An interface conversion system

By unifying the encapsulation of communication, debugging, and bus interface conversion systems in embedded systems, the problem of cumbersome use caused by the dispersion of hardware interface tools is solved, development and debugging efficiency is improved, and complexity is reduced.

CN224536502UActive Publication Date: 2026-07-21ZHEJIANG ZEEKR INTELLIGENT TECH CO LTD +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
ZHEJIANG ZEEKR INTELLIGENT TECH CO LTD
Filing Date
2025-08-14
Publication Date
2026-07-21

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

During the development and debugging of embedded systems, hardware interface tools are often fragmented and poorly integrated, leading to cumbersome and inefficient use.

Method used

An interface conversion system is provided, including a communication conversion module, a debugging interface conversion module, and a bus interface compatibility module on a substrate, all packaged on the same substrate to achieve collaborative operation of communication, debugging, and bus interfaces, thereby improving convenience and efficiency.

Benefits of technology

The unified interface conversion system reduces the complexity of use, improves the efficiency of embedded development and debugging, facilitates management and maintenance, and avoids debugging interruptions caused by frequent changes in adapter cables.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model provides an interface conversion system relates to embedded development technical field. Interface conversion system disclosed by the utility model, including substrate and setting on the communication conversion module, debugging interface conversion module and bus interface compatible module of substrate, communication conversion module is used for with the debugging mouth connection of controller, debugging interface conversion module is used for with the burning mouth connection of controller, bus interface compatible module is used for with the connection port connection of controller. Through with communication conversion module, debugging interface conversion module and bus interface compatible module set up on same substrate, realize communication, debugging, bus three kinds of interface unified package, each module is independent but the cooperative work, jointly completes the whole process of embedded system communication, download, debugging, improves embedded development debugging convenience and efficiency, is convenient for unified management and maintenance, in addition, user need not frequently changes the adapter line, dismouting debugging tool in the debugging process, reduces the use complexity obviously.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of embedded development technology, and more specifically, to an interface conversion system. Background Technology

[0002] In the process of embedded system development, development engineers and test engineers often need to use a variety of hardware interface tools to perform tasks such as program downloading, debugging, and communication testing. Typical work scenarios include using a USB to serial port module to communicate with the MCU, using the J-Link interface to burn and debug programs, and using the CAN bus to interact with devices for data exchange.

[0003] In practice, these interface tools usually exist as independent modules, which are highly decentralized and have low integration, increasing the cumbersomeness of use and leading to low efficiency in the development and debugging phases. Utility Model Content

[0004] The problem this invention addresses is how to improve the convenience and efficiency of embedded system development and debugging.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides an interface conversion system.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an interface conversion system, including a base plate and a communication conversion module, a debug interface conversion module and a bus interface compatibility module disposed on the base plate. The communication conversion module is used to connect to the debug port of the controller, the debug interface conversion module is used to connect to the programming port of the controller, and the bus interface compatibility module is used to connect to the connection port of the controller.

[0007] Optionally, the communication conversion module includes a signal conversion chip and a third port and a fourth port connected to the signal conversion chip. The third port is used to connect to a host computer device, and the fourth port is used to connect to the debug port of the controller.

[0008] Optionally, the communication conversion module further includes a crystal oscillator and a power supply module. The crystal oscillator is connected to the signal conversion chip and is used to provide a working clock for the signal conversion chip. The power supply module is connected to the power supply pins of the signal conversion chip, the power supply pins of the third port, and the power supply pins of the fourth port, respectively.

[0009] Optionally, the debug interface conversion module includes a first port and a second port, the first port being connected to the second port, the first port being used to connect to the programming port of the controller, and the second port being used to connect to an external debugger.

[0010] Optionally, the debug interface conversion module further includes an internal pin mapping circuit, one end of which is connected to the signal pin of the first port, and the other end of which is connected to the signal pin of the second port.

[0011] Optionally, the debug interface conversion module further includes a push-button switch, which is connected between the target pin and the ground pin of the first port. The target pin is used to connect to the reset pin in the programming port of the controller.

[0012] Optionally, the bus interface compatible module includes at least one male connector and at least one female connector, with the male connectors and female connectors interconnected. One of the male connectors and female connectors is used to connect to the connection port of the controller, and at least a portion of the other male connectors and female connectors is used to connect to other communication devices.

[0013] Optionally, the male connector and the female connector are connected via a bus.

[0014] Optionally, the bus interface compatible module further includes a terminating resistor and a DIP switch. The terminating resistor and the DIP switch are connected in series to form an enable terminating resistor circuit. The two ends of the enable terminating resistor circuit are respectively connected to the high-level signal line and the low-level signal line of the bus.

