Automated testing device for IO modules

Abstract

The application discloses an automatic testing device for an IO module. The device comprises a control module, a signal transceiver module, a signal distribution module and a control module. The control module is used for outputting a first control signal and a second control signal. The signal transceiver module is connected with the control module, and is used for outputting a first test signal to an IO channel of a measured module in response to the first control signal, receiving a second test signal returned by the IO channel of the measured module in response to the second control signal and generating an actual test signal. The signal distribution module comprises at least one first port group, the signal transceiver module comprises at least one second port group, the first port group is connected with the corresponding second port group, and the signal distribution module further comprises at least two third port groups connected with the IO channel of the measured module. The control module is used for controlling the signal distribution module to communicate the first port group with each third port group in time. The calibration and the test of multiple IO channels of the measured module are automatically completed, the whole process is automatically completed without manual intervention, and the test time is shortened.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of I / O module testing technology, and more particularly to an automated testing apparatus for I / O modules. Background Technology

[0002] The remote I / O module has multiple signal types, multiple channel inputs and multiple range configurations, and has diagnostic functions. It requires calibration and functional testing during production.

[0003] However, existing calibration and functional verification of IO modules rely on manual configuration. The traditional manual loading of input signals and manual configuration of diagnostic functions one by one are extremely time-consuming. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides an automated testing device for I / O modules to solve the problem of high time consumption when performing automated testing on I / O modules.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an automated testing apparatus for an I / O module is provided, comprising: The control module is used to output the first control signal and the second control signal; A signal transceiver module, connected to the control module, is used to output a first test signal to the IO channel of the module under test in response to the first control signal, and to receive a second test signal returned by the IO channel of the module under test in response to the second control signal and generate an actual test signal. The control module is used to compare the actual test signal with the target test signal represented by the second control signal and output a test result signal. The signal distribution module includes at least one first port group, and the signal transceiver module includes at least one second port group corresponding to the at least one first port group, wherein the first port group is connected to the corresponding second port group; the module under test includes at least two IO channels, and the signal distribution module further includes at least two third port groups corresponding to the at least two IO channels, wherein the third port groups are connected to the corresponding IO channels; For any of the first port groups, the control module is used to control the signal distribution module to connect the first port group to each of the third port groups in a time-division manner, so as to output the first test signal to each IO channel of the module under test in a time-division manner, or to send the second test signal of each IO channel of the module under test to the signal transceiver module in a time-division manner.

[0006] Optionally, the signal distribution module includes at least one gating switch corresponding to the at least one first port group; The gating switch includes a common terminal and at least two gating terminals corresponding to the at least two third port groups. The common terminal is connected to the corresponding first port group, the gating terminals are connected to the corresponding third port groups, and the control terminal of the gating switch is connected to the control module. For any of the first port groups, the control module is used to control the common terminal to connect with each of the selected terminals in a time-division manner, so as to connect the first port group with each of the third port groups in a time-division manner.

[0007] Optionally, each of the first port groups includes at least one first port, each of the third port groups includes at least one third port, and the signal distribution module includes m first ports and n third ports; m is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and n is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The first port and the third port are connected by a crosspoint switch group, which includes m first signal lines, n second signal lines and m×n switching devices. Each of the switching devices is connected to the intersection of a first signal line and a second signal line. Each of the aforementioned switching devices is connected to the control module.

[0008] Optionally, the switching device is a relay.

[0009] Optionally, at least one first port group includes a voltage port group for transmitting voltage, a current port group for transmitting current, and a resistance port group for transmitting resistance.

[0010] Optionally, the control module is used to sequentially perform time-division strobing operations on each of the first port groups; wherein the time-division strobing operation includes: controlling the signal distribution module to connect the current first port group to each of the third port groups in a time-division manner, so as to output the first test signal to each IO channel of the module under test in a time-division manner, or, sending the second test signal of each IO channel of the module under test to the signal transceiver module in a time-division manner.

