Method and module for testing communication response time of electric energy meter

Abstract

The invention discloses a method and a module for testing communication response time of an electric energy meter, relates to the technical field of electric energy meter testing, and solves the technical problems that a communication testing method for an intelligent electric energy meter is high in testing resource occupation, limited in coverage stage, lack of on-site preventive detection capability and the like. The method comprises the following steps: sending a preset communication content to the electric energy meter through a test module, and recording a first timestamp after the sending is completed; receiving a response message of the electric energy meter through the test module, and recording a second timestamp when the response message is received; after the complete response message is received, judging whether the response message is accurately responded or not; if the message response is accurate, calculating a time difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp, and storing the time difference in a storage chip; and if the message response is not accurate, abandoning the first timestamp and the second timestamp and ending the test. According to the invention, the test resource occupation is low, the coverage stage is large, and the on-site preventive detection capability is good.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of electric energy meter testing, and in particular to a method and module for testing the communication response time of an electric energy meter. BACKGROUND

[0002] In recent years, with the widespread use of smart electric energy meters, the electric energy metering field has gradually changed from the traditional manual close-range meter reading mode to the terminal automatic meter reading mode based on remote communication. In this transition process, the stability and real-time performance of the communication system have become key factors for ensuring accurate data upload and reliable system operation.

[0003] Currently, the testing of the communication function of an electric energy meter mainly focuses on the pre-delivery stage of the product, and usually uses a load high-voltage testing method to rely on the host computer or terminal equipment on the production line to verify the communication module of the electric energy meter, and the electric energy meter can be assembled and delivered only after passing the test. However, this testing method has the following obvious limitations: first, the terminal equipment and host computer resources on the production line are occupied during the testing process, resulting in the actual production resources being squeezed and reducing the production efficiency; second, the testing link can only be implemented before delivery, and cannot cover problems such as hardware aging and communication module performance degradation caused by long-term use of the electric energy meter in the actual operating environment; third, the multi-message communication quality testing of the electric energy meter that has been put into operation often requires personnel to operate on site, which not only prolongs the testing period but also significantly increases the maintenance cost; in addition, during the on-site operation of the electric energy meter, there is a lack of effective communication state early warning and preventive detection mechanism, making it difficult to timely discover potential communication faults or delay hazards, so that intervention measures cannot be taken before the problem occurs, affecting the overall reliability of the power utilization information acquisition system.

[0004] In the process of implementing the present application, the inventors have found that the prior art has at least the following problems: The communication testing method for smart electric energy meters in the prior art still has the problems of high testing resource occupation, limited coverage stage, and lack of on-site preventive detection capability. SUMMARY

[0005] The present application aims to provide a method and module for testing the communication response time of an electric energy meter, to solve the technical problems of the prior art that the communication testing method for smart electric energy meters still has the problems of high testing resource occupation, limited coverage stage, and lack of on-site preventive detection capability.

[0006] The preferred technical solutions in the various technical solutions provided by the present application can produce the technical effects described below.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present application provides the following technical solutions: The application provides a kind of test method of communication response time of electric energy meter, comprising the following steps: sending preset communication content to electric energy meter by test module, and recording the first time stamp after sending completion;The reply message of the electric energy meter is received by the test module, and the second time stamp when receiving is recorded;After receiving the complete reply message, it is judged whether the reply message is accurately answered;If the message is accurately answered, the time difference of the first time stamp and the second time stamp is calculated, and the time difference is saved to the storage chip;If the message is not accurately answered, the first time stamp and the second time stamp are discarded and the test is ended.

[0008] Optionally, the test module sends the communication content to the electric energy meter, and records the first time stamp after sending completion, comprising: the test module continuously sends the byte of the communication content to the electric energy meter through the serial port, when the last byte is sent, the buffer register of the test module detects no data, triggers the interrupt mechanism, records the current first time stamp, and waits for the reply message of the electric energy meter.

[0009] Optionally, during the waiting process of the reply message of the electric energy meter, if the waiting time is exceeded, it is determined that the test fails, and the test is ended.