[0015] Optionally, the power module in the communication conversion module is connected to the power pin in the debug interface conversion module via an isolated DC or DC power supply.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this interface conversion system are as follows: By placing the communication conversion module, debugging interface conversion module, and bus interface compatibility module on the same substrate, the three types of interfaces—communication, debugging, and bus—are uniformly encapsulated. Each module works independently yet collaboratively to complete the entire process of embedded system communication, downloading, and debugging, improving the convenience and efficiency of embedded development and debugging. Furthermore, placing the three modules on the same substrate facilitates unified management and maintenance. Additionally, users do not need to frequently change adapter cables or disassemble and reassemble debugging tools during debugging; they only need to pre-connect the controller and relevant devices through the interface conversion system, avoiding debugging interruptions caused by changing adapter cables, and significantly reducing the complexity of use. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the interface conversion system according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of the communication conversion module according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3This is a circuit diagram of the debugging interface conversion module according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 4 This is a circuit diagram of the male and female connector structures according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the enable terminal resistor circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a detailed block diagram of the interface conversion system according to an embodiment of the present utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0018] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although some embodiments of this utility model are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that this utility model can be implemented in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of this utility model. It should be understood that the drawings and embodiments of this utility model are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0019] The term "comprising" and its variations as used herein are open-ended, meaning "including but not limited to"; the term "based on" means "at least partially based on"; the term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one additional embodiment"; the term "some embodiments" means "at least some embodiments"; and the term "optionally" means "optional embodiments". Definitions of other terms will be given in the following description. It should be noted that the concepts of "first," "second," etc., mentioned in this utility model are only used to distinguish different devices, modules, or units, and are not used to limit the order of functions performed by these devices, modules, or units or their interdependencies.

[0020] It should be noted that the terms "one" and "multiple" used in this utility model are illustrative rather than restrictive. Those skilled in the art should understand that, unless otherwise expressly indicated in the context, they should be understood as "one or more".

[0021] like Figure 1 As shown in the figure, an interface conversion system provided by this utility model includes a base plate and a communication conversion module, a debug interface conversion module and a bus interface compatibility module disposed on the base plate. The communication conversion module is used to connect to the debug port of the controller, the debug interface conversion module is used to connect to the programming port of the controller, and the bus interface compatibility module is used to connect to the connection port of the controller.

[0022] Specifically, the interface conversion system includes a substrate (e.g., a PCB substrate) and a communication conversion module, a debugging interface conversion module, and a bus interface compatibility module mounted on the substrate, combined with... Figure 6 As shown, the third port of the communication conversion module is used to connect to the host computer device, and the fourth port is used to connect to the debug port of the controller (e.g., MCU). Data communication between the host computer device and the target controller is achieved through the communication conversion module. The first port of the debug interface conversion module is used to connect to the controller's programming port, and the second port is used to connect to an external debugger (e.g., but not limited to, a J-Link debugger). Different types of debuggers are adapted through the debug interface conversion module. The bus interface compatibility module connects to the controller's connection port; for example, the male connector of the bus interface compatibility module connects to the controller's connection port (female connector), and the female connector of the bus interface compatibility module connects to the connection ports (male connectors) of other communication devices. Other communication devices are connected through the bus interface compatibility module, and the physical connection method is automatically adapted. The three main... The modules are integrated into a single PCB design. Each module works independently but collaboratively. For example, the third and fourth ports of the communication conversion module provide a basic communication channel between the host computer and the MCU. After debugging, it can be used for log output and functional verification. After the MCU is programmed, the debugging interface conversion module works with the communication conversion module to perform runtime debugging and log analysis. The bus interface compatibility module is used for data interaction between the device and other nodes. For example, during program debugging or functional verification, it simulates the communication environment between the MCU and peripherals, relies on the communication conversion module to verify the protocol logic, and relies on the debugging interface conversion module to modify the control program. The three work together to cover the entire process of embedded system development, downloading, communication, and verification, thereby improving the convenience and efficiency of embedded development and debugging, reducing the number of devices and the complexity of use, and improving the overall system reliability and maintainability.

[0023] Among them, combined Figure 6 As shown, the relative physical positions of the communication conversion module, the debugging interface conversion module, and the bus interface compatibility module are not limited in much. Those skilled in the art can set the relative positions of each module on the substrate and the relative position distribution between different modules according to actual needs. For example, the positions of two different modules on the substrate can be interchanged. However, the physical interface is usually laid out on the edge of the board to facilitate external connection.

