Method and system for indicating wear of switchable components of test and measurement device

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and system for indicating wear of switchable components of a test and measurement device. The method comprises the following steps:-obtaining information about the switching of the switchable component (12),-processing the information by means of a processing circuit (18) in order to determine a switching cycle rate,-comparing the determined switching cycle rate with a threshold value, and-if the threshold value is reached or exceeded, switching the switchable component (12) on the basis of the switching cycle rate of the switchable component (12). At least one alarm is output by means of at least one indicator (32). The invention further relates to a system (10) for indicating wear of a switchable component (12) of a test and measurement device (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for indicating wear of a switchable component of a test and measuring device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for indicating wear of a switchable component of a test and measuring device. Background Art

[0002] In the prior art, a test and measurement device is known, which usually includes a switchable component such as a relay that is switched during operation of the test and measurement device. For example, the test and measurement device can be an oscilloscope, a signal generator, a signal analyzer, a spectrum analyzer, a network analyzer or a similar device for testing and measuring a device under test. However, relays only support a limited number of operating cycles, i.e. switching cycles. Since relays are very expensive, unnecessary relay switching should be avoided to reduce wear of the relays.

[0003] When the script switches relays, for example when a new remote control script is executed for the first time, the operator sitting in front of the test and measurement equipment hears the relay clicks directly. In the event that the switching of relays occurs all the time (which should be avoided), the operator is notified directly due to the sound produced by the relays.

[0004] In the case of operating the test and measurement equipment via a remote device (such as a computer connected via a LAN), the operator will therefore not be aware that the executed script will wear out the relays within a few minutes.

[0005] Therefore, remote operation of the test and measurement equipment is not possible when testing new scripts, because the operator must sit next to the test and measurement equipment when executing the new script for the first time in order to get feedback directly from the test and measurement equipment.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to enable remote operation of test and measurement equipment, in particular when executing new scripts, while minimizing the risk of rapid wear of expensive components of the test and measurement equipment, such as wear of relays. Summary of the invention

[0007] The present invention provides a method for indicating wear of a switchable component (e.g. a relay) of a test and measurement device, the method comprising the following steps:

[0008] - obtaining information about the switching of said switchable component,

[0009] - processing said information by means of a processing circuit so as to determine a switching cycle rate,

[0010] - comparing the determined switching cycle rate with a threshold value, and

[0011] In the event that the threshold value is reached or exceeded, at least one alarm is output by means of at least one indicator.

[0012] In addition, the present invention provides a system for indicating the wear of a switchable component (e.g., a relay) of a test and measurement device. The system includes a processing circuit, a comparison circuit, a control circuit, and at least one indicator. The processing circuit is configured to obtain and process information about the switching of the switchable component to determine a switching cycle rate. The comparison circuit is configured to compare the determined switching cycle rate with a threshold. The control circuit is configured to control the at least one indicator to output at least one alarm when the threshold is reached or exceeded.

[0013] The main idea of ​​the invention is to make the click of a switchable component of a test and measuring device, such as a relay, indicate an operator even if the operator is not sitting next to the test and measuring device. This is achieved by obtaining information about the switching of the at least one switchable component, wherein the corresponding information is processed to obtain information whether the switching of the switchable component is critical, i.e. by means of the switching cycle rate. In other words, the absolute number of switchings is not taken into account, but the frequency, e.g. the number of times within a defined time span.

[0014] The invention thus enables new scripts to be executed on a test and measurement device even if an operator does not directly interact with the test and measurement device, while at the same time ensuring that the switchable components are not subjected to too high a wear due to the high switching cycle rates.

[0015] Typically, the individual circuits (ie, processing circuits, comparison circuits and / or control circuits) may be sub-circuits of a common circuit. In other words, a single circuit system may include the individual circuits.

[0016] Alternatively, the individual circuits (i.e., processing circuits, comparison circuits, and / or control circuits) may be established by separate circuit systems. These circuits may then be arranged in different devices and / or at different locations. The individual circuits may communicate with each other to forward information and / or data to be further processed accordingly.

