Measurement system and method for characterizing multi-core cables

Abstract

A measurement system for characterizing a multi-core cable comprises at least two data detection units and a central processing unit, wherein the two data detection units are respectively arranged to contact the cable at a connection end on the end side and are formed to respectively measure electrical measurement parameters at the connection end on the end side at least in an activated state of the cable, and wherein the data detection units and the central processing unit respectively comprise communication modules, wherein the communication modules of the data detection units are arranged to establish a wireless peripheral connection between the data detection units to transmit the respectively detected measurement parameters from one of the data detection units to the corresponding other, and wherein the communication module of at least one of the data detection units and the communication module of the central processing unit are arranged to establish a unique wireless central connection between one of the two data detection units and the central processing unit to transmit at least one detected measurement parameter to the central processing unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a measurement system and method for characterizing a multi-core cable. Background Art

[0002] Multicore cables can be used in various applications for transmitting data and signals or, for example, for supplying energy. The cores of such cables are each one or more electrical conductors, which are usually surrounded by an insulating layer. This allows the cores to be arranged in close contact with each other in the cable core and protected from external influences by a common sheath. In order to connect a multicore cable to one or more electrical devices, the cable is usually provided with a connection end at the end.

[0003] When using multi-core cables, it is desirable to ensure a continuous and reliable transmission of data and signals as well as a reliable energy supply. However, this is made difficult by the fact that, depending on the origin and state of the materials used, the components of the cable may have different qualities in terms of electrical properties. Likewise, the electrical properties of the cable may deteriorate due to aging and thus prevent a reliable transmission of data and signals as well as a reliable energy supply. In particular, the reliability of the cable when transmitting data and signals or supplying energy may deteriorate due to environmental influences or, for example, mechanical loads. Summary of the invention

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to ensure that the properties of a multi-core cable meet existing requirements. Accordingly, the object of the present invention is to propose a means for verifying the properties of a multi-core cable in a simple and reliable manner.

[0005] This object is achieved by means of a measuring system for characterizing a multi-core cable according to claim 1 and a method for characterizing a multi-core cable according to claim 13. Advantageous developments are respectively the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] The measuring system according to the present invention is used to characterize a multi-core cable and comprises at least two data detection units and a central processing unit. The two data detection units are respectively arranged to contact the cable at the connection end of the end side and are formed to measure at least one electrical measurement parameter at the connection end of the end side respectively at least in the activated state of the cable. The data detection unit and the central processing unit respectively include a communication module. The communication module of the data detection unit is arranged to build a wireless peripheral connection between the data detection units to transfer the respectively detected measurement parameters from one data detection unit to the corresponding other data detection unit. The communication module of at least one data detection unit in the data detection unit and the communication module of the central processing unit are also arranged to build a unique wireless central connection between the corresponding data detection unit and the central processing unit to transfer at least one detected measurement parameter and / or a parameter related thereto to the central processing unit.

[0007] By means of the measuring system according to the invention it is possible in a simple manner to obtain the electrical properties of a multi-core cable already during its manufacture in order to be able to determine whether these electrical properties meet the desired requirements. Such a characterization can also be performed during operation of the cable.

[0008] The data detection unit can respectively include a circuit including at least one sensor and an electrical control unit such as a microcontroller. Here, the sensor can be in contact with at least a portion of the cores of the multi-core cable and is used to detect a measurement variable, preferably a plurality of electrical measurement variables. The control unit can be used to supply electrical energy to the sensor and control the sensor to detect the electrical measurement variable.

[0009] Within the scope of the present invention, the data detection units are each individually designed to detect the at least one electrical measurement variable. In other words, one of the data detection units can be a first data detection unit, and the other data detection unit can be a second data detection unit accordingly. The first data detection unit is hereby designed to detect at least one electrical measurement variable, preferably a plurality of electrical measurement variables, at a first connection terminal, and the second data detection unit is designed to detect the electrical measurement variable, preferably the plurality of electrical measurement variables, at a second connection terminal. The electrical measurement variables detected at the first connection terminal and the second connection terminal, respectively, are in particular identical in their type. However, the measurement variables can be distinguished from each other numerically or by other features, so that the state of the cable or one of its cores can be inferred by comparing the measurement variables.

[0010] The invention does not in principle restrict which electrical measured variable can be acquired by means of the data acquisition unit. The active state of the cable can be regarded as an operating state in which a current flows through at least one of the cores or a potential is applied between two of the cores. For example, the active state can be achieved by connecting the cable between a power source and an electrical consumer. It is also conceivable that at least one of the data acquisition units is designed to cause the active state, for example, by applying a test voltage between two of the cores.

