A cascaded multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation module

Abstract

This invention discloses a cascadeable multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation module, comprising a function switching main unit, a power supply unit, a module interface unit, and a conversion interface unit. The module interface unit includes a main module interface unit, a sub-module interface unit, and an expansion module interface unit; the conversion interface unit is a pluggable component used to realize interface standard conversion and connection extension. The function switching main unit includes an array of analog switch chips and is equipped with a function switching switch and an expansion switch to switch between distribution mode and aggregation mode and control the connection or disconnection of the expansion module interface unit: in distribution mode, the main module interface unit and the sub-module interface unit are connected, and the main module interface unit and the expansion module interface unit are connected when the expansion switch is on; in aggregation mode, the sub-module interface unit and the main module interface unit are connected, and the expansion module interface unit and the main module interface unit are connected when the expansion switch is on. The power supply unit supports cascaded power supply.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of electrical equipment testing and measurement connection technology, and in particular to a cascadeable multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation module. Background Technology

[0002] During the inspection and testing of electrical equipment, it is often necessary to collect electrical parameters such as voltage and current, and multiple measuring devices and various types of sensors may need to be connected simultaneously. Due to the diverse interface standards of different manufacturers and models of equipment (such as BNC, 4mm banana plug, DB9 interface, etc.), and the difference between male and female connectors for the same type of interface, a large number of "one-to-one" conversion adapters are usually required on site. In complex scenarios, multiple conversion adapters may also be cascaded, leading to an increase in connection points, poor contact, and potential fault points, thereby affecting signal transmission quality and measurement accuracy.

[0003] Furthermore, when the equipment is far from the test point, multiple interface types and extension cables of different lengths are required, further increasing the workload and management costs of on-site preparation. Meanwhile, when multiple measuring devices need to collect the same sensor output signal, existing methods often involve redundant sensor configuration, leading to increased costs and difficulties in space-constrained locations. In some experiments, there are situations involving multi-channel sampling or multi-wire splitting, requiring the multiple signals to be combined at the front end. However, existing solutions often rely on backend software or manual calculations, which are cumbersome and prone to errors.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a cascadeable multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation module that can perform interface conversion and extension, signal distribution and combining, and supports cascading expansion. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is: addressing the problems existing in the current test site, such as the cumbersome configuration of conversion connectors due to mixed interface standards, the reliance on multiple extension cables for connection distance expansion, the need to repeatedly configure sensors when the same signal is collected by multiple devices, and the lack of front-end combining capability for multiple signals, which requires manual / software conversion. The invention provides a cascadeable multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation module with pluggable interface conversion, switchable distribution / aggregation, and support for cascading expansion.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A cascadeable multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation module includes a function switching main unit, a power supply unit, a module interface unit, and a conversion interface unit; wherein... The module interface unit includes a main module interface unit, a sub-module interface unit, and an expansion module interface unit; the conversion interface unit is a pluggable component, with one end standardized to the module interface unit and the other end used to connect to an external device interface to achieve conversion of different interface standards and / or connection extension; the function switching main unit is electrically connected to the main module interface unit, the sub-module interface unit, and the expansion module interface unit. The function switching main unit includes an analog switch chip array and is equipped with a function switching switch to switch between distribution mode and aggregation mode, and is also equipped with an expansion switch to control the connection or disconnection of the expansion module interface unit; In the allocation mode, the main module interface unit is connected to the sub-module interface unit, and the main module interface unit is connected to the expansion module interface unit when the expansion switch is turned on. In aggregation mode, the sub-module interface unit is connected to the main module interface unit, and the expansion module interface unit is connected to the main module interface unit when the expansion switch is turned on.

[0007] Furthermore, the main module interface unit, the sub-module interface unit, and the expansion module interface unit are all sealed BNC interfaces.

[0008] Furthermore, the power supply unit includes an external power input terminal and a cascaded power output terminal, which is used to provide DC power to another module.

[0009] Furthermore, the main function switching unit is equipped with a mode indicator unit to indicate whether the module is in allocation mode or aggregation mode.

[0010] Furthermore, the other end of the conversion interface unit is any one of a BNC interface, a 4mm banana plug, or a DB9 interface.

[0011] Furthermore, the extension switch is used to control the extension module interface unit to disconnect in the distribution mode to form an open circuit state, and to control the extension module interface unit to disconnect in the aggregation mode to form a bypass connection state.