[0017] Typically, the test and measurement equipment may be an oscilloscope, a signal generator, a signal analyzer, a spectrum analyzer, a network analyzer, or a similar device used to test and measure a device under test.

[0018] One aspect provides that the alarm is an acoustic alarm output by means of an acoustic indicator. Thus, the at least one indicator may be an acoustic indicator. The alarm may be output by sound to acoustically inform the operator. The acoustic alarm may be a beep or a melody. Furthermore, the alarm may involve a tone output in a repetitive manner.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the alarm is a visual alarm output by means of an optical indicator. The at least one indicator may be an optical indicator. Thus, the visual alarm may be displayed on a display or screen, for example in a specific color and / or by means of a specific text message (e.g. "alarm"). The text message may be bold and / or in capital letters. For example, a signal color (e.g. red) may be used to warn the operator. In other words, an area of ​​the signal color may be displayed, wherein the corresponding text message is visualized within the area.

[0020] Typically, the alarm can be generated locally and / or remotely, i.e. remotely relative to the location of the test and measurement device. Furthermore, the alarm can be output locally and / or remotely, i.e. remotely relative to the location of the test and measurement device. This can be ensured by the fact that the information is obtained and processed by means of the processing circuit, while the control circuit controls the indicator to output the alarm (which can be formed separately relative to the processing circuit).

[0021] Indeed, the processing circuitry may also be located remotely with respect to the test and measurement device while receiving information about the switching of the switchable component via the communication interface.

[0022] In particular, the acoustic alarm (e.g. signal) may be made audible locally at the test and measurement device. Alternatively or additionally, the acoustic alarm (e.g. signal) may be made audible by means of remote means, e.g. via a sound card of a separately formed device (i.e. remotely located indicator). For example, using headphones or the like.

[0023] Thus, even if the switchable component is located elsewhere (e.g. at the measuring site), an alarm, e.g. a visual alarm and / or an acoustic alarm, can be output remotely. In particular, the switchable component is integrated in the test and measurement device. Thus, an operator interacting with the test and measurement device with the switchable component via a remote computer (e.g. a desktop computer) receives an alarm, i.e. a visual alarm on a screen and / or an acoustic alarm via a speaker.

[0024] Information about the switching of switchable components can be obtained by analyzing a script executed on a test and measurement device or by analyzing a script to be executed on a test and measurement device. Therefore, the processing circuit can be configured to obtain information about the switching of switchable components by analyzing a script executed on a test and measurement device or by analyzing a script to be executed on a test and measurement device. Therefore, information can be obtained during the execution of a new script on a test and measurement device, that is, in real time or more precisely during the actual operation of the test and measurement device, but in a theoretical manner while analyzing the script during its execution. Alternatively, information can be collected in advance based on information contained in a script that should be executed on a test and measurement device. Before executing the script, the script can be analyzed to obtain information about the switching of the switchable components, and in the case where a threshold value may be reached or even exceeded, the operator is warned as quickly as possible.

[0025] Alternatively, information about the switching of the switchable component is obtained by measuring the switching operation of the switchable component. For example, the sound of the switchable component is recorded during the operation of the switchable component. In other words, the system may include a sensor configured to measure the switching operation of the switchable component, in particular to record the sound of the switchable component, thereby obtaining information about the switching. The sensor is connected to the processing circuit so that the information about the switching is forwarded to the processing circuit. The processing circuit can further process the information to determine the switching cycle rate. Therefore, information can also be collected by sensing parameters (such as current or voltage). The sensor can also record the sound generated by the switchable component to obtain information about the switching of the switchable component. Therefore, the sensor can be configured to measure the switching cycle of the switchable component.

