Signal distribution equipment and system

Abstract

A signal distribution device disclosed by the present application comprises a control module and a switch matrix module, the switch matrix module comprises a plurality of first connection portions, a plurality of second connection portions and a plurality of switch elements, and each first connection portion is connected with each second connection portion through the switch element. The switching element is configured to be capable of switching between an on state and an off state so as to selectively establish a signal path from the first connecting part to the second connecting part, and the control module is connected with the switching element and used for controlling state switching of the switching element; wherein the first connecting part is used for connecting IO equipment, and the second connecting part is used for connecting a target object. Different signal paths between the IO equipment and the target object can be realized through the switch matrix module, and the target object can be connected to different IO interfaces through the signal distribution equipment only by being connected to the signal distribution equipment, so that the method is more flexible, convenient, time-saving and labor-saving.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of signal transmission, in particular to a signal distribution device and system. BACKGROUND

[0002] In application scenarios such as testing, data acquisition, device control, etc., due to the limited number and types of communication interfaces of the host, the host is generally connected to an IO device and uses multiple IO interfaces provided by the IO device to connect electronic devices, so as to realize the communication connection between the host and the electronic devices, so that the host and the electronic devices can transmit data to perform data acquisition, testing, control, etc.

[0003] However, in the prior art, the following problems exist:

[0004] 1. If the IO interface connected to the electronic device fails, or the connection relationship between the electronic device and the IO device needs to be reconfigured during testing or data acquisition, the connection between the wiring harness and the IO interface needs to be manually disconnected, and the electronic device and the IO interface need to be reconnected using the wiring harness.

[0005] 2. The position of the IO device and the position of the IO interface are basically fixed, which may cause problems such as small wiring space and difficult operation, and the wiring operation takes a long time. In application scenarios such as testing, data acquisition, device control, etc., the connected electronic devices may be frequently replaced or adjusted, and the wiring needs to be frequently performed.

[0006] It can be seen that in the prior art, the connection operation between the electronic device and the IO device is time-consuming and labor-intensive. SUMMARY

[0007] The embodiments of the present application provide a signal distribution device and system, which can realize different signal paths between the IO device and the target object through the switch matrix module. The target object only needs to be connected to the signal distribution device, and can be connected to different IO interfaces through the signal distribution device, which is more flexible, convenient, time-saving and labor-saving.

[0008] The embodiments of the present application provide a signal distribution device, which comprises a control module and a switch matrix module. The switch matrix module comprises a plurality of first connection parts, a plurality of second connection parts and a plurality of switch elements. Each first connection part is connected to each second connection part through a switch element. The switch element is configured to be switchable between a conduction state and a disconnection state, so as to selectively connect the first connection part and the second connection part. The control module is connected to the switch element and is used to control the state switching of the switch element. The first connection part is used to connect an IO device, and the second connection part is used to connect a target object. The target object comprises any one or more of the following: an electronic device mounted on a vehicle, a measured object, and an auxiliary device for assisting the testing of the measured object.

[0009] The embodiment of the present application provides a system, comprising a host, an IO device, the signal distribution device, the host is connected with the IO device, the first connecting part of the switch matrix module of the signal distribution device is used for connecting the IO device, and the second connecting part of the switch matrix module is used for connecting a target object.

[0010] In some embodiments, the signal distribution device comprises a plurality of switch matrix modules, and the scales of at least two switch matrix modules are different, wherein the number of the first connecting parts and / or the second connecting parts of the switch matrix modules with different scales is different.

[0011] In some embodiments, the signal distribution device comprises a plurality of switch matrix modules, and the maximum carrying currents of at least two switch matrix modules are different.

[0012] In some embodiments, the maximum carrying currents of at least two switch elements are different.

[0013] In some embodiments, the signal distribution device comprises a plurality of switch matrix modules, and the plurality of switch matrix modules are arranged on a plurality of circuit boards.

[0014] In some embodiments, part or all of the switch elements in the switch matrix module are double-pole single-throw switches, two input ends of the double-pole single-throw switch are respectively connected with two first connecting parts, and two output ends of the double-pole single-throw switch are respectively connected with two second connecting parts.

[0015] In some embodiments, the control module is connected with a communication interface, the communication interface is used for connecting an external device, so as to transmit data between the control module and the external device.

[0016] In some embodiments, the signal distribution device further comprises a heat dissipation structure, and the heat dissipation structure is used for dissipating heat of the switch matrix module.

[0017] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a backboard, the host, the IO device and the signal distribution device are respectively provided with connectors, the connectors are used for being connected to connectors on the backboard, signal lines are arranged between the connectors on the backboard, and the host, the IO device and the signal distribution device are respectively connected with the signal lines through the connectors and the connectors. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed in the embodiment description will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of connecting a host to an electronic device through an IO device in the prior art;

[0020] Figure 2 is a structural schematic diagram of a signal distribution device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of a signal distribution device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0022] Figure 4 is a structural schematic diagram of a signal distribution device provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0023] Figure 5 is a structural schematic diagram of a switch matrix module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0024] Figure 6 is a structural schematic diagram of a switch matrix module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0025] Figure 7 is a structural schematic diagram of a switch matrix module provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0026] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of an application scenario of a system provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of a backboard and a connector on the backboard provided in an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, rather than all the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Meanwhile, in the description of the embodiments of the present application, the terms are only used for distinguishing description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance. Therefore, the features with “first” and “second” can explicitly or implicitly include one or more features. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, the meaning of “multiple” is two or more than two, unless otherwise specifically limited.

[0029] In the prior art, as shown in FIG. 1, a host is connected to an electronic device through an IO device. Figure 1As shown, the host is connected with the IO device, and is connected to the target object through the IO device, wherein the host is connected with at least one IO device, one IO device has a plurality of IO interfaces, the IO interface is used to be connected with the communication medium connected to the target object, so that the host communicates with the target object through the IO device and the communication medium, and performs data collection, testing and other operations on the target object.

