CONFORMITY TESTING DEVICE AND PROCEDURES FOR A COMMUNICATION NODE

Abstract

Device for a conformity test at a communication node (200, 300, 310, 320, 330, 430, 432, 434) which constitutes a communication network, wherein the device comprises: a monitoring port (305, 440); a switch (410) which turns on or off a connection between the monitoring port (305, 440) and a communication port (301, 302, 303, 420, 422, 424) which is connected to the communication node (200, 300, 310, 320, 330, 430, 432, 434); and a processor (400) which: receives a test request signal with identification information corresponding to the communication port (301, 302, 303, 420, 422, 424) and mode type information indicating a conformance test mode, controls the switch (410) to turn the connection between the monitoring port (305, 440) and the communication port (301, 302, 303, 420, 422, 424) on or off based on the identification information, and The mode type information is sent via the switch (410) to the communication nodes (200, 300, 310, 320, 330, 430, 432, 434).

Description

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Area

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to conformity testing technologies for a communication node representing a vehicle network, and, more specifically, to a technique for performing a conformity test or conformity verification for a communication node when it is installed in a vehicle. 2. Description of the state of the art

[0002] Along with the rapid digitization of vehicle components, the number and variety of electronic systems and devices installed within a vehicle have increased significantly. Electronic devices can now be used across the entire vehicle, for example, in a powertrain control system, a body control system, a chassis control system, a vehicle network, a multimedia system, and similar systems. For instance, the powertrain control system might include an engine control system, an automatic transmission control system, and so on. The body control system might include a body electronics control system, an amenity control system, a lighting control system, and so on. The chassis control system might include a steering control system, a brake control system, a suspension control system, and so on.The vehicle network can include a CAN bus network, a FlexRay-based network, a Media Transport System (MOST)-based network, etc. The multimedia system can include a navigation system, a telematics system, an infotainment system, etc.

[0003] These systems and the electronic devices from which each system is built are connected via a vehicle network that supports the functions of the electronic devices. For example, CAN can support a transmission rate of up to 1 Mbps and can include automatic message return, a fault detection-based, cycle-based interface (CRC), etc. The FlexRay-based network can support a transmission rate of up to 10 Mbps and can support simultaneous data transmission over two channels, synchronous data transmission, etc. The MOST-based network is a communication network for high-quality multimedia devices that support a transmission rate of up to 150 Mbps.

[0004] Meanwhile, telematics and infotainment systems, as well as modern vehicle safety systems, require higher transmission rates and system expandability. However, CAN, FlexRay-based networks, and similar technologies cannot adequately support these requirements. MOST-based networks can support higher transmission rates than CAN and FlexRay-based networks. However, the costs of implementing MOST-based networks for all vehicle networks increase. Due to these limitations, an Ethernet-based network can be considered as a vehicle network solution. Ethernet-based networks can support bidirectional communication over a pair of wires and can achieve transmission rates of up to 10 Gbps.

[0005] The CAN network, widely used as a vehicle network, employs a bus-type topology. Accordingly, network compliance can be assessed by measuring transmit / receive messages from communication nodes connected to the network. In contrast, the Ethernet-based network uses a circuit-based network topology.

[0006] In this regard, a network compliance test for an Ethernet-based communication node is only performed as a component that is not yet installed in a vehicle. Therefore, a method and a device for performing a network compliance test in the vehicle for a physical layer, etc., of communication nodes are required.

[0007] From US 2012 / 0 269 068 A1, US 2012 / 0 236 727 A1, US 2012 / 0 023 340 A1 and US 2008 / 0 298 261 A1, a device for a conformance test on a communication node constituting a communication network is known, comprising a monitoring port; a switch which turns a connection between the monitoring port and a communication port connected to the communication node on or off; and a processor which controls the switch to turn the connection between the monitoring port and the communication port on or off.

[0008] DE 10 2012 216 689 A1 also describes a method for monitoring an Ethernet-based communication network in a motor vehicle by monitoring the communication link between two network nodes connected via the communication network, as well as a correspondingly configured network node. The method provides for the bidirectional and cyclical measurement of the signal propagation time between network nodes and the communication network, and for the evaluation of changes in signal propagation time. OVERVIEW

[0009] Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure are provided to essentially anticipate one or more problems arising from limitations and disadvantages of the prior art.

