A multi-layer multi-channel multi-MCU and PC communication circuit

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of multi-level multi-channel multi-MCU and PC communication circuit, including four communication levels connected in turn: first level: CAN network switch layer, second level: CAN transceiver layer, third level: MCU control layer, this layer is communicated with upper CAN transceiver through CAN interface, communicated with lower test unit through UART interface, fourth level: test unit layer, the utility model passes through the MCU communication structure of multi-level multi-channel, realized system high parallelism, communication high reliability and flexible scalability, applicable to large-scale test industry and automation production field, can significantly improve test efficiency, reduce cost, and provide system-level architecture support for subsequent expansion and intelligent management.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electronic testing technology, specifically to a multi-level, multi-channel, multi-MCU communication circuit with a PC. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in the testing industry and industrial automation production, most common test control systems adopt a single master controller and multiple node structure.

[0003] This architecture typically relies on a microcontroller (MCU) communicating directly with the PC, using a serial port or USB interface for data exchange. While simple to implement, this method has the following drawbacks: 1. Poor system scalability: As the number of test units increases, the communication lines become complex and difficult to manage; 2. Insufficient real-time performance: Multiple nodes share the same bus, resulting in significant data conflicts and delays; 3. High cost and large space occupation: Numerous test fixtures, complex wiring, and difficult maintenance; 4. Low redundancy and fault tolerance: Once single-channel communication is interrupted, the entire system will fail.

[0004] Under the manufacturing philosophy of "time is cost, cost reduction and efficiency improvement", there is an urgent need for a multi-MCU communication system with clear hierarchy, independent channels, reliable communication and flexible expansion, so as to realize the integration and intelligence of test equipment. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the aforementioned issues, the purpose of this invention is to provide a multi-level, multi-channel, multi-MCU and PC communication circuit that achieves high-reliability communication, parallel data processing, system scalability, and cost reduction and efficiency improvement in production lines through a multi-level bus architecture and modular design.

[0006] A multi-level, multi-channel, multi-MCU communication circuit for PC, the system comprising four communication levels connected in sequence: The first level is the CAN network switch layer, which is used to communicate with the PC and connect multiple CAN transceivers; The second level is the CAN transceiver layer, which is used to connect multiple lower-level units in a bus topology and assign independent addresses to each lower-level unit to distinguish data interaction. The third level is the MCU control layer, which includes HC32F460 microcontroller modules. Each HC32F460 module communicates with the upper-level CAN transceiver through the CAN interface and with the lower-level test unit through the UART interface. Each HC32F460 module has three channels, each of which is an independent unit and supports hot-swappable connection. The fourth level is the test unit layer. Each test unit contains several MSP430I2040 microcontrollers. Each MSP430I2040 identifies the upper-level interaction information according to the address and executes the corresponding test and control operations. In this system, each layer is equipped with an independent identification ID and address code to achieve multi-level data layered transmission and independent management, and each channel is independent of each other and does not interfere with each other.

[0007] Preferably, the first-level CAN network switch has a redundant fault-tolerant design, which can automatically switch to the backup channel when a certain CAN channel fails to ensure the reliability of system communication.

[0008] Preferably, the second-level CAN transceiver can identify the address codes of multiple lower-level units and perform parallel transmission and centralized management of the test data of each unit through the CAN bus.

[0009] Preferably, the three channels of the third-level HC32F460 module are all independent communication units, which can establish a UART communication link with the lower-level MSP430I2040 module to realize parallel data acquisition and control.

[0010] Preferably, the fourth-level test unit contains 24 MSP430I2040 microcontrollers, each of which independently executes test and feedback tasks without interfering with each other.

[0011] This invention supports adjusting the number of layers and channels according to production needs, thereby enabling flexible system expansion and automated production line scale control.

[0012] Preferably, the data transmission path of the circuit adopts a hierarchical ID mapping mechanism to achieve traceable, isolated, and layered optimized data transmission between layers.

[0013] Preferably, the circuit uses a CAN bus to achieve real-time communication between the main controller and each lower-level unit, thereby improving the transmission rate and response time of test data.

[0014] This invention can be used in the testing industry and industrial automation production lines to reduce the number of fixtures, compress testing units, and improve space utilization through the parallel collaboration of multiple MCUs.

[0015] The data hierarchical structure and multi-channel control structure of this invention can achieve a highly real-time, highly reliable, and highly scalable automated testing process while reducing testing costs.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects: 1. High reliability and redundancy / fault tolerance: The CAN network structure has a multi-channel redundancy mechanism, which can automatically switch to a backup channel when a channel fails, ensuring stable communication.

[0017] 2. High real-time performance and efficient data processing: The multi-MCU parallel architecture significantly improves data acquisition and processing speed, reduces the number of fixtures, and simplifies the testing system.

[0018] 3. Flexibility and scalability: The system can adjust the number of levels and channels according to production needs, making it easy to deploy quickly in production lines of different sizes.

[0019] 4. Hierarchical data optimization: A hierarchical ID mapping mechanism enables data traceability and optimized transmission from the host computer to each test unit.