[0030] However, the prior art has the following problems: when a certain IO device fails, or a certain IO interface of the IO device fails, or the connection relationship between the IO device and the target object needs to be reconfigured, the wiring between the IO interface and the target object needs to be disconnected and then reconnected, and the installation position of the IO device in the field is basically fixed, which may result in a narrow space at the IO interface and difficulty in wiring. Therefore, the wiring operation between the target object and the IO device is time-consuming and laborious.

[0031] To solve the above problems, an embodiment of the present application provides a signal distribution device, as shown in Figure 2 As shown, the signal distribution device comprises a control module and a switch matrix module, the switch matrix module comprises a plurality of first connection parts, a plurality of second connection parts and a plurality of switch elements, each first connection part is connected with each second connection part through a switch element, the switch element is configured to be switchable between a conduction state and a disconnection state to selectively connect the first connection part with the second connection part, the control module is connected with the switch element to control the state switching of the switch element; wherein the first connection part is used to connect the IO device, the second connection part is used to connect the target object, and the target object comprises any one or more of the following: an electronic device installed on a vehicle, a measured object, and an auxiliary device for assisting the test of the measured object.

[0032] When the switch element between a first connection part and a second connection part is in the conduction state, the first connection part is connected with the second connection part, and a signal path is established between the first connection part and the second connection part, at this time, the IO device connected with the first connection part and the target object connected with the second connection part can transmit signals, when the switch element between a first connection part and a second connection part is in the disconnection state, the first connection part and the second connection part cannot be connected, at this time, the IO device connected with the first connection part and the target object connected with the second connection part cannot transmit signals. In addition, it is also not excluded that the first connection part and the second connection part establish a signal path when the switch element is in the disconnection state, and the first connection part and the second connection part cannot be connected when the switch element is in the conduction state.

[0033] Thus, different first connection parts can be connected with the same second connection part at different time, and the same first connection part can be connected with different second connection parts at different time by switching the state of the switching element between each first connection part and each second connection part, so that signal distribution between different IO devices and different target objects is realized.

[0034] The signal distribution device can be applied in a data acquisition system or a test system, which comprises a host and an IO device, the host is connected with the IO device, the first connection part of the switch matrix module of the signal distribution device is used for connecting the IO device, and the second connection part of the switch matrix module is used for connecting a target object.

[0035] In one example, the host has the ability to execute program instructions and process data, and can be any circuit, circuit board, device with a processor, for example, can refer to a circuit board or combination of multiple circuit boards containing a processor, and for another example, can also include circuit boards containing processors and mechanical structures such as housings. The processor therein refers to a processor that can be used to run an operating system. The operating system configured in the host can be a real-time operating system, such as QNX operating system, Linux operating system, etc., or a desktop operating system, such as Windows operating system, Mac operating system, etc.

[0036] In some examples, the host is configured with a real-time operating system, which can ensure that events are responded to within a predetermined time, which is crucial for time-sensitive tasks. The host can serve as an industrial computer during data acquisition or testing, i.e., a lower computer, which has high real-time performance and reliability, and can obtain data sent by the target object through the IO device, and directly control the data acquisition and testing process of the target object. The host can also be connected to a computing device at the same time, and the computing device is equipped with a desktop operating system. The computing device can serve as an upper computer, which is connected with the industrial computer and controls the data acquisition and testing process of the target object by controlling the industrial computer. The computing device can be a server, a computer, a tablet computer, and a circuit board with a processor, wherein the processor is a processor that can be used to run an operating system. The computing device can run target software, which performs to cooperate with the host to perform testing, data acquisition, etc. The target software can be simulation software, data analysis software, etc.

[0037] The industrial computer is used for controlling the test process when testing, including running test cases, sending simulation signals to target objects, etc. The industrial computer is used for controlling the data collection process when collecting data, including adding timestamps to collected data, filtering collected data, etc. During the data collection or test process, the industrial computer realizes human-computer interaction with users through the host computer, and then the users can monitor and / or influence the test or data collection performed by the industrial computer through the host computer. The influence can include before and during the test or data collection, such as selecting and configuring test environments, test cases, etc., configuring collection frequencies and storage paths.

[0038] It should be noted that the host computer can be connected to the computing device throughout the data collection and testing process, or can be connected to the computing device during part of the data collection and testing process, such as before the data collection and testing process, or during the data collection and testing process.

[0039] In some examples, the host computer is configured with a desktop operating system, which provides a user-friendly graphical interface, enabling intuitive human-computer interaction and supporting the installation of a wide range of application software. The host computer can serve as an industrial computer during data collection or testing, without the need to connect a computing device as a host computer. It can provide a user interface and communicate with target objects through connected IO devices, directly controlling the data collection and testing process of target objects, such as collecting information from target objects and sending signals to target objects. Although the real-time performance and stability of the desktop operating system are lower than those of the real-time operating system, it can still meet the requirements of some data collection or testing scenarios with low real-time performance requirements.

[0040] During data collection or testing, the number of industrial computers can be one or more, i.e., the number of host computers can be one or more, and the host computer can also be connected to a computing device as a host computer. The test performed by the host computer on the target object can be at least one of HIL testing, RCP testing, simulation testing, and back-annotation testing.

[0041] In addition, the host computer can also be connected to a storage device, and during data collection or testing, the data received by the host computer from the target object is stored in the storage device, and the data generated by the host computer is stored in the storage device.

[0042] In one example, the target object can be an electronic device installed on a vehicle, and the host computer is connected to the target object to collect data from the target object, which serves as a data source. The host computer can receive and record signals emitted by the target object, thereby achieving data collection of the target object. Further, during data collection, the host computer can also send trigger signals, feedback signals, etc. to the target object to trigger the target object to output signals.

[0043] The vehicle can be a car, a high-speed train, a drone, an airplane, etc. The vehicle is equipped with electronic devices, including sensors, controllers, and actuators. The sensors can be cameras, laser radars, temperature sensors, acceleration sensors, gyroscopes, GPS, etc. The controllers can be electronic control units (ECUs), battery management units, cockpit controllers, flight control units, etc. The actuators can be motors, engines, speakers, etc.

