Multifunctional cable automatic detector

Abstract

The utility model provides a multifunctional cable automatic detector, which comprises a main machine and an auxiliary machine, the main machine is connected to one end of a cable to be detected, and the auxiliary machine is connected to the other end of the cable to be detected; the host comprises a pulse control module and a host indication module; the pulse control module is used for generating a clock pulse signal through an oscillator and outputting a detection pulse signal to each core wire of the to-be-detected cable in sequence through a multi-stage decimal counter; the host indication module corresponds to each core wire and is used for indicating the on-off, short circuit and wire sequence state of each core wire according to the detection result of the detection pulse signal on each core wire; and the auxiliary machine comprises auxiliary machine indication modules corresponding to the core wires, and the auxiliary machine indication modules are used for synchronously indicating on-off, short circuit and wire sequence states of the core wires with the main machine indication module according to detection results of the detection pulse signals on the core wires. And automatic detection of the multi-core cable is realized.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a multifunctional automatic cable testing instrument. Background Technology

[0002] Automatic cable testers are automated devices used to test the connectivity, electrical performance, and fault location of communication cables, involving technologies such as electronic measurement, communication technology, signal processing, and automatic control.

[0003] Chinese patent publication number CN203950000U, published on November 19, 2014, discloses a "Simple Straight-Connect Twisted-Pair Cable and Coaxial Cable Tester," which proposes a tester for measuring twisted-pair cables using an RJ-45 slot. It is evident that existing automatic testing instruments are generally designed for network cables and can be used to test 8-core twisted-pair cables, but are not suitable for testing multi-core (more than 8 cores) cables commonly used in shipboard communications.

[0004] Measurements of traditional communication cables typically involve using a multimeter to manually test the continuity and disconnection of the cable point by point using a shorting wire. However, manual multimeter measurements are susceptible to subjective factors such as fatigue, visual errors leading to missed readings, unclear cable end markings, and misjudgments due to poor contact of the measuring probe. When cables are long or equipment is installed outdoors (e.g., the main radio unit on a ship is installed in the radio room, while the antenna tuner is installed at the external antenna), cable testing and repair often requires two people working together using walkie-talkies to repeatedly test, record, and confirm the results, resulting in low efficiency and difficulty in guaranteeing accuracy.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an automated testing device that can support multi-core cables, enabling a single person to quickly, accurately, and safely complete the testing of complex cables. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the issues of low efficiency and inaccuracy in manual inspection of multi-core cables, a multifunctional automatic cable tester is proposed. The main unit automatically generates detection pulse signals via its pulse control module, and then sequentially tests each core wire using a decimal counter. The main and auxiliary units synchronously indicate the test results, eliminating the tedious process of manually testing each wire with a multimeter. Furthermore, it effectively eliminates the problems of missed detections and misjudgments caused by human error, realizing a multifunctional automatic cable tester that can be quickly completed by a single person, providing intuitive, consistent, and highly reliable test results.

[0007] The technical solution of this utility model is: a multi-functional automatic cable detector, characterized in that it includes: a main unit and a secondary unit, wherein the main unit is connected to one end of the cable to be tested, and the secondary unit is connected to the other end of the cable to be tested;

[0008] The host includes a pulse control module and a host indicator module;

[0009] The pulse control module is used to generate clock pulse signals through an oscillator and output detection pulse signals to each core wire of the cable to be tested sequentially through a multi-level decimal counter.

[0010] The host indicator module corresponds to each core wire and is used to indicate the continuity, short circuit and wire sequence status of each core wire according to the detection result of the detection pulse signal.

[0011] The auxiliary unit includes an auxiliary unit indicator module corresponding to each core wire. The auxiliary unit indicator module is used to indicate the continuity, short circuit and wiring sequence status of each core wire in sync with the main unit indicator module based on the detection result of the detection pulse signal on each core wire.

[0012] In one optional embodiment, the oscillator is an NE555 multivibrator;

[0013] The decimal counter is a CD4017 chip, and it controls at least 24 core wire detection channels through cascading expansion.

[0014] In one optional embodiment, the pulse control module includes three sets of CD4017 chips as multi-level decimal counters, which are used to detect core wires 1-8, core wires 9-16 and core wires 17-24 of the 24 core wires, respectively, and to automatically detect the 24 core wires through timing control.

[0015] In one optional embodiment, the host indicator module and the slave indicator module include light-emitting diodes (LEDs) corresponding to the number of core wires, and the lighting sequence of the LEDs corresponds to the output sequence of the detection pulse signal to each core wire.