[0010] Optionally, the test module receives the reply message of the electric energy meter, and records the second time stamp when receiving, comprising: when the serial port of the test module receives the reply message, the interrupt mechanism is triggered, and the current second time stamp is recorded.

[0011] Optionally, before the test module sends the preset communication content to the electric energy meter, the test method further comprises: using the host computer to configure the data of the test module.

[0012] Optionally, the host computer is used to configure the data of the test module, comprising: setting the baud rate of the test module on the host computer, so that the test module is suitable for different types of electric energy meters;The communication content that can be selected for testing is preset on the host computer;The communication content includes: copying real-time data, copying frozen data, copying multiple frozen data and copying event record;The system time of the test module is calibrated on the host computer.

[0013] A test module of communication response time of electric energy meter, the test module is used to execute the test method of communication response time of electric energy meter described above, comprising carrier communication unit, 485 communication unit, storage chip and core MUC; When the communication content is a carrier communication test message, the carrier communication unit sends the preset communication content to the electric energy meter, and the core MCU records a first time stamp after the sending is completed; the carrier communication unit receives a response message of the electric energy meter, and the core MCU records a second time stamp when the receiving is completed; after the complete response message is received, the core MUC judges whether the response message is accurately responded; if the message is accurately responded, the time difference between the first time stamp and the second time stamp is calculated, and the time difference is saved in the storage chip; if the message is not accurately responded, the first time stamp and the second time stamp are discarded and the test is ended. When the communication content is a 485 test message, the 485 communication unit sends the preset communication content to the electric energy meter, and the core MCU records a first time stamp after the sending is completed; the 485 communication unit receives a response message of the electric energy meter, and the core MCU records a second time stamp when the receiving is completed; after the complete response message is received, the core MUC judges whether the response message is accurately responded; if the message is accurately responded, the time difference between the first time stamp and the second time stamp is calculated, and the time difference is saved in the storage chip; if the message is not accurately responded, the first time stamp and the second time stamp are discarded and the test is ended.

[0014] Optionally, the carrier communication unit comprises a carrier circuit and a carrier communication interface; one end of the carrier circuit is connected with the core MCU, and the other end is connected with a carrier interface of the electric energy meter through the carrier communication interface; the 485 communication unit comprises a 485 circuit and a 485 communication interface; one end of the 485 circuit is connected with the core MUC, and the other end is connected with a 485 interface of the electric energy meter through the 485 communication interface.

[0015] Optionally, the test module further comprises a power supply circuit; the power supply circuit is used for supplying power to the carrier communication unit, the 485 communication unit, the storage chip and the core MUC.

[0016] Optionally, the test module further comprises a key and an LED lamp; the key and the LED lamp are connected with the core MCU.

[0017] The above technical solutions of the present application have the following advantages or beneficial effects: The method does not occupy terminal equipment and host computer resources on the production line in the test process, does not cause actual production resources to be squeezed, and thus does not affect production efficiency; and can test the electric energy meter that has not been out of the factory without consuming production resources, and can also test the electric energy meter in the field operation. The method has low threshold, simple operation, and simple and clear interaction with personnel, and can be installed by non-professionals after the test module is configured by technical personnel; and can periodically test the electric energy meter in the field, and can find and handle the fault meter in time when the meter has a communication response time that exceeds the normal range, and reduce greater loss. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present application, the following will briefly introduce the drawings needed to be used in the embodiment description. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor on the basis of these drawings. The drawings are as follows: Figure 1 is a flow chart of the electric energy meter communication response time test method of the first embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 is a whole schematic diagram of the electric energy meter communication response time test module of the second embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 is a structure schematic diagram of the electric energy meter communication response time test module of the second embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present application more clear, the various exemplary embodiments to be described below will be referred to the corresponding drawings, which constitute a part of the exemplary embodiments, and the various exemplary embodiments that can be used to realize the present application are described. Unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The implementation described in the following exemplary embodiments does not represent all the implementations consistent with the present disclosure. It should be understood that they are only examples of processes, methods and devices, etc. consistent with some aspects of the present disclosure as detailed in the appended claims, and other embodiments can be used, or structural and functional modifications can be made to the embodiments listed herein, without departing from the scope and essence of the present application.

