Testing device and method for testing functions of vehicle body controller

Abstract

The invention discloses a testing device and method for testing functions of a vehicle body controller. The testing device comprises a power module, a testing box module, a communication module and a vehicle body controller module. The power supply module is connected with the test box module; the power supply module is connected with the vehicle body controller module; the test box module is connected with the vehicle body controller module; the vehicle body controller module is connected with the communication module; the test box module is connected with the communication module. The test box has the advantages that the used test box module is small in size, light in weight and convenient to move, the use method is simple and easy to learn, and the simplicity and practicability of the test of the vehicle body controller module are greatly improved; the test box module is assembled by common parts, the manufacturing cost is low, the test box module is repaired when damaged, the cost is greatly reduced, and the economic benefit is improved; the test box module can be used for testing vehicle body controller modules of different manufacturers and different vehicle enterprises, and the application range is wide.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of vehicle body controller technology. Specifically, this invention relates to a testing device and method for testing the functions of a vehicle body controller, used to perform functional testing on a vehicle body controller module. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, the global automotive industry has experienced unprecedented rapid development. With technological advancements and rising consumer demands, overall car sales have continued to climb, leading to increasingly fierce market competition. Against this backdrop, consumers' car-buying considerations are no longer limited to traditional power and fuel consumption, but are increasingly focusing on vehicle comfort, diverse functional configurations, and comprehensive active and passive safety features. These vehicle characteristics, deeply driven by electronic systems, directly depend on the reliability and performance of the underlying electronic control unit (ECU). Therefore, the intrinsic electronic quality of automotive products has become one of the core elements determining market reputation and brand competitiveness.

[0003] Among the numerous automotive electronic control units, the Body Controller Module (BCM) plays a crucial role. As the "nerve center" of the vehicle, the BCM manages and coordinates a large number of electrical functions surrounding the vehicle. Its typical control scope includes external lights such as headlights, turn signals, and taillights; interior lighting; windshield wipers; power windows; central locking; power mirrors; and various alarm and warning functions. With the increasing intelligence and connectivity of automobiles, the functions of the BCM have become increasingly complex. It needs to communicate and interact with smart key systems, tire pressure monitoring systems, anti-theft systems, and even higher-level gateways and infotainment systems. Any malfunction or instability in the BCM can, at best, affect user convenience and comfort, and at worst, pose safety hazards. For example, incorrect lighting can lead to driving risks, while central locking failures directly impact personal and property safety. Therefore, ensuring the BCM can reliably and accurately execute commands under various operating conditions, and conducting comprehensive and rigorous testing and verification, has become an indispensable and critical step in automotive research and development and production.

[0004] Currently, the industry primarily relies on several traditional methods for testing Body Control Modules (BCMs), but each has significant limitations. The first is the yellow board bench test, a physical test platform built in a laboratory environment using numerous real wiring harnesses and loads, such as light bulbs, motors, and switches. Its advantage lies in the fact that the signals and loads are all real physical entities, making it intuitive and easy to troubleshoot some hardware connection problems. However, its disadvantages are also very prominent: the entire test bench is usually bulky, occupying a large amount of valuable laboratory space; due to its fixed and cumbersome nature, it has almost no mobility flexibility, and once the test layout is determined, it is difficult to adjust; more importantly, the execution of test cases heavily depends on testers manually operating switches and making measurements, resulting in low efficiency and difficulty in automating the verification and regression testing of complex timing logic.

[0005] Secondly, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) testing and its associated automated testing represent more advanced verification methods. HIL, through real-time processors, board interfaces, and high-precision vehicle models, simulates the real vehicle environment connected to the Body Controller Module (BCM) in a laboratory setting, including sensor signals, load characteristics, and network packets. This allows for safe and repeatable testing of various extreme and normal operating conditions, including fault injection. Combined with test scripts, automated test sequence execution can be achieved. However, this method demands a high level of expertise from the testing team. Testers not only need a deep understanding of the BCM requirements specifications but also must master specialized test scripting languages ​​such as CAPL and Python, and possess the ability to configure complex HIL systems and vehicle models. This translates to high personnel training and system setup and maintenance costs, limiting its rapid adoption and application in certain scenarios.