[0011] In a simple embodiment, the data acquisition unit is designed to be in electrical contact with the power supply core and / or the signal core and the reference potential core of the cable, and to measure the current intensity in the power supply core and / or the signal core and / or the reference potential core and / or the voltage between the power supply core and / or the signal core and the reference potential core. By comparing the parameters respectively measured at the end connection of the cable, for example, the ohmic resistance of at least one of the cores can be inferred.

[0012] The central processing unit can be regarded as a calculation unit which is used to evaluate the detected electrical measurement variables which are acquired by at least one of the data acquisition units.

[0013] As already mentioned above, it is important for the invention that the data detection units and the central processing unit each comprise a communication module. The communication modules can be radio modules, with which two different types of wireless connections can be established, which are referred to within the scope of the invention as peripheral connections and central connections. A peripheral connection can be regarded as a wireless connection between the data detection units, while a central connection can be regarded as a wireless connection between only one of these data detection units and the central processing unit.

[0014] The peripheral connection can be regarded as a so-called master-slave connection. The communication module of the data detection unit can be operated in two modes, namely in a dual-topology mode. The communication module of the data detection unit is particularly designed for multi-central connection, which means that the data detection unit can play the role of central and peripheral at the same time and can also be connected to multiple central processing units at the same time. The connection limit of the total number of possible connections of the data detection unit is in particular independent of the role that the data detection unit can play.

[0015] It is common in conventional connection configurations of wireless networks comprising a plurality of data detection units and a central processing unit that each of the data detection units indicates that it is ready for connection and the central processing unit then connects to these data detection units. However, the total number of data detection units that can be connected to the central processing unit is limited by the number of available connection positions of the central processing unit. Therefore, according to the invention, it is proposed that the data detection units establish peripheral connections to each other and that the central processing unit establishes a unique central connection that only leads to one of the data detection units of the measuring system. As a result, the number of connection positions required at the central processing unit is reduced by half compared to conventional connection configurations. Therefore, according to the invention, it is also possible, conversely, to operate twice the number of peripheral data detection units using only one central processing unit compared to the usual case.

[0016] It is therefore within the scope of the invention that one of the data acquisition units acquires one electrical measurement variable, preferably a plurality of electrical measurement variables, and transmits them to the other data acquisition units by means of peripheral connections, and vice versa. At the same time, only one of the data acquisition units is connected to the central processing unit by means of a central connection and transmits the at least one or two of the detected measurement variables and / or variables related thereto to the central processing unit. It is therefore also within the scope of the invention that the measurement variables are preprocessed in at least one of the data acquisition units and are only then transmitted to the central processing unit.

[0017] In principle, the invention does not restrict which of the two data detection units is formed to form a central connection with the central processing unit. In other words, both data detection units can be centrally connected to the central processing unit. It is only relevant that at a point in time only one of the two data detection units is connected to the central processing unit, so that there is only a single central connection in the measurement system. Preferably, the measurement system is formed such that the central processing unit establishes a central connection to one of the data detection units, but not vice versa.

[0018] In an advantageous development, the data acquisition unit and the communication module of the central processing unit are each a Bluetooth module, in particular a Bluetooth low energy module.

[0019] In the context of the above-mentioned development, the Bluetooth module is a hardware component that can establish wireless communication for data transmission by means of the wireless communication standard "Bluetooth". If the data acquisition unit includes a sensor and an electrical control unit, the Bluetooth module can be supplied with electrical energy and controlled by means of a corresponding electrical control unit.

[0020] As mentioned above, the Bluetooth modules can be Bluetooth low energy modules that communicate with each other via the Bluetooth low energy protocol. This is a variant of the Bluetooth protocol that can minimize the energy requirements of the data detection unit, especially its communication module. Other advantages of Bluetooth low energy modules are smaller data packets and fast connection establishment between communication modules.

[0021] The data acquisition units can in particular each have their own electrical energy storage, such as a battery or accumulator. By using a Bluetooth low energy module as a communication module, its energy requirement can be reduced as described above, thereby enabling a prolonged operating time.

[0022] In an advantageous improvement, the data detection units are respectively integrated in one of the end-side connections, and the connections are arranged to be connected to at least two, preferably at least three, in particular at least four cores of the cable. The measuring system also includes in particular the end-side connections.