[0020] 5. Independent channels and no interference: Each channel and each unit operates independently to avoid signal interference and improve the stability and accuracy of test results.

[0021] 6. Cost reduction, efficiency improvement, and space utilization optimization: By reducing the number of test fixtures and adopting a centralized cabling design, system construction costs are reduced and production space utilization is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of the communication hierarchy of this utility model; Figure 2 This is an address allocation diagram for the multi-MCU unit of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining this utility model and are not intended to limit this utility model.

[0024] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the multi-level, multi-channel, multi-MCU and PC communication system of this utility model includes four communication levels connected in sequence: 1. Level 1: CAN Network Switch Layer This layer communicates with the PC via the CAN bus for centralized management and distribution of communication data, and can connect multiple CAN transceivers simultaneously. The CAN network features long transmission distance, high speed, strong real-time performance, and strong anti-interference capabilities, making it the main communication hub of the system.

[0025] 2. Second level: CAN transceiver layer This layer adopts a bus topology to connect multiple lower-level unit modules. Each unit is assigned an independent address (such as 0001, 0002, etc.), and different test units are distinguished by address identification, realizing multi-node parallel communication and independent control.

[0026] 3. Third level: MCU control layer (HC32F460 module) This layer communicates with the upper-level CAN transceiver via the CAN interface and with the lower-level test unit via the UART interface.

[0027] Each HC32F460 module can be expanded to three channels, each of which is an independent test unit and supports hot-swappable connection, enabling flexible configuration and convenient maintenance.

[0028] In addition, the HC32F460 module can be used with the multi-channel MSP430I2040 control unit to achieve data acquisition and command control.

[0029] 4. Fourth level: Test cell layer (MSP430I2040 array) Each test unit contains 24 MSP430I2040 microcontrollers. Each MCU independently identifies communication information and executes corresponding test and feedback tasks according to the address code assigned by the superior.

[0030] Each MCU operates independently without interfering with the others, and can perform testing functions such as analog signal acquisition, voltage and current detection, and load control.

[0031] Each layer of the system is assigned an independent identification ID and address code to achieve hierarchical management, data traceability, and communication isolation, thereby improving the overall security and stability of the system.

[0032] Specifically, the first-level CAN network switch communicates with the PC via the main CAN bus; the second-level CAN transceiver uses a bus topology to connect multiple HC32F460 modules; the third-level HC32F460 module communicates with the upper-level transceiver via the CAN interface and with the lower-level MSP430I2040 module via three UART interfaces; the fourth-level test unit 4 contains 24 MSP430I2040 microcontrollers, each assigned an independent address to execute test tasks.

[0033] When the system is working, the PC sends control commands through the CAN network switch; the CAN transceiver forwards the commands to the corresponding HC32F460 module according to the target address; the HC32F460 module then sends the data to the corresponding test unit through UART; the MSP430I2040 of the test unit receives the commands and executes the test actions, while feeding back the test results.

[0034] Each channel can operate independently, and when one unit is being maintained or hot-swapped, it does not affect the normal operation of other channels.

[0035] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A multi-level, multi-channel, multi-MCU communication circuit with a PC, characterized in that: The circuit comprises four communication layers connected in sequence: The first level is the CAN network switch layer, which is used to communicate with the PC and connect multiple CAN transceivers; The second level is the CAN transceiver layer, which is used to connect multiple lower-level units in a bus topology and assign independent addresses to each lower-level unit to distinguish data interaction. The third level is the MCU control layer, which includes HC32F460 microcontroller modules. Each HC32F460 module communicates with the upper-level CAN transceiver through the CAN interface and with the lower-level test unit through the UART interface. Each HC32F460 module has three channels, each of which is an independent unit and supports hot-swappable connection. The fourth level is the test unit layer. Each test unit contains several MSP430I2040 microcontrollers. Each MSP430I2040 identifies the upper-level interaction information according to the address and executes the corresponding test and control operations. Each layer in the circuit is equipped with an independent identification ID and address code.

2. The multi-level, multi-channel, multi-MCU and PC communication circuit according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first-level CAN network switch is equipped with a backup channel that can be automatically switched in case of channel failure.

3. The multi-level, multi-channel, multi-MCU and PC communication circuit according to claim 2, characterized in that: The three channels of the third-level HC32F460 module are all independent communication units, and each establishes a UART communication link with the lower-level MSP430I2040 module.

4. The multi-level, multi-channel, multi-MCU and PC communication circuit according to claim 3, characterized in that: The fourth-level test unit contains 24 MSP430I2040 microcontrollers, each of which independently performs test and feedback tasks.

5. The multi-level, multi-channel, multi-MCU and PC communication circuit according to claim 4, characterized in that: The data transmission path of the circuit adopts a hierarchical ID mapping.

6. The multi-level, multi-channel, multi-MCU and PC communication circuit according to claim 5, characterized in that: The circuit enables real-time communication between the main controller and each subordinate unit via a CAN bus.

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