[0020] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "transverse" and the like indicate the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, which are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the elements referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. The terms "first", "second" and the like are only for descriptive purposes and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. The term "a plurality of" means two or more. The terms "connected", "connected" should be broadly understood, for example, it can be fixed connection, detachable connection, integral connection, mechanical connection, electrical connection, communication connection, direct connection, indirect connection through intermediate medium, internal communication of two elements or interaction relationship between two elements. The term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed items. For those skilled in the art, the specific meaning of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0021] In order to illustrate the technical solutions described in the present application, the following will be described by specific examples, only showing the part related to the embodiment of the present application.

[0022] Example one: As Figure 1 shown, the present application provides a kind of test method of communication response time of electric energy meter, comprising the following steps: S1, by test module, sends the preset communication content to electric energy meter, and records the first time stamp after sending completion;S2, by test module, receives the reply message of electric energy meter, and records the second time stamp when receiving;S3, after receiving complete reply message, judge whether the reply message is answered accurately;S4, if the message is answered accurately, calculate the time difference of first time stamp, second time stamp, and save the time difference in storage chip;S5, if the message is not answered accurately, discard first time stamp and second time stamp and end test.

[0023] The test method of communication response time of electric energy meter provided in this embodiment does not need to occupy terminal equipment and host computer resources on production line in test process, which will not cause actual production resources to be squeezed, so as not to affect production efficiency;And it can test the electric energy meter not yet out of factory, without consuming production resources, and also can test the electric energy meter running in the field. The method of the present application has low threshold, simple operation, and simple interaction with personnel. As long as the technical personnel configure the test module, even if non-professional personnel install the test module;It can also periodically test the electric energy meter on site, and when the communication response time of the meter exceeds the normal range, it can timely find and handle the fault meter, reduce greater loss.

[0024] Next, combined with Figure 1The embodiment provides a test method for communication response time of an electric energy meter. Firstly, a preset communication content is sent to the electric energy meter through a test module, and a first time stamp after sending is recorded; after the test module sends the preset communication content (such as copied real-time data, copied frozen data, copied multiple frozen data, copied event record and the like) to the electric energy meter, an accurate time point (the first time stamp) after sending is immediately recorded, which is used for subsequent analysis of performance indexes such as communication response time length and data synchronization accuracy.

[0025] Specifically, the step S1 comprises: continuously sending communication content bytes to the electric energy meter through a serial port of the test module, when sending of the last byte is completed, a buffer register of the test module detects no data, an interrupt mechanism is triggered, a current first time stamp is recorded, and a response message of the electric energy meter is waited. The test module sends data bytes to the electric energy meter through the serial port, when the buffer register detects that the last byte is sent (no residual data), an interrupt is triggered to record the first time stamp after sending is completed, and then a state of waiting for a response message of the electric energy meter is entered. The mechanism is used for ensuring data transmission integrity, and providing a time reference for subsequent calculation of communication delay (such as response time consumption).

[0026] Further, in the process of waiting for the response message of the electric energy meter, if the waiting is timed out, it is determined that the test fails, and the test is ended. If the waiting is timed out, it indicates that the electric energy meter has a problem, and the electric energy meter can be repaired in time.

[0027] Then, a step S2 is performed, a response message of the electric energy meter is received through the test module, and a second time stamp when the response message is received is recorded; when the response message returned by the electric energy meter is received through the test module, a time stamp (that is, the second time stamp) when the response message is received is recorded synchronously, which is used for subsequent analysis of performance indexes such as communication delay and data synchronization accuracy.