[0011] Optionally, the signal transceiver module includes a communication unit, a signal generation unit, and a measurement unit; The communication unit is connected to the control module; The signal generating unit is connected to the communication unit and also to each of the first port groups, and is used to generate the first test signal according to the first control signal; The measurement unit is connected to the communication unit and also to each of the first port groups, for generating the actual test signal based on the second test signal.

[0012] Optionally, the communication unit is a USB interface.

[0013] Optionally, the control module includes a first communication interface, the signal distribution module includes a second communication interface, and the automated testing device for the IO module further includes a protocol conversion module, which includes a third communication interface and a fourth communication interface. The third communication interface is communicatively connected to the first communication interface, and the fourth communication interface is communicatively connected to the second communication interface; The protocol conversion module is configured to: convert the protocol format of the signal received from the control module via the third communication interface, and send the converted signal to the signal distribution module via the fourth communication interface; and / or, convert the protocol format of the signal received from the signal distribution module via the fourth communication interface, and send the converted signal to the control module via the third communication interface.

[0014] Optionally, the first communication interface is a USB interface, and the second communication interface is an RS-485 interface. The signal distribution module and the protocol conversion module transmit data frames based on the Modbus protocol through the RS-485 interface.

[0015] A signal distribution module is configured to connect the first port group to each of the third port groups in a time-division manner under the control of the control module. This enables time-division connectivity between the first port group and each I / O channel. The signal distribution module then generates a first test signal in response to a first control signal, which is transmitted to the corresponding I / O channel. Alternatively, the I / O channel generates a second test signal in response to a second control signal, which is transmitted to the signal transceiver module. The signal transceiver module then reads the second test signal to generate an actual verification signal, which is transmitted to the control module for verification. The signal transceiver module, signal distribution module, and control module complete the automatic calibration and verification of multiple I / O channels of the module under test. The entire process is automated, requiring no manual intervention, thus improving testing speed and reducing testing time.

[0016] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying 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.

[0018] Figure 1A schematic diagram of an automated testing device for an I / O module provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a signal distribution module provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another signal distribution module provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. 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 should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an automated testing device for an I / O module provided in an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 1 The automated testing device for the IO module includes: The control module 10 is used to output the first control signal and the second control signal.

[0022] The signal transceiver module 11, connected to the control module 10, is used to output a first test signal to the IO channel 17 of the module under test 12 in response to a first control signal so that the IO channel 17 stores the first test signal, and to receive the second test signal returned by the IO channel 17 of the module under test 12 in response to a second control signal and generate an actual test signal. The control module 10 is used to compare the actual test signal with the target test signal represented by the second control signal and output a test result signal. The signal distribution module 13 includes at least one first port group 14, and the signal transceiver module 11 includes at least one second port group 15 corresponding to the at least one first port group 14. The first port group 14 is connected to the corresponding second port group 15. The module under test 12 includes at least two IO channels, and the signal distribution module 13 also includes at least two third port groups 16 corresponding to the at least two IO channels 17. The third port groups 16 are connected to the corresponding IO channels. The first port group 14 and the second port group 15 are configured in a one-to-one correspondence. The third port group 16 and the IO channel 17 are configured in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0023] For any first port group 14, the control module 10 controls the signal distribution module 13 to connect the first port group 14 to each third port group 16 in a time-division manner, so as to output the first test signal to each IO channel 17 of the module under test 12 in a time-division manner, or to send the second test signal of each IO channel 17 of the module under test 12 to the signal transceiver module 11 in a time-division manner.

[0024] The first control signal is a standard signal generation signal. After receiving the first control signal, the signal transceiver module 11 generates corresponding standard signals such as voltage, current, and resistance in response to the first control signal. The second control signal is a test signal. For example, the module under test 12 generates a second test signal (such as a voltage signal) through the corresponding IO channel 17 in response to the second control signal, and transmits the second test signal to the signal transceiver module 11 through the signal distribution module 13. After reading the second test signal, the signal transceiver module generates an actual test signal and uploads it to the control module 10.

