voltage contact 16, and the operation of the USB-to-serial converter 66 and the multiplexer 26 changes only when a threshold is exceeded. In the latter case, the control signal 44 is provided by the multiplexer 26 itself for this purpose.

[0044] In all cases, the microcontroller 24 provides data from the measurement probe 10 to the USB-to-serial converter 66 according to the UART communication protocol. The USB-to-serial converter 66 converts the data and provides it at the second input 32 of the multiplexer 26, such that the data is no longer present at the second input 32 according to the UART communication protocol, but according to the USB communication protocol. Since the switching line 34 of the multiplexer 26 depends on the control signal 44 switching from the first input 30 to the second input 32, communication can proceed according to the USB communication protocol once a threshold is exceeded. If the voltage amplitude present at the first voltage contact 16 falls below the threshold, the output state of the multiplexer 26 changes so that the first input 30 is coupled to the output 28 according to the UART communication protocol.

[0045] Figure 3 A simplified schematic diagram of a circuit 13 with a communication interface 14 having a measurement probe 50 according to a further embodiment is shown. In accordance with the above figures, the same components are given the same names. These components are not described in detail. Only those related to… Figure 2 The differences.

[0046] According to this embodiment of the measuring probe 50, the USB-to-serial converter is omitted. The function of the USB-to-serial converter is taken over by the microcontroller 24. In this case, the microcontroller 24 has a voltmeter 52. Generally, the voltmeter 52 may also be external to the microcontroller 24 and coupled only to the microcontroller 24. The voltage present at the first voltage contact 16 is fed to the voltmeter 52 using the connection line 48. Using the voltmeter 52, the microcontroller 24 is configured to determine whether the voltage amplitude exceeds a threshold. According to this embodiment, the microcontroller 24 is configured not only to provide data to the first input 30 of the multiplexer 26 according to the UART communication protocol, but also to provide data to the second input 32 according to the USB communication protocol. The microcontroller 24 is configured not only to determine which communication standard to use to provide data to the multiplexer 26 and the inputs that must provide this data based on the detected voltage amplitude, but also to provide a corresponding control signal 44 to the multiplexer 26. The multiplexer 26 for data transmission is configured accordingly based on the control signal 44. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the multiplexer 26 has a basic setting that changes only when a threshold is exceeded.

[0047] Figure 4 A simplified schematic diagram of a circuit 13 having a communication interface 14 with a measurement probe 100 according to a further embodiment is shown. In accordance with the above figures, the same components are given the same names. These components are not described in detail. Only the differences from the above figures are considered here.

[0048] The embodiment of circuit 13 of measuring probe 100 basically corresponds to the embodiment of circuit 13 of measuring probe 10. However, it has been simplified. The voltage amplitude present at the first voltage contact 16 is used not only to determine the communication standard to be used, but also to supply voltage to the components of measuring probe 100.

[0049] The measuring probe 100 has a voltage divider 54. The voltage divider 54 has at least two resistors 56 and 58 connected in series and a center tap 60 disposed between the resistors. The center tap 60 is coupled to a voltmeter 52 of the microcontroller 24 via a connecting wire 62. To simultaneously determine the communication standard and provide the supply voltage, a low-dropout regulator 36 and the voltage divider 54 are arranged in parallel with respect to the first voltage contact 16. The voltage divider 54 then provides a test voltage to the voltmeter 52 via the center tap 60. The test voltage is proportional to the voltage amplitude present at the first voltage contact 16. This proportionality stems from the relative magnitudes of the resistors 56 and 58. The test voltage is typically lower than the voltage present at the first voltage contact 16. Therefore, the voltmeter 52 only needs to be configured for a low voltage range.

[0050] The low-dropout regulator 36 stabilizes the voltage amplitude fed to it and provides the voltage as a power supply voltage 38, 40 to the components of the measuring probe 100. According to this embodiment, the second voltage contact 18 is irrelevant and unnecessary.

[0051] Based on the voltage amplitude determined by voltmeter 52 relative to a specified threshold, if a voltage of 4.5V or higher is present, control signals for the USB-to-serial converter 66 and for the multiplexer 26 are provided by the microcontroller 24 and configured accordingly. In a known manner, data (measurement data from the sensor device of the measuring probe 100) is not provided from the microcontroller 24 at the first input 30 of the multiplexer 26 via the UART communication protocol, but rather via the USB-to-serial converter 66 at the second input 32 of the multiplexer 26 via the USB communication protocol. Data occurring after the USB-to-serial converter 66, provided via the USB-to-serial converter 66 at the second input 32 of the multiplexer 26 via the USB communication protocol, has first been received from the microcontroller 24 according to the UART communication protocol and the data has been converted.