[0016] In one optional embodiment, the host and the slave are provided with self-test circuits for verifying the correctness of their own functions and indicating the self-test results through the host indicator module and the slave indicator module.

[0017] In one optional embodiment, the host is provided with a retest switch for quickly initiating a retest of the cable under test when using the host or the sub-host.

[0018] In one optional embodiment, the host is provided with an expansion interface connected to the decimal counter, and a port is reserved for connecting to at least one additional decimal counter, so as to cascade the additional decimal counter with the current decimal counter to detect and control the core wires of a cable with 48 cores or more.

[0019] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows: the main unit automatically generates detection pulse signals through the pulse control module, and then detects each core wire sequentially through a decimal counter. The main and auxiliary units synchronously indicate the detection results, eliminating the tedious process of manually using a multimeter to test each wire. It also effectively eliminates the problems of missed detection and misjudgment caused by human error, and realizes a multifunctional automatic cable tester that can be quickly completed by a single person and provides intuitive, consistent and reliable test results. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multifunctional automatic cable detector of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 2 This is another structural schematic diagram of the host of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram of the host of this utility model.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an interface layout for connecting the host computer and the cable to be tested according to this utility model.

[0024] Figure 5 This is another structural schematic diagram of the auxiliary machine of this utility model.

[0025] Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram of a secondary unit of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an interface layout for connecting the auxiliary unit and the cable to be tested according to this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. This embodiment is based on the technical solution of the present invention and provides detailed implementation methods and specific operating procedures; however, the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments.

[0028] In this invention, the terms "in one possible embodiment," "exemplary," or "for example" are used to indicate examples, illustrations, or descriptions. Any embodiment or design described as "in one possible embodiment," "exemplary," or "for example" in this invention should not be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments or designs. Specifically, the use of terms such as "in one possible embodiment," "exemplary," or "for example" is intended to present the relevant concepts in a specific manner.

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of one structure of the multifunctional automatic cable detector of this utility model. Figure 1As shown, the multifunctional automatic cable tester 10 includes: a main unit 101 and a secondary unit 102. The main unit 101 is connected to one end of the cable to be tested, and the secondary unit 102 is connected to the other end of the cable to be tested.

[0030] The host 101 includes a pulse control module 1011 and a host indicator module 1012;

[0031] The pulse control module 1011 is used to generate clock pulse signals through an oscillator and output detection pulse signals to each core wire of the cable to be tested sequentially through a multi-level decimal counter.

[0032] The host indicator module 1012 corresponds to each core wire and is used to indicate the continuity, short circuit and wire sequence status of each core wire according to the detection result of the detection pulse signal.

[0033] The auxiliary unit 102 includes an auxiliary unit indicator module 1021 corresponding to each core wire. The auxiliary unit indicator module 1021 is used to indicate the continuity, short circuit and wire sequence status of each core wire in sync with the main unit indicator module 1012 according to the detection result of the detection pulse signal on each core wire.

[0034] Specifically, in one possible embodiment, the oscillator is an NE555 multivibrator; the decimal counter is a CD4017 chip, and at least 24 core wire detection channels are controlled through cascading expansion.

[0035] For example, the pulse control module 1011 can use an NE555 multivibrator as the clock pulse source to generate a periodically stable pulse signal as the timing drive source for the entire detection system. The clock frequency can be adjusted as needed using resistors and capacitors to match different detection speed requirements. For instance, pin 7 (DISCHARGE) of the NE555 can be connected to VCC via a resistor, and to pins 6 (THRESHOLD) and 2 (TRIGGER) via another resistor. Furthermore, pins 6 and 2 can be grounded via capacitor C. The pulse signal is input to multiple CD4017 decimal counter chips, controlling the pulse signal to be output sequentially to each detection channel connected to each core wire.

[0036] In one possible embodiment, the pulse control module 1011 includes three sets of CD4017 chips as multi-level decimal counters, which are used to detect core wires 1-8, core wires 9-16 and core wires 17-24 of the 24 core wires, respectively, and to automatically detect the 24 core wires through timing control.

[0037] For example, the pulse control module 1011 may include three sets of CD4017 chips, which are responsible for detecting core wires 1-8, 9-16, and 17-24 respectively, and realize the sequential detection of the 24 core wires through cascaded logic control.

[0038] In one possible embodiment, the host indicator module 1012 and the slave indicator module 1021 include light-emitting diodes (LEDs) corresponding to the number of core wires, and the lighting order of the LEDs corresponds to the output order of the detection pulse signal to each core wire.