[0010] One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a device for a conformity test on a communication node that constitutes a vehicle network, which can perform the conformity test when the communication node is installed in a vehicle. Furthermore, the present disclosure is also intended to provide a method for a conformity test on a communication node that constitutes a vehicle network, which can be performed when the communication node is installed in a vehicle.

[0011] The problem is solved by a device for a conformity test at a communication node with the features of claim 1 and a method with the features of claim 7. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0012] According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a device for a conformity test at a communication node constituting a communication network comprises: a monitoring port; a switch for turning on or off a connection between the monitoring port and a communication port connected to the communication node; and a processor which receives a test request signal with identification information corresponding to the communication port and mode-type information indicating a conformity test mode, controls the on or off switch of the connection between the monitoring port and the communication port based on the identification information, and sends the mode-type information via the switch to the communication node.

[0013] The processor can control the turning off of the switch of the connection between the monitoring port and the communication port in a normal mode and can control the turning on of the switch of the connection between the monitoring port and the communication port in a compliance test mode.

[0014] The switch can be configured with at least one semiconductor element.

[0015] A test response signal corresponding to the mode type information can be sent to a test output device, which outputs a result of the conformity test performed at the communication node through the monitoring port.

[0016] The mode type information can correspond to a code value, which is configured in a register of the communication node.

[0017] The conformity test can be performed when the communication node is connected to a vehicle network.

[0018] Furthermore, according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, a method for a conformity test at a communication node constituting a communication network comprises: receiving a test request signal, which contains identification information corresponding to the communication port and mode-type information indicating a conformity test mode, for the communication node; switching on or off a connection between a monitoring port and a communication port connected to the communication node, based on the identification information; and sending a test response signal corresponding to the mode-type information for the communication node via the monitoring port.

[0019] The connection between the monitoring port and the communication port can be switched off in normal mode, and the connection between the monitoring port and the communication port can be switched on in a compliance test mode.

[0020] The test response signal can be sent to a test output device, which outputs a result of the conformity test performed at the communication node via the monitoring port.

[0021] The test request signal includes mode type information, which can correspond to a code value, to be configured in a register of the communication node.

[0022] The conformity test can be performed when the communication node is connected to a vehicle network.

[0023] According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a conformity evaluation of a communication node cannot be performed if the node is a component not installed in a vehicle, but can be if the node is installed in a vehicle. Also according to embodiments of the present disclosure, an additional connection pair is not required for the conformity test of the communication node in the vehicle network. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Embodiments of the present disclosure become more apparent by describing embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a drawing which shows a vehicle network topology corresponding to embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig.2 is a drawing which depicts a communication node constituting a vehicle network, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 a conceptual view of an operating procedure of a conformity testing device for a communication node, corresponding to embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 is a block diagram which represents a conformance device for a communication node, according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and Fig. 5 is a flowchart which represents a conformity test procedure for a communication node according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0025] It should be assumed that the drawings described above are not necessarily to scale, but rather represent a simplified depiction of the various preferred features that illustrate the basic principles of the disclosure. The specific design features of this disclosure, which include, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, locations, and shapes, are partly determined by the intended application and the environment of use or application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0026] The following sections describe in detail embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the accompanying drawings. As those skilled in the art will realize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without all of them deviating from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, throughout the specification, identical reference numerals refer to identical elements or components.

[0027] The terminology used herein serves only to describe specific embodiments and is not intended to be limiting to the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," "an," and "the" are to include the plural forms as well, unless clearly indicated otherwise in the context. Furthermore, the terms "indicates" and / or "indicating," when used in this specification, are to be understood as specifying the presence of the listed features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but not excluding the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more related listed terms.

[0028] It is to be assumed that the term "vehicle" or "vehicle-like" or any other similar term as used herein is inclusive of motor vehicles in general, such as passenger cars, including sports vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft, including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft and the like, and including hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, internal combustion engine vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other vehicles using alternative fuels (e.g., fuels derived from resources other than oil).

[0029] Although exemplary embodiments are described here using a multitude of units to perform the exemplary process, it should be understood that the exemplary processes can also be performed by one or a multitude of modules. Additionally, it should be understood that the term "controller / control unit" refers to a hardware device that includes memory and a processor. The memory is configured to store the modules, and the processor is specifically configured to execute these modules to perform one or more processes, which are described below. Furthermore, it should be understood that the units or modules described here may include a control element / control unit for controlling the operation of the unit or module.