[0025] For example, the first control signal is a signal that generates a preset voltage, such as 4V. The control module 10 controls the signal distribution module 13 to connect the first port group used for voltage transmission to each of the third channel groups 16 in a timed manner. Upon receiving the first control signal, the signal transceiver module 11 generates a 4V voltage signal (i.e., the first test signal) and transmits it to the corresponding IO channel 17 via the signal distribution module 13. The corresponding IO channel 17 stores the first test signal, completing the calibration of the IO channel 17. The second control signal is a signal for verifying the target voltage, such as a 4V voltage signal. The control module 10 controls the first port group 14 for voltage transmission to be connected to each of the third port groups 16 in a timed manner, so that the second test signal generated by the corresponding IO channel 17 of the module under test in response to the second control signal is transmitted to the signal transceiver module 11. The signal transceiver module 11 measures the second test signal to generate an actual test signal, such as measuring the second test signal to determine its magnitude. When the deviation between the actual test signal and the target test signal is less than a set threshold, the control module 10 determines that the corresponding IO channel 17 has successfully passed the test. If the control module 10 generates a second control signal to make the IO channel of the module under test 12 output a voltage of 4V, the second test signal generated by the IO channel of the module under test 12 after responding to the second control signal is measured by the signal transceiver module 11 to generate an actual test signal. Assuming that the actual test signal is a voltage of 3.8V, the difference between it and the target test signal, i.e., the voltage of 4V, is 0.2V, which is less than the set threshold (e.g., set to 0.5V). Then, it is determined that the corresponding IO channel 17 has been successfully tested.

[0026] A signal distribution module is configured to connect the first port group to each of the third port groups in a time-division manner under the control of the control module. This enables time-division connectivity between the first port group and each I / O channel. The signal distribution module then generates a first test signal in response to a first control signal, which is transmitted to the corresponding I / O channel. Alternatively, the I / O channel generates a second test signal in response to a second control signal, which is transmitted to the signal transceiver module. The signal transceiver module then reads the second test signal to generate an actual verification signal, which is transmitted to the control module for verification. The signal transceiver module, signal distribution module, and control module complete the automatic calibration and verification of multiple I / O channels of the module under test. The entire process is automated, requiring no manual intervention, thus improving testing speed and reducing testing time.

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a signal distribution module provided in an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 Optionally, the signal distribution module 13 includes at least one gating switch corresponding to at least one first port group 14; The gating switch includes a common terminal K1 and at least two gating terminals K2 corresponding to at least two third port groups 16. The common terminal K1 is connected to the corresponding first port group 14, and the gating terminals K2 are connected to the corresponding third port groups 16. The control terminal of the gating switch is connected to the control module 10. For any first port group 14, the control module is used to control the common terminal to connect with each selected terminal in a time-division manner, so as to connect the first port group 14 with each third port group 16 in a time-division manner.

[0028] Figure 2 The example illustrates time-division communication between the first port group 14 and each of the third port groups 16 via a gating switch. Figure 2 The example uses a first port group 14 as an example, and exemplarily shows that the signal distribution module 13 includes two third port groups, referred to as the first third port group and the second third port group respectively. The first port group 14 includes a first sub-port 141 and a second sub-port 142. The first third port group includes a third sub-port 161 and a fourth sub-port 162. The second third port group includes a fifth sub-port 163 and a sixth sub-port 164. The third sub-port 161 is connected to the positive terminal D0+ of the first IO channel, the fourth sub-port 162 is connected to the negative terminal D0- of the first IO channel, the fifth sub-port 163 is connected to the positive terminal D1+ of the second IO channel, and the sixth sub-port 164 is connected to the negative terminal D1- of the second IO channel.