[0023] The advantage of the above-mentioned improvement lies in the high functional integration. This is because the electrical contacting of the multi-core cable and the detection of the electrical measurement parameters at the connection end and the transmission of the electrical measurement parameters can be realized by separate technical components. In particular, the assembly costs for manufacturing multi-core cables can be reduced, because the electrical contacting of the connection end and the arrangement of the data detection unit can be carried out in only one assembly step. In addition, the status of the cable can be temporarily or even permanently monitored after the cable is delivered and during operation.

[0024] In an advantageous development, one of the end-side connections comprises a plug and the other end-side connection comprises a socket.

[0025] The plug can be regarded as a male connection element of a multi-core cable, which has outwardly pointing contact elements, in particular contact pins. The socket can be regarded as a female connection element of a multi-core cable, which has a housing with one or more contact surfaces or contact openings and is used to make an electrical connection with the contact elements of the plug. It is included within the scope of an advantageous refinement that the plug and the socket are formed correspondingly to each other. Alternatively, the plug and the socket can be formed not correspondingly to each other, depending on the electrical devices to which they are to be connected.

[0026] In an advantageous improvement, the data detection unit is designed to make electrical contact with the power supply core and / or signal core and reference potential core of the cable, respectively, and to measure the current intensity in the power supply core and / or signal core and / or reference potential core and / or the voltage between the power supply core and the reference potential core or between the signal core and the reference potential core.

[0027] The supply wires and the reference potential wires can be used to transmit electrical energy and power between the power source and the electrical consumer. By measuring the current intensity and / or the voltage, the electrical properties of the cable can be inferred with the aid of a data acquisition unit. In particular, it can be determined whether and to what extent the suitability of the cable for transmitting electrical energy and power is affected. The signal wires can be used to transmit one or more signals, wherein the signals can be present, for example, as voltage signals or current signals.

[0028] In an advantageous development, the data acquisition units are each designed to make electrical contact with at least one signal conductor and to acquire a signal property of the signal conductor, in particular a bus signal.

[0029] The signal core is used to transmit one or more signals between the connection ends of the end side of the cable. The signal can be present as a voltage signal and / or a current signal. The data detection unit can be configured to detect the amplitude, frequency, phase shift, rise time, fall time, signal distortion and / or noise of the signal. The data detection unit can be formed in particular to send and receive a reference signal for analyzing the signal characteristics.

[0030] In an advantageous development, the data detection units and / or the central processing unit each have a storage module in which at least one identification code, in particular a media access control (MAC) ID, is stored, and the data detection units are associated with one another via the identification code for wireless peripheral connection, and / or at least one of the data detection units is associated with the central processing unit via the identification code for wireless central connection.

[0031] In an advantageous development, the identification code is used to ensure an unambiguous association between the data acquisition units or between the central processing unit and one of the data acquisition units. This is particularly advantageous when more than just two data acquisition units of the measuring system are sufficiently close to one another or to the central processing unit that in principle a plurality of wireless data connections can be established. This can be the case during the manufacture of multi-core cables, in particular when assembling them with the measuring system according to the invention and also during subsequent operation.

[0032] In an advantageous development, at least one of the data acquisition units has an evaluation module which is configured to process the measured variables acquired at the two end-side connections and to transmit variables relevant thereto to the central processing unit.

[0033] In a simple embodiment, the evaluation module can be an electrical controller, in particular a microcontroller, which can preprocess the measured measured variables. Furthermore, the evaluation module can be an electrical control unit which is also used to control the corresponding sensor. The processing of the measured variables can be carried out in different ways and can include, for example: filtering, difference, quotient or averaging, transformation, in particular Fourier transformation, data compression, mean value smoothing or interpolation or, for example, signal amplification.

[0034] With the help of filtering, unwanted noise can be reduced or specific frequency ranges can be isolated. Different digital filter types can be used, such as low-pass filters, high-pass filters, band-pass filters and notch filters. With the help of averaging, quotient or difference, easy-to-interpret characteristic parameters can be calculated from the measured parameters. Fourier transformation, especially fast Fourier transformation (FFT), enables the electrical control unit to transform the signal from the time domain to the frequency domain. In this way, specific frequency components can be identified and spectral analysis can be performed. In applications with limited memory, the amount of existing data can be reduced with the help of data compression, and information can be stored and transmitted more efficiently.

[0035] The relevant variables include in particular the time curve of at least one of the measured variables. The time curve may in particular include a plurality of discrete measuring points, each of which is associated with a measuring time point. It is also possible that the analysis module is designed to convert the discrete time curve into an at least partially continuous curve by means of interpolation or similar methods.

[0036] The signal propagation time can be determined using the time curve of the measured variable by detecting the signal using a data acquisition unit and comparing the measurement times with one another. It is also possible to thereby determine or at least estimate the cable length.