[0030] Furthermore, the control logic of the present invention can be embedded as non-transitory, computer-readable media on a computer-readable medium containing executable program instructions that are executed by a processor, a controller, or the like. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, compact disc (CD-)ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, flash drives, smart cards, and optical data storage devices. The computer-readable recording medium can also be distributed across networked computer systems, so that the computer-readable media are stored and executed in a distributed manner, e.g., by a telematics server or a control area network (CAN).

[0031] Since the present disclosure can be modified in various ways and can have several embodiments, specific embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. However, it should be assumed that the present description is not intended to be limited to these specific embodiments, but rather that the present disclosure is intended to cover all modifications and alternatives that fall within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0032] Reference terms, such as first, second, and similar terms, can be used to describe different elements; however, the elements should not be limited or restricted by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first component can be referred to as a second component without altering the scope of the present disclosure, and the second component can similarly be referred to as the first component. The term "and / or" means any or a combination of a multitude of related and described elements or aspects.

[0033] When it is mentioned that a particular component is "coupled with" or "connected to" another, it should be assumed that the particular component is directly "coupled with" or "connected to" the other component, or that another component may be placed between them. Conversely, when it is mentioned that a particular component is "directly coupled with" or "directly connected to" another, it should be assumed that no other component is placed between them.

[0034] Unless specifically stated otherwise or evident from the context, as used here, the term "approximately" is to be understood as within a range of normal tolerance in the field, for example, within two standard deviations from the mean. "Approximately" can be understood as within 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, 0.1%, 0.05%, or 0.01% of the stated value. Unless otherwise clearly indicated by the context, all values ​​provided here are modified by "approximately".

[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as understood by experts to whom this disclosure applies. Terms such as those in common use and those found in dictionaries are to be interpreted as having meanings consistent with those in the context of the state of the art. In this description, unless explicitly defined, terms are not to be interpreted in an ideal, excessive manner as formal meanings.

[0036] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. To facilitate overall understanding of the disclosure, identical numbers refer to the same elements or components throughout the description of the figures, and repetition of these descriptions is omitted.

[0037] Fig. Figure 1 is a drawing showing a vehicle network topology according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0038] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 1, a communication node can include a gateway or access point, a switch (or bridge), or an end node. Gateway 100 can be connected to at least one switch 110, 110-1, 110-2, 120, or 130 and can be configured to connect to different networks. For example, the Gateway 100 can connect a switch that supports a CAN (e.g., FlexRay), Media-Oriented System Transport (MOST), or Local Area Network (LIN) protocol, and a switch that supports an Ethernet protocol. Each of the switches 110, 110-1, 110-2, 120, and 130 can be connected to at least one end node 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, and 133. Each of the switches 110, 110-1, 110-2, 120, and 130 can connect the end nodes 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, and 133 to each other and operate at least one of the end nodes connected to the switch.

[0039] End nodes 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, and 133 may contain an electronic control unit (ECU) configured to operate various types of equipment or devices installed within the vehicle. For example, end nodes 111, 112, 113, 121, 122, 123, 131, 132, and 133 may contain an ECU configured to operate an infotainment device (e.g., a display, a navigation system, and a surround-view monitoring system).

[0040] The communication nodes (e.g., a gateway, a switch, an end node, or similar) included in a vehicle network can be connected in a star topology, bus topology, ring topology, tree topology, mesh topology, etc. Additionally, the communication nodes of the vehicle network can support a CAN protocol, FlexRay protocol, MOST protocol, LIN protocol, or Ethernet protocol. Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be applied to the network topologies described above. The network topology to which exemplary embodiments of this disclosure can be applied is not limited and can be configured in various ways.

[0041] Fig.Figure 2 is a drawing showing a communication node constituting a vehicle network, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. It is noteworthy that the various methods discussed below can be executed by a control element having a processor and memory, as described above.

[0042] As in Fig.As shown in Figure 2, a communication node 200 of a network can include a PHY layer block 210 and a control element 220. Additionally, the communication node 200 can further include a controller (not shown) for power delivery. Specifically, the control element 220 can be implemented to include a medium-access control (MAC) layer. A PHY layer block 210 can be configured to receive or send signals to or from another communication node. The control element 220 can be configured to operate the PHY layer block 210 and perform various functions (e.g., an infotainment function). The PHY layer block 210 and the control element 220 can be implemented as a system-on-a-chip (SoC) or, alternatively, as separate chips.