[0028] Specifically, the step S2 comprises: when the serial port of the test module receives the response message, an interrupt mechanism is triggered, and a current second time stamp is recorded. When the serial port hardware of the test module detects that the response message data frame is received, the serial port reception interrupt is automatically triggered, at this time, the current time is recorded in the interrupt service program (or callback function) through the system timer or the real-time clock, that is, the second time stamp (usually corresponding to the receiving time of the response message). The serial port reception interrupt is triggered by a hardware flag (such as the receiving completion flag RI of the STM32), when a complete byte or data frame is received, the hardware automatically sets the flag and requests the CPU interrupt service. The time stamp collection is performed in the interrupt processing function (such as the HAL_UART_RxCpltCallback of the HAL library), which can ensure time synchronization with the data reception event.

[0029] Then, after receiving the complete response packet, it is judged whether the response packet is accurate. The system can automatically parse the target reporting packet and processing log according to a preset mapping relationship table (associated with the packet type, processing log return code and correct response packet information), extract the type information and return code, and compare them with the mapping table to verify the correctness of the response packet. Or check the core fields in the response packet (such as the confirmation sequence number in the TCP protocol, or the address, speed, track segment, etc. in the responder packet), to ensure that it matches the expected rules. This method can replace manual experience judgment to improve efficiency and accuracy.

[0030] If the packet response is accurate, then in step S4, the time difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp is calculated, and the time difference is saved to the storage chip. By recording the first timestamp of sending the request and the second timestamp of receiving the response, the time consumption of packet transmission is calculated to verify the real-time performance of the communication protocol (such as DL / T645-2007, Modbus). And through the storage chip, long-term tracking and autonomous recording of communication performance can be realized to support full life cycle monitoring, fault warning and system optimization, and ultimately improve the reliability of the electricity information collection system.

[0031] If the packet response is not accurate, then in step S5, the first timestamp and the second timestamp are discarded and the test is ended. When the packet response is not accurate, it means that the electric energy meter is abnormal, and the electric energy meter can be repaired as soon as possible.

[0032] As an optional implementation, before the test module sends the preset communication content to the electric energy meter, the test method further includes: using the upper computer to configure data for the test module. Specifically, using the upper computer to configure data for the test module includes: setting the baud rate of the test module on the upper computer so that the test module is suitable for different types of electric energy meters. The communication content that can be selected for testing is preset on the upper computer; the communication content includes: copying real-time data, copying frozen data, copying multiple frozen data, and copying event records; different communication content will have different lengths of electric energy meter response packets, and the test response time after testing can be used to judge whether the communication function of the electric energy meter is in a normal state. The system time of the test module is calibrated on the upper computer to eliminate the time difference between the upper computer and the test module, and ensure that the time references of the two are consistent.

[0033] When used by field personnel, the test module only needs to be inserted into the carrier interface of the electric energy meter, and the 485 communication unit is connected to the 485 communication port of the electric energy meter, and the test module can start automatic testing by clicking the key, respectively testing the carrier and 485 communication interface, saving the test data, and the user can export the test document by computer upper computer software after the test is completed.

[0034] The embodiment is only one specific example and does not indicate that the present application is such an implementation.

[0035] Embodiment two: As shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 The present application also provides a test module for communication response time of an electric energy meter. The test module is used to execute any one of the test methods for communication response time of an electric energy meter, and comprises a carrier wave communication unit, a 485 communication unit, a storage chip and a core MCU. The carrier wave communication unit is a module using carrier wave communication. The 485 communication unit is a module using RS485 communication protocol for communication.

[0036] When the communication content is a carrier wave communication test message, the carrier wave communication unit sends the preset communication content to the electric energy meter, and the core MCU records the first time stamp after the sending is completed. The carrier wave communication unit receives the response message of the electric energy meter, and the core MCU records the second time stamp when the receiving is completed. After the complete response message is received, the core MCU judges whether the response message is accurately responded. If the response message is accurately responded, the time difference between the first time stamp and the second time stamp is calculated, and the time difference is saved in the storage chip. If the response message is not accurately responded, the first time stamp and the second time stamp are discarded and the test is ended. When the communication content is a 485 test message, the 485 communication unit sends the preset communication content to the electric energy meter, and the core MCU records the first time stamp after the sending is completed. The 485 communication unit receives the response message of the electric energy meter, and the core MCU records the second time stamp when the receiving is completed. After the complete response message is received, the core MCU judges whether the response message is accurately responded. If the response message is accurately responded, the time difference between the first time stamp and the second time stamp is calculated, and the time difference is saved in the storage chip. If the response message is not accurately responded, the first time stamp and the second time stamp are discarded and the test is ended.