[0037] The cable impedance can also be determined using the time curve of the measured variable. The cable impedance is an important parameter that indicates the influence on the signal quality due to the properties of the cable. The cable impedance can be regarded as an AC resistance and is defined here by the ratio of the time curve between the voltage and the current. Preferably, the data acquisition unit is designed in particular to detect the current intensity and / or the voltage, respectively, so that the cable impedance can be determined from its time curve.

[0038] In an advantageous improvement, the measuring system comprises at least three data detection units, which are respectively arranged to contact the end-side connection ends of the multi-core Y-shaped cable, and these data detection units are respectively formed to detect an electrical measurement variable, preferably a plurality of electrical measurement variables, at one of the end-side connection ends at least in the activated state of the Y-shaped cable. The data detection units respectively comprise a communication module. The communication modules of the data detection units are respectively arranged to establish two wireless peripheral connections between corresponding two of the three data detection units. The communication module of at least one of the three data detection units is also formed to establish a unique wireless central connection with the communication module of the central processing unit.

[0039] The advantage of the above advantageous development is that a plurality of peripheral connections can be formed between the three data detection units to characterize a multicore Y-cable. A multicore Y-cable is a cable that includes a single trunk section that is divided into two branch sections. Such cables are typically used in power supply or distribution systems to transmit information or electrical energy from a central point to a plurality of electrical consumers or devices, and vice versa.

[0040] The advantage is that only one central connection between one of the three data detection units and the central processing unit is required to characterize the Y-cable, wherein it is essentially irrelevant to which of the three data detection units the central processing unit is connected to. Furthermore, this advantageous refinement does not restrict between which data detection units the two peripheral connections are formed.

[0041] Thus, the measuring system can have, in a first connection configuration, one of the three data acquisition units, which is connected to the central processing unit via the central connection and simultaneously to the other two data acquisition units via two peripheral connections.

[0042] In the second connection configuration, the measuring system also has a first data detection unit of the three data detection units, which is connected to the central processing unit via a central connection and simultaneously connected to a second data detection unit of the three data detection units via a first peripheral connection. The second data detection unit itself is in turn connected to a third data detection unit via a second peripheral connection.

[0043] An advantageous further development includes the possibility of changing the connection configuration at least between the first connection configuration and the second connection configuration.

[0044] As mentioned above, the object is also achieved by a method for characterizing a multi-core cable. The method according to the invention comprises the following method steps:

[0045] A) providing a measuring system according to the present invention or an advantageous improvement thereof and a multi-core cable;

[0046] B) respectively making electrical contact between at least two data detection units and the cable via the end-side connection terminals;

[0047] C) Apply voltage to the cable;

[0048] D) establishing a wireless peripheral connection between data detection units of the measurement system;

[0049] E) establishing a single wireless central connection between the central processing unit and one of the data acquisition units;

[0050] F) detecting at least two electrical measured variables at the connection by means of a data acquisition unit;

[0051] G) transferring at least one of the detected measured variables between the data detection units via the peripheral connection;

[0052] H) transmitting at least one of the detected measured variables and / or variables dependent thereon from only one of the data acquisition units via the central connection to the central processing unit.

[0053] The method according to the invention is proposed so that it can be carried out by means of the measuring system according to the invention or its advantageous developments. In this respect, the embodiments apply accordingly with regard to the advantages that can be achieved with the measuring system. In particular, the measured variables transmitted in method step H) can be preprocessed or the variables derived therefrom can be transferred.

[0054] In an advantageous development, in method step D), advertising takes place between the communication modules of the data acquisition units.

[0055] Within the scope of an advantageous development, "advertising" can be understood as a process in which a communication module sends information about itself to other communication modules in its environment. This process is also referred to as "beaconing". The purpose of advertising is to inform other devices of its presence, available services or data packets without having to establish a direct connection. In the case where the communication module is formed as a Bluetooth module or in particular a Bluetooth low energy module, advertising is an important part of the corresponding Bluetooth protocol, which allows the Bluetooth device to remain in a power-saving state and communicate its presence and data to other devices only for a short time.

[0056] With the aid of advertisements, information of a data detection unit, such as a device name or user-defined data, can be transmitted. This information can be detected by at least one other data detection unit and used to establish a connection with the advertising device. Optionally, other data can also be transferred with the aid of advertisements and, for example, contain additional information or details sent in accordance with a specific request. For the advertising device, more information can be provided only when needed, without increasing the length of the initial advertising packet.