[0024] In this embodiment, by placing the communication conversion module, debug interface conversion module, and bus interface compatibility module on the same substrate, the three types of interfaces—communication, debugging, and bus—are uniformly encapsulated. Each module operates independently but collaboratively to complete the entire process of embedded system communication, downloading, and debugging, improving the convenience and efficiency of embedded development and debugging. Furthermore, placing the three modules on the same substrate facilitates unified management and maintenance. Additionally, users do not need to frequently change adapter cables or disassemble and reassemble debugging tools during debugging; they only need to pre-connect the controller and relevant devices via the interface conversion system, avoiding debugging interruptions caused by changing adapter cables and significantly reducing the complexity of use.

[0025] Optionally, the communication conversion module includes a signal conversion chip and a third port and a fourth port connected to the signal conversion chip. The third port is used to connect to a host computer device, and the fourth port is used to connect to the debug port of the controller.

[0026] For example, combined Figure 6 As shown, the communication conversion module includes a signal conversion chip ( Figure 2 U4 in the middle) and the third port connected to the signal conversion chip ( Figure 2 USB1 and the fourth port (in the middle) Figure 2 The third port (H7 in the code) provides a physical connection to the host computer device (such as a computer). The signal conversion chip obtains the USB signal from the host computer device through the third port, performs USB to serial port protocol conversion, converts the USB signal into a serial signal, and outputs the serial signal to the MCU through the fourth port of the communication conversion module and the MCU's debug port to realize serial port debugging communication.

[0027] The third port can use a Type-C interface (reversible), which is compatible with mobile phone data cables and eliminates the need for an additional USB (such as Type-A) extension cable, making it more practical and convenient.

[0028] The signal conversion chip can be the CH340 chip. The CH340 chip is used to convert the USB interface into a UART serial communication interface (TXD / RXD, supporting RTS / CTS flow control), supports common serial port baud rates (300bps~2Mbps), and integrates a USB protocol controller, serial port logic and data buffer. It supports drivers for various mainstream operating systems and has the advantages of simple circuit structure, high stability and low cost, thus enabling stable data communication between the host computer device and the target MCU.

[0029] In this optional embodiment, USB-to-serial communication is achieved through a communication conversion module, which can establish stable serial communication between the host computer device and the controller, realize efficient interoperability between general USB devices and serial controllers, avoid external conversion modules, and improve system integration.

[0030] Optionally, the communication conversion module further includes a crystal oscillator and a power supply module. The crystal oscillator is connected to the signal conversion chip and is used to provide a working clock for the signal conversion chip. The power supply module is connected to the power supply pins of the signal conversion chip, the power supply pins of the third port, and the power supply pins of the fourth port, respectively.

[0031] Specifically, in combination Figure 6 As shown, the communication conversion module includes a crystal oscillator and a power supply module. The crystal oscillator is connected to the signal conversion chip, combined with... Figure 2 As shown, the crystal oscillator (X1) can be used with capacitors C5 (e.g., a 22pF load capacitor), C6, etc., to form a clock circuit. One end of the crystal oscillator (X1) is connected to XI (pin 7) of CH340G (U4), and the other end is connected to XO (pin 8). The two capacitors C5 and C6 are led out from XI and XO respectively and grounded, forming a standard parallel crystal oscillator circuit, which is used to provide a stable clock signal for the signal conversion chip and ensure the accuracy of the serial port baud rate. The power supply module is connected to the power supply pins of the signal conversion chip, as well as the power supply pins of the third port and the fourth port, respectively. Figure 2 As shown, the power supply module includes diodes D1 and D2 (connected to the +5V input for reverse connection / voltage drop protection), filter capacitors C2 and C4 (one end connected in series between the +5V input and D1, the other end grounded), C7 (one end connected to D2, the other end grounded), and status indicator lights such as LEDs 1-3 (LED 1 is connected in parallel with C7 for power supply indication; LED 2 and LED 3 are connected in parallel for RXD and TXD indication, respectively). The power supply module supplies power to the chip, the third port, and the fourth port.

[0032] In this optional embodiment, a stable frequency source is provided by a crystal oscillator to ensure the accuracy of the serial port baud rate and the stability of transmission, thus ensuring the communication accuracy of the chip. Power is supplied in isolation by a power module to improve system security and anti-interference capability, thereby reducing external dependence and enhancing module independence.

[0033] Optionally, the debug interface conversion module includes a first port and a second port, the first port being connected to the second port, the first port being used to connect to the programming port of the controller, and the second port being used to connect to an external debugger.