[0026] According to another aspect, the threshold value and / or the alarm are adjustable. For example, the system may include at least one user interface, via which the operator is enabled to adjust the threshold value and / or adjust the alarm. The threshold value can be adjusted based on the information obtained about the test and measurement equipment (particularly the switchable component). The threshold value can be reduced with the operating time of the switchable component (which can be recorded), so that the alarm is output earlier when the switchable component is older or even used for a longer time. Therefore, the previous replacement of the switchable component can result in a higher threshold value. Typically, the operator is enabled to adjust the setting according to his personal preference.

[0027] Similarly, the operator is enabled to customize the alarm. For example, the operator can set whether the alarm is an optical alarm or an acoustic alarm. Of course, the operator can also set the at least one alarm to both, that is, set both the optical alarm and the acoustic alarm.

[0028] Furthermore, the operator can configure whether the at least one alarm is to be output (only) locally and / or remotely.

[0029] In addition, the operator can configure a sound, such as a click, to be output whenever a switchable component (i.e., a relay) switches. The corresponding click sound can be output remotely, thereby simulating the acoustic environment of a test and measurement device at the location of an operator who can remotely control the test and measurement device.

[0030] Typically, the corresponding configuration can be done locally and / or remotely. Thus, an operator can configure an alarm or even a click via a remote computer (remotely) or at the test and measurement device (locally).

[0031] In the case of an optical alarm, the operator can also set the manner in which the optical alarm is output, such as the color, the content of the text message, and / or the size of the text message. In the case of an acoustic alarm, the operator can configure the loudness, pitch, frequency and / or melody.

[0032] On the other hand, it is provided that a first alarm is outputted when a first threshold is reached or exceeded, wherein a second alarm is outputted when a second threshold is reached or exceeded. The first alarm is different from the second alarm and / or the first threshold is different from the second threshold. For example, an alarm cascade can be set to escalate the alarm, in particular to escalate the alarm according to the determined switching cycle rate.

[0033] For example, when the determined switching cycle rate is higher than expected but still within an acceptable range, a first alarm associated with a first threshold may be activated. Once the determined switching cycle rate increases, a second threshold may be reached or exceeded, resulting in the output of a second alarm that is different from the first alarm, such as louder or a different color. Alternatively or additionally, the first alarm may be associated with only an optical alarm, while the second alarm is a combination of an optical alarm and an acoustic alarm. The first alarm may also be a local output alarm, while the second alarm is a local and remote output alarm.

[0034] Typically, different alarm scenarios can be customized and stored by an operator, so that the control circuit selects a corresponding alarm based on the determined switching cycle rate.

[0035] Furthermore, the alarm can be output remotely, in particular based on a push notification. In addition to outputting the alarm via the indicator, the push notification can also be output. Alternatively, the alarm is output only by means of a push notification, so that the device that receives and processes the push notification is the indicator. Thus, the push notification can be the only alarm that is output. Thus, the at least one indicator can be a remotely located device, such as a mobile phone that receives the push notification accordingly.

[0036] The system may comprise a communication interface configured to forward a signal representing an alarm to be output remotely, in particular by push notification. Thus, the alarm may be forwarded to a different device (e.g. a device at an authority) which communicates with the system via a corresponding communication interface (e.g. an Ethernet interface).

[0037] The management entity or the service provider can receive the control signal of the control circuit, or more precisely the signal representing the alarm. The corresponding signal can be processed so as to output the alarm, thereby informing the staff of the management entity or even the service provider.

[0038] Alarms can be output remotely for test and measurement equipment having switchable components, in particular, alarms can be received via a remote computer while interacting with the test and measurement equipment via the remote computer. Likewise, an operator can control the test and measurement equipment via the remote computer while receiving alarms at the remote computer used to remotely control the test and measurement equipment. The alarms can be displayed on a screen or output as sounds via a sound card or speaker connected to the remote computer.