[0057] In an advantageous development, after method step D), one of the data acquisition units provides an advertising time window to the respective other data acquisition unit, wherein in the event of an interruption in the connection between one of the data acquisition units and the central processing unit and when the advertising time window has expired, the central processing unit establishes a wireless central connection with the respective other data acquisition unit. In this way, it can be ensured that only one central connection is always established.

[0058] The two data acquisition units can in particular exchange tokens until the central processing unit has established a wireless connection with one of the data acquisition units. The token can be considered here as a character string or a similar identification feature, which can be stored only by the data acquisition unit that is connected to the central processing unit via a central connection or with which such a central connection is to be established. It is also included within the scope of the improvement that the token is always stored only by the data acquisition unit that is not to establish a central connection.

[0059] In an advantageous development, in method step E), an advertisement is performed between at least one of the communication modules of the data acquisition units and a communication module of the central processing unit. In particular, by means of the advertisement between at least one of the communication modules of the data acquisition units and a communication module of the central processing unit, it is possible to determine which of the data acquisition units has a better connection quality even before the central connection is established.

[0060] In an advantageous development, in method step E), at least one of the two data acquisition units is associated with a received signal strength indicator (RSSI) value by means of the central processing unit and stored.

[0061] The RSSI value can be regarded as the received signal strength. It is a measurement that gives the received signal strength of a wireless data connection, especially by means of Bluetooth. The RSSI value is usually expressed in decibels (dBm) and shows the power of the received signal relative to a reference power (1 milliwatt). The higher the RSSI value, the stronger the received signal. A lower RSSI value indicates a weaker signal strength.

[0062] In an advantageous development, the two data detection units are each associated with a received signal strength indication (RSSI) value by means of a central processing unit and stored, and a central connection is established between the central processing unit and the data detection unit associated with the higher received signal strength indication (RSSI) value. This ensures that the wireless central connection is established with the data detection unit with the better signal quality, which generally results in a more reliable and more efficient connection. This can be particularly useful in order to improve the quality of wireless communication in environments with weak signals or interference.

[0063] The advantages of the present invention are explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0064] Figure 1 A multi-core cable with a measurement system is shown;

[0065] Figure 2shows the connection configuration of the measurement system;

[0066] Figure 3 An exemplary pin layout diagram showing two data detection units of a measurement system and core wires of a multi-core cable;

[0067] Figure 4 A multi-core Y-cable with a measurement system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Multicore cables are often used in electronic and electrical systems for signal and energy transmission. Such cables usually consist of a plurality of insulated cores which are spatially bundled together and surrounded by a common sheath. The cores are used for signal transmission in order to transfer data and information between different components. For energy transmission, multicore cables can be used to transfer electrical energy from a power source to an electrical consumer, such as a sensor or a motor or similar electrical device.

[0069] Since multi-core cables are critical in signal and energy transmission, it is often necessary to be able to verify whether the cables have the expected quality.

[0070] Figure 1 A measuring system 1 is shown which serves to characterize a cable 2 having a total of four conductors and for this purpose has two data acquisition units 3 and 4 and a central processing unit 5 .

[0071] The data acquisition units 3 and 4 are integrated in a connector 6 or 7 connected at the end to the cable 2. The connector 6 is designed as a plug with outwardly projecting contact elements, while the connector 7 is designed as a socket in a manner not shown in detail.

[0072] In the activated state of the cable 2, the data acquisition units 3 and 4 are used to acquire electrical measured variables at the end-side connection 6 or 7, respectively. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown in , the active state is the state when a voltage is applied between one of the cores of the cable 2 and the reference potential core. The voltage can be used to supply voltage to components contacted by means of the cable 2 or can be, for example, an electrical signal for controlling the components.

[0073] The data acquisition units 3 and 4 are designed to measure an electrical measurement variable between one of the cores and the reference potential core, respectively. Specifically, the data acquisition unit 3 is used to measure a first voltage at the connection 6, and the other data acquisition unit 4 is used to measure a second voltage at the connection 7. If it is determined by means of the data acquisition units 3 and 4 that the first voltage and the second voltage between the connections 6 and 7 differ from each other in absolute value, it can be concluded that the ohmic resistance in the cable 2 is too high. In this case, the voltage at the connection can be measured at an adjustable sampling rate within a likewise adjustable time period, in order in particular to be able to continuously monitor the activation state of the cable 2.

[0074] Figure 1 The measurement system 1 shown in the figure is characterized in that the communication modules 8 and 9 associated with the data detection unit 3 or 4 are arranged to establish a peripheral wireless connection 11 (also referred to as: peripheral connection) between the data detection units 3 and 4, while the communication module 8 or 9 of one of the data detection units 3 or 4 is only used to establish a separate central wireless connection 12 (also referred to as: central connection) to the central processing unit 10.