[0052] In addition, the microcontroller 24 is configured to provide control signals to the USB to serial converter 66 so that the USB to serial converter 66 can trigger the conversion and corresponding provision of data at the second input 32.

[0053] Figure 5 A simplified schematic diagram of a circuit 13 with a communication interface 14 having a measurement probe 150 according to a further embodiment is shown. In accordance with the above figures, the same components are given the same names. These components are not described in detail. Only the differences from the above figures are considered here.

[0054] The embodiment of measuring probe 150 basically corresponds to the embodiment of measuring probe 50. However, a simplification already described in relation to measuring probe 100 is made again. The voltage amplitude present at the first voltage contact 16 is used not only to determine the communication standard to be used, but also to supply voltage to the components of measuring probe 150.

[0055] According to this embodiment, a USB-to-serial converter is omitted. Therefore, the microcontroller 24 is configured to provide data at either the first input 30 or the second input 32 of the multiplexer 26 according to both communication protocols. The measurement probe 150 also includes a voltage divider 54, which is arranged in parallel with the low-dropout regulator 36. Using a center tap 60, the voltage divider 54 provides a test voltage to the voltmeter 52 of the microcontroller 24. If a threshold of 4.5V is exceeded, a control signal 64 is output from the microcontroller 24 for use with the multiplexer 26, and the USB communication protocol is initiated. As described above, the supply voltages 38 and 40 for the microcontroller 24 and the multiplexer 26 are provided by the low-dropout regulator 36.

[0056] Figure 6 A simplified schematic diagram of a circuit 13 having a communication interface 14 with a measurement probe 200 according to a further embodiment is shown. In accordance with the above figures, the same components are given the same names, and reference is made to this description. The following focuses on… Figures 1 to 5 The differences.

[0057] Voltage sensor 67 is configured to be separate from microcontroller 24. Voltage sensor 67 is coupled to first voltage contact (VBUS) 16. Voltage sensor 67 may be arranged in parallel circuit with low-dropout regulator 36 relative to first voltage contact 16. First voltage contact 16 is evaluated by voltage sensor 67, for example by means of a comparator, based on the existing voltage amplitude. Depending on the existing voltage amplitude, multiplexer 26 is configured by voltage sensor 67 using control signal 64 according to a first or second communication protocol. Simultaneously, the power supply voltage for components of circuit 13 (i.e., for low-dropout regulator 36, multiplexer 26, USB-to-serial converter 66, and microcontroller 24) is also provided by first voltage contact 16.

[0058] Figure 7 A simplified schematic diagram of a circuit 13 with a communication interface 14 having a measurement probe 250 according to a further embodiment is shown. In accordance with the above figures, the same components are given the same names, and reference is made to this description. The following focuses on… Figures 1 to 6 The differences.

[0059] Figure 7 Basic correspondence Figure 6 However, the microcontroller 24 is configured to provide data according to both the USB and UART communication protocols. A single first voltage contact (VBUS) 16 is also used here to provide the power supply voltage to circuit 13 and simultaneously provide information about the communication protocol to be used. The voltmeter 67 configures the multiplexer 26 in a corresponding manner (e.g., as a function of the threshold conditions described above).

[0060] Figure 8A simplified schematic diagram of multiplexer 26 is shown. Multiplexer 26 has approximately 12 contacts. Contacts D+, D-76, and 78 represent the outputs of multiplexer 2. The first input is formed by contacts D1+, D1-80, and 82. The second input is formed by contacts D2+, D2-86, and 88. Contacts 80 and 82 of the first input are coupled according to UART communication protocol 84. Contacts 86 and 88 of the second input are coupled according to USB communication protocol 90. The supply voltage is present at voltage contact VCC 72, not at ground contact GND 74. The output allows contact OE 96 to be selectively addressed, and it can be determined whether an output can be made. Based on two control contacts SEL1, SEL2, 92, and 94, it is determined whether the contacts 80 and 82 of the first input or the contacts 86 and 88 of the second input are coupled to the contacts 76 and 78 of the output. In the basic setup of multiplexer 26, the first input contacts 80, 82 are coupled to the output contacts 76, 78. Here, control signals are always required at control contacts SEL1, SEL2, 92, 94 to change the configuration of multiplexer 26. This can occur based on corresponding logic high / low signals applied to control contacts SEL1, SEL2, 92, 94. For example, multiplexer 26 can be configured according to the UART communication protocol when logic is low at these two control contacts SEL1, SEL2, 92, 94, and according to the USB communication protocol when logic is high at these two control contacts SEL1, SEL2, 92, 94. The control signals can be provided, for example, by microcontroller 24 or voltmeter 67 in the manner described. A fault contact FLT 98 is also provided.

