Programmable cable device based on switch array and control method

Abstract

The invention discloses a programmable cable device based on a switch array and a control method, and the device comprises a patch cord assembly which comprises at least one group of patch cords, one end of each group of patch cords is provided with an A-end connector and a B-end connector, and the other end of each group of patch cords is provided with a replaceable connector; the control circuit comprises a switch array and a control module, the switch array is electrically connected between the A-end connector and the B-end connector, and the control module is used for receiving an external control instruction and controlling the on-off state of the switch array; and the upper computer is in communication connection with the control module and is used for sending the node mapping configuration information and receiving the state feedback information. The method comprises the following steps: receiving node mapping configuration information sent by an upper computer; analyzing the configuration information, and generating a corresponding switch control sequence signal; and corresponding switch elements in the switch array are switched on or switched off according to the signals. Through the switch array and the control circuit, software definition, dynamic reconstruction and real-time monitoring of a node connection relation between two equipment interfaces are realized.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electrical connection and signal transmission, and in particular to a programmable cable device based on a switching array and a control method. BACKGROUND

[0002] In the field of aerospace and industry, power supply and signal transmission between devices or modules generally rely on fixedly connected transmission cables, that is, a specific node of two connectors (corresponding to two devices / modules respectively) is directly fixedly connected through a cable to realize a preset signal or power transmission path. When the transmission signal needs to be tested, the prior art usually adopts a tee fitting (as shown in Figure 4 The tee fitting leads the target signal on the transmission cable to a third connector, and then the measurement is completed by connecting a test device to the connector.

[0003] However, the above prior art has many significant deficiencies in actual application, including the following aspects:

[0004] Lack of flexibility: the node connection relationship of the transmission cable is physically fixed, and once the node definition of a single machine connector is changed (such as adjusting the signal path for verifying different schemes), the corresponding transmission cable must be re-made or replaced, which cannot realize quick adjustment of the node connection relationship, resulting in a significant extension of the scheme verification period;

[0005] Long production cycle: the production of the transmission cable relies on connector procurement and cable processing, which is limited by the procurement cycle and processing flow of the supply chain. The single procurement and production cycle often takes several months, which is difficult to meet the needs of urgent testing or frequent changes in node definition;

[0006] High cost: frequent changes in node definition require repeated production of new cables, and the cost of multiple purchases of connectors and processing is added, significantly increasing the overall material cost and time cost of the project;

[0007] Operation risk: in some scenarios, workers will use a flying wire (i.e., a temporary wire directly connecting nodes) to temporarily adjust the signal path. The flying wire is prone to falling off (such as falling to the desktop and touching other circuits), which can cause short circuits in single machine circuit modules, and even cause catastrophic risks such as equipment damage.

[0008] Therefore, the existing fixed cable and tee test scheme cannot meet the needs of flexibility, timeliness, economy and safety of transmission links in the field of aerospace and industry, and there is an urgent need for a cable connection solution that can quickly program and configure the node connection relationship based on standardized hardware. SUMMARY

[0009] In view of the above-mentioned deficiencies of the existing transmission cable, the application provides a programmable cable device based on a switch array and a control method.

[0010] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the embodiments of the application adopt the following technical solutions:

[0011] A programmable cable device based on a switch array, comprising an adapter cable assembly, a control circuit and an upper computer.

[0012] The adapter cable assembly comprises at least one group of adapter cables, one end of each group of adapter cables being provided with an A end connector and a B end connector, and the other end being provided with a replaceable connector, the replaceable connector being used to match different interface specifications.

[0013] The control circuit comprises a switch array and a control module, the switch array being electrically connected between the A end connector and the B end connector, and being used to dynamically configure the node connection relationship between the two, and the control module being used to receive external control instructions and control the on-off state of the switch array.

[0014] The upper computer is in communication connection with the control module, and is used to send node mapping configuration information and receive state feedback information.