[0075] At a point in time during the operation of the measuring system 1, only one central connection 12 is provided between the central processing unit 5 and one of the data acquisition units 3 or 4. This allows for optimal utilization of all available connection points of the central processing unit 5. Figure 1 The measuring system 1 shown in FIG. 1 , in particular, differs from conventional arrangements in similar wireless communication networks in that two central connections are not simultaneously established between the central processing unit 5 and a respective one of the two data detection units 3 or 4. Thus, with the same number of data detection units 3, 4, the number of required central processing units 5 can be reduced, or, with only one central processing unit 5 being used, the number of usable data detection units 3, 4 can be increased.

[0076] In accordance with Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the communication modules 8, 9 and 10 are Bluetooth low energy modules. These communication modules communicate with each other via the Bluetooth low energy protocol. This is a variant of the Bluetooth protocol that can minimize the energy requirements of the data detection unit. This is achieved in particular by smaller data packets and fast connection establishment between the communication modules 8, 9, 10.

[0077] In a manner not shown in detail here, the data acquisition units 3, 4 each have a memory module on which identification codes in the form of a media access control (MAC) ID are stored, which are assigned to the respective other data acquisition unit 3, 4. As a result, the data acquisition units 3, 4 can identify each other as communication partners during an advertising process and establish a peripheral connection 11.

[0078] After the peripheral connection 11 has been established, the two data acquisition units 3 and 4 exchange tokens until the central processing unit 5 has established a wireless central connection 12 with one of the data acquisition units 3, 4. The token is a character string stored by the data acquisition unit that is to establish a central connection 12 with the central processing unit 5. This ensures that not both data acquisition units 3, 4 establish a central connection 12 to the central processing unit 5 at the same time.

[0079] In the event of a connection interruption of the central connection 12, the respective other data acquisition unit 3, 4 contains the token and the central processing unit 5 establishes a wireless central connection 12 with the data acquisition unit 3, 4. In this case, the data acquisition units each take into account a time window within which the central connection 12 must be established before the respective other data acquisition unit 3, 4 retrieves the token again and the central processing unit 5 attempts to establish the central connection 12 with the data acquisition unit 3, 4.

[0080] The data acquisition units 3, 4 each have an evaluation module (not shown) which is configured to process the measured variables (i.e. the voltage) detected at the two end-side connections 6, 7 and to determine the variables related thereto so that they can be transmitted to the central processing unit 5. The relevant variable is the difference between the voltages at the connections 6, 7. It is thus possible to infer the resistance of the correspondingly contacted core together with the associated current intensity measured for the core in question.

[0081] Figure 2 The connection configuration of the measuring system 1 is shown. Figure 1 The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is designed so that the same reference numerals are used for the same features. Therefore, the two data detection units 3 and 4 are connected to each other via the multi-core cable 2. Figure 1 As explained, the data acquisition units 3, 4 are integrated into the end-side connections of the cable 2, and the two electrical components 13 and 14 are connected to each other by means of these end-side connections. In the case shown here, component 13 is an electrical control device and component 14 is a sensor, which is controlled by means of the electrical control device and is simultaneously supplied with electrical energy by the electrical control device. Figure 2 As can be seen, the data detection units 3 and 4 are wirelessly connected to one another via a peripheral connection 11. At the same time, the data detection unit 3 is wirelessly connected to the central processing unit 5 via a single central connection 12.

[0082] If the same Figure 2As can be seen, a plurality of multi-core conductors 2', 2", 2"' etc. are monitored by means of a pair of data detection units 3', 4' or 3", 4" or 3"', 4"' respectively. Here, wireless peripheral connections 11', 11", 11"' are used to transmit the measured variables detected between the data detection units 3', 4' or 3", 4" or 3"', 4"' respectively. Central connections 12', 12", 12"' are respectively present between one of the data detection units 3', 3", 3"' and a common central processing unit 5. As described above, the advantage is that the number of central connections 12, 12', 12", 12"' is greater than would be the case in a conventional connection configuration.

[0083] Figure 3 The schematic pin assignment of end-side connections 6 , 7 is shown, which are each connected to a core 15 , 16 , 17 and 18 of line 2 and in which data acquisition units 3 , 4 are integrated.