[0029] When both the first and third port groups contain positive and negative signal ports, the gating switch is a double-pole multi-throw (DPMW) switch. The DPMW switch has two common terminals, denoted as positive common terminal K1-1 and negative common terminal K1-2. Positive common terminal K1-1 is connected to the first sub-port 141, and negative common terminal K1-2 is connected to the second sub-port 142. Each gating terminal includes two ports: a positive gating terminal and a negative gating terminal. Figure 2 For example, the device includes a first selection terminal and a second selection terminal. The first selection terminal includes a first positive selection terminal K2-1 and a first negative selection terminal K2-2. The second selection terminal includes a second positive selection terminal K2-3 and a second negative selection terminal K2-4. The first positive selection terminal K2-1 is connected to the third sub-port 161, the first negative selection terminal K2-2 is connected to the fourth sub-port 162, the second positive selection terminal K2-3 is connected to the fifth sub-port 163, and the second negative selection terminal K2-4 is connected to the sixth sub-port 164.

[0030] When the control module 10 controls the first port group 14 to connect with each of the third port groups 16 time-sharing, it first controls the positive common terminal K1-1 to connect with the first positive select terminal K2-1, and simultaneously controls the negative common terminal K1-2 to connect with the first negative select terminal K2-2, thereby forming a loop between the first IO channel and the first port group 14 for signal transmission. Then, it controls the positive common terminal K1-1 to connect with the second positive select terminal K2-3, and simultaneously controls the negative common terminal K1-2 to connect with the second negative select terminal K2-4, thereby forming a loop between the second IO channel and the first port group 14 for signal transmission.

[0031] When both the first port group 14 and the third port group 16 include only one signal port, the selection switch is a single-pole multi-throw switch, and the specific principle is the same as... Figure 2 Similarly, I will not go into details here.

[0032] The signal distribution module 13 uses a gating switch to achieve time-division gating of the first port group 14 and multiple third port groups 16, which is simple in structure and easy to implement.

[0033] In addition to using a gating switch to achieve time-division gating of the first port group 14 and multiple third port groups 16, the signal distribution module 13 can also achieve this through a crosspoint switch group. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another signal distribution module provided in an embodiment of the present invention, with reference to... Figure 1 and Figure 3 Each first port group 14 includes at least one first port, each third port group 16 includes at least one third port, and the signal distribution module 13 includes m first ports and n third ports; m is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and n is an integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0034] The first port and the third port are connected by a cross-point switch group, which includes m first signal lines, n second signal lines, and m×n switching devices. Each switching device is connected at the intersection of a first signal line and a second signal line.

[0035] The cross-point switch assembly is connected to the control module 10, that is, each switching device is connected to the control module 10.

[0036] This embodiment exemplifies that when m is 8 and n is 16, the signal distribution module 13 includes 8 first ports, denoted as A1-A8, and 16 third ports, denoted as B1-B16. The 8 first signal lines are denoted as L1-L8, and the 16 second signal lines are denoted as h1-h16. Among the 16 third ports, every two ports connect to one I / O channel, specifically connecting to the positive and negative terminals of the I / O channel. For example, the first third port B1 connects to the positive terminal DO+ of the first I / O channel, the second third port B2 connects to the negative terminal DO- of the first I / O channel, and so on.

[0037] Taking a first port A1 and a second port A2 as an example, which together form a first port group for transmitting voltage signals, and a third port B1 and a second port B2 as an example, the control module 10 first controls the switch S11 at the intersection of the first signal line L1 and the first signal line h1 to close, and controls the switch S22 at the intersection of the second signal line L2 and the second signal line h2 to close, thereby realizing information interaction between the first IO channel and the signal transceiver module 11. Then, after controlling the switch S11 at the intersection of the first signal line L1 and the first signal line h1 to open, and controlling the switch S22 at the intersection of the second signal line L2 and the second signal line h2 to open, the control module 10 controls the switch at the intersection of the first signal line L1 and the third signal line to close, and controls the switch at the intersection of the second signal line L2 and the fourth signal line to close, thereby realizing information interaction between the first IO channel and the signal transceiver module 11. Similarly, cross switches are used to achieve time-division connectivity between the first port group and each of the third port groups in order to calibrate and test each IO channel.