[0043] Furthermore, the PHY layer block 210 and the control element 220 can be connected via a media-independent interface (MII) 230. The MII 230 can include an interface defined in IEEE 802.3 and can provide a data interface and a management interface between the PHY layer block 210 and the control element 220. One of the following can be used instead of the MII 230: a reduced MII (RMII), a Gigabit MII (GMII), a reduced GMII (RGMII), a serial GMII (SGMII), or a 10 GMII (XGMII). A data interface can include a transmit channel and a receive channel, each of which can have an independent clock, data, and control signal. The management interface can be a dual-signal interface, with one signal for the clock and one signal for the data.

[0044] Specifically, the PHY layer block 210 can include a PHY layer interface unit 211, a PHY layer processor 212, and a PHY layer memory 213. The configuration of the PHY layer block 210 is not limited to this, and it can be configured in various ways. The PHY layer interface unit 211 can be configured to send a signal received from the control unit 220 to the PHY layer processor 212 and to send a signal received from the PHY layer processor 212 back to the control unit 220. The PHY layer processor 212 can be configured to execute operations of the PHY layer interface unit 211 and the PHY layer memory 213. The PHY layer processor 212 can be configured to modulate a signal to be sent or to demodulate a received signal.The PHY layer processor 212 can be configured to operate the PHY layer memory 213 to input or output a signal. The PHY layer memory 213 can be configured to store the received signal and output the stored signal based on a request from the PHY layer processor 212.

[0045] The control element 220 can be configured to monitor and operate the PHY layer block 210, using the MII 230. The control element 220 can include a control interface 221, a control processor 222, main memory 223, and submemory 224. The configuration of the control element 220 is not limited to these components, and the control element 220 can be configured in various ways. The control interface 221 can be configured to receive a signal from the PHY layer block 210 (e.g., the PHY layer interface 211) or an upper layer (not shown), send the received signal to the control processor 222, and send the received signal from the control processor 222 back to the PHY layer block 210 or the upper layer.The control processor 222 can further include independent memory control logic or integrated memory control logic to operate the control interface 221, main memory 223, and submemory 224. The memory control logic can be implemented to reside in main memory 223 and submemory 224, or it can be implemented to reside within the control processor 222.

[0046] Furthermore, both main memory 223 and submemory 224 can be configured to store a signal processed by control processor 222 and can be configured to output the stored signal based on a request from control processor 222. Main memory 223 can be volatile memory (e.g., direct access memory (RAM)) configured to temporarily store data required for the operation of control processor 222. Submemory 224 can be non-volatile memory in which operating system code (e.g., a kernel and a device driver) and application program code for performing a function of control 220 can be stored.A flash memory with high processing speed, a hard disk drive (HDD), or a large-capacity read-only compact disc (CD-ROM) can be used as the non-volatile memory. Typically, the 222 control processor can include a logic circuit with at least one processing core. A core from an Advanced RISC (ARM) family or an Atom family can be used as the 222 control processor.

[0047] The following describes the operating procedures of a communication node belonging to a vehicle network and a counterpart communication node corresponding to it. However, even if only the operation of the first communication node (e.g., the transmission or sending of signals) is described, a second communication node, a counterpart communication node corresponding to the first, can perform a reverse operation (e.g., receiving or sending signals) in accordance with the operation of the first communication node.

[0048] This means that even if only one operation of the first communication node is declared, it should be assumed that the second communication node, which corresponds to the first communication node, can perform an inverse operation of the first communication node's operation. Conversely, even if only one operation of the second communication node is declared, it should be assumed that the first communication node, which corresponds to the second communication node, can perform an inverse operation of the second communication node's operation.

[0049] Fig. Figure 3 is a conceptual view of an operational procedure of a conformity test device for a communication node according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0050] As in Fig.Figure 3 shows communication nodes within a network used in vehicle conformity testing. Specifically, a first communication node 300, a second communication node 310, a third communication node 320, and a fourth communication node 330 are installed in a vehicle. The conformity test for the communication nodes can be performed when they are connected to the vehicle's network. Thus, the conformity test, according to the present disclosure, can be an in-vehicle conformity test. The first communication node 300, which is connected to a CAN network or an Ethernet network, can have first through fourth communication ports 301, 302, 303, and 304, each of which is connected to every other communication node. Additionally, the first communication node 300 can also have an additional monitoring port 305 for the conformity test.The monitoring port 305 of the first communication node 300 can also be connected to a test output device 340 for conformity testing. The first communication port 301 can be connected to the second communication node 310, the second communication port 302 can be connected to the third communication node 320, and the third communication port 303 can be connected to the fourth communication node 330. The fourth communication port 304 can be connected to an external output port.