[0015] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the application, the control module comprises a CPU unit, a drive collection module and a communication interface:

[0016] The CPU unit is used to analyze node mapping configuration information and generate switch control signals;

[0017] The drive collection module is connected with the CPU unit, and is used to amplify the switch control signals to drive the switch elements in the switch array to act;

[0018] The communication interface is connected with the CPU unit, and is used to interact with the upper computer, receive node connection configuration instructions and upload the current connection state.

[0019] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the application, the upper computer comprises a communication module and a node setting module.

[0020] The communication module is used to establish a data transmission channel between the upper computer and the control circuit;

[0021] The node setting module is used to set the node corresponding relationship between the A end connector and the B end connector.

[0022] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the application, the host computer further comprises a soft-defined cable state monitoring module and a node state module.

[0023] The soft-defined cable state monitoring module is configured to monitor the on-off state of the soft-defined cable and whether each module of the circuit board is operating normally.

[0024] The node state module is configured to display the node connection state between the A-end connector and the B-end connector and the current passing through each pair of connected nodes.

[0025] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the application, the switch array is composed of a plurality of relays, each of which controls an independent node connection path.

[0026] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the application, the switch array comprises a plurality of independently controllable switch elements, forming an N×M cross-connection structure to adapt to the single-computer interface scenario with different numbers of nodes, where N is the number of nodes of the A-end connector and M is the number of nodes of the B-end connector.

[0027] In some embodiments of the first aspect of the application, the switch element is an electromagnetic relay, a solid-state relay, or an analog switch integrated circuit.

[0028] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the second aspect of the application provides a switch array-based programmable cable device control method, which comprises:

[0029] Receiving the node mapping configuration information sent by the host computer;

[0030] Analyzing the node mapping configuration information to generate a corresponding switch control sequence signal;

[0031] According to the switch control sequence signal, the corresponding switch elements in the switch array are turned on or off to reconfigure the node connection path:

[0032] In some embodiments of the second aspect of the application, the switch array-based programmable cable device control method further comprises real-time acquisition of the current and connected state of each path and uploading to the host computer for display and monitoring.

[0033] The advantages of this invention are as follows: First, the connection relationship can be reconstructed instantly with a click of the software. One device can replace dozens or even hundreds of traditional fixed cables, completely eliminating the constraints of physical cables and greatly accelerating the R&D, debugging, and testing processes. Second, a single programmable cable device can replace multiple dedicated cables, avoiding the need to duplicate cables due to interface changes, effectively shortening the project cycle and reducing overall costs. Third, all connections are completed through internal solid-state or electromagnetic relays, eliminating unreliable flying wire operations and fundamentally avoiding the risk of short circuits and equipment damage caused by human error, ensuring the safety of personnel and equipment. Fourth, the built-in acquisition circuit and dedicated test interface enable real-time, online monitoring of connection status and electrical parameters, providing a powerful tool for fault diagnosis and system performance analysis. Fifth, it reduces the number of times physical connectors are used, avoiding mechanical wear caused by frequent plugging and unplugging, and improving connection reliability at the system level. Attached Figure Description

[0034] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a programmable cable device based on a switch array according to the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the selection status of a programmable cable switch based on a switch array (A).

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the selection status B of a programmable cable switch based on a switch array;

[0038] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of a T-junction fitting used in current signal transmission and testing methods;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating a programmable cable device control method based on a switch array as described in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 1 The structure diagram of a programmable cable device based on a switch array is shown. Figure 1 The device comprises a conversion wire assembly, a control circuit and a host computer.

[0042] The conversion wire assembly comprises at least one group of conversion wires, each group of conversion wires has an A-end connector and a B-end connector at one end for adapting to the body of the cable device, and has a replaceable connector at the other end for matching the interface specifications of different single computers.

[0043] The control circuit comprises a switch array and a control module, and the switch array is electrically connected to the control module. The switch array comprises a plurality of switch elements for dynamically configuring the node connection relationship between the A-end connector and the B-end connector (for constructing a programmable electrical connection path between the nodes of the A-end connector and the B-end connector); the control module is used for receiving the control instruction of the host computer and controlling the on-off state of each switch element in the switch array.