[0044] In one example, the target object can be a device under test. In this case, the host is connected to the target object to test the target object. The target object can refer to a device under test in a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test. For example, the target object can be a controller in the development process and / or in the verification phase.

[0045] In one example, the target object can include electronic devices installed on a vehicle and a device under test, such as a device under test mounted on a vehicle for testing in an actual operating environment.

[0046] In one example, the target object can be an auxiliary device used to assist the device under test in testing, such as a simulation device used to simulate sensors and actuators. For example, a test bench is built to simulate part of the electrical system of a vehicle for software algorithm testing. The test bench can be a driver operation test bench. For example, in rapid control prototyping (RCP) testing, the host runs the software under test (e.g., an algorithm, a model, etc.). The target object connected to the host is the sensor, the actuator, etc. that the software under test communicates with when applied to a vehicle.

[0047] In one example, the target object can include a device under test and an auxiliary device used to assist the device under test in testing. For example, when testing an ECU, in addition to the original sensors of the vehicle, additional sensors, controllers, actuators, etc. are installed to obtain more data and facilitate analysis of the test results.

[0048] In one example, the IO device comprises at least one host connection interface and a plurality of IO interfaces, wherein the host connection interface transmits signals of any one of the following types: PCIE signals, USB signals, traditional Ethernet signals, EtherNet signals, IIC signals, SPI signals, GPIO signals, etc. One type of IO interface is used to transmit one type of signal, wherein one IO interface transmits signals of any one of the following types: CAN bus signals, LIN bus signals, FlexRay bus signals, vehicle Ethernet bus signals, SENT bus signals, DSI bus signals, PSI bus signals, K-Line bus signals, analog voltage output signals, digital voltage output signals, analog voltage input signals, digital voltage input signals, analog voltage output signals, digital voltage output signals, analog voltage input signals, digital voltage input signals. For example, the DSI bus signal is a DSI3 bus signal, and the PSI bus signal is a PSI5 bus signal.

[0049] The IO device can perform signal type conversion on the signals received by the host connection interface and send them through an IO interface, and / or perform signal type conversion on the signals received by an IO interface and send them through a host connection interface. For example, the IO device is a CAN bus card that is provided with a USB interface and a CAN bus interface, the USB interface is used to connect to a host, and the CAN bus interface is used to transmit and receive CAN bus signals.

[0050] In one example, the host is connected to at least one IO device, and all the IO devices connected to the host comprise at least two types of IO interfaces, all the IO interfaces of the IO devices connected to the host are connected to the signal distribution device, and the host communicates with the target object through the IO devices, the signal distribution device, and the communication medium.

[0051] In one example, the host is connected to at least one IO device, and all the IO devices connected to the host comprise at least two types of IO interfaces, part of the IO interfaces are connected to the signal distribution device, the host communicates with the target object through the IO devices, the signal distribution device, and the communication medium, and part of the IO interfaces are used to connect to the communication medium, and the host communicates with the target object through the IO devices and the communication medium.

[0052] In this way, the user can connect the IO device to the target object through the signal distribution device or directly connect the IO device to the target object, which is more flexible and can meet more diverse application scenarios, such as connecting the IO interface with a small wiring space to the signal distribution device or directly connecting the IO interface that does not need to be frequently replaced to the target object.

[0053] In one example, the communication medium is a signal line for transmitting a signal, and different types of communication medium differ in the type of signal supported for transmission. In general, communication medium is divided into bus signal lines and unidirectional transmission signal lines. One type of bus signal line supports one type of bus signal, and the bus signal supported by one bus signal line is any one of the following: CAN bus signal, LIN bus signal, FlexRay bus signal, vehicle-mounted Ethernet bus signal, SENT bus signal, DSI bus signal, PSI bus signal, K-Line bus signal. One type of unidirectional transmission signal line supports one type of unidirectional transmission signal, and the unidirectional transmission signal supported by one unidirectional transmission signal line is any one of the following: analog voltage output signal, digital voltage output signal, analog voltage input signal, digital voltage input signal, analog voltage output signal, digital voltage output signal, analog voltage input signal, digital voltage input signal. In addition, the communication medium can also include interfaces or terminals on the target object for connecting bus signal lines and unidirectional transmission signal lines, and can also include connectors and the like provided for connecting bus signal lines and unidirectional transmission signal lines to the target object.

[0054] One target object is connected to at least one type of communication medium, and the number of each type of communication medium connected to the target object is one or more. For example, the target object is an ECU, which is connected to one CAN bus and two analog voltage input signal lines.

[0055] The signal distribution device is connected to at least one IO device and at least one target object. The first connection part is used to connect to the IO interface on the IO device, and the second connection part is used to connect to the communication medium connected to the target object. As shown in Figure 3 Without changing the wiring between the target object and the signal distribution device, and without changing the wiring between the IO device and the signal distribution device, by switching the state of the switching elements of the switching matrix module, any IO interface connected to the signal distribution device can be connected to any communication medium connected to the signal distribution device, or any IO interface connected to the signal distribution device can be disconnected from all communication media, so that the IO interface is in a disconnected state, or any communication medium connected to the signal distribution device can be disconnected from all IO interfaces, so that the communication medium is in a disconnected state.

[0056] Therefore, by connecting the IO device and the target object through the signal distribution device, when the IO device fails, the IO interface fails, or the connection relationship between the target object and the IO device needs to be reconfigured, it is not necessary to rewire, and the user can use it more simply and conveniently.

[0057] In addition, although the positions of the IO device and the IO interface are fixed, after the IO device and the IO interface are connected to the signal distribution device, the communication medium of the target object only needs to be connected to the signal distribution device to be connected to the IO interface through the signal distribution device, so that the IO interface with a small space and inconvenient wiring can be connected to the signal distribution device, and then the communication medium of the target object is connected to the signal distribution device, so that wiring operation at the IO interface with a small space can be avoided, and the user can use more simply and conveniently.