[0051] When a network conformance test is requested for one of the communication nodes 310, 320, or 330, each connected to communication ports 301, 302, or 303 respectively, one of these ports can be connected to the communication node requesting the test and then to monitoring port 305. A test response signal can then be transmitted from the communication port being tested to monitoring port 305. The test response signal received at monitoring port 305 can be sent to test output device 340, which is also connected to monitoring port 305. Test output device 340 can then output the test result information corresponding to the test response signal, thus identifying the result of the in-vehicle network conformance test on the communication node.

[0052] Fig. Figure 4 is a block diagram representing a conformity test device for a communication node according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0053] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, a conformance test device for a communication node can comprise a processor 400, a switch 410, and a monitoring port 440. Additionally, the first through third communication ports 420, 422, and 424 can be connected to the switch 410. Likewise, the first through third communication nodes 430, 432, and 434 can each be connected to the communication ports 420, 422, and 424, respectively. Here, the number of communication ports and communication nodes is only an example and should not be considered limiting to the scope of this disclosure. The number of these can increase or decrease as needed.

[0054] The processor 400 can control the switch 410 to connect the monitoring port 440 to one of the first to third communication ports 420, 422, and 424. A state in which a test request signal has not yet been received can be referred to as a "normal mode," and a state in which a test request signal is received can be referred to as a "conformity test mode."

[0055] In normal mode, processor 400 can control switch 410 to disconnect the connections between monitoring port 440 and all first through third communication ports 420, 422, and 424. That is, in normal mode, where no conformity test is performed, processor 400 can control switch 410 to disconnect all connections between monitoring port 440 and all communication ports.

[0056] Meanwhile, in conformance test mode, during which a conformance test is performed, processor 400 can control switch 410 to establish a connection between monitoring port 440 and one of the communication ports 420, 422, and 424 (e.g., a test target). When transitioning from normal mode to conformance test mode, processor 400 can control switch 410 to connect monitoring port 440 to one of the communication ports. Here, processor 400 can control switch 410 to maintain connections between monitoring port 440 and other communication ports, except for the one connected to monitoring port 440, and except for those connected to monitoring port 440 in off states.

[0057] Based on a received test request signal, the processor 400 can control the operation of the switch 410. The test request signal can be received via a vehicle network (e.g., an Ethernet-based vehicle network, etc.). An interface unit (not shown) may be required to receive the test request signal. However, the explanation of the interface unit is omitted from this description. When receiving the test request signal via the vehicle network, the processor 400 can identify a mode transition from normal mode to conformity test mode.

[0058] The received test request signal can contain identification information or mode type information that corresponds to at least one of the communication ports.

[0059] The identification information can be information used to identify the communication nodes to be tested and the communication ports connected to those nodes. Processor 400 can control the operation of switch 410 based on the identification information contained in the received test request signal. Table 1 below shows an example of the identification information for the first through fourth communication ports 420, 422, and 424, which are contained in Fig. 4 are shown. [Table 1] Communication connection Identification information 1 0×10 2 0×20 3 0×30

[0060] For example, if the identification information contained in the test request signal indicates "0x10" corresponding to communication port 420, the processor 400 can send a switching control signal to switch 410 so that the first communication port 420 can be connected to the monitoring port 440. Similarly, if the identification information contained in the test request signal indicates "0x20" corresponding to communication port 422, the processor 400 can send a switching control signal to switch 410 so that the second communication port 422 can be connected to the monitoring port 440.Even if the identification information contained in the test request signal displays “0x30” corresponding to the communication port 424, the processor 400 can send a switching control signal to the switch 410, so that the third communication port 424 can be connected to the monitoring port 440.

[0061] The processor 400 can control the switch 410 to maintain the connections between the communication ports and the monitoring port while a new or changed test request signal is not received or a transition to normal mode is not requested.