Claims

1. A measuring probe (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250), said measuring probe comprising a housing (12) and a measuring head (11) housed within said housing (12), wherein, At least one communication interface (14) is disposed on the housing (12) and communicates with a circuit (13) arranged in the housing (12), the circuit (13) including at least one microcontroller (24) and at least one multiplexer (26), wherein data can be transmitted via the circuit (13) through a common communication interface (14) by means of at least two different communication protocols, wherein the communication interface (14) is a USB-C interface, characterized in that the communication interface (14) includes at least one first voltage contact (16) and at least two data... According to contacts (20, 22), wherein the multiplexer (26) is coupled to the communication interface (14) and the microcontroller (24), and wherein the multiplexer (26) can be configured, depending on a first voltage amplitude present at at least one of the first voltage contacts (16), at least according to a first communication protocol or a second communication protocol, so that data can be transmitted from the microcontroller (24) to external devices (4, 5, 7) connected via the communication interface (14) using the configured communication protocol via the at least two data contacts (20, 22). The device includes at least one USB-to-serial converter (66), wherein the multiplexer (26) can be configured based solely on the microcontroller (24) or based on the microcontroller (24) and the USB-to-serial converter (66) at least according to the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol.

2. The measuring probe (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A low-dropout regulator (36) is provided, wherein the low-dropout regulator (36) is coupled to the communication interface, and wherein the low-dropout regulator (36) is arranged and configured to smooth the input voltage received from the communication interface and provide an output voltage as a power supply voltage for the microcontroller (24) and / or the multiplexer (26).

3. The measuring probe (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250) as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The input voltage of the low-dropout regulator (36) is based on the voltage present at the first voltage contact (16) of the communication interface.

4. The measuring probe (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250) as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The microcontroller (24) includes at least one voltmeter (52, 67), or the microcontroller (24) is coupled to the voltmeter (52, 67) to enable it to determine the value of the first voltage amplitude present at at least one first voltage contact (16).

5. The measuring probe (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250) as described in claim 4, characterized in that: A voltage divider (54) is provided, wherein the input of the voltage divider (54) is electrically coupled to at least one of the first voltage contacts (16); and The voltmeters (52, 67) are applied with the voltage output by the voltage divider (54).

6. The measuring probe (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the voltage amplitude present at the first voltage contact (16) does not exceed the first predetermined threshold, the multiplexer (26) is configured according to the first communication protocol; otherwise, the multiplexer (26) is configured according to the second communication protocol.

7. The measuring probe (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first voltage amplitude present at at least one of the first voltage contacts (16) is provided by the external device (4, 5, 7), which is capable of being connected to the measuring probe.

8. The measuring probe (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The circuit (13) is configured such that a power supply voltage is provided to the circuit (13) in the housing (12) only via the first voltage contact (16).

9. The measuring probe (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250) as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The circuit (13) is configured such that a power supply voltage is provided to the circuit (13) in the housing (12) from the external devices (4, 5, 7) only via the first voltage contact (16).

10. The measuring probe (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The multiplexer (26) is configured only depending on the first voltage amplitude present at the first voltage contact (16).

11. The measuring probe (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250) as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The voltmeters (52, 67) and the low-dropout regulator (36) are arranged in parallel circuit relative to the first voltage contact (16).

12. The measuring probe (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first voltage contact (16) is the VBUS1 contact.

13. The measuring probe (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first communication protocol is the UART communication protocol (84), and the second communication protocol is the USB communication protocol (90).

14. The measuring probe (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The measuring probe includes a sensor device for measuring the layer thickness of the corrosion protection component for material testing or surface testing, wherein the measurement data of the sensor device can be communicated to external devices (4, 5, 7) using at least the first communication protocol or the second communication protocol.

15. The measuring probe (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first communication protocol can be started when the voltage at the communication interface (14) and provided by the external devices (4, 5, 7) is less than 4.3V, and when the provided voltage is greater than 4.3V, it switches to the second communication protocol.

16. The measuring probe (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250) as described in claim 15, characterized in that, When the supplied voltage is greater than 4.3V, switch to the USB communication protocol.

17. The measuring probe (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250) as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The measuring probes (10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250) are used for tactile measurements on the surface of objects.

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