[0006] The third commonly used method is real-vehicle testing, which involves integrating the Body Controller Module (BCM) into a real vehicle and verifying its functionality on actual roads or at a specific test track. The advantage of this method is that the testing environment is the most realistic, allowing the discovery of complex factors that are difficult to simulate in a laboratory, such as complex electromagnetic interference, mechanical vibration, temperature and humidity changes, and their coupling effects. However, its limitations are equally significant: testing heavily relies on the number of available modified and tested vehicles, which are usually scarce and costly; the testing environment, such as specific weather and road conditions, is uncontrollable and difficult to reproduce when needed; the coverage of test conditions is extremely low, making it impossible to systematically traverse all possible input combinations and boundary conditions; the testing process is time-consuming, and data recording and analysis are cumbersome, resulting in low overall testing efficiency and making it difficult to meet the rapid iterative development pace of modern automobiles. Summary of the Invention

[0007] This invention aims to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a testing device and method for testing the functions of the body control module (BCM). The test box module is used to test the input control and output feedback of the body control module (BCM).

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: a testing device and method for testing the function of a vehicle body controller, comprising a power supply module 1, a test box module 2, a communication module 3, and a vehicle body controller module (BCM); the power supply module 1 is connected to the test box module 2; the power supply module 1 is connected to the vehicle body controller module (BCM); the test box module 2 is connected to the vehicle body controller module (BCM); the vehicle body controller module (BCM) is connected to the communication module 3; and the test box module 2 is connected to the communication module 3.

[0009] Power module 1 supplies power to test box module 2 and body control module (BCM). The hard-wired input of body control module (BCM) corresponds to the switch of test box module 2. By toggling the switch of test box module 2, the voltage of the hard-wired input of body control module (BCM) is changed. The output of body control module (BCM) corresponds to the light-emitting diode (LED) of test box module 2. The functional output of body control module (BCM) is fed back to the corresponding LED of test box module 2. Body control module (BCM) exchanges signals and data with test box module 2 through communication module 3.

[0010] Power module 1 uses a regulated power supply to provide power to test box module 2 and body controller module BCM according to the power requirements of body controller module BCM.

[0011] Test box module 2 and body controller module BCM use the same regulated power supply and share a common ground.

[0012] Test box module 2 includes a circuit board (PCB), banana plug, switch, light-emitting diode (LED), connector, and wiring harness.

[0013] Communication module 3 uses the controller area network (CAN) or the local interconnect network (LIN) for signal transmission.

[0014] The Body Control Module (BCM), as the module under test, receives input from the Test Box Module 2, processes it through internal logic, and then outputs it back to the Test Box Module 2.

[0015] The Body Control Module (BCM) can be tested not only by changing the input of the Test Box Module 2, but also by changing the input of the Communication Module 3.

[0016] A testing apparatus and method for testing the function of a vehicle body controller, the method comprising the following steps:

[0017] S1: Power module 1 uses a regulated power supply to power test box module 2 and body controller module BCM;

[0018] S2: Flip the switch of test box module 2 to change the voltage of the hard-wired input of the body controller module BCM. The functional output of the body controller module BCM will then be fed back to the LED of the corresponding test box module 2 to see if it is lit, or if the communication module 3 has a corresponding output.

[0019] S3: The signal is sent through the communication module 3 to change the input. The corresponding output of the body control module (BCM) will also be fed back to the LED of the test box module 2, or to whether the communication module 3 has a corresponding output.