[0044] In the embodiment of the application, the switch array is arranged between the A-end connector and the B-end connector, and the switch array comprises a plurality of switch elements which can be independently controlled to be on or off, forming an NxM cross connection structure, wherein N is the number of nodes of the A-end connector and M is the number of nodes of the B-end connector, so that any node of the A-end can be electrically connected to one or more nodes of the B-end by selecting the corresponding switch element.

[0045] In the embodiment of the application, the control module comprises a CPU unit, a driving and collecting module and a communication interface. The CPU unit is connected to the driving and collecting module and the communication interface, and is used for analyzing the node mapping configuration information of the switch array and generating a switch control signal; the driving and collecting module is used for amplifying the switch control signal generated by the CPU unit to drive the switch elements in the switch array to act, and on the other hand, the driving and collecting module is used for collecting the connection state between the nodes in the switch array and uploading the connection state information to the host computer through the CPU unit; the communication interface interacts with the host computer to receive the node connection configuration instruction sent by the host computer, and simultaneously uploads the current node connection state of the switch array to the host computer.

[0046] It can be understood that the switch array is the core hardware architecture of the cable device to realize the programmable connection function. It is essentially a controlled multi-port electrical interconnection network, which is physically located between the first interface and the second interface and logically constitutes an MxN connection matrix (M and N are the node numbers of the two interfaces). Each intersection of the matrix is integrated with a switch element that can be independently controlled by the control circuit. By accurately controlling the on-off state of these elements, an independent electrical path can be established or disconnected between any node of the first interface and any node of the second interface, thereby realizing the software definition and dynamic reconstruction of the connection relationship between the two device interfaces.

[0047] In specific implementation, the switch array can be constructed by using various types of switch elements according to different application scenarios and performance requirements. For power supply lines that transmit large current or require extremely low on-resistance and high-precision analog signals, electromagnetic relays are preferred, which have the advantages of small conduction loss and high isolation degree. For digital signal paths that require high frequency and fast switching, solid-state relays based on MOSFET can be used, which have no mechanical contacts, extremely long service life and silent switching. In space-limited applications with low-voltage and small-current signals, high-integration analog switch integrated circuits can provide the best solution to realize the miniaturization and low cost of the device. The selection of switch elements can be flexibly selected according to the specific use scenario of the cable, and the present application does not make special limitations.

[0048] The switch array is densely arranged on a multi-layer printed circuit board (PCB), and the wiring and layout are carefully designed to ensure signal integrity. Large arrays usually use row-column scanning driving mode to reduce the number of control lines. At the same time, for high-frequency or sensitive signals, impedance matching, shielding cover and ground protection line design are used to effectively suppress signal crosstalk, attenuation and electromagnetic interference, and ensure the reliability of various signals during transmission.

[0049] The host computer includes a communication module and a node setting module. The communication module is responsible for completing the functions of configuring communication parameters, sending data framing and receiving data analysis, thereby establishing a data transmission channel between the host computer and the control module; the node setting module is used to set the node correspondence relationship between the A-end connector and the B-end connector.

[0050] In addition, the host computer also includes a software-defined cable state monitoring module and a node state module. The software-defined cable state monitoring module is used to monitor the on-off state of the cable device and whether each module of the circuit board is running normally; the node state module is used to display the node correspondence state between the A-end connector and the B-end connector, and display the current through each pair of connected nodes.

[0051] When the cable is in use, the driving and collecting module senses the state of each node channel after the reconstruction of the switch array. A detection loop is built by connecting a sampling resistor in series in each node channel to adapt to the precision and reliability requirements of signal transmission in the aerospace and industrial fields.

[0052] During data collection, the driving and collecting module obtains the channel state through the methods of continuity detection and current data collection. The continuity detection uses the level detection principle to determine the continuity of the channel. When the switch element is turned on, the channel forms a conductive loop, and the collection circuit detects a high-level signal. When the relay is disconnected, the channel is interrupted, and a low-level signal is detected to determine whether the connection of each node pair is effective. The current data collection is based on Ohm's law. By detecting the voltage drop across the sampling resistor, the real-time current flowing through the channel is calculated by combining the resistance value, which can accurately capture the current change during power supply or signal transmission.