[0038] Optionally, the switching device is a relay. The control terminal (coil) and the controlled terminal (contact) of the relay are electrically isolated, which has strong anti-interference ability and less stringent requirements for the control signal. Unlike MOSFETs, it does not require a precise gate drive voltage and has strong overload and surge resistance.

[0039] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 Optionally, at least one first port group includes a voltage port group for transmitting voltage, a current port group for transmitting current, and a resistance port group for transmitting resistance.

[0040] For example, the first port A1 and the second port A2 constitute a voltage port group, the third port A3 and the fourth port A4 constitute a current port group, and the fifth port A5 and the sixth port A6 constitute a resistance port group. When performing voltage calibration and testing, the first control signal generates a first preset voltage, and the second control signal causes the I / O channel to output a second preset voltage. The first preset voltage and the second preset voltage can be the same or different. When performing current calibration and testing, the first control signal generates a first preset current, and the second control signal causes the I / O channel to output a second preset current. The first preset current and the second preset current can be the same or different. When performing resistance calibration and testing, the first control signal generates a first preset resistance, and the second control signal causes the I / O channel to output a second preset resistance. The first preset resistance and the second preset resistance can be the same or different.

[0041] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3 Optionally, the control module 10 is used to perform time-division strobing operations on each of the first port groups in sequence; wherein, the time-division strobing operation includes: the control signal distribution module 13 connecting the current first port group 14 to each of the third port groups 16 in a time-division manner, so as to output the first test signal to each IO channel 17 of the module under test in a time-division manner, or sending the second test signal of each IO channel of the module under test 12 to the signal transceiver module 11 in a time-division manner.

[0042] In one optional implementation, the control module 10 sorts the first port groups according to a preset test order. Then, according to the preset test order, for the current first port group, the control signal distribution module 13 connects the first port group 14 to each of the third port groups 16 sequentially to perform signal calibration for each IO channel. After the signal calibration is completed, the control signal distribution module 13 again connects the first port group 14 to each of the third port groups 16 sequentially to perform signal verification for each IO channel. Then, the operation proceeds to the next first port group.

[0043] In one optional implementation, for the voltage port group, the voltage port group is first connected to each of the third port groups 16 in stages, and the voltage of each IO channel is calibrated sequentially. After the voltage calibration is completed, the signal distribution module 13 is controlled to connect the voltage port group to each of the third port groups 16 in stages again to perform voltage verification of each IO channel sequentially. After the voltage port group test is completed, the current port group test begins. For the current port group, the current port group is connected to each of the third port groups 16 in stages, and the current of each IO channel is calibrated sequentially. After the current calibration is completed, the signal distribution module 13 is controlled to connect the current port group to each of the third port groups 16 in stages again to perform current verification of each IO channel sequentially. After the current port group test is completed, the resistance port group test begins. For the resistance port group, the resistance port group is connected to each of the third port groups 16 in stages, and the resistance of each IO channel is calibrated sequentially. After the resistance calibration is completed, the signal distribution module 13 is controlled to connect the resistance port group to each of the third port groups 16 in stages again to perform resistance verification of each IO channel sequentially.

[0044] The signal transceiver module 11 includes a communication unit, a signal generation unit, and a measurement unit; The communication unit is connected to the control module; The signal generating unit is connected to the communication unit and also to each of the first port groups 14. The signal generating unit is used to generate a first test signal according to the first control signal. The measurement unit is connected to the communication unit and also to each of the first port groups 14, for generating actual test signals based on the second test signal.