[0039] The alarm output can be confirmed by the operator. For example, the operator can interact with the user interface to confirm the alarm output. The confirmation can involve a manual override or even involve the switching off of the alarm. Thus, in particular without any interference, the further execution of the script or more precisely the operation of the test and measurement device can be ensured. In addition, it can be avoided that the staff of the management entity or more precisely the service provider is alerted by confirming the alarm in an appropriate time.

[0040] Typically, the system (eg, processing circuitry) may be configured to record each individual switching cycle of the switchable component and to calculate a corresponding switching cycle rate based on the recording. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Other aspects and advantages of the claimed subject matter will become more readily understood when the following detailed description is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings to better understand the claimed subject matter.

[0042] - Figure 1 schematically shows an overview of a system according to the invention, and

[0043] - Figure 2 An illustrative example of an optical alert output is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] The detailed description set forth below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, and is not intended to represent the only embodiments, wherein the same reference numerals refer to the same elements. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided only as an example or illustration, and should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the claimed subject matter to the precise form disclosed.

[0045] For purposes of this disclosure, the phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" means, for example, (A), (B), (C), (A and B), (A and C), (B and C), or (A, B, and C), including all other possible permutations when more than three elements are listed. In other words, the term "at least one of A and B" generally means "A and / or B", i.e., "A" alone, "B" alone, or "A and B".

[0046] exist Figure 1 , a system 10 is shown for indicating wear of a switchable component 12 of a test and measurement device 14, such as an oscilloscope, a signal generator, a signal analyzer, a spectrum analyzer, a network analyzer, or a similar device for testing and measuring a device under test. The switchable component 12 may be a relay.

[0047] The system 10 includes a single circuit system 16 having several sub-circuits, namely, a processing circuit 18, a comparison circuit 20, and a control circuit 22. Each circuit 18-22 is located within a single device 24 having a housing surrounding the single circuit system 16 (i.e., the processing circuit 18, the comparison circuit 20, and the control circuit 22).

[0048] Furthermore, the system 10 comprises a sensor 26 which is configured to measure the switching operation of the switchable component 12. The sensor 26 is connected to the processing circuit 18 so that the data / information collected by the sensor 26 is forwarded to the processing circuit 18. This ensures that the processing circuit 18 obtains information about the switching of the switchable component 12.

[0049] Furthermore, the system 10, and in particular the device 24, comprises a storage medium 28, which can store, among other things, threshold values ​​for comparison purposes. The storage medium 28 can thus be accessed by the comparison circuit 20, which will be described in more detail later.

[0050] The device 24 also has a user interface 30 via which an operator of the system 10 can interact with the circuit system 16 for setting purposes.

[0051] Typically, once the script is executed by means of the test and measurement device 14 , the system 10 , and in particular the sensor 26 , is enabled to measure the switching operation of the switchable component 12 of the test and measurement device 14 .

[0052] The sensor 26 may sense a current, a voltage, or record a sound generated by the switchable component 12 during operation in order to obtain information about the switching of the switchable component 12 .

[0053] The obtained information is forwarded to and processed by means of the processing circuit 18 in order to determine the switching cycle rate of the switchable component 12 during operation of the test and measurement device 14 (eg when executing a script).

[0054] The switching cycle rate determined by means of the processing circuit 18 is forwarded to the comparison circuit 20 , which accesses the storage medium 28 and compares the determined switching cycle rate with a stored threshold value at the same time.

[0055] In case the determined switching cycle rate reaches or exceeds the threshold value, the comparison circuit 20 outputs a corresponding signal to be processed by the control circuit 22 .

[0056] The control circuit 22 controls at least one indicator 32 to output an alarm.

[0057] The at least one indicator 32 may be arranged locally, for example at the device 24. Alternatively, a separately formed indicator 32 may be provided which receives a control signal from the control circuit 22, or more precisely a signal representing an alarm to be output.

[0058] The system 10 , in particular the device 24 , therefore comprises a communication interface 34 , via which a signal representing an alarm to be output remotely can be forwarded to a separately formed device, such as a mobile phone 36 , a desktop computer 38 or the like.