[0058] In one example, the first connection part and the second connection part are PIN, or socket, pad, connector, etc. The first connection part can be connected to the IO interface through a wire harness, or can be connected to the IO interface through a wire harness and a connector. The connector can include a plug and a socket. The plug and the socket are connected to the IO interface and the first connection part, respectively. When the plug and the socket are connected together, the IO interface and the first connection part are in conduction. The second connection part can be connected to the communication medium through a wire harness, or can be connected to the general medium through a wire harness and a connector. The connector can include a plug and a socket. The plug and the socket are connected to the communication medium and the second connection part, respectively. When the plug and the socket are connected together, the communication medium and the second connection part are in conduction. For example, the second connection part is connected to a DB9 connector, and the DB9 connector is used to connect a CAN bus.

[0059] It should be noted that the switch matrix module includes a plurality of channels. One channel is a signal path formed by one first connection part and one second connection part. One channel is used to transmit signals between IO interfaces and communication media of the same signal type. That is, when the switch matrix module connects one IO interface and one communication medium and enables communication between them, the signal types of the IO interface and the communication medium are the same, for example, the CAN interface of the IO device is connected to the CAN bus.

[0060] In one example, a plurality of second connection parts are connected to a plurality of signal connectors. One type of signal connector is used to transmit one type of signal. The signal type transmitted by one signal connector is any one of the following: CAN bus signal, LIN bus signal, FlexRay bus signal, vehicle-mounted Ethernet bus signal, SENT bus signal, DSI bus signal, PSI bus signal, K-Line bus signal. One type of unidirectional transmission signal line supports the transmission of one type of unidirectional transmission signal. The unidirectional transmission signal supported by one unidirectional transmission signal line is any one of the following: analog voltage output signal, digital voltage output signal, analog voltage input signal, digital voltage input signal, analog voltage output signal, digital voltage output signal, analog voltage input signal, digital voltage input signal.

[0061] In this way, the communication medium of the target object can be connected to the signal connector of the same signal type, and the control switch element is controlled to connect the second connection part connected to the signal connector to the IO interface of the same signal type, so that the host can communicate with the target object through the IO interface, the signal distribution device and the communication medium. When the IO interface fails or the communication medium needs to be connected to another IO interface, only the state of the switch element in the switch matrix module needs to be changed.

[0062] In one example, the plurality of second connection parts are configured to be connected to a plurality of universal connection parts, and the universal connection parts are configured to be able to connect communication media of different signal types at different time periods. The universal connection parts and the channels are configured to transmit signals between the communication media of the same signal type and the IO interface, and do not involve processing, modulation and demodulation, serialization and deserialization, protocol conversion and other operations on the signals, but only transmit the signals between the communication media and the IO interface.

[0063] In one example, at least two universal connection parts of the plurality of universal connection parts are of different types, and the difference between the universal connection parts of different types lies in the communication media supported by the universal connection parts. For example, one type of universal connection part supports connection of CAN bus and LIN bus, one type of universal connection part supports connection of CAN bus, LIN bus and FlexRay bus, one type of universal connection part supports connection of analog current input signal line and digital voltage input signal line, and one type of universal connection part supports connection of analog current output signal line and analog voltage output signal line.

[0064] In some examples, the universal connection part has two signal ends, and most types of signals are transmitted through two signal lines. Therefore, the universal connection part can connect communication media of different signal types, such as CAN_H line and CAN_L line of CAN bus and input line and ground line of analog current input signal line.

[0065] In some examples, the universal connection part has one signal end, and one communication medium can be connected to two universal connection parts. The two universal connection parts can transmit signals between the connected communication medium and an IO interface, which can further decouple the connection parts to adapt to different application requirements. In addition, for some special communication media, such as PSI bus, the safety and reliability of electrical connection can be ensured. In a further example, the electronic system further comprises a GND connection part, and one communication medium can be connected to one universal connection part and one GND connection part. The GND connection part is a universal connection part for connecting the ground line of the communication medium.

[0066] In the technical solution of this application, the universal connector can be compatible with communication media of different signal types. When connecting the target object to the electronic system, it is not necessary to wire according to the signal type of the communication medium connected to the target object. It is only necessary to connect the communication medium connected to the target object to the universal connector, which makes the wiring operation more time-saving and labor-saving.

[0067] Furthermore, since the universal connector and channel transmit signals between the communication medium and the I / O interface, there is no need to make large-scale modifications to the communication medium and the I / O interface, and it can be easily applied to existing technologies.

[0068] In one example, multiple first connection parts of the signal distribution device are connected to different I / O interfaces, multiple second connection parts of the signal distribution device are connected to different general connection parts, and among the multiple I / O interfaces connected to the host, some I / O interfaces are connected to multiple first connection parts, and some I / O interfaces are connected to multiple signal connectors.

[0069] In one example, the switching element can be a signal-controlled switch such as a relay or transistor switch. Transistor switches are among the most common switching elements, including bipolar junction transistors (BJTs) and field-effect transistors (FETs). BJTs can be NPN or PNP type, while FETs can be JFETs, MOSFETs, or IGBTs. These switching elements can control the switching of collector / drain current by controlling the base / gate voltage.

[0070] In one example, such as Figure 4 As shown, the signal distribution equipment includes multiple switch matrix modules. This improves the reliability and redundancy of the equipment; if one switch matrix fails, the others can continue to operate, ensuring the normal use of the signal distribution equipment. Secondly, the architecture of multiple switch matrix modules facilitates structural expansion. To meet the increasing demands for the number and types of signals, new switch matrix modules can be added, or existing modules can be modified. Finally, different switch matrix modules can be used to distribute signals of different types or purposes. For example, one switch matrix module can be used for high-current signals, and another for low-current signals, allowing for more organized classification and management, and facilitating the individual processing of different signal types.