[0034] Specifically, in combination Figure 6As shown, the debug interface conversion module includes a first port and a second port. The first port is connected to the second port. The first port is connected to the programming port of the controller, and the second port is connected to an external debugger. The second port receives the debug signal from the external debugger (e.g., a standard 20-pin J-link debugger) and outputs the debug signal to the controller through the first port of the debug interface conversion module and the programming port of the controller.

[0035] Among them, combined Figure 6 As shown, the debug interface conversion module also includes connectors (e.g., sockets) for connecting to other devices.

[0036] In this optional embodiment, a connection is established between the external debugger and the controller through a debug interface conversion module, so that the standard debug signal output by the debugger can be directly transmitted to the programming port of the controller, thereby realizing the program programming and debugging functions.

[0037] Optionally, the debug interface conversion module further includes an internal pin mapping circuit, one end of which is connected to the signal pin of the first port, and the other end of which is connected to the signal pin of the second port.

[0038] Specifically, in combination Figure 3 As shown, the debug interface conversion module includes an internal pin mapping circuit, which is connected to the first port and the second port respectively (located between P1 and U2). Taking the second port as a 20-pin interface (corresponding to the external debugger) and the first port as a 7-pin interface (corresponding to the MCU programming port) as an example, the internal pin mapping circuit can convert the 20-pin interface to a 7-pin interface. The internal pin mapping circuit is used to connect the corresponding pins in the 20-pin interface to each pin in the 7-pin interface one by one. This can solve the problems in related technologies, such as the incompatibility between the standard 20-pin J-link interface and the SWD interface of the mainstream development board, which requires the use of an adapter cable, which is easy to be lost or damaged, and the difficulty in adaptation due to inconsistent interface definitions.

[0039] In this optional embodiment, the signal pins of the second port are mapped to the first port through an internal pin mapping circuit, thereby matching the signal pins of the controller's programming port. This can adapt to the pin specifications of different debuggers and MCUs without the need for traditional adapter cables, thus improving debugging reliability and compatibility.

[0040] Optionally, the debug interface conversion module further includes a push-button switch, which is connected between the target pin and the ground pin of the first port. The target pin is used to connect to the reset pin in the programming port of the controller.

[0041] Specifically, in combination Figure 6As shown, the debug interface conversion module also includes a push-button switch, which is connected between the target pin and the ground pin of the first port. The target pin of the first port is connected to the reset pin of the controller through the controller's programming port. Figure 3 As shown, when the push button switch (U3) is in the default state (not pressed), the RESET pin is pulled up to VCC (high level) through R1, and the controller operates normally; when the push button switch is pressed, the RESET pin is shorted to GND (low level), and the controller responds to the low-level reset signal and immediately enters the reset state. The push button switch can achieve fast reset, avoid frequent power outages, and improve development efficiency.

[0042] The filter capacitor C1 is connected between the RESET pin and ground to buffer rapid changes and prevent signal jitter.

[0043] In this optional embodiment, a button switch is used as a physical button to achieve reset control, which can achieve fast reset and avoid frequent power outages, thus improving development efficiency.

[0044] Optionally, the bus interface compatible module includes at least one male connector and at least one female connector, with the male connectors and female connectors interconnected. One of the male connectors and female connectors is used to connect to the connection port of the controller, and at least a portion of the other male connectors and female connectors is used to connect to other communication devices.

[0045] Specifically, in combination Figure 6 As shown, the bus interface compatible module includes at least one male connector (DSUB2, DSUB4) and at least one female connector (DSUB1, DSUB5), which can be connected via a bus. One of the male and female connectors is used to connect to the controller's connection port. Furthermore, it can achieve various combinations such as "male-male," "female-female," and "male-female," thereby automatically adapting to various devices, reducing debugging and preparation time, and combining... Figure 4 As shown, exemplarily, one of the connectors in the female connector is connected to the connection port of the controller.

[0046] In this optional embodiment, by setting male and female connectors, various peripheral access structures can be met, multiple devices can be automatically adapted, and debugging preparation time can be reduced.

[0047] Optionally, the male connector and the female connector are connected via a bus.

[0048] Specifically, in combination Figure 6As shown, the interface conversion system also includes a bus (such as a CAN bus). The CAN bus (two-wire differential signal line) includes the standard CAN1_H signal (high-level signal line) and CAN1_L signal (low-level signal line). Both the male and female connectors are connected to the high-level signal line and the low-level signal line, forming a connection channel for the bus node, which facilitates the access of CAN devices with different connector types to the same bus signal network.

[0049] In this optional embodiment, by connecting the male and female connectors to the bus, either port can be selected as the communication interface to meet the multi-node connection requirements of the bus-type device.