[0039] For example, the host indicator module 1012 can be composed of 24 light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and corresponding current-limiting resistors. Each LED corresponds to a detection channel. After being connected to the cable to be tested and the test begins, the LEDs light up synchronously according to the output of the detection pulse signal to indicate the continuity, short circuit and wire sequence status of each core wire.

[0040] The auxiliary indicator module 1021 can also consist of 24 LEDs and corresponding current-limiting resistors. After being connected to the cable under test and starting the test, it receives the test pulse signal from the host 101 and synchronously lights up the corresponding LEDs in sequence, so as to realize the synchronous display of the test results of each core wire with the host indicator module 1012.

[0041] For example, a solid green light indicates that the core wire is conductive, a flashing or constant red light indicates that the core wire is short-circuited, and an unlit LED indicates that the core wire is short-circuited. The lighting sequence can be used to verify whether the wiring sequence is correct.

[0042] In one possible embodiment, the host 101 and the slave 102 are provided with self-test circuits for detecting the correctness of their own functions, and the self-test results are indicated by the host indicator module 1012 and the slave indicator module 1021.

[0043] For example, both the main unit 101 and the secondary unit 102 can be equipped with self-test circuits. For instance, the self-test circuit may include a standard test pulse module and a signal readback detection module. When the user starts the self-test mode, a closed detection loop is formed inside the main unit 101 and the secondary unit 102. The standard pulse signal output is used to confirm whether the readback confirmation function module is working properly, and the self-test result is displayed through LED indicator lights.

[0044] In one possible embodiment, the host 101 is provided with a retest switch for quickly initiating a retest of the cable to be tested when using the host 101 or the sub-host 102.

[0045] For example, the host 101 may be equipped with a retest switch. During the test, the user can press the retest switch at any time to quickly reset and restart the pulse control module 1011, so that the detection process can start again, which greatly improves the convenience and fault tolerance of the test operation.

[0046] In one possible embodiment, the host 101 is provided with an expansion interface connected to the decimal counter, and a port is reserved for connecting to at least one additional decimal counter, so as to cascade the additional decimal counter with the current decimal counter to detect and control the core wires of a cable with 48 cores or more.

[0047] For example, the host 101 may have an expansion interface that connects to the currently used CD4017 decimal counter chip, and at least one port is reserved for cascading connection, allowing the detection and control of more core wires (such as 48 cores or more) to be achieved by adding CD4017 chips, so as to meet the detection needs of more types of cables.

[0048] Figure 2 This is another structural schematic diagram of the multifunctional automatic cable detector of this utility model. (See diagram below.) Figure 2 As shown, the host may include a pulse generator, a counter module (three sets), a display module (LED), a test control interface (TEST) and a retest control interface (retest), an interface conversion module, an output port, and a 24-pin expansion interface.

[0049] The pulse generator is used to produce periodic pulse signals, which serve as the clock reference signal source for the entire system. This module is typically implemented using an NE555 multivibrator.

[0050] After receiving the clock signal from the pulse generator, the three counter modules sequentially output high-level control signals. The three counters control the detection process of cable cores 1-8, 9-16, and 17-24 respectively, achieving multi-channel detection through cascading.

[0051] The LED display module is connected to the output of each counter channel and displays the core wire number currently under testing in real time through LED indicator lights, helping users to intuitively understand the testing process.

[0052] The Test Control Interface (TEST) and Retest Control Interface (Retest) are used to start the testing process and restart the testing flow, respectively. The TEST interface starts the testing clock sequence, and the Retest interface is used to quickly reset the counter and restart the testing.

[0053] The interface conversion module adapts and converts the output signals of each counter to the standard output interface level, ensuring stable signal transmission to the cable under test and providing necessary protection circuitry.

[0054] The output ports include 24 wire core output ports (1 to 24), as well as multiple standard interfaces compatible with the ship's existing communication system: Type I interface, Type II interface and Type III interface.

[0055] A 24-pin expansion interface is provided for future feature expansion.

[0056] The various modules of the host work together to perform channel-by-channel pulse detection on the 24-core communication cable, and display the detection process and results via LEDs.