[0071] In some examples, the signal distribution device includes a plurality of switch matrix modules, each of the switch matrix modules having the same size and the same maximum current carrying capacity, wherein the number of first connection portions and the number of second connection portions of the switch matrix modules of the same size are the same, and wherein the number of first connection portions and / or the number of second connection portions of the switch matrix modules of different sizes are different, and wherein the maximum current carrying capacity is the maximum current of the signal that the switch matrix module is allowed to pass, and wherein when the signal passing through the switch matrix module exceeds the maximum current carrying capacity, the switch matrix module can be burned. For example, the signal distribution device includes four 10x10 switch matrix modules with a maximum current carrying capacity of 2A.

[0072] Because the sizes and the maximum current carrying capacities of the plurality of switch matrix modules are the same, it is easier to standardize the design and production, and it is easier to mass produce, assemble, and replace the switch matrix modules, and it reduces the complexity of the design and installation, and maintenance.

[0073] In some examples, the signal distribution device includes a plurality of switch matrix modules, each of the switch matrix modules having the same size, wherein the maximum current carrying capacities of at least two of the switch matrix modules are different. For example, the signal distribution device includes three 4x10 switch matrix modules, wherein one of the switch matrix modules has a maximum current carrying capacity of 10A, and two of the switch matrix modules have a maximum current carrying capacity of 2A. For example, the signal distribution device includes two 10x10 switch matrix modules, wherein one of the switch matrix modules has a maximum current carrying capacity of 10A, and one of the switch matrix modules has a maximum current carrying capacity of 2A.

[0074] In some examples, the signal distribution device includes a plurality of switch matrix modules, each of the switch matrix modules having the same maximum current carrying capacity, wherein the sizes of at least two of the switch matrix modules are different. For example, the signal distribution device includes one 20x10 switch matrix module and one 10x10 switch matrix module, each of which has a maximum current carrying capacity of 2A. For example, the signal distribution device includes two 6x16 switch matrix modules and one 4x2 switch matrix module, each of which has a maximum current carrying capacity of 10A.

[0075] In some examples, the signal distribution device includes a plurality of switch matrix modules, wherein the maximum current carrying capacities of at least two of the switch matrix modules are different, and wherein the sizes of at least two of the switch matrix modules are different. For example, the signal distribution device includes two 2x10 switch matrix modules with a maximum current carrying capacity of 2A and one 10x10 switch matrix module with a maximum current carrying capacity of 10A. For example, the signal distribution device includes two 8x8 switch matrix modules with a maximum current carrying capacity of 10A, one 8x8 switch matrix module with a maximum current carrying capacity of 2A, and one 18x18 switch matrix module with a maximum current carrying capacity of 2A.

[0076] The sizes and / or maximum carrying currents of the plurality of switch matrix modules are different, which can adapt to diversified signal requirements, provide more choices, and better match the connection requirements of different types of signals. For example, according to the number of IO interfaces to be connected and the number of communication media, a switch matrix module with a proper size is selected to prevent resource waste. For example, according to the power requirement of the signal to be connected, a switch matrix module with a proper maximum carrying current is selected. For high-power signals, a switch matrix module with a larger maximum carrying current can be selected. For ordinary bus signals, a switch matrix module with a smaller maximum carrying current can be selected. This can reduce energy loss, improve signal transmission quality, avoid signal attenuation or distortion that may occur in a large-current path for small-power signals, help maintain the integrity and correctness of the signal, and avoid safety hazards such as overheating and burning of the line caused by overloading of a small-current path for a large-power signal.

[0077] It can be understood that the schematic diagram of a single switch matrix module is as shown in Figure 5 The sizes of the switch matrix modules described above, such as 4x10 and 10x10, are examples, but the sizes of the switch matrix modules are not limited thereto. The maximum carrying currents of the switch matrix modules described above, such as 2A and 10A, are examples, but the maximum carrying currents of the switch matrix modules are not limited thereto.

[0078] In one example, the maximum carrying currents of the at least two switch elements are different. Specifically, the signal distribution device includes at least one switch matrix module, the switch matrix module includes MxN channels, M is the number of first connection parts, N is the number of second connection parts, a channel is a signal path formed by one first connection part and one second connection part, the state change of each switch element corresponds to the on-off of a channel, and the maximum carrying current of the switch element is the maximum carrying current of the channel corresponding to the switch element. As shown in Figure 6 For example, the switch matrix module includes 2x8 channels, of which 2x4 channels have a maximum carrying current of 10A, and the other 2x4 channels have a maximum carrying current of 2A.

[0079] Therefore, the maximum carrying currents of different channels in a single switch matrix module are different, which can adapt to diversified signal requirements, provide more choices, and better match the connection requirements of different types of signals.

[0080] In some examples, the switch elements used in the channels with different maximum carrying currents are different, i.e., the switch elements used in the switch matrix modules with different maximum carrying currents are different, or the switch elements used in the channels with different maximum carrying currents in the same switch matrix module are different. For example, the switch matrix module with a larger maximum carrying current or the channel with a larger maximum carrying current in the switch matrix module can use a relay with a larger contact capacity to carry a larger current. In addition, the arc extinguishing capacity, coil driving capacity, size, and heat dissipation problem also need to be considered. The switch matrix module with a smaller maximum carrying current or the channel with a smaller maximum carrying current in the switch matrix module can use a relay with a smaller contact capacity, and the requirement for arc extinguishing capacity and coil driving capacity is lower, and there is no need for excessive heat dissipation measures.

[0081] In some examples, the signal distribution device includes multiple switch matrix modules, and the maximum carrying currents of at least two channels of at least one switch matrix module are different. In this way, by means of the scale of the multiple switch matrix modules, the difference in the maximum carrying currents, and the difference in the maximum carrying currents of different channels in the same switch matrix module, more choices and combination modes are provided for the system design of the signal distribution device, and resources can be configured more meticulously according to actual signal requirements.