[0012] A cascaded signal conversion and distribution / aggregation combination structure includes at least two of the aforementioned cascadeable multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation modules, wherein the expansion module interface unit of the preceding cascadeable multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation module is connected to the main module interface unit of the following cascadeable multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation module.

[0013] Furthermore, adjacent cascaded multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation modules achieve power cascading through the cascaded power supply output terminals of the power supply unit.

[0014] This invention discloses a cascadeable multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation module. It achieves multi-interface standard compatibility and connection extension through pluggable conversion interface units, and improves experimental wiring efficiency and reliability through a switchable port connectivity topology based on an analog switch chip array and module cascading expansion capabilities. Specifically: (1) Interface conversion and extension: The interface conversion unit enables rapid adaptation of different interface standards, and the connection distance can be extended by using standardized connecting cables, reducing the need for "one-to-one" conversion connectors and multi-specification extension cable configurations; (2) Distribution / aggregation switching: Distribution mode can provide one signal to multiple devices for acquisition, while aggregation mode can combine multiple signals at the front end for output, reducing the reliance on repeated sensor configuration and manual / software conversion; (3) Cascading expansion and unified power supply: The number of cascading expansion interfaces for multiple modules is increased through expansion interfaces, and the power supply layout for multiple modules is simplified through cascading power supply output terminals; (4) Circuit stability: A stable power supply is formed by DC-DC conversion circuit and positive and negative voltage regulation and filtering circuit, and the path switching is realized by analog switch chip array, which reduces the impact of power supply noise and path conduction loss on signal transmission and improves the stability and consistency of test connection. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, further illustrates a cascadeable multi-signal interface conversion and allocation / aggregation module of the present invention: Figure 1 This is the logical structure and connection diagram of the main function switching unit and the conversion interface unit of this cascaded multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation module; Figure 2 This is the main circuit diagram of the cascaded multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation module.

[0016] In the picture: 1-Module, 2-Function switching main unit, 3-Power supply unit, 4-Module interface unit, 5-Conversion interface unit, 7-Analog switch chip array, 8-Function selection switch, 9-Extension interface switch, 10-Mode indicator unit, 11-DC-DC conversion circuit, 12-Positive voltage regulator and filter circuit, 13-Negative voltage regulator and filter circuit, 14-Main interface RF connector, 15-Secondary interface RF connector, 16-Extension interface RF connector.

[0017] 21 - Function switch; 22 - Extension switch.

[0018] 41-Main module interface unit, 42-Sub-module interface unit, 43-Extension module interface unit. Detailed Implementation

[0019] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," "fixed," etc., should be interpreted broadly, for example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integral molding; they can refer to direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0020] In the description of this invention, terms such as "main," "secondary," and "extended" are functional designations for ease of description and should not be construed as limiting the direction of the signal.

[0021] The technical solution of the present invention will be further described below with specific embodiments, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0022] Implementation method 1: such as Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment provides a cascadeable multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation module 1, including a function switching main unit 2, a power supply unit 3, a module interface unit 4, and a conversion interface unit 5.

[0023] Module interface unit 4 includes a main module interface unit 41, a sub-module interface unit 42, and an expansion module interface unit 43. This "one main, one sub, one expansion" configuration allows module 1 to form a typical test connection topology in standalone mode: the main module interface unit 41 is used to connect the main channel to be assigned or output, the sub-module interface unit 42 is used to connect another measuring device or another signal channel, and the expansion module interface unit 43 is used to participate in the path as needed or for cascading expansion.

[0024] The conversion interface unit 5 is a pluggable component. One end of it connects to the module interface unit 4 in a standardized manner, while the other end is used to connect to an external device interface. In use, by replacing different types of conversion interface units 5, quick adaptation between different interface standards can be achieved. Corresponding conversion interface units 5 can be selected and matched at both ends respectively, and then used with standardized connecting cables to extend the connection, thereby reducing the need for on-site preparation of "one-to-one" adapters and multi-specification extension cables.

[0025] The function switching main unit 2 is electrically connected to the main module interface unit 41, the sub-module interface unit 42, and the expansion module interface unit 43. The function switching main unit 2 is equipped with a function switching switch 21 and an expansion switch 22. In use, the function switching switch 21 is used to select the distribution mode or the aggregation mode; the expansion switch 22 is used to determine whether the expansion module interface unit 43 is connected to the current path, so as to achieve isolation or bypass when the expansion port is not needed, thereby reducing the impact of external wiring on the signal path.