[0057] Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram of the host computer of this utility model. Based on Figure 3 The working principle of the host can be summarized as follows:

[0058] IC1 NE555, along with W1 and C2, forms a multivibrator, which serves as the clock signal for the multifunctional automatic cable detector in this embodiment. Upon power-up, R25 and C1 form a reset circuit to reset IC2. After IC2 is reset, IC2 / C0 outputs a high level. Then IC3 is reset, and IC3 / C0 outputs a high level. Finally, IC4 is reset. After IC2, IC3, and IC4 complete their resets, the system enters the counting state, causing the clock signal to sequentially cause IC2 / C1-C8 to output a high level, serving as the detection signal for core wires 1-8.

[0059] When the clock causes IC2 / C9 to output a high level, IC2 stops counting because IC2 / CKEN is high. IC5 / pin 3 outputs a clock signal, IC3 starts counting, and IC3 / C1-C8 output high levels sequentially as detection signals for core wires 9-16.

[0060] When IC3 / C9 outputs a high level, IC3 stops counting, IC5 / 6 outputs a clock signal, IC4 starts counting, and IC4 / C1-C8 output high levels sequentially as detection signals for core wires 17-24.

[0061] When IC4 / C9 outputs a high level, IC4 stops counting, causing IC2 / RST to reset to a high level, IC2 is reset, completing one 24-bit counting cycle and entering the next 24-bit counting cycle.

[0062] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of an interface layout for connecting the host computer and the cable to be tested according to this utility model. Figure 4 The diagram shows three standard shipboard radio interfaces: Type I, Type II, and Type III. Each type of radio interface has several connection pins listed, corresponding one-to-one with the core wires of the test cable.

[0063] In addition, a 24-core expansion interface is shown, arranged by row and column number (1-24), for compatibility with testing scenarios involving more cores. This section is an expansion interface; by adding a counter chip, testing of cables with 48 cores or more can be achieved.

[0064] Furthermore, the pin arrangement of the host output is shown, namely the two sets of plugs (plug 1 and plug 2) shown below. Each plug contains several pins (numbered 1-24), representing the actual physical connection points corresponding to the detection cable. These pins ultimately connect to the host (to host socket 1 and to host socket 2), enabling the orderly transmission of host signals. Connecting cables from various radio interfaces and expansion ports converge and are arranged at plugs 1 and 2, then physically connected to the host to distribute pulse detection signals.

[0065] In addition, external connection standards such as SMA interface and BNC interface are shown, which expands the compatibility and adaptability of this device.

[0066] Figure 5 This is another structural schematic diagram of the auxiliary unit of this utility model. (See diagram below.) Figure 5 As shown, the secondary unit may include an input port, an interface conversion module, a display module (LED), and a test interface (TEST).

[0067] The auxiliary unit can receive input signals from different types of shipboard cables or standard connectors via the input ports, including but not limited to: Type I, Type II, and Type III interfaces, as well as BNC, N, SMA, and other customized / extended interfaces. These interfaces are used to connect to the other end of the cable under test, achieving corresponding matching with the signal output terminal on the main unit side.

[0068] All types of input interfaces are connected to a unified interface conversion module. The function of this module is to standardize and convert electrical signals under different interface standards, making them compatible with the internal circuit standards of the auxiliary unit, while achieving stable signal reception.

[0069] The interface conversion module is connected to the LED display module, which includes LEDs corresponding to each core of the cable for real-time indication of the detection results. When the detection pulse output by the main unit is transmitted to the auxiliary unit via the cable, the interface conversion module receives the signal and drives the corresponding LED to light up, allowing the user to intuitively determine the continuity status of the core.

[0070] The TEST interface can be used to initiate a self-test process or control the working status of LED modules, providing auxiliary testing functions during system startup or debugging.

[0071] Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram of one of the auxiliary units of this utility model. For example... Figure 6As shown, the auxiliary unit is connected to the other end of the cable under test. The auxiliary unit's circuitry is powered by a 9V battery, and each receiving channel is connected to a corresponding LED indicator. When a pulse signal is received from the main unit, the corresponding LED is illuminated, reflecting the real-time detection status of the corresponding core wire. The auxiliary unit also has a self-test circuit, used to perform self-testing through an internal closed loop to confirm the integrity of the auxiliary unit's circuitry.

[0072] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an interface layout for connecting the auxiliary unit and the cable under test according to this utility model. The auxiliary unit uses the same connector standard as the main unit, and connects one-to-one with the cable core wires. For details, please refer to the aforementioned description of an interface layout for connecting the main unit and the cable under test, which will not be repeated here.