[0062] On the other hand, after one of the communication ports 420, 422 and 424 is connected to the monitoring port 440, corresponding to the switching operation of the switch 410, the processor 400 can send the mode-type information contained in the test request signal to the communication node to which the monitoring port 440 is connected.

[0063] The mode type information can be information corresponding to a register code value that must be configured in a register of communication node 430, 432, or 434. For example, register code values ​​to be configured for conformance testing are represented in Table 2 below. [Table 2] Mode type information Code value Description Test mode 1 0x2200 Send Deviation Test Mode Test mode 2 0x4200 Send jitter test in MASTER mode Test mode 3 0x x6000 Send jitter test in SLAVE mode Test mode 4 0x8200 Send distortion mode Test mode 5 0xA200 Mask of spectral power density and power level test mode

[0064] The mode type information included in the test request signal can be one of the test modes listed in Table 2. For example, if the mode type information included in the test request signal is "0x2200", processor 400 can send the code value "0x2200" corresponding to the mode type information to the communication node connected to monitor port 440. Similarly, the communication node receiving the mode type information can send a test response signal back to the monitor port corresponding to the received mode type information.

[0065] Switch 410 can open or close the connection between monitoring port 440 and communication ports 420, 422, and 424. For this purpose, switch 410 can be connected to communication ports 420, 422, and 424, as well as to monitoring port 440. Switch 410 can contain as many switching elements as there are communication ports. For example, as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the switch 410 has a first switching element 412, a second switching element 414, and a third switching element 416, each of which is connected to the communication port 420, 422, or 424. The switching elements 412, 414, and 416 can also each be connected to the monitoring port 440. The communication ports 420, 422, and 424 can also each be connected to the communication nodes 430, 432, and 434, respectively.

[0066] Switch 410 can be configured with semiconductor elements. For example, switching elements 412, 414, and 416 can be configured with one of the following: a field-effect transistor (FET), a junction FET, a metal-oxide-semiconductor FET (MOSFET), etc.

[0067] In normal mode, when the switching control signal, which instructs to switch off the connections between the monitoring port 440 and the communication ports 420, 422 and 424, is received by the processor 400, the switching element 412 can be controlled to switch off a connection between the monitoring port 440 and the first communication port 420, the switching element 414 can be controlled to switch off a connection between the monitoring port 440 and the second communication port 422, and the switching element 416 can be controlled to switch off a connection between the monitoring port 440 and the third communication port 424.

[0068] Meanwhile, in the conformance test mode, when the switching control signal, which issues the command to activate a connection between monitoring port 440 and one of the communication ports 420, 422, and 424, is received by the processor 400, the switch 410 can connect the monitoring port to the communication port that has been requested to be connected to monitoring port 440. For example, if the processor 400 requests the switch 410 to activate the connection between the first communication port 420 and the monitoring port 440, the first switching element 412 can connect the first communication port 420 to the monitoring port 440.Meanwhile, the second switching element 414 can maintain the connection between the second communication port 422 and the monitoring port 440 in an off state, and the third switching element 416 can maintain the connection between the third communication port 424 and the monitoring port 440 in an off state.

[0069] Following the switching operation of switch 410, after monitoring port 440 is connected to one of the communication ports 420, 422, and 424, processor 400 can send mode type information indicating a conformance test mode for the communication node connected to monitoring port 440. The communication node receiving this mode type information can then generate a test response signal and transmit it to monitoring port 440 via switch 410.For example, if the identification information contained in the received test request signal corresponds to "0x10" in Table 1, and the mode type information contained in the received test request signal corresponds to "0x2200" in Table 2, the switching element 412 can activate the connection between the first communication port 420, corresponding to the value "0x10," and the monitoring port 440. This allows the mode type code value "0x2200" to be transmitted to the first communication node 430, which is connected to the first communication port 420. Accordingly, the communication node 430 can generate a test response signal for the "deviation test" corresponding to the code value 0x2200 and send this "deviation test" response signal to the monitoring port 440 via the communication port 420 and the switching element 412.

[0070] The monitoring port 440 is a port prepared for a conformity test of communication nodes, and one end of it can be connected to the switch 410. This means that one end of the monitoring port 440 can each be connected to the switching elements 412, 414, and 416. The other end of the monitoring port 440 (i.e., the output port) can also be connected to the test output device 450, which outputs a result of the conformity test for the communication nodes. The test output device 450 can include a conformity test instrument, such as an oscilloscope, etc.