[0082] In one example, the signal distribution device includes multiple switch matrix modules, and the control module includes multiple control units, and one control unit is used to control the state switching of the switch elements of at least one switch matrix module. For example, the signal distribution device includes three switch matrix modules, and the control module includes three control units, and each control unit is used to control the state switching of the switch elements in one switch matrix module. For example, the signal distribution device includes four switch matrix modules, and the control module includes two control units, and each control unit is used to control the state switching of the switch elements in two switch matrix modules.

[0083] In one example, the control module includes multiple control units, and the control units are used to control the state switching of part of the switch elements. For example, the signal distribution device includes one switch matrix module, and the control module includes two control units, and each control unit is used to control the state switching of 50% of the switch elements in the switch matrix module. For example, the signal distribution device includes three switch matrix modules, and there are W switch elements in total, and the control module includes four control units, and each control unit is used to control the state switching of W / 4 switch elements. For example, the signal distribution device includes two switch matrix modules, and there are W switch elements in total, and the control module includes three control units, and the three control units control the state switching of L, L, and (W-2*L) switch elements, respectively, where W>2*L.

[0084] In the example of the control module controlling the state switching of all the switching elements in the signal distribution device, only the signal for switching needs to be given to the control module, and the control mode is simpler, the structure is simple, and unified management and coordination are facilitated; in the example of the control module including multiple control units, each control unit controlling the state switching of part of the switching elements, the control unit corresponding to the switching element to be switched needs to be determined, and then the control unit is controlled, and the control mode is more complex, but the reliability is higher, and the problem of device unavailability caused by failure of a single control module is avoided, and when the number of switching matrix modules needs to be increased or the switching matrix modules need to be upgraded, expansion is easy, and multiple control units share the control task, reducing the load pressure of a single control unit, and each control unit only needs to handle part of the control task of the switching elements, which helps to improve the efficiency and accuracy of control.

[0085] In one example, the switching elements controlled by the same control unit are all switching elements corresponding to channels with the same maximum carrying current. For example, the switching matrix module includes 2x8 channels, and the control module includes 2 control units, of which 2x4 channels have a maximum carrying current of 10A, and the switching elements for controlling whether these channels are conductive are controlled by one control unit, and the other 2x4 channels have a maximum carrying current of 2A, and the switching elements for controlling whether these channels are conductive are controlled by another control unit. For example, the signal distribution device includes one switching matrix module with a maximum carrying current of 10A and one switching matrix module with a maximum carrying current of 2A, and the control module includes 2 control units, of which the switching elements of the switching matrix module with a maximum carrying current of 10A are controlled by one control unit, and the switching elements of the switching matrix module with a maximum carrying current of 10A are controlled by another control unit.

[0086] In the case where the switching elements used in channels with different maximum carrying currents differ, the control units are used respectively for control, and for the switching elements in the large-current path, a control unit that focuses on processing signals at high power can be selected, and for the switching elements in the small-current path, a control unit that focuses on processing signals at low power can be selected, and the optimization is targeted, and secondly, since the use scenarios of the large-current path and the small-current path are often different, the independent design of the control units makes the control of the switching elements more flexible.

[0087] In one example, the signal distribution device further includes a heat dissipation structure for dissipating heat from the switching matrix module. The heat dissipation structure can include heat dissipation fins and can also include a fan cooperating with the heat dissipation fins for causing air flow to dissipate heat. The arrangement of the heat dissipation fins and the position of the fan can achieve better heat dissipation for the switching matrix module with a larger maximum carrying current. In addition, the heat dissipation structure can also be used to dissipate heat from the control module.

[0088] In one example, the signal distribution device includes multiple switch matrix modules, and the multiple switch matrix modules are arranged on the same circuit board, so that the integrity of the circuit of the device is high and the testing is facilitated.

[0089] In one example, the signal distribution device includes multiple switch matrix modules, and the multiple switch matrix modules are arranged on multiple circuit boards. Since the size of a single circuit board is limited and the arrangement of the control module and other devices of the signal distribution device also needs to be considered, when the signal distribution device includes multiple switch matrix modules, the multiple switch matrix modules can be arranged on multiple circuit boards. For example, the signal distribution device includes a base board and an expansion board, wherein the control module and part of the switch matrix modules are arranged on the base board, and the rest of the switch matrix modules are arranged on the expansion board.

[0090] Further, the size and the maximum carrying current of each switch matrix module in the signal distribution device can be considered comprehensively, and the multiple switch matrix modules can be arranged on multiple circuit boards. For example, a larger switch matrix module occupies a single circuit board, and a smaller switch matrix module occupies a single circuit board. For example, the switch matrix modules with a larger maximum carrying current are arranged on a single circuit board or adjacent circuit boards, which facilitates the control of the heat dissipation space and the layout of the circuit, unifies heat dissipation, reduces electromagnetic interference of a large current on a small current signal, and reduces the risk of short circuit or overload caused by a large voltage and a large current.

[0091] In one example, as shown in Figure 7 Some or all of the switch elements in the switch matrix module are double-pole single-throw switches, two input ends of the double-pole single-throw switches are connected to the two first connecting parts respectively, and two output ends of the double-pole single-throw switches are connected to the two second connecting parts respectively. The two first connecting parts and the two second connecting parts connected through the double-pole single-throw switches are turned on or turned off according to the on-off of the switches, and thus two channels with synchronous changes in the on-off state are obtained.

[0092] Most signals are transmitted through two signal lines, such as CAN bus signals, LIN bus signals, FlexRay bus signals and other differential signals. Therefore, when these signals are connected to the switch matrix module, the two signal lines need to be connected to the two second connecting parts, the signals are transmitted to the two first connecting parts, and then transmitted to the IO interface through the two first connecting parts. The control module needs to control the two second connecting parts connected by the signal lines and the corresponding two first connecting parts. In order to reduce the control amount, some or all of the switch elements in the present application are double-pole single-throw switches, and the design of the double-pole single-throw switches can switch two channels at a time, thereby ensuring the integrity and stability of signal transmission.

[0093] In some examples, two second connection portions connected to each other can be connected to a double-pole single-throw switch, and two second connection portions adjacent to each other can be connected to a double-pole single-throw switch, so that the target object, the IO device and the signal distribution device can be connected more conveniently.