[0073] In addition to the structure described above, in one possible embodiment, the host can use an Arduino Nano chip or an ESP32 chip, whose scanning logic is as follows: sequentially outputting high levels to each pin (e.g., D2-D9), with each pin connected in series with an LED and a current-limiting resistor, and connected to the cable to be tested. The slave can use another Arduino chip, or directly use LED detection, whose detection logic is as follows: the receiving Arduino reads the level of each pin and displays the on / off status via serial port or LED.

[0074] In one possible embodiment, the user can operate the system instead of automating the process. For example, the main unit can manually select the activation wire using a rotary switch, while the secondary unit can directly display the on / off state using LEDs, eliminating the need for complex circuitry.

[0075] In one possible embodiment, the specific detection process can be as follows:

[0076] Step 1: The operator turns on the self-test switch. After powering on, the main unit and the auxiliary unit each start the self-test process and display the self-test results through indicator lights.

[0077] Step 2: After the self-test passes, the operator connects the main unit and the auxiliary unit to the two ends of the cable to be tested, respectively;

[0078] Step 3: The operator turns on the test start switch, and the pulse control module begins to output pulse signals to each core wire sequentially at a fixed frequency;

[0079] Step 4: The LEDs of the main unit indicator module and the auxiliary unit indicator module light up synchronously and sequentially. If there is an open circuit, short circuit or incorrect wiring sequence in a certain core wire, the corresponding LED will display abnormally.

[0080] Step 5: If retesting is required, the operator presses the retest switch, and the testing process restarts.

[0081] In this embodiment, the above structure uses a decimal counter / pulse divider (such as CD4017) as the main chip, which is controlled by a pulse program to detect the continuity, short circuit, and wire sequence status of the cable. This is further expanded through multi-stage cascading to a 24-core wire detection capability. The interface circuit integrates the interfaces of the three types of antenna tuners currently used on ships, enabling direct detection of these three types of control and signal cables. This achieves rapid, accurate, convenient, and automated single-person detection of multi-core cables, especially ship communication system cables, significantly improving detection efficiency and safety.

[0082] The embodiments described above have been illustrated with reference to specific examples. However, this disclosure is not limited to these specific examples. Design modifications appropriate to those skilled in the art, provided the features of this disclosure are present in these specific examples, are also included within the scope of this disclosure. The elements, their configurations, conditions, shapes, etc., in the above-described specific examples are not limited to the illustrated elements and can be appropriately modified. The combination of the elements in the above-described specific examples can be appropriately changed as long as it does not create a technical contradiction.

Claims

1. A multi-functional automatic cable testing instrument, characterized in that, include: A main unit and a secondary unit, wherein the main unit is connected to one end of the cable to be tested, and the secondary unit is connected to the other end of the cable to be tested; The host includes a pulse control module and a host indicator module; The pulse control module is used to generate clock pulse signals through an oscillator and output detection pulse signals to each core wire of the cable to be tested sequentially through a multi-level decimal counter. The host indicator module corresponds to each core wire and is used to indicate the continuity, short circuit and wire sequence status of each core wire according to the detection result of the detection pulse signal. The auxiliary unit includes an auxiliary unit indicator module corresponding to each core wire. The auxiliary unit indicator module is used to indicate the continuity, short circuit and wiring sequence status of each core wire in sync with the main unit indicator module based on the detection result of the detection pulse signal on each core wire.

2. The multifunctional automatic cable testing instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The oscillator is a NE555 multivibrator. The decimal counter is a CD4017 chip, and it controls at least 24 core wire detection channels through cascading expansion.

3. The multifunctional automatic cable testing instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pulse control module includes three sets of CD4017 chips as multi-level decimal counters, which are used to detect core wires 1-8, 9-16 and 17-24 of the 24 core wires, respectively, and automatically detect the 24 core wires through timing control.

4. The multifunctional automatic cable testing instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The host indicator module and the slave indicator module include light-emitting diodes (LEDs) corresponding to the number of core wires, and the lighting order of the LEDs corresponds to the output order of the detection pulse signal to each core wire.

5. The multifunctional automatic cable testing instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The host and the slave are equipped with self-test circuits for verifying the correctness of their own functions and indicating the self-test results through the host indicator module and the slave indicator module.

6. The multifunctional automatic cable testing instrument according to claim 5, characterized in that, The host is equipped with a retest switch, which is used to quickly initiate a retest of the cable to be tested when using the host or the sub-host.

7. The multifunctional automatic cable testing instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The host is equipped with an expansion interface, which is connected to the decimal counter and has a reserved port for connecting to at least one additional decimal counter, so as to cascade the additional decimal counter with the current decimal counter to detect and control the core wires of cables with 48 cores or more.

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