[0045] For the scheme of sequential time-division multiplexing of the first port groups, a first switch is connected between the signal generation unit and each first port group. One end of the first switch is connected to the output of the signal generation unit, and the other end is connected to each first port group. A second switch is also connected between the measurement unit and each first port group. One end of the second switch is connected to the input of the measurement unit, and the other end is connected to each first port group. When the control module 10 outputs a first control signal, it synchronously controls the first switch to close and the second switch to open to calibrate the signals of each IO channel. When the control module outputs a second control signal, it synchronously controls the first switch to open and the second switch to close to verify the signals of each IO channel.

[0046] The signal generation unit generates standard signals such as voltage, current, and resistance based on the first control signal from the control module 10. The measurement unit reads back the second test signal generated by the IO channel to determine whether the second test signal is within the required accuracy range.

[0047] Optionally, the communication unit is a USB interface, which is used to realize electrical connection and data communication between the control module 10 and the signal generation unit and the measurement unit. It should be noted that the USB interface in this embodiment refers to a physical interface and its communication protocol conforming to the Universal Serial Bus standard, including but not limited to USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB Type-C, or Micro-USB interfaces. Those skilled in the art should understand that the above examples are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0048] Continue to refer to Figure 1 Optionally, the control module includes a first communication interface, the signal distribution module 13 includes a second communication interface, and the automated testing device for the IO module also includes a protocol conversion module 18, which includes a third communication interface and a fourth communication interface. The third communication interface is connected to the first communication interface, and the fourth communication interface is connected to the second communication interface. The protocol conversion module 18 is configured to: convert the signal received from the control module 10 via the third communication interface into a protocol format and send the converted signal to the signal distribution module via the fourth communication interface; and / or, convert the signal received from the signal distribution module 13 via the fourth communication interface into a protocol format and send the converted signal to the control module 10 via the third communication interface.

[0049] The protocol conversion module 18 is used to convert the first control signal generated based on the first type of protocol into the first intermediate signal generated based on the second type of protocol so that the signal distribution module 13 can recognize it. At the same time, it is also used to perform protocol conversion on the signal generated by the signal distribution module, converting it into a signal generated based on the first type of protocol so that the control module 10 can recognize it.

[0050] Optionally, the first communication interface is a USB interface, and the second communication interface is an RS-485 interface. The signal distribution module 13 and the protocol conversion module 18 transmit data frames based on the Modbus protocol through the RS-485 interface.

[0051] The signal distribution module 13 and the protocol conversion module 18 communicate via an RS-485 interface. Specifically, the first communication interface of the protocol conversion module 18 is a USB interface, used to connect the control module 10, such as an external host computer or main control device; the second communication interface of the protocol conversion module 18 is an RS-485 interface, used to connect the signal distribution module 13.

[0052] During signal transmission, when data flows from the USB interface to the RS-485 interface, the protocol conversion module 18 first receives the USB protocol data packet from the control module through its USB physical layer, unpacks the USB data packet, and extracts the payload data. Then, the protocol conversion module 18 encapsulates the payload data according to the Modbus protocol data frame format to generate a Modbus data frame. Finally, the protocol conversion module 18 sends the Modbus data frame to the signal distribution module 13 in the form of a differential signal through its RS-485 transceiver.

[0053] Conversely, when data flows from the signal distribution module 13 to the control module, the protocol conversion module 18 receives the Modbus data frame returned by the signal distribution module 13 through its RS-485 interface, parses the Modbus data frame to extract valid data, encapsulates the valid data into a data packet conforming to the USB protocol, and finally uploads it to the control module through the USB interface. In this way, bidirectional conversion and transparent transmission between the USB protocol and the Modbus protocol (specifically, the Modbus RTU communication protocol) are achieved.