[0094] In one example, the control module is connected with a storage module, and the storage module can be used to store the model, the serial number, the version number of the signal distribution device, and the firmware and configuration information of the control device, and further, the storage module can also store some preset signal configuration paths, and the signal configuration paths correspond to the state information of the switch elements, so that the preset signal configuration paths can be used to reduce the operation amount of the user.

[0095] In one example, the control module includes an FPGA module, and the FPGA module is connected with the storage module and loads the firmware from the storage module after power-on.

[0096] In one example, the control module includes an FPGA module and a microcontroller, and the microcontroller is connected with the storage module and loads the firmware from the storage module after power-on and loads the firmware for the FPGA module.

[0097] In some examples, the control module is further connected with a debugging interface, and the debugging interface is used for debugging the control module. The debugging interface can include any one or more of the following: a UART interface, a USB interface, a traditional Ethernet interface, and the like.

[0098] In some examples, the signal distribution device further includes a temperature measurement unit connected with the control module and used for measuring the temperature of the signal distribution device. The control module can further be connected with an alarm, and the alarm can send alarm information when the temperature exceeds a threshold value. The alarm information can include sound, light, text and the like. The control module can determine whether the temperature exceeds the threshold value by using a software algorithm or by using a comparison circuit.

[0099] In one example, the control module is connected with a communication interface, and the communication interface is used for connecting an external device to transmit data between the control module and the external device. Thus, the external device can communicate with the signal distribution device, send control commands to the signal distribution device, such as controlling which switch elements to switch, receive state information of the signal distribution device, such as the current state of each switch element, read information such as the model, the serial number, the version number of the signal distribution device, and perform firmware upgrade on the signal distribution device, and the like.

[0100] The number of communication interfaces connected to the control module is at least one. When the control module is connected to multiple communication interfaces, the multiple communication interfaces can be connected to the same external device or can be connected to different external devices to realize multi-user operation. Specifically, the multiple communication interfaces can be of the same type, or the control module is connected to multiple types of communication interfaces, and the number of each type of communication interface is at least one.

[0101] In some examples, the control module is connected to the external device through multiple communication interfaces, including an EtherCAT communication interface, an IIC communication interface, an EtherNet communication interface (a traditional Ethernet interface), and a PCIE communication interface. The control module is connected to the external device through an EtherCAT signal line, an IIC signal line, an EtherNet signal line, and a PCIE signal line. At any moment, the control module can select any of the above signal lines to establish a communication path with the external device.

[0102] In some examples, the control module further includes a wireless communication module, such as a WiFi module, a 4G / 5G communication module, a Bluetooth module, a ZigBee module, etc. Thus, the external device can be wirelessly connected to the signal distribution device to remotely use the signal distribution device, and the signal distribution device is remotely controlled by the user.

[0103] In some examples, the external device can be a host connected to the IO device, or a computer, a server, a tablet, a mobile phone, or other information terminals. Further, the external device can have a display screen or be connected to a display screen to display the status of each switching element in the switching matrix module of the signal distribution device, the currently established signal path, etc. In addition, the external device can be connected to a mouse, a keyboard, a touch screen, or other input devices, and the user can input control commands for the signal distribution device through these input devices, such as controlling which first connection part of the switching matrix module is connected to which second connection part.

[0104] In one example, the signal distribution device further includes a power module. The power module is used to convert the power supply voltage provided by the power supply to supply power to the devices of the signal distribution device. For example, the power supply voltage provided by the power supply is converted to a voltage of 3V, 5V, etc. to supply power to the signal distribution device.

[0105] In one example, the signal distribution device further includes a housing. The first connection part and the second connection part of the switching matrix module can be provided on the housing, or the housing is provided with a connection part, such as an opening or a connector, for connecting the IO device and the target object to the first connection part and the second connection part. This also facilitates the user to connect the IO device and the target object to the switching matrix module.

[0106] The application also provides a system, which includes a signal distribution device and an external device connected to the signal distribution device.Figure 8 As shown, the system comprises a host, an IO device, and the signal distribution device as described above, the host is connected to the IO device, the first connection part of the switch matrix module of the signal distribution device is used to connect the IO device, and the second connection part of the switch matrix module is used to connect the target object.

[0107] The host has a communication interface and can be directly connected to the target object, but the number and type of the communication interface on the host are limited, for example, the host cannot be directly connected to a CAN bus, a vehicle-mounted Ethernet bus, etc., thus, the host can be connected to the IO device, and the IO device is connected to the target object, thereby realizing the connection between the host and the target object.

[0108] When the host is connected to the target object through the IO device, data needs to be transmitted between the IO interface of the IO device and the communication medium of the target object, wherein the IO interface can be directly connected to the communication medium, but this may cause repeated wiring, time-consuming and laborious wiring, for this purpose, the IO device can be connected to the signal distribution device, and the communication medium of the target object is connected through the signal distribution device, thereby overcoming the problem of time-consuming and laborious wiring.

[0109] For example, the host is connected to multiple target objects through the IO device, and the multiple target objects all need to be connected to the same IO interface, without using the signal distribution device, the communication medium of the target object can only be connected to the IO interface one by one, and the operation of repeated wiring and disconnection is needed, which causes the user to have to stay in the experimental site for a long time or go to the experimental site each time a new target object is connected, and after using the signal distribution device, the multiple target objects can be connected to the signal distribution device at one time, and then the IO interface is connected to the communication medium of different target objects at different time periods, that is, wiring is performed at one time, and the use is more convenient.

[0110] Moreover, in the system, the IO device is connected to the host, and the IO device is connected to the target object through the signal distribution device, for the target object, the communication medium can be connected to the signal distribution device, and the signal distribution device provides an integrated and unified interface connection part, and the user can more conveniently perform the wiring operation.