[0020] The technical advantages of this invention are as follows: By using the test box module 2 to connect to the body control module (BCM), the BCM can be tested. The test box module 2 is small in size, lightweight, and easy to move. It is also simple and easy to use, greatly improving the convenience and practicality of testing the BCM. The test box module 2 is assembled using common components, resulting in low manufacturing costs and easy repair in case of damage, significantly reducing costs and improving economic efficiency. The test box module 2 can be used to test BCMs from different manufacturers and car companies, making it widely applicable. Attached Figure Description

[0021] This manual includes the following figures, which illustrate the following:

[0022] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the system logic structure of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the analog input circuit of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the analog output circuit of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the method of the present invention;

[0026] The diagram is labeled as follows: 1. Power module; 2. Test box module; 3. Communication module. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in order to help those skilled in the art to have a more complete, accurate and in-depth understanding of the inventive concept and technical solution of the present invention, and to facilitate its implementation.

[0028] Figure 1The system logic structure block diagram of the present invention includes a power supply module 1, a test box module 2, a communication module 3, and a body controller module (BCM). The power supply module 1 is connected to the test box module 2. The power supply module 1 is connected to the body controller module (BCM). The test box module 2 is connected to the body controller module (BCM). The body controller module (BCM) is connected to the communication module 3. The test box module 2 is connected to the communication module 3.

[0029] Power module 1 supplies power to test box module 2 and body control module (BCM). The hard-wired input of body control module (BCM) corresponds to the switch of test box module 2. By toggling the switch of test box module 2, the voltage of the hard-wired input of body control module (BCM) is changed. The output of body control module (BCM) corresponds to the light-emitting diode (LED) of test box module 2. The functional output of body control module (BCM) is fed back to the corresponding LED of test box module 2. Body control module (BCM) exchanges signals and data with test box module 2 through communication module 3.

[0030] The pins of the test box module 2 are connected one by one to the pins of the body control module (BCM) via a wiring harness: the hard-wired input of the body control module (BCM) corresponds to the switch of the test box module 2, the output of the body control module (BCM) corresponds to the LED of the test box module 2, and the controller area network (CAN), local interconnection network (LIN), and antenna of the communication module 3 correspond one-to-one with the banana plug of the test box module 2.

[0031] Power module 1 uses a regulated power supply to provide power to test box module 2 and body controller module BCM according to the power requirements of body controller module BCM.

[0032] Power module 1 typically uses a 12V regulated power supply to provide power to test box module 2 and body control module BCM.

[0033] A voltage regulator is an electronic device that converts an unstable or fluctuating input voltage into a stable and precise output voltage. In this invention, its core function is to overcome interference caused by mains voltage fluctuations or load changes, ensuring a constant voltage is supplied to the connected wake-up circuit. Its basic working principle involves real-time monitoring of the output voltage through internal circuitry and comparing it with a high-precision reference voltage. Once a deviation from the set value is detected, an error amplifier drives adjustment components, such as transistors or MOSFETs, to change their conduction state, thereby dynamically adjusting the voltage drop across them, ultimately stabilizing the output voltage at the preset target value.

[0034] Test box module 2 and body controller module BCM use the same regulated power supply and share a common ground.

[0035] The primary purpose of sharing a ground between Test Box Module 2 and Body Controller Module (BCM) is to establish a unified and stable voltage reference point, i.e., a "zero-potential" reference point. This shared ground ensures that different modules in the circuit have consistent measurement and judgment standards for voltage levels, enabling signals to be correctly identified and transmitted between them. Without this common reference ground, the "zero-potential" defined by each module may differ, leading to signal errors, logical confusion, or even device malfunction. The shared ground between Test Box Module 2 and Body Controller Module (BCM) also provides a clear, low-impedance return path for current, making the current loop complete and controllable. Furthermore, the shared ground helps reduce electromagnetic interference and crosstalk caused by path confusion, improving the stability and noise immunity of the entire system and ensuring the normal and reliable operation of the circuit.

[0036] Test box module 2 includes a circuit board (PCB), banana plug, switch, light-emitting diode (LED), connector, and wiring harness.