[0053] After collection, the driving and collecting module converts the associated data into digital signals and transmits them to the CPU unit. The CPU unit sorts and packages the data and uploads them to the upper computer through the communication module according to the preset protocol.

[0054] After receiving the data, the node state module of the upper computer visually displays the sampling data in the form of tables or graphs. For example, the corresponding relationship between each A and B end connector node is clearly marked, the real-time current of each connected node is displayed synchronously, and the disconnected channel is clearly identified. At the same time, the soft-defined cable state monitoring module of the upper computer monitors the working state of the cable device according to the received data. If the current exceeds the preset threshold or the channel is abnormally disconnected, an alarm prompt is triggered immediately to realize full-time and visual monitoring of the cable transmission state.

[0055] Figure 2 A specific working state of the switch array in the cable device of the present application is shown in the form of a schematic diagram, i.e. the switch gating condition in the straight-through mode. As shown in Figure 2 A series of switch elements (such as relays) in the switch array are selectively closed, and these closed switches form the connection channels between each node of the A end connector and the corresponding same number node of the B end connector. Specifically, the switch between A1 and B1 is closed, the switch between A2 and B2 is closed, and so on, until the switch between A10 and B10 is closed, thereby establishing a plurality of parallel point-to-point direct channels.

[0056] Table 1 below precisely defines the working state of the switch array in the straight-through mode in the form of a table. Figure 2The table is a two-column and multi-row mapping table. The left column lists all the node numbers of the first interface (A interface) (from 1 to 10), and the right column lists the node numbers of the second interface (B interface) connected thereto under the current configuration. It can be clearly seen from the table that each A interface node is connected to the B interface node with the same number.

[0057] Table 1:

[0058] A termination plug node B termination plug node 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10

[0059] Figure 3 Another complex working state of the switch array in the cable device of the present application is shown in the form of a schematic diagram, i.e., the switch gating condition in the cross-interconnection mode. As shown in Figure 3 , a specific group of switch elements different from Figure 2 are selectively closed. These closed switches form a series of asymmetric and cross-connection paths, so that a self-defined mapping relationship is established between the nodes of the A connector and the nodes of the B connector.

[0060] Table 2 below defines in the form of an accurate data table the specific connection and mapping relationship of all 10 pairs of nodes between the two interfaces under the switch state shown in Figure 3 . The left column of the table lists all the node numbers of the A connector (1 to 10), and the right column explicitly lists the target node numbers of the B connector connected thereto under the current configuration. The self-defined and highly flexible connection mapping can be clearly read from the table, for example, A1 is connected to B4, A4 is connected to B5, A5 is connected to B7, A6 is connected to B1, A10 is connected to B6, etc. This is in sharp contrast to the pass-through mode in Table 1.

[0061] Table 2:

[0062] A termination plug node B termination plug node 1 4 2 2 3 3 4 5 5 7 6 1 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 6

[0063] In summary, Figure 2 Table 1 shows a basic working mode (pass-through mode) of the switch array, i.e., each node of the first interface (A interface) is directly connected to the node with the same number of the second interface (B interface); and Figure 3 Table 2 demonstrates the core value (cross-interconnection mode) of the array, i.e., through software control of the on-off of the switch elements, an arbitrary and self-defined asymmetric connection relationship between the nodes is realized. The comparison of the two sets of diagrams and tables clearly shows how the cable device of the present application dynamically reconfigures two functionally different cables at different times by means of the same hardware platform and software configuration only, so as to flexibly adapt to diversified connection requirements without physical changes.

[0064] Figure 5 A flowchart of a programmable cable device control method based on a switch array is shown. As shown in the figure, the method comprises the following steps: Figure 5

[0065] Step S1: receiving node mapping configuration information sent by the host computer.

[0066] Specifically, the communication interface is a physical channel for establishing data connection between the communication module in the control circuit and the host computer. Its type needs to be compatible with the communication module of the host computer, and can support standard communication interfaces commonly used in aerospace and industrial fields such as RS485 and Ethernet, to ensure the stability and reliability of data transmission.