[0111] In one example, the IO device has multiple IO interfaces, wherein all the IO interfaces are connected to the signal distribution device, or part of the IO interfaces are connected to the signal distribution device, and part of the IO interfaces are used to directly connect the target object.

[0112] Further, the number of the second connection parts of the switch matrix module is greater than the number of the first connection parts. Thus, the number of the communication media connected by the signal distribution device is greater than the number of the IO interfaces, which allows the signal distribution device to connect multiple communication media at one time and connect the IO interfaces to different communication media at different time periods.

[0113] In one example, multiple signal distribution devices are included in the system, which can meet the requirement when the number of the IO devices and the number of the IO interfaces are large.

[0114] In one example, the system is used as a test system, and the connected one or more target objects are used as the devices under test. The host controls the test process, for example, the host sends data to the devices under test, and through observation and analysis of the devices under test, open-loop testing of the devices under test is realized, for example, the host sends data to the devices under test, and receives data feedback from the devices under test, and through data analysis, closed-loop testing of the devices under test is realized, etc. Specifically, the accuracy of the control algorithm of the target object, whether the protocol stack is correctly implemented, the compatibility of the protocol, the fault detection and isolation capability, the performance under high load, etc. can be tested.

[0115] In one example, the system is used as a data acquisition system, and the connected one or more target objects are used as data sources for data acquisition. The host receives data sent by the data sources and stores the data to a data storage device. The host can perform certain data processing, such as adding a timestamp to the data, compressing the data, grouping the data according to type, time, data source, etc., filtering the data, etc.

[0116] In one example, the host, the signal distribution device, and the IO device are connected through EtherCAT signal lines, wherein the host is the master station in the EtherCAT communication network, and the signal distribution device and the IO device are the slave stations in the EtherCAT communication network.

[0117] In one example, the system further includes a backplane, and the host, the IO device, and the signal distribution device are respectively provided with connectors, which are used to be connected to the connectors on the backplane, as shown in FIG. 1. Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 1, signal lines are arranged between the connectors on the backplane, and the host, the IO device, and the signal distribution device are respectively connected to the signal lines through the connectors and the connectors.

[0118] After the IO device and the signal distribution device are connected to the connectors on the backplane, the IO interface of the IO device can be directly connected to the target object, or can be connected to the signal distribution device, and then connected to the target object through the signal distribution device.

[0119] The connectors on the backboard include a first connector for connecting the host computer and a second connector for connecting the signal distribution device and the IO device, wherein the first connector is connected with each second connector through a PCIE signal line, an IIC signal line and an EtherNet signal line, so that the signal distribution device or the IO device connected with any second connector can communicate with the host computer through the signal line.

[0120] In addition, the first connector and each second connector are also connected together through an EtherCAT signal line, for example, the first connector and the plurality of second connectors are sequentially cascaded. Meanwhile, considering that the feature of EtherCAT communication is message transmission by level, this limits that the signal distribution device and the IO device must be sequentially connected with the second connector, that is, there cannot be an idle second connector between two non-idle second connectors, which leads to inconvenience in use. In order to overcome this problem, each second connector is provided with a switch in the present application, and the switch is used to short-circuit the second connector, so that when the second connector is not connected with the signal distribution device or the IO device, the idle second connector can be short-circuited through the switch, so that the connectors between the upstream and downstream of the idle second connector can be conducted, and the EtherCAT communication requirement can be met.

[0121] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own focus, and the parts not described in detail in a certain embodiment can be referred to the related description of other embodiments.

[0122] The signal distribution device and the system provided by the embodiments of the present application are described in detail above, and the principle and implementation manner of the present application are described by applying specific examples in this paper, and the above embodiment description is only used to help understand the method and the core idea of the present application; meanwhile, for those skilled in the art, according to the idea of the present application, the specific implementation manner and application range will be changed, and in view of the above, the content of the specification should not be understood as the limitation of the present application.

Claims

1. A signal distribution device, characterized by, The signal distribution device comprises a control module and a switch matrix module, the switch matrix module comprises a plurality of first connection parts, a plurality of second connection parts and a plurality of switch elements, each first connection part is connected with each second connection part through a switch element, the switch element is configured to be switchable between a conducting state and a disconnected state to selectively connect the first connection part with the second connection part, the control module is connected with the switch element to control the state switching of the switch element. The first connection part is used to connect an IO device, and the second connection part is used to connect a target object, the target object comprises any one or more of the following: an electronic device installed on a vehicle, a measured object and an auxiliary device for assisting the measured object in testing.

2. The signal distribution device of claim 1, wherein, The signal distribution device comprises a plurality of switch matrix modules, at least two switch matrix modules are different in scale, wherein the number of first connection parts and / or second connection parts of the switch matrix modules of different scales is different.

3. The signal distribution device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The signal distribution device comprises a plurality of switch matrix modules, at least two switch matrix modules are different in maximum carrying current.

4. The signal distribution device of claim 1, wherein, At least two switch elements are different in maximum carrying current.

5. The signal distribution device of claim 1, wherein, The signal distribution device comprises a plurality of switch matrix modules, and the plurality of switch matrix modules are arranged on a plurality of circuit boards.

6. The signal distribution device of claim 1, wherein, Part or all of the switch elements in the switch matrix module are double-pole single-throw switches, two input ends of the double-pole single-throw switch are respectively connected with two first connection parts, and two output ends of the double-pole single-throw switch are respectively connected with two second connection parts.

7. The signal distribution device of claim 1, wherein, The control module is connected with a communication interface, the communication interface is used to connect an external device to transmit data between the control module and the external device.

8. The signal distribution device of claim 1, wherein, The signal distribution device further comprises a heat dissipation structure, the heat dissipation structure is used to dissipate heat for the switch matrix module.

9. A system, characterized by The system further comprises a backboard, the host, the IO device and the signal distribution device are respectively provided with connectors, the connectors are used to be connected to connectors on the backboard, signal lines are arranged between the connectors on the backboard, and the host, the IO device and the signal distribution device are respectively in communication with the signal lines through the connectors and the connectors.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein, ​

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