[0026] In the allocation mode, the function switching main unit 2 establishes the connection between the main module interface unit 41 and the sub-module interface unit 42 through the internal path, and further establishes the connection between the main module interface unit 41 and the expansion module interface unit 43 when the expansion switch 22 is turned on, so that the signal on the main module interface unit 41 side can be simultaneously output to the sub-module interface unit 42 and the expansion module interface unit 43, thereby realizing the supply of one signal to multiple measuring devices.

[0027] In aggregation mode, the main function switching unit 2 establishes a connection between the sub-module interface unit 42 and the main module interface unit 41 through an internal path, and further establishes a connection between the expansion module interface unit 43 and the main module interface unit 41 when the expansion switch 22 is turned on, so that the signals from the sub-module interface unit 42 side and the expansion module interface unit 43 side are combined at the front end and output to the main module interface unit 41, thus meeting the connection requirements for multi-channel signal combined output.

[0028] Implementation method 2: such as Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the main module interface unit 41, the sub-module interface unit 42, and the expansion module interface unit 43 preferably adopt sealed BNC interfaces. This design improves dustproof and tensile strength, and reduces the risk of poor contact caused by frequent plugging and unplugging and pulling.

[0029] The external interface of the conversion interface unit 5 can be selected from any one of a BNC interface, a 4mm banana plug, or a DB9 interface. This design can cover the interface requirements of common measuring instruments and sensors in the test field.

[0030] The remaining structures and components are as described in Embodiment 1 and will not be described again.

[0031] Implementation method 3: such as Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the power supply unit 3 includes an external power input terminal and a cascaded power output terminal. In use, the first module can be connected to an external power source, and DC power can be provided to subsequent modules through the cascaded power output terminal, thereby reducing the number of power adapters and socket occupancy when multiple modules are used simultaneously.

[0032] When more interfaces are needed, the expansion module interface unit 43 of the previous module can be connected to the main module interface unit 41 of the next module to achieve cascading expansion, so that multiple modules can form a cascaded signal conversion and distribution / aggregation combination structure.

[0033] The remaining structures and components are as described in Embodiment 1 and will not be described again.

[0034] Implementation method 4: such as Figure 2As shown, in this embodiment, the power supply unit 3 may include a DC-DC conversion circuit 11, a positive voltage regulator and filter circuit 12, and a negative voltage regulator and filter circuit 13. The function switching main unit 2 may include an analog switch chip array 7. As a preferred implementation, the DC-DC conversion circuit 11 may be an LT3463, the positive voltage regulator and filter circuit 12 may be an ADP7142, the negative voltage regulator and filter circuit 13 may be an ADP7182, and the analog switch chip array 7 may be an ADG6412; these models are merely examples, and those skilled in the art can choose other equivalent devices to replace them. The analog switch chip array 7 is a multi-channel analog switch structure, and its conduction state is controlled by the mode control signal generated by the function selection switch 8, thereby forming different port connectivity topologies in the allocation mode and the aggregation mode. The mode indication unit 10 is associated with the mode control signal and is used to provide visual prompts for the current mode.

[0035] In one implementation, the function selection switch 8 is used to generate a mode control signal to control the analog switch chip array 7 to switch between allocation mode and aggregation mode; the expansion switch 22 is used to generate an expansion control signal, which acts on the expansion interface switch 9 to realize the access control of the expansion module interface unit 43.

[0036] The main function switching unit 2 can be configured with a mode indicator unit 10 to indicate whether the module is in allocation mode or aggregation mode, facilitating quick status confirmation by operators at the test site. The expansion switch 22 can correspond to different expansion port closure strategies in different modes. When the expansion module interface unit 43 is closed in the allocation mode, the expansion module interface unit 43 is in a disconnected state to avoid the impact of external unconnected or unstable connections on the allocation output. When the expansion module interface unit 43 is closed in aggregation mode, it enters a bypass connection state to maintain the continuity of the combined output path between the main module interface unit 41 and the sub-module interface unit 42. Specifically, the bypass connection state means that when the expansion port is closed, it does not participate in the signal path, but the connection between the main module interface unit 41 and the sub-module interface unit 42 remains unaffected.

[0037] The remaining structures and components are as described in Embodiment 1 and will not be described again.