[0084] The connection terminals 6 and 7 respectively have five pins "SC pin 1", "SC pin 2", "SC pin 3", "SC pin 4" and "SC pin 5" associated with each other and named in the same way. The cable 2 has four core wires 15, 16, 17 and 18, which are electrically connected to each other via the pins "SC pin 1", "SC pin 2", "SC pin 3", "SC pin 4" of the connection terminals 6 and 7.

[0085] Core 15 is a power supply core, core 16 is a reference potential core, and cores 17 and 18 are signal cores. In addition, the cable includes a shielding layer 19, which is also electrically contacted via the connection terminals 6 and 7 and is used to shield the electrical signal in the cable from external interference and at the same time prevent other devices or systems from being affected by the activation state of the cable 2.

[0086] With the help of Figure 3 It can be seen that the data detection devices 3, 4 are in contact with the cores 15, 16, 17 and 18 and are used in the above-described manner to acquire the electrical properties of the cable 2 between the cores 15, 16, 17 and 18 by means of the voltage and by means of the current of the corresponding core. Figure 1 It has already been described that the ohmic resistance of at least one of the conductors 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 is inferred by determining the difference between the voltage measured at the terminals 6 and 7 and the measurement of the applied current.

[0087] Figure 4A further embodiment of a measuring system 1 is shown, which has a total of three data detection units 3, 4b, 4c and a central processing unit 5. The data detection units 3, 4b, 4c are each integrated into the end-side connection 6 or 7b or 7c of the Y-cable and serve to characterize the Y-cable. The Y-cable has a trunk section 2a and two branch sections 2b, 2b in a manner known per se. Figure 3 In the embodiment of the present invention, the trunk section has a total of four cores and shielding layers respectively allocated to the branch sections 2b and 2c. In other words, the branch sections 2b and 2c also have four cores and shielding layers respectively, which are connected to the cores and shielding layers of the trunk section 2a.

[0088] The data detection units 3, 4b, 4c are used to detect the voltage at the end-side connection terminals 6, 7b, 7c, respectively, when the Y-shaped cable is activated. Figure 1 In an embodiment of the invention, the data detection units 3, 4b, 4c respectively comprise a communication module 8, 9b, 9c. The communication modules 8, 9b, 9c are arranged to establish two wireless peripheral connections 11 and 11a between the data detection units 3, 4b, 4c, wherein the peripheral connection 11 is present between the data detection units 3 and 4c and the peripheral connection 11a is present between the data detection units 4b and 4c. Alternatively, the peripheral connection 11a can also be present between the data detection units 3 and 4b. The communication module 8 of the data detection unit 3 is also formed to establish a single wireless central connection 12 to the communication module 10 of the central processing unit 5.

[0089] The advantage is that even for characterizing a Y-cable, only one central connection 12 is required between one of the three data acquisition units 3, 4b, 4c and the central processing unit 5. Figure 4 In the connection configuration shown, the data detection unit 3 is connected to the central processing unit 5 via a single central connection 12 and simultaneously to one of the data detection units 4c via a peripheral connection 11. Alternatively, the data detection unit 3 could also be connected to the central processing unit 5 via the central connection 12 and simultaneously to the data detection units 4b and 4c via two peripheral connections.

Claims

1. A measuring system (1) for characterizing a multi-core cable (2), the measuring system comprising at least two data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) and a central processing unit (5), The two data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) are respectively arranged to contact the cable (2) at the end-side connection ends (6, 7, 7b, 7c) and are formed to respectively measure electrical measurement variables at the end-side connection ends (6, 7, 7b, 7c) at least in an activated state of the cable (2), And wherein the data detection unit (3, 4, 4b, 4c) and the central processing unit (5) respectively include communication modules (8, 9, 10), wherein The communication modules (8, 9, 9b, 9c) of the data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) are arranged to establish a wireless peripheral connection (11) between the data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) in order to transmit the respectively detected measurement variables from one of the data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) to the corresponding other data detection unit (3, 4, 4b, 4c), and wherein The communication module (8, 9, 9b, 9c) of at least one of the data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) and the communication module (10) of the central processing unit (5) are configured to establish a unique wireless central connection (12) between one of the two data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) and the central processing unit (5) to transmit at least one detected measurement variable and / or a variable related thereto to the central processing unit (5).

2. The measuring system (1) according to claim 1, wherein The communication modules (8, 9, 9b, 9c, 10) of the data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) and the central processing unit (5) are respectively Bluetooth modules, in particular Bluetooth low energy modules.

3. The measuring system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) are respectively integrated in one of the end-side connections (6, 7, 7b, 7c), and the connection ends (6, 7, 7b, 7c) are arranged to be connected to at least two, preferably at least three, and in particular at least four core wires of the cable (2).