[0059] The corresponding signal output via the communication interface 34 may concern a push notification, so that the alarm may be pushed via the communication interface 34 to a separately formed device, for example a mobile phone 36 and / or a desktop computer 38 .

[0060] Regardless, the at least one indicator 32 may be an optical indicator 40 (eg, a display or screen) and / or an acoustic indicator 42 (eg, a speaker, headphones, or the like).

[0061] Thus, the alarm may involve an acoustic alarm and / or an optical alarm.

[0062] Typically, the at least one indicator 32 may be a local indicator located proximate to the test and measurement equipment 14 , such as integrated within a device 24 located proximate to the test and measurement equipment 14 .

[0063] Alternatively, the at least one indicator 32 is a remote indicator, such as the screen of a desktop computer 38, which is remotely operated relative to the test and measurement equipment 14, such as via a LAN connection. The desktop computer 38 can also be used to control or rather execute scripts on the remotely located test and measurement equipment 14.

[0064] On the same desktop computer 38, an alarm can be output to directly warn the operator.

[0065] An optical alert ("ALERT") can be output by means of a text message displayed on the screen as well as a specific color to highlight the warning, such as Figure 2 shown.

[0066] Typically, system 10 may use different alarm scenarios, such as two or more steps / alarms associated with different thresholds.

[0067] Thus, an alarm escalation may be performed to warn the operator according to the risk of wear of the switchable component 12 depending on the determined switching cycle rate.

[0068] In practice, a first alarm can be output if a first threshold value is reached or exceeded, wherein a second alarm is output if a second threshold value is reached or exceeded. The alarms differ from one another in terms of their alarm type, for example optical alarms or even acoustic alarms.

[0069] Furthermore, the threshold value may be different so that different warnings may be output depending on the determined switching cycle rate.

[0070] For example, an alarm cascade may be provided to escalate the alarm, in particular to escalate the alarm according to the determined switching cycle rate.

[0071] The control circuit 22 may access the storage medium 28 to obtain information about the alarm scenario to be applied.

[0072] Typically, an operator may adjust the thresholds and / or alarms, such as the kind or even the type of alarm, via the user interface 30 according to the operator's preferences.

[0073] The operator of system 10 may also acknowledge the alarm via user interface 30 so that operation of system 10 is not interrupted by the authority being informed, e.g., by means of a push notification (this is preferably done as part of, e.g., a second alarm, e.g., a second step of an alarm scenario).

[0074] As an alternative to sensing, the system 10 may be configured to obtain information about switching of the switchable components 12 by analyzing a script actually executed on the test and measurement device 14 or even by analyzing a script to be executed on the test and measurement device 14 (ie before its execution).

[0075] Thus, a script to be executed may be theoretically analyzed in order to determine, in particular prior to its execution, whether the script will cause the switchable component 12 to operate at a switching cycle rate that reaches or exceeds the at least one threshold value.

[0076] As Figure 1 As an alternative to the embodiment shown, the individual circuits 18 to 22 (i.e., the processing circuit 18, the comparison circuit 20 and / or the control circuit 22) can be built up from separate circuit systems. These circuits 18 to 22 can be arranged in different devices and / or at different locations. The individual circuits 18 to 22 can communicate with each other in order to forward information and / or data to be further processed accordingly.

[0077] Certain embodiments disclosed herein, in particular corresponding module(s) and / or unit(s), utilize circuit systems (e.g., one or more circuits) to implement the standards, protocols, methods, or techniques disclosed herein, operably couple two or more components, generate information, process information, analyze information, generate signals, encode / decode signals, convert signals, send and / or receive signals, control other devices, etc. Any type of circuit system may be used.

[0078] In one embodiment, the circuit system includes, among other things, one or more computing devices, such as a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a central processing unit (CPU), a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a system on a chip (SoC), etc., or any combination thereof, and may include discrete digital or analog circuit elements or electronic devices, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the circuit system includes a hardware circuit implementation (e.g., an implementation in an analog circuit system, an implementation in a digital circuit system, etc., and a combination thereof).