[0037] The test module provided in the embodiment does not need to occupy the terminal equipment and the host computer resource on the production line in the test process, does not cause the actual production resource to be squeezed, and thus does not affect the production efficiency. The test module can test the electric energy meter which has not been put into the market without consuming the production resource, and can also test the electric energy meter which is in operation. The module has low use threshold, simple operation and simple and clear interaction with personnel. As long as the technical personnel configure the test module, even non-professional personnel can install the test module. The test module can periodically test the electric energy meter in the field, can timely find and handle the fault meter when the communication response time of the meter exceeds the normal range, and reduces greater loss.

[0038] As an alternative embodiment, the carrier communication unit comprises a carrier circuit and a carrier communication interface; one end of the carrier circuit is connected with the core MCU, and the other end is connected with the carrier interface of the electric energy meter through the carrier communication interface; the carrier communication unit is responsible for sending carrier communication test messages to the electric energy meter, and the test module is connected with the electric energy meter in a direct insertion manner. The 485 communication unit comprises a 485 circuit and a 485 communication interface; one end of the 485 circuit is connected with the core MCU, and the other end is connected with the 485 interface of the electric energy meter through the 485 communication interface. The 485 communication unit is responsible for sending 485 communication test messages to the electric energy meter, and the TTL level of the test module passes through a TTL-to-485 level chip and then is led out through a USB interface, and is connected to the 485 communication interface of the electric energy meter by using a USB-to-485 crocodile clip, so as to realize bidirectional communication with the electric energy meter.

[0039] As an alternative embodiment, the storage chip is a 16M capacity Flash chip, the data obtained by the test module is stored in the Flash chip after being processed by the main control MCU, the first 1K storage space of the Flash chip stores configuration parameters of the test module itself, and the remaining space is used for storing test data, and the test module calculates the used space of the test module according to the current storage address.

[0040] As an alternative embodiment, the test module further comprises a power supply circuit; the power supply circuit is used for supplying power to the carrier communication unit, the 485 communication unit, the storage chip and the core MCU after being connected with a power supply. The power supply circuit mainly comprises a small button cell and a power supply circuit, the small button cell is only used in a low-power consumption state of the test module, and functions to ensure that the system time of the test module is not initialized; the power supply circuit is divided into two paths, one path converts 12V on the carrier channel of the electric energy meter into 3.3V for use of the chip through internal voltage conversion, and is used in a normal running process of the test module; when it is detected that the module is powered off, the small button cell is switched to supply power, so as to maintain a low-power consumption mode of the test module.

[0041] Optionally, the test module further comprises a key and an LED lamp; the key and the LED lamp are connected with the core MCU. The number of the LED lamp is 2; the LED lamp is divided into green and red, which is used for the user to identify the current working state of the test module, the green LED lamp is always on, indicating that the test module is currently in standby state, when the red LED lamp flashes quickly and irregularly, indicating that the current colorimetric module is testing and storing the test data into the flash chip, when the red LED lamp is always on, indicating that the test module sends a message without response, and cannot continue testing; when the green LED is always on, the test module can interact with the computer through the 485 channel, the 485 interface on the test module is connected with the computer serial port through the 485 to TLL data line, and the test module is configured and operated through the test module host computer developed by the matching, the operation includes test module time setting, carrier and 485 interface baud rate setting, test scheme configuration, test module data uploading, data clearing and current storage space usage checking.