[0038] In use: The operator selects the appropriate conversion interface unit 5 according to the external device interface standard and plugs it into the main module interface unit 41, the sub-module interface unit 42, and / or the expansion module interface unit 43 respectively. Then, the sensor or measuring device is connected to the external interface of the conversion interface unit 5. After connecting to an external power supply, the power supply unit 3 supplies power to the function switching main unit 2. When one signal is needed for multiple devices to collect data simultaneously, the function switching switch 21 is switched to the distribution mode, and the expansion switch 22 is turned on as needed, so that the signal output from the main module interface unit 41 is sent to the sub-module interface unit 42 and the expansion module interface unit 43. When multiple signals need to be combined and output at the front end, the function switching switch 21 is switched to the aggregation mode, and the expansion switch 22 is turned on as needed, so that the signals from the sub-module interface unit 42 and the expansion module interface unit 43 are internally connected and output to the main module interface unit 41. When more ports need to be expanded, the expansion module interface unit 43 of the previous module is connected to the main module interface unit 41 of the next module, and the power supply unit 3 is used for power cascading, which can expand the number of interfaces and achieve unified power supply.

[0039] This cascadeable multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation module overcomes the problems existing in current test sites, such as cumbersome configuration of conversion connectors due to mixed interface standards, multiple failure points, reliance on various extension cables for connection distance extension, repeated sensor configuration when the same signal is collected by multiple devices, and lack of front-end combining capability for multiple signals, relying on manual / software conversion. It achieves multi-interface standard compatibility and connection extension through pluggable conversion interface units, and improves test wiring efficiency and reliability through switchable port connectivity relationships and module cascading expansion capabilities through distribution / aggregation.

[0040] Those skilled in the art can make various modifications or substitutions to this invention without departing from its spirit and essential characteristics, and all such modifications or substitutions should fall within the protection scope of this invention. The protection scope of this invention is determined by the claims, and the reference numerals in the embodiments of the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims.

Claims

1. A cascadeable multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation module, characterized in that: It includes a function switching main unit (2), a power supply unit (3), a module interface unit (4), and a conversion interface unit (5); among which, The module interface unit (4) includes a main module interface unit (41), a sub-module interface unit (42), and an expansion module interface unit (43); the conversion interface unit (5) is a pluggable component, one end of which is standardizedly connected to the module interface unit (4), and the other end is used to connect to an external device interface to realize the conversion of different interface formats and / or connection extension; the function switching main unit (2) is electrically connected to the main module interface unit (41), the sub-module interface unit (42), and the expansion module interface unit (43). The function switching main unit (2) includes an analog switch chip array (7) and is provided with a function switching switch (21) to switch between allocation mode and aggregation mode, and is provided with an expansion switch (22) to control the connection or disconnection of the expansion module interface unit (43); In the allocation mode, the main module interface unit (41) is connected to the sub-module interface unit (42), and the main module interface unit (41) is connected to the expansion module interface unit (43) when the expansion switch (22) is turned on; In the aggregation mode, the sub-module interface unit (42) is connected to the main module interface unit (41), and the expansion module interface unit (43) is connected to the main module interface unit (41) when the expansion switch (22) is turned on.

2. The cascadeable multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main module interface unit (41), the sub-module interface unit (42), and the expansion module interface unit (43) are all sealed BNC interfaces.

3. The cascadeable multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power supply unit (3) includes an external power supply input terminal and a cascaded power supply output terminal, which is used to provide DC power to another module.

4. The cascadeable multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main function switching unit (2) is provided with a mode indicator unit (10) for indicating that the module is in the allocation mode or the aggregation mode.

5. The cascadeable multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The other end of the conversion interface unit (5) is any one of a BNC interface, a 4mm banana plug, or a DB9 interface.

6. The cascadeable multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation module according to claim 1, characterized in that: The expansion switch (22) is used to control the expansion module interface unit (43) to disconnect in the distribution mode to form an open circuit state, and to control the expansion module interface unit (43) to disconnect in the aggregation mode to form a bypass connection state.

7. A cascaded signal conversion and distribution / aggregation combination structure, characterized in that: It includes at least two cascaded multi-signal interface conversion and distribution / aggregation modules (1) as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the expansion module interface unit (43) of the preceding module (1) is connected to the main module interface unit (41) of the following module (1).

8. The cascaded signal conversion and distribution / aggregation combination structure according to claim 7, characterized in that: Adjacent modules (1) are cascaded through the cascaded power supply output terminal of the power supply unit (3).

Images