4. The measuring system according to claim 3, wherein One of the end-side connections (3, 4, 4b, 4c) comprises a plug and the other end-side connection comprises a socket.

5. The measuring system (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein The data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) are respectively designed to be in electrical contact with the power supply core (15) and / or the signal core (17, 18) and the reference potential core (16) of the cable (2), and to measure the current intensity in the power supply core (15) and / or the signal core (17, 18) and / or the reference potential core (16) and / or the voltage between the power supply core (15) and / or the signal core (17, 18) and the reference potential core (16).

6. The measuring system (1) according to claim 3, wherein The data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) are each designed to make electrical contact with a signal conductor (17, 18) and to detect signal properties in the signal conductor (17, 18), in particular a bus signal.

7. The measuring system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein The data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) and / or the central processing unit (5) each have a storage module in which an identification code, in particular a media access control (MAC) ID, is stored, and the data detection units are associated with each other via the identification code for use in the wireless peripheral connection (11), and / or at least one of the data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) is associated with the central processing unit (5) via the identification code for use in the wireless central connection (12).

8. The measuring system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein At least one of the data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) which is particularly designed to communicate with the central processing unit (5) has an analysis module, which is configured to process measurement variables detected at the two end-side connection ends (3, 4, 4b, 4c) and transmit variables related thereto to the central processing unit (5).

9. A measuring system (1) according to at least claim 8, wherein The variable related to the measured variable comprises a difference and / or a quotient of the measured variable measured at the connection terminals (3, 4, 4b, 4c).

10. A measuring system (1) at least according to claim 8, wherein The variable which is correlated with the measured variables comprises a time profile of at least one of the measured variables.

11. A measuring system (1) at least according to claim 8, wherein The variable related to the measured variable comprises the cable impedance and / or the signal propagation time in the activated state of the cable.

12. The measuring system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least three data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c), each of which is arranged to contact the end-side connection ends (6, 7, 7b, 7c) of the multi-core Y-shaped cable (2), and each of which is formed to detect an electrical measurement variable at one of the end-side connection ends (6, 7b, 7c) at least in an activated state of the Y-shaped cable (2), wherein The data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) respectively comprise communication modules (8, 9b, 9c), wherein the communication modules (8, 9b, 9c) are respectively configured to establish two wireless peripheral connections (11, 11a) between corresponding two of the three data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c), wherein The communication module (8, 9, 9b, 9c) of one of the data detection units (3, 4b, 4c) is also designed to establish the single wireless central connection (12) with the communication module (10) of the central processing unit (5) in order to transmit at least one of the detected measurement variables to the central processing unit (5).

13. A method for characterizing a multi-core cable (2), the method comprising the following method steps: A) Providing a measuring system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12; B) making electrical contact between at least two data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) and the cable (2) via end-side connection terminals (6, 7, 7b, 7c); C) applying a voltage to the cable (2); D) establishing a wireless peripheral connection (11, 11a) between the data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) of the measurement system; E) establishing a single wireless central connection (12) between the central processing unit (5) and one of the two data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c); F) detecting at least two electrical measurement variables at the connection terminals (6, 7, 7b, 7c); G) transmitting at least one of the detected measured variables between the data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c); H) transmitting at least one of the detected measured variables and / or variables related thereto from only one of the data acquisition units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) to the central processing unit (5).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein Method step D) comprises advertising between communication modules (8, 9, 9b, 9c) of the data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein After method step D), one of the at least two data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) sends an advertising time window to a corresponding other of the two data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c), and when the connection of the central connection (12) is interrupted and when the advertising time window is exceeded, the central processing unit (5) establishes a wireless central connection (12) with the corresponding other data detection unit (3, 4, 4b, 4c).

16. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein Prior to method step E), the at least two data acquisition units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) exchange tokens until the central processing unit (5) establishes a central connection (12) with one of the data acquisition units (3, 4, 4b, 4c).

17. The method according to any one of claims 13 to 16, wherein Prior to method step E), an advertisement is performed between at least one of the communication modules of the data acquisition unit (3, 4, 4b, 4c) and a communication module of the central processing unit.

18. The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein By means of the central processing unit, at least one of the two data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) is associated with a received signal strength indication (RSSI) value and stored.

19. A method according to at least claim 17, wherein By means of the central processing unit, the two data detection units (3, 4, 4b, 4c) are each associated with a received signal strength indication (RSSI) value and stored, and the central connection (12) is established between the central processing unit (5) and the data detection unit (3, 4, 4b, 4c) associated with the higher received signal strength indication (RSSI) value.

Images