[0050] Optionally, the bus interface compatible module further includes a terminating resistor and a DIP switch. The terminating resistor and the DIP switch are connected in series to form an enable terminating resistor circuit. The two ends of the enable terminating resistor circuit are respectively connected to the high-level signal line and the low-level signal line of the bus.

[0051] Specifically, in combination Figure 6 As shown, the bus interface compatibility module also includes a terminating resistor and a DIP switch. The terminating resistor and the DIP switch are connected in series to form an enable terminating resistor circuit. The enable terminating resistor circuit is connected to the high-level signal line and the low-level signal line of the CAN bus, respectively. Figure 5 As shown, the enabling terminating resistor circuit includes a terminating resistor (R2) and a DIP switch (H4) connected in series. When the DIP switch is in the "ON" position, the terminating resistor is enabled; when the DIP switch is in the "OFF" position, the terminating resistor is disabled. That is, the DIP switch is used to control whether the terminating resistor is connected to the signal paths of CAN1_H and CAN1_L of the CAN bus. When the DIP switch is in the "ON" position, the terminating resistor is connected to the bus to form a matching impedance; when the DIP switch is in the "OFF" position, the terminating resistor is disconnected from the bus. Thus, the terminating impedance can be dynamically controlled according to the network topology to improve the bus communication quality.

[0052] In this optional embodiment, an enable terminating resistor circuit is formed by connecting a terminating resistor and a DIP switch in series, which can dynamically control the terminating impedance according to the network topology and improve the bus communication quality.

[0053] Optionally, the power module in the communication conversion module is connected to the power pin in the debug interface conversion module via an isolated DC or DC power supply.

[0054] Specifically, the power supply module in the communication conversion module is connected to the power supply pin in the debugging interface conversion module through an isolated DC or DC power supply. The isolated DC or DC power supply, as a power conversion circuit with electrical isolation function, transfers energy through an internal high-frequency transformer, and there is no electrical connection between the input and output, thereby achieving power isolation between the communication conversion module and the debugging interface conversion module.

[0055] In this optional embodiment, power isolation between the communication conversion module and the debugging interface conversion module can be achieved by using an isolated DC or DC power supply, thereby improving the electrical safety and communication stability of the system.

[0056] Although the present invention has been disclosed above, its protection scope is not limited thereto. Those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and all such changes and modifications will fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An interface conversion system, characterized in that, The device includes a substrate and a communication conversion module, a debug interface conversion module, and a bus interface compatibility module disposed on the substrate. The communication conversion module is used to connect to the debug port of the controller, the debug interface conversion module is used to connect to the programming port of the controller, and the bus interface compatibility module is used to connect to the connection port of the controller.

2. The interface conversion system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The communication conversion module includes a signal conversion chip and a third port and a fourth port connected to the signal conversion chip. The third port is used to connect to a host computer device, and the fourth port is used to connect to the debug port of the controller.

3. The interface conversion system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The communication conversion module further includes a crystal oscillator and a power supply module. The crystal oscillator is connected to the signal conversion chip and is used to provide a working clock for the signal conversion chip. The power supply module is connected to the power supply pins of the signal conversion chip, the power supply pins of the third port, and the power supply pins of the fourth port, respectively.

4. The interface conversion system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The debug interface conversion module includes a first port and a second port. The first port is connected to the second port. The first port is used to connect to the programming port of the controller, and the second port is used to connect to an external debugger.

5. The interface conversion system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The debugging interface conversion module also includes an internal pin mapping circuit, one end of which is connected to the signal pin of the first port, and the other end of which is connected to the signal pin of the second port.

6. The interface conversion system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The debugging interface conversion module also includes a push-button switch, which is connected between the target pin and the ground pin of the first port. The target pin is used to connect to the reset pin in the programming port of the controller.

7. The interface conversion system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bus interface compatible module includes at least one male connector and at least one female connector, which are interconnected. One of the male and female connectors is used to connect to the connection port of the controller, and at least a portion of the other male and female connectors is used to connect to other communication devices.

8. The interface conversion system according to claim 7, characterized in that, The male connector and the female connector are connected via a bus.

9. The interface conversion system according to claim 8, characterized in that, The bus interface compatibility module also includes a terminating resistor and a DIP switch. The terminating resistor and the DIP switch are connected in series to form an enable terminating resistor circuit. The two ends of the enable terminating resistor circuit are respectively connected to the high-level signal line and the low-level signal line of the bus.

10. The interface conversion system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The power module in the communication conversion module is connected to the power pin in the debugging interface conversion module via an isolated DC or DC power supply.