[0042] The above only describes the preferred embodiments of the present application, and those skilled in the art know that various changes or equivalent replacements can be made to the features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. In addition, the features and embodiments can be modified to adapt to specific conditions and materials under the guidance of the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited by the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of the present application are within the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for testing the communication response time of an electricity meter, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The test module sends preset communication content to the electricity meter and records the first timestamp after the transmission is completed. The test module receives the response message from the electricity meter and records the second timestamp at the time of reception. After receiving the complete response message, determine whether the response message is accurate; If the message response is accurate, the time difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp is calculated, and the time difference is saved to the storage chip; If the message response is inaccurate, discard the first and second timestamps and end the test.

2. The method for testing the communication response time of an electricity meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of sending preset communication content to the electricity meter through the test module and recording the first timestamp after the transmission is completed includes: The test module continuously sends bytes of the communication content to the energy meter via its serial port. When the last byte is sent, the test module's buffer register detects no data, triggers an interrupt mechanism, records the current first timestamp, and waits for the energy meter's response message.

3. The method for testing the communication response time of an electricity meter according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the waiting time exceeds the response message from the electricity meter, the test is deemed to have failed and the test is terminated.

4. The method for testing the communication response time of an electricity meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of receiving the response message from the electricity meter through the test module and recording the second timestamp at the time of reception includes: When the serial port of the test module receives the response message, it triggers an interrupt mechanism and records the current second timestamp.

5. The method for testing the communication response time of an electricity meter according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before sending preset communication content to the electricity meter through the test module, the test method further includes: configuring the test module with data using a host computer.

6. The method for testing the communication response time of an electricity meter according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of configuring the test module using a host computer includes: By setting the baud rate of the test module on the host computer, the test module can be adapted to different types of energy meters. The host computer has preset testable communication content; the communication content includes: real-time data collection, frozen data collection, collection of multiple frozen data entries, and event recording collection. The system time of the test module is calibrated on the host computer.

7. A test module for the communication response time of an electricity meter, characterized in that, The test module is used to execute a test method for the communication response time of an energy meter as described in any one of claims 1-6, and includes a carrier communication unit, a 485 communication unit, a memory chip, and a core MCU; When the communication content is a carrier communication test message, the preset communication content is sent to the energy meter through the carrier communication unit, and the first timestamp after the transmission is completed is recorded by the core MCU; the response message of the energy meter is received through the carrier communication unit, and the second timestamp at the time of reception is recorded by the core MCU. After receiving the complete response message, the core MUC determines whether the response message is accurate. If the message response is accurate, the time difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp is calculated, and the time difference is saved to the storage chip; If the message response is inaccurate, discard the first and second timestamps and end the test; When the communication content is a 485 test message, the preset communication content is sent to the energy meter through the 485 communication unit, and the first timestamp after the sending is completed is recorded by the core MCU; the response message of the energy meter is received through the 485 communication unit, and the second timestamp of the reception is recorded by the core MCU. After receiving the complete response message, the core MUC determines whether the response message is accurate. If the message response is accurate, the time difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp is calculated, and the time difference is saved to the storage chip; If the message response is inaccurate, discard the first and second timestamps and end the test.

8. A test module for the communication response time of an energy meter according to claim 7, characterized in that, The carrier communication unit includes a carrier circuit and a carrier communication interface; one end of the carrier circuit is connected to the core MCU, and the other end is connected to the carrier interface of the energy meter through the carrier communication interface; the 485 communication unit includes a 485 circuit and a 485 communication interface; one end of the 485 circuit is connected to the core MCU, and the other end is connected to the 485 interface of the energy meter through the 485 communication interface.

9. A test module for the communication response time of an electricity meter according to claim 7, characterized in that, The test module also includes a power supply circuit; the power supply circuit is used to supply power to the carrier communication unit, the 485 communication unit, the memory chip and the core MUC.

10. A test module for the communication response time of an energy meter according to claim 7, characterized in that, The test module also includes buttons and LEDs; both the buttons and the LEDs are connected to the core MCU.

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