[0037] Banana sockets are a common type of single-pole electrical connector. They typically consist of a cylindrical metal socket and an internal spring clip. When a matching cylindrical plug is inserted, the spring clip clamps the plug tightly, forming a large contact area, low resistance, and a robust and reliable electrical connection.

[0038] Communication module 3 uses the controller area network (CAN) or the local interconnect network (LIN) for signal transmission.

[0039] The Body Control Module (BCM), as the module under test, receives input from the Test Box Module 2, processes it through internal logic, and then outputs it back to the Test Box Module 2.

[0040] The Body Control Module (BCM) can be tested not only by changing the input of the Test Box Module 2, but also by changing the input of the Communication Module 3.

[0041] By toggling the switch on test box module 2 to change the voltage of the hard-wired input of the body control module (BCM), the functional output of the BCM will be fed back to the corresponding LED on test box module 2. Check if it is lit, or check if there is a corresponding output on the controller area network (CAN) or local interconnection network (LIN) of communication module 3. If the input is changed by sending a signal through the controller area network (CAN) or local interconnection network (LIN) of communication module 3, the corresponding functional output of the BCM will also be fed back to the LED on test box module 2, or check if there is a corresponding output on the controller area network (CAN) or local interconnection network (LIN) of communication module 3.

[0042] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of the analog input circuit of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the analog output circuit of the present invention.

[0044] The steps to create test box module 2 are as follows:

[0045] A1: For the schematic design of test box module 2, based on the pin definition of the body controller module BCM, design the switch input and LED output of test box module 2.

[0046] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, if the switch input of test box module 2 is a digital input: If the input is active high, resistors R1, R2, and R3 are left unattached, and resistor R4 is shorted to the power supply with a 0Ω resistor attached; if the input is active low: resistors R1, R2, and R4 are left unattached, and resistor R3 is shorted to ground with a 0Ω resistor attached. A two-state switch can then be used.

[0047] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, if the switch input of test box module 2 is an analog input, then... Figure 2 As shown, different resistance values ​​can be switched according to the different input voltage requirements of the pins. A three-state switch can be used. If there are more than two simulated input voltage states, multiple input circuits can be combined according to the actual situation. Figure 3 As shown, if the output is active high: resistors R5 and R8 are not mounted, and capacitor C1, resistors R6, R7 and R9 are mounted. If the output is active low: resistors R6 and R9 are not mounted, and capacitor C1, resistors R5, R7 and R8 are mounted.

[0048] A2: Solder resistors, switches, LEDs, and male connectors onto the PCB, install banana plugs, and fabricate connector harnesses.

[0049] Setting up a test bench includes the following steps:

[0050] B1: Connect the pins of the test box module 2 to the pins of the body control module BCM one by one through the wiring harness: the hard wire input of the body control module BCM corresponds to the switch of the test box, the output of the body control module BCM corresponds to the LED light of the test box module 2, and the controller area network CAN, local interconnection network LIN and antenna of the communication module 3 correspond one by one with the banana plug of the test box module.

[0051] B2: Prepare power module 1, which simultaneously supplies power to test box module 2 and body controller module BCM, typically around 12V. Test box module 2 and body controller module BCM share a common ground.

[0052] B3: Test box module 2 connects to the load, such as an antenna or radio frequency device.

[0053] Test method: The hard-wired input of the Body Control Module (BCM) is controlled by the switch of Test Box Module 2, and the functional output of the BCM is fed back to Test Box Module 2, which is reflected by the lighting status of the LEDs of Test Box Module 2.

[0054] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the method of the present invention.

[0055] A testing apparatus and method for testing the function of a vehicle body controller, the method comprising the following steps:

[0056] S1: Power module 1 uses a regulated power supply to power test box module 2 and body controller module BCM;

[0057] S2: Flip the switch of test box module 2 to change the voltage of the hard-wired input of the body controller module BCM. The functional output of the body controller module BCM will then be fed back to the LED of the corresponding test box module 2 to see if it is lit, or if the communication module 3 has a corresponding output.