[0071] The monitoring port 440 can receive the test response signal from the communication node, corresponding to the communication port connected to it, according to the mode type information. The monitoring port 440 can then send the received test response signal to the test output device 450, which is connected to the output port. For example, if the connection between the communication port 420 and the monitoring port 440 is enabled by the first switching element 412, the monitoring port 440 can receive the test response signal of the "deviation test" corresponding to the code value "0x2200" from the communication node 430 via the communication port 420. The monitoring port 440 can then send the received test response signal of the "deviation test" to the test output device 450.Accordingly, the test output device 450 can output the test result information of the deviation test in accordance with the test response signal.

[0072] Fig. Figure 5 is a flowchart which represents a conformity test procedure for a communication node according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0073] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a test request signal can be received for a communication node (S500). This test request signal can be received through a vehicle network (e.g., an Ethernet-based vehicle network, etc.). The received test request signal can contain identification information or mode type information for the conformity test mode, corresponding to each of the communication ports.

[0074] After step S500, according to the received test request signal, a communication port connected to at least one communication node can be connected to the monitoring port (S502). Here, according to the identification information corresponding to the communication port indicated by the received test request signal, the communication port can be connected to the monitoring port.

[0075] For example, as shown in Table 1 and Fig.As shown in Figure 4, if the identification information contained in the test request signal displays "0x10" corresponding to communication port 420, the first communication port 420 can be connected to the monitoring port 440. Similarly, if the identification information contained in the test request signal displays "0x20" corresponding to communication port 422, the second communication port 420 can be connected to the monitoring port 440. Likewise, if the identification information contained in the test request signal displays "0x30" corresponding to communication port 424, the third communication port 424 can be connected to the monitoring port 440.The connection states between the communication ports and the monitoring port can be maintained while a new or modified test request signal is not received or a transition to normal mode is not requested.

[0076] In normal mode (i.e., when a test request signal is not received), the connections between the monitoring port and all communication ports may be switched off. For example, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the connections between the monitoring port 440 and all the communication ports 420, 422 and 424 can be switched off.

[0077] In conformance test mode (i.e., when a test request signal is received), a connection can be established between the monitoring port and one of the communication ports. For example, as in Fig.As shown in Figure 4, when a connection between the first communication port 420 and the monitoring port 440 is requested to be switched on, the first communication port 420 can be connected to the monitoring port 440. Other communication ports 422 and 424, except for the first communication port 420, can maintain their connection states to the monitoring port 440 as a switched-off state.

[0078] After step S502, a test response signal from the communication node, corresponding to the test request signal, can be sent to the test output device via the monitor port (S504). If the monitor port is connected to one of the communication ports, the mode type information, which indicates a compliance test mode, can be sent to the communication node connected to the monitor port. As represented in Table 1, the mode type information included in the test request signal can indicate one of the test modes listed in Table 1. For example, if the mode type information displays a code value of "0x2200", the code value "0x2200" of the mode type information can be sent to the communication node connected to the monitor port.

[0079] The communication node that receives the mode type information can generate a test response signal corresponding to the mode type information and send the generated test response signal to the monitoring port. For example, the communication node that receives the code value "0x2200" can generate a "Term Test" test response signal corresponding to the code value 0x2200 and send the generated "Term Test" response signal to monitoring port 440 via the connected communication port and the switch.

[0080] The monitoring port can receive the test response signal according to the mode-type information from the communication node corresponding to the communication port to which it is connected. The monitoring port can then send the received test response signal to the test output device. For example, as shown in Table 2 and Fig.As shown in Figure 4, when the connection between communication port 402 and monitoring port 440 is activated by the first switching element 412, monitoring port 440 can receive the test response signal of the "term test," corresponding to the code value "0x2200," from communication node 430 via communication port 420. Monitoring port 440 can then send the received test response signal of the "term test" to the test output device 450. The test output device 450 can then output the test result information of the term test, corresponding to the test response signal.

[0081] The methods according to the embodiments of the present disclosure can be implemented as program instructions that are executable by a plurality of computers and are recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium can contain a program instruction, a data file, a data structure, or a combination thereof. The program instructions recorded on the computer-readable medium can be specifically designed and configured for the present disclosure or can be publicly known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software.