[0079] In one embodiment, the circuit system includes a combination of circuits and a computer program product having software or firmware instructions stored on one or more computer-readable memories that work together to cause the device to perform one or more protocols, methods, or techniques described herein. In one embodiment, the circuit system includes circuits that require software, firmware, etc. for operation, such as, for example, a microprocessor or portion of a microprocessor. In one embodiment, the circuit system includes one or more processors or portions thereof and accompanying software, firmware, hardware, etc.

[0080] The application may mention quantities and numbers. Unless otherwise specified, these quantities and numbers should not be considered restrictive, but examples of possible quantities or numbers associated with the application. Also in this regard, the application may use the term "plurality" to refer to quantity or number. In this regard, the term "plurality" refers to any number greater than 1, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc. The terms "approximately", "approximately", "close to", etc. mean the plus or minus 5% of the value.

Claims

1. A method for indicating wear of a switchable component (12) of a test and measurement device (14), wherein the method comprises the following steps: - obtaining information about the switching of the switchable component (12), - processing said information by means of a processing circuit (18) so as to determine a switching cycle rate, - comparing the determined switching cycle rate with a threshold value, and - in the event that the threshold value is reached or exceeded, at least one alarm is outputted by means of at least one indicator (32).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The alarm is an acoustic alarm output by means of an acoustic indicator (42), and / or wherein the alarm is a visual alarm output by means of an optical indicator (40).

3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Information about the switching of the switchable component (12) is obtained by analyzing a script executed on the test and measurement device (14) or by analyzing a script to be executed on the test and measurement device (14).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Information about the switching of the switchable component (12) is obtained by measuring the switching operation of the switchable component (12), in particular by recording the sound of the switchable component (12).

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The threshold value and / or the alarm may be adjustable.

6. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a first alarm is output when a first threshold is reached or exceeded, wherein a second alarm is output when a second threshold is reached or exceeded, and wherein the first alarm is different from the second alarm and / or wherein the first threshold is different from the second threshold.

7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The alarm is output remotely, in particular based on a push notification.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein: The alarm is output remotely with respect to the test and measurement device (14) having the switchable component (12), in particular wherein an operator receives the alarm via a remote computer while interacting with the test and measurement device (14) via the remote computer.

9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The alarm output is acknowledged by the operator.

10. A system (10) for indicating wear of a switchable component (12) of a test and measurement device (14), wherein the system (10) comprises a processing circuit (18), a comparison circuit (20), a control circuit (22) and at least one indicator (32), wherein the processing circuit (18) is configured to obtain and process information about switching of the switchable component (12) to determine a switching cycle rate, wherein the comparison circuit (20) is configured to compare the determined switching cycle rate with a threshold value, and wherein the control circuit (22) is configured to control the at least one indicator (32) to output at least one alarm when the threshold value is reached or exceeded.

11. The system (10) according to claim 10, wherein: The at least one indicator (32) is an optical indicator (40) or an acoustic indicator (42).

12. The system (10) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein: The processing circuit (18) is configured to obtain information about the switching of the switchable component (12) by analyzing a script executed on the test and measurement device (14) or by analyzing a script to be executed on the test and measurement device (14).

13. A system (10) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the system (10) comprises a sensor (26), which is configured to measure the switching operation of the switchable component (12), in particular to record the sound of the switchable component (12), thereby obtaining information about the switching, and wherein the sensor (26) is connected to the processing circuit (18) so that the information about the switching is forwarded to the processing circuit (18).

14. The system (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein: The system (10) comprises at least one user interface (30) via which an operator is enabled to confirm an alarm output, adjust the threshold and / or adjust the alarm.

15. The system (10) according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein: The system (10) comprises a communication interface (34) configured to forward a signal indicative of the alarm to be output remotely, in particular by means of a push notification.

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