[0067] The node mapping configuration information is core instruction data generated by the host computer based on user operation, which is output by the node corresponding setting module of the host computer. After the user manually inputs or calls the preset template and determines the target correspondence of each node of the A end connector and the B end connector, the communication module of the host computer will perform data framing processing on the correspondence, and then send it to the control circuit through the communication link.

[0068] Meanwhile, the communication module of the control circuit receives the framing data through the preset communication parameters, extracts the node mapping configuration information after completing data analysis, and then transmits it to the CPU unit, providing a basis for subsequent control of the switch array to reconstruct the node path.

[0069] Step S2: analyzing the node mapping configuration information to generate corresponding switch control sequence signals.

[0070] Specifically, the CPU unit, as the core processing module of the control circuit, receives the node mapping configuration information transmitted by the communication module, and first performs data legality verification to check whether the configuration information conforms to the preset format, to avoid control errors caused by invalid data. After verification, the CPU unit analyzes the configuration information: for the explicit node correspondence of the A connector and the B connector in the configuration information, the hardware mapping table of the switch array is called, which pre-stores the association between each node of the A and B end connectors and the corresponding relay in the switch array, to convert the abstract node mapping relationship into a specific relay control object.

[0071] Based on the analysis result, the CPU unit generates switch control sequence signals according to the control logic of the switch array. The signal is a series of ordered data containing relay numbers and corresponding on-off instructions, and needs to match the signal receiving format of the driving and collecting module to ensure that the driving module can accurately identify and execute. Finally, the CPU unit transmits the generated switch control sequence signals to the driving and collecting module, to provide accurate instructions for subsequent relay on-off control.

[0072] ​Step S3: According to the control sequence signal, the corresponding switch elements in the switch array are turned on or off to reconfigure the node connection path.

[0073] Specifically, the driving collection module converts the switch control sequence signal output by the CPU unit into an electrical signal that can drive the switch elements to act, and forms a precise control adaptation with the switch elements (relays) in the switch array. The hardware design of the driving circuit needs to match the working parameters of the relays. Usually, Darlington transistor arrays, relay driving chips and other devices are used to ensure that the output driving signal has sufficient power to control the relay on-off.

[0074] When the driving collection module receives the switch control sequence signal transmitted by the CPU unit, it will perform level conversion, power amplification and other processes on the signal: for the switch elements marked as on in the control sequence, the driving circuit outputs a high-level or specific timing current signal to trigger the relay coil to generate a magnetic field, which attracts the contact to close the corresponding path; for the switch elements marked as off, the driving circuit outputs a low-level or cuts off the driving current, and the relay coil is de-energized, and the contact is reset to disconnect the path.

[0075] By controlling the on-off of the corresponding switch elements in the switch array, the node connection path between the A-end connector and the B-end connector is reconfigured to a state consistent with the configuration information of the host computer. The entire process does not require manual intervention of physical cables, and realizes the rapid and automatic adjustment of the node connection relationship, directly overcoming the defects of the existing fixed cables that need to be repeatedly produced and replaced.

[0076] Step S4: Real-time collection of current and connectivity state of each path, and uploading to the host computer for display and monitoring.

[0077] Specifically, the driving collection module senses the state of each node path after the reconfiguration of the switch array. On the hardware side, a detection loop is built by connecting a sampling resistor in series in each node path, which meets the precision and reliability requirements of signal transmission in the aerospace and industrial fields.

[0078] The driving collection module obtains the current and connectivity state data of each path in real time and pushes the data to the host computer. Then the node state module of the host computer visually displays the data. At the same time, the soft-defined cable state monitoring module of the host computer monitors the working state of the cable device according to the obtained data.

[0079] Among them, the specific way of the driving collection module to collect data, the way of the node state module of the host computer to visually display data, and the way of the soft-defined cable state monitoring module to monitor the cable device have been described in detail above, and will not be repeated here.