[0058] S3: The signal is sent through the communication module 3 to change the input. The corresponding output of the body control module (BCM) will also be fed back to the LED of the test box module 2, or to whether the communication module 3 has a corresponding output.

[0059] The role and effect of the embodiments

[0060] Different installation and testing methods exist for digital and analog inputs, applicable to various signal tests and with a wide range of applications. By connecting the test box module 2 to the body control module (BCM), the BCM can be tested. Test box module 2 is small, lightweight, and easy to move, and its operation is simple and easy to learn, greatly improving the convenience and practicality of BCM testing. Test box module 2 is assembled using common components, resulting in low manufacturing costs and easy repair in case of damage, significantly reducing costs and improving economic efficiency. This test box module 2 can be used to test BCMs from different manufacturers and vehicle companies, demonstrating its wide applicability.

[0061] The present invention has been described above by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the specific implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above-described manner. Any non-substantial improvements made using the inventive concept and technical solution; or the direct application of the inventive concept and technical solution to other situations without modification, are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A testing apparatus and method for testing the function of a vehicle body controller, characterized in that: It includes a power supply module (1), a test box module (2), a communication module (3), and a body control module (BCM); the power supply module (1) is connected to the test box module (2); the power supply module (1) is connected to the body control module (BCM); the test box module (2) is connected to the body control module (BCM); the body control module (BCM) is connected to the communication module (3); and the test box module (2) is connected to the communication module (3).

2. The testing apparatus and method for testing the function of a vehicle body controller as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The power module (1) supplies power to the test box module (2) and the body control module (BCM); the hard-wired input of the body control module (BCM) corresponds to the switch of the test box module (2), and the voltage of the hard-wired input of the body control module (BCM) is changed by toggling the switch of the test box module (2), and the output of the body control module (BCM) corresponds to the light-emitting diode (LED) of the test box module (2), and the functional output of the body control module (BCM) is fed back to the light-emitting diode (LED) of the corresponding test box module (2); the body control module (BCM) exchanges signal data with the test box module (2) through the communication module (3).

3. The testing apparatus and method for testing the function of a vehicle body controller as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The power module (1) uses a regulated power supply to provide power to the test box module (2) and the body controller module (BCM) according to the power requirements of the body controller module (BCM).

4. The testing apparatus and method for testing the function of a vehicle body controller as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The test box module (2) and the body control module (BCM) use the same regulated power supply and share a common ground.

5. The testing apparatus and method for testing the function of a vehicle body controller as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The test box module (2) includes a circuit board (PCB), a banana plug, a switch, a light-emitting diode (LED), a connector, and a wiring harness.

6. The testing apparatus and method for testing the function of a vehicle body controller as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The communication module (3) uses a controller area network (CAN) or a local interconnect network (LIN) for signal transmission.

7. The testing apparatus and method for testing the function of a vehicle body controller as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The Body Controller Module (BCM) is the module under test. It receives input from the Test Box Module (2), processes it through internal logic, and then outputs it back to the Test Box Module (2).

8. The testing apparatus and method for testing the function of a vehicle body controller as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The Body Control Module (BCM) can be tested not only by changing the input of the Test Box Module (2), but also by changing the input of the Communication Module (3).

9. A testing apparatus and method for testing the function of a vehicle body controller as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that: The method includes the following steps: S1: The power module (1) uses a regulated power supply to power the test box module (2) and the body control module (BCM); S2: Flip the switch of the test box module (2) to change the voltage of the hard-wired input of the body control module (BCM). The functional output of the body control module (BCM) will then be fed back to the light-emitting diode (LED) of the corresponding test box module (2) to see if it is lit, or if the communication module (3) has a corresponding output. S3: The signal is sent through the communication module (3) to change the input. The corresponding body control module (BCM) function output will also be fed back to the LED of the test box module (2), or whether the communication module (3) has a corresponding output.

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