[0054] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used, with steps reordered, added, or deleted. For example, the steps described in this invention can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution of this invention can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0055] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. An automated testing device for I / O modules, characterized in that, include: The control module is used to output the first control signal and the second control signal; A signal transceiver module, connected to the control module, is used to output a first test signal to the IO channel of the module under test in response to the first control signal, and to receive a second test signal returned by the IO channel of the module under test in response to the second control signal and generate an actual test signal. The control module is used to compare the actual test signal with the target test signal represented by the second control signal and output a test result signal. The signal distribution module includes at least one first port group, and the signal transceiver module includes at least one second port group corresponding to the at least one first port group, wherein the first port group is connected to the corresponding second port group; the module under test includes at least two IO channels, and the signal distribution module further includes at least two third port groups corresponding to the at least two IO channels, wherein the third port groups are connected to the corresponding IO channels; For any of the first port groups, the control module is used to control the signal distribution module to connect the first port group to each of the third port groups in a time-division manner, so as to output the first test signal to each IO channel of the module under test in a time-division manner, or to send the second test signal of each IO channel of the module under test to the signal transceiver module in a time-division manner.

2. The automated testing device for I / O modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, The signal distribution module includes at least one gating switch corresponding to the at least one first port group; The gating switch includes a common terminal and at least two gating terminals corresponding to the at least two third port groups. The common terminal is connected to the corresponding first port group, the gating terminals are connected to the corresponding third port groups, and the control terminal of the gating switch is connected to the control module. For any of the first port groups, the control module is used to control the common terminal to connect with each of the selected terminals in a time-division manner, so as to connect the first port group with each of the third port groups in a time-division manner.

3. The automated testing device for I / O modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each first port group includes at least one first port, each third port group includes at least one third port, and the signal distribution module includes m first ports and n third ports; m is an integer greater than or equal to 1, and n is an integer greater than or equal to 2. The first port and the third port are connected by a crosspoint switch group, which includes m first signal lines, n second signal lines and m×n switching devices. Each of the switching devices is connected to the intersection of a first signal line and a second signal line. Each of the aforementioned switching devices is connected to the control module.

4. The automated testing device for I / O modules according to claim 3, characterized in that, The switching device is a relay.

5. The automated testing device for I / O modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one first port group includes a voltage port group for transmitting voltage, a current port group for transmitting current, and a resistance port group for transmitting resistance.

6. The automated testing device for I / O modules according to claim 5, characterized in that, The control module is used to sequentially perform time-division strobing operations on each of the first port groups; wherein, the time-division strobing operation includes: controlling the signal distribution module to connect the current first port group to each of the third port groups in a time-division manner, so as to output the first test signal to each IO channel of the module under test in a time-division manner, or, sending the second test signal of each IO channel of the module under test to the signal transceiver module in a time-division manner.

7. The automated testing device for I / O modules according to claim 6, characterized in that, The signal transceiver module includes a communication unit, a signal generation unit, and a measurement unit; The communication unit is connected to the control module; The signal generating unit is connected to the communication unit and also to each of the first port groups, and is used to generate the first test signal according to the first control signal; The measurement unit is connected to the communication unit and also to each of the first port groups, for generating the actual test signal based on the second test signal.

8. The automated testing device for I / O modules according to claim 7, characterized in that, The communication unit is a USB interface.

9. The automated testing device for I / O modules according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control module includes a first communication interface, the signal distribution module includes a second communication interface, and the automated testing device for the IO module further includes a protocol conversion module, which includes a third communication interface and a fourth communication interface. The third communication interface is communicatively connected to the first communication interface, and the fourth communication interface is communicatively connected to the second communication interface; The protocol conversion module is configured to: convert the protocol format of the signal received from the control module via the third communication interface, and send the converted signal to the signal distribution module via the fourth communication interface; and / or, convert the protocol format of the signal received from the signal distribution module via the fourth communication interface, and send the converted signal to the control module via the third communication interface.

10. The automated testing device for I / O modules according to claim 9, characterized in that, The first communication interface is a USB interface, and the second communication interface is an RS-485 interface. The signal distribution module and the protocol conversion module transmit data frames based on the Modbus protocol through the RS-485 interface.

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