[0080] The advantages of the embodiment of the present application are as follows: first, the connection relationship can be reconstructed instantly by software clicking, one device can replace dozens or even hundreds of traditional fixed cables, and the physical cable is completely freed from the bondage, greatly accelerating the research and development debugging and test verification process; second, one programmable cable device can replace multiple special cables, avoiding repeated wiring caused by interface changes, effectively shortening the project cycle and reducing the comprehensive cost; third, all connections are completed through internal solid-state or electromagnetic relays, eliminating unreliable flying wire operations, fundamentally avoiding the risk of short circuit and equipment damage caused by human error, and ensuring personnel and equipment safety; fourth, the built-in acquisition circuit and special test interface realize real-time and online monitoring of the connection state and electrical parameters, providing a powerful tool for fault diagnosis and system performance analysis; fifth, the use frequency of a large number of physical connectors is reduced, and mechanical wear caused by frequent plugging and unplugging is avoided, thereby improving the connection reliability from the system level.

[0081] The above is only a specific embodiment of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto, any skilled person in the art can easily think of changes or replacements within the technical range disclosed by the present application, which should be covered within the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A programmable cable device based on a switch array, characterized in that, The switch array-based programmable cable device comprises an adapter wire assembly, a control circuit and a host computer; The adapter wire assembly comprises at least one set of adapter wires, one end of each set of adapter wires is provided with an A-end connector and a B-end connector, and the other end is provided with a replaceable connector, which is used to match different interface specifications; The control circuit comprises a switch array and a control module, the switch array is electrically connected between the A-end connector and the B-end connector, and is used to dynamically configure the node connection relationship therebetween, and the control module is used to receive external control instructions and control the on-off state of the switch array; The host computer is in communication connection with the control module, and is used to send node mapping configuration information and receive state feedback information.

2. The switch array based programmable cable device of claim 1, wherein, The control module comprises a CPU unit, a driving and collecting module and a communication interface: The CPU unit is used to analyze the node mapping configuration information and generate switch control signals; The driving and collecting module is connected with the CPU unit, and is used to amplify the switch control signals to drive the switch elements in the switch array to act; The communication interface is connected with the CPU unit, and is used to interact with the host computer, receive node connection configuration instructions and upload the current connection state.

3. The switch array based programmable cable device of claim 1, wherein, The host computer comprises a communication module and a node setting module; The communication module is used to establish a data transmission channel between the host computer and the control circuit; The node setting module is used to set the node corresponding relationship between the A-end connector and the B-end connector.

4. The switch array based programmable cable device of claim 3, wherein, The host computer further comprises a soft-defined cable state monitoring module and a node state module; The soft-defined cable state monitoring module is used to monitor the on-off state of the soft-defined cable and whether each module of the circuit board is normally operated; The node state module is used to display the node connection state between the A-end connector and the B-end connector, and display the current through each pair of connected nodes.

5. The switch array based programmable cable device of claim 1, wherein, The switch array is composed of a plurality of relays, and each relay controls an independent node connection path.

6. The switch array based programmable cable device of claim 1, wherein, The switch array comprises a plurality of independently controllable switch elements, and forms an N×M cross connection structure to adapt to different node quantity single machine interface scenarios, wherein N is the node number of the A-end connector, and M is the node number of the B-end connector.

7. The switch array based programmable cable device of claim 6, wherein, The switch element is an electromagnetic relay, a solid-state relay or an analog switch integrated circuit.

8. The switch array based programmable cable apparatus of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The switch array-based programmable cable device further comprises a power management module, which is used to convert an external input power into a working voltage required by the control module and the switch array, and provide overvoltage and overcurrent protection functions.

9. A method of controlling a programmable cable device based on a switch array, characterized by, The switch array-based programmable cable device control method comprises: Receiving node mapping configuration information sent by the host computer; Analyzing the node mapping configuration information to generate corresponding switch control sequence signals; According to the switch control sequence signals, the corresponding switch elements in the switch array are turned on or turned off to reconstruct the node connection path.

10. The switch array based programmable cable device control method of claim 9, wherein, The switch array-based programmable cable device control method further comprises collecting the current and the connected state of each path in real time and uploading to the host computer for display and monitoring.

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