[0082] Examples of computer-readable media may include hardware devices such as ROM, RAM, and flash memory, which are specifically configured to store and execute program instructions. Examples of program instructions include machine code, which is generated, for example, by a compiler, as well as high-level language codes that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter. The above exemplary hardware device may be configured to function as at least one software module to perform the operation described in this disclosure, and vice versa.

[0083] Alternatively, the communication node can adjust the size of a reserved bandwidth if some of the bandwidth reserved for sending the first frame or pulse frame conditions is needed for a third frame (e.g., a frame containing a data unit generated based on TCP / IP). In other words, the communication node can reduce the size of the reserved bandwidth. This allows the communication node to send the first frame using the reduced bandwidth and the third frame using the remaining bandwidth. The communication node can initialize the reduced bandwidth (i.e., increase the bandwidth size) upon completion of the second frame transmission and send the first frame using the initialized bandwidth.

Claims

[1] Device for a conformity test at a communication node (200, 300, 310, 320, 330, 430, 432, 434) which constitutes a communication network, wherein the device comprises: a monitoring port (305, 440); a switch (410) which turns on or off a connection between the monitoring port (305, 440) and a communication port (301, 302, 303, 420, 422, 424) which is connected to the communication node (200, 300, 310, 320, 330, 430, 432, 434); and a processor (400) which: receives a test request signal with identification information corresponding to the communication port (301, 302, 303, 420, 422, 424) and mode type information indicating a conformance test mode, controls the switch (410) to turn the connection between the monitoring port (305, 440) and the communication port (301, 302, 303, 420, 422, 424) on or off based on the identification information, and The mode type information is sent via the switch (410) to the communication nodes (200, 300, 310, 320, 330, 430, 432, 434). [2] Device according to claim 1, wherein the processor (400) controls the switch (410) to turn off the connection between the monitoring port (305, 440) and the communication port (301, 302, 303, 420, 422, 424) in a normal mode, and controls the switch (410) to turn on the connection between the monitoring port (305, 440) and the communication port (301, 302, 303, 420, 422, 424) in a conformity test mode. [3] Device according to claim 1, wherein the switch (410) is configured with at least one semiconductor element. [4] Device according to claim 1, wherein a test response signal corresponding to the mode type information is sent to a test output device (340, 450) which outputs a result of the conformity test which is carried out at the communication node (200, 300, 310, 320, 330, 430, 432, 434) through the monitoring port (305, 440). [5] Device according to claim 1, wherein the mode type information corresponds to a code value which is to be configured in a register of the communication node (200, 300, 310, 320, 330, 430, 432, 434). [6] Device according to claim 1, wherein the conformity test is performed when the communication node (200, 300, 310, 320, 330, 430, 432, 434) is connected to a vehicle network. [7] Method for a conformity test on a communication node (200, 300, 310, 320, 330, 430, 432, 434) which constitutes a communication network, wherein the method comprises: Receiving a test request signal, which contains identification information corresponding to a communication port (301, 302, 303, 420, 422, 424) and mode type information indicating a conformance test mode, for the communication node (200, 300, 310, 320, 330, 430, 432, 434); Switching a connection between a monitoring port (305, 440) and the communication port (301, 302, 303, 420, 422, 424) connected to the communication node (200, 300, 310, 320, 330, 430, 432, 434) on or off, based on the identification information; and Sending the test request signal according to the mode type information for the communication node (200, 300, 310, 320, 330, 430, 432, 434) through the monitoring port (305, 440). [8] Method according to claim 7, wherein the connection between the monitoring port (305, 440) and the communication port (301, 302, 303, 420, 422, 424) is switched off in a normal mode and the connection between the monitoring port (305, 440) and the communication port (301, 302, 303, 420, 422, 424) is switched on in a conformity test mode. [9] Method according to claim 7, wherein a test response signal is sent to a test output device (340, 450) which outputs a result of the conformity test which is carried out at the communication node (200, 300, 310, 320, 330, 430, 432, 434) through the monitoring port (305, 440). [10] Method according to claim 7, wherein the test request signal includes the mode type information corresponding to a code value which is to be configured in a register of the communication node (200, 300, 310, 320, 330, 430, 432, 434). [11] Method according to claim 7, wherein the conformity test is carried out when the communication node (200, 300, 310, 320, 330, 430, 432, 434) is connected to a vehicle network.

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