Test device for vehicle components

Abstract

Test device (100) for testing different variants of control units (101) and hardware components (102) of a motor vehicle; wherein the test device (100) comprises, - a plurality of control unit interfaces (111) for connecting a corresponding plurality of variants of a control unit (101); - a plurality of component interfaces (112) for connecting a corresponding plurality of variants of a hardware component (102); and - a switching unit (110) which is configured to enable data communication between any first control unit interface (111) from the plurality of control unit interfaces (111) and any first component interface (112) from the plurality of component interfaces (112).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a test device that enables different variants of one or more vehicle components to be tested in an efficient and gentle manner.

[0002] A vehicle has numerous different components that must be tested for correct operation during the development of each component. It may be necessary and / or desirable to test different variants of a vehicle component, e.g., a vehicle transmission and a vehicle transmission control unit.

[0003] DE 10 2018 201 380 A1 describes a test device for testing sensors and / or actuators as well as control units for sensors and / or actuators.

[0004] This document deals with the technical task of providing a test device that enables efficient and gentle testing of different variants of one or more vehicle components.

[0005] The problem is solved by the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments are described, among other things, in the dependent claims. It should be noted that additional features of a patent claim dependent on an independent patent claim can form a separate invention, independent of the combination of all features of the independent patent claim, without the features of the independent patent claim or only in combination with a subset of the features of the independent patent claim, which invention can be made the subject of an independent claim, a divisional application, or a subsequent application. This applies equally to technical teachings described in the description, which can form an invention independent of the features of the independent patent claims.

[0006] According to one aspect, a test device for testing different variants of control units and hardware components of a motor vehicle is described. The test device comprises a plurality of control unit interfaces for connecting a corresponding plurality of variants of a control unit. The test device can in particular have 5 or more, or 10 or more control unit interfaces. The plurality of control unit interfaces can each have a plug-in adapter for connecting a complementary plug-in adapter of a variant of the control unit. This allows a user to simultaneously connect different variants of a control unit (to be developed) to corresponding control unit interfaces of the test device. This avoids replugging control units, which could lead to stress and possibly damage to the plug-in adapters of the control units.

[0007] The test device further comprises a plurality of component interfaces for connecting a corresponding plurality of variants of a hardware component. The test device can, in particular, have three or more, or five or more component interfaces. The plurality of component interfaces can each have a plug-in adapter for connecting a complementary plug-in adapter of a variant of the hardware component. This allows a user to simultaneously connect different variants of a hardware component (to be developed) to corresponding hardware interfaces of the test device. This avoids replugging hardware components, which could lead to stress and possibly damage to the plug-in adapters of the hardware components.

[0008] In a preferred example, the plurality of control unit interfaces are configured to connect a corresponding plurality of variants of a control unit for a transmission of the vehicle. Similarly, the plurality of component interfaces can be configured to connect a corresponding plurality of variants of the hardware of the transmission of the vehicle.

[0009] The test device further comprises a switching unit configured to enable data communication between any first control unit interface from the plurality of control unit interfaces and any first component interface from the plurality of component interfaces. The switching unit can thus be configured to form any pairs of a connected variant of the control unit and a connected variant of the hardware component. These pairs formed by the switching unit can then be operated jointly to test the function of the respective variant of the control unit and / or the respective variant of the hardware component.

[0010] The test device can have a control unit that enables one or more tests to be performed on the variants of the control unit and the hardware component connected via the switching unit. The one or more tests can, if necessary, be initiated remotely by a user of the test device via a communication unit of the test device. Furthermore, the test results can be output to the user via the communication unit.

[0011] This describes a test device that enables the efficient and gentle testing of different variants of a control unit and different variants of a hardware component. This can reduce the development costs of vehicle components and / or increase the product quality of vehicle components.

[0012] The test device can comprise a system interface for connecting a test system, wherein the test system comprises at least part of a motor vehicle. The switching unit can be configured to enable data communication between the first control unit interface, the first component interface, and the system interface. The switching unit can thus be designed to integrate the selected pair with a variant of the control unit and a variant of the hardware component into a test system (in particular, into a motor vehicle). This enables hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing in an efficient and gentle manner.

[0013] The test device can comprise a plurality of simulation interfaces for connecting a corresponding plurality of simulated hardware components of the vehicle. The test device can, in particular, have three or more, or five or more simulation interfaces. The plurality of simulation interfaces can each have a plug-in adapter for connecting a complementary plug-in adapter of a simulated hardware component. This allows a user to simultaneously connect different simulated hardware components to corresponding simulation interfaces of the test device.

[0014] The switching unit can be configured to enable data communication between the first control unit interface, the first component interface, and any one of the plurality of simulation interfaces. A selected pair comprising a variant of the control unit and a variant of the hardware component can thus be combined with one or more simulated hardware components of the vehicle. This allows the quality of the tests performed to be further increased.

[0015] As already explained above, the test device may comprise a communication unit (e.g., for wireless communication). The communication unit may be configured to enable a user of the test device to remotely configure the switching unit.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the communication unit can be configured to remotely determine a switching state of the switching unit. This allows a user to remotely control and / or monitor the interconnection of different pairs, each consisting of a variant of the control unit and a variant of the hardware component. This can further increase the efficiency of the test device.

[0017] The plurality of control unit interfaces and / or the plurality of component interfaces can each be configured for Ethernet, CAN-FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data Rate), and / or FlexRay data communication. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of control unit interfaces and / or the plurality of component interfaces can each be configured for a data transmission rate of 100 Mbit or more. This enables a reliable connection of control units and / or hardware components.

[0018] The majority of control unit interfaces and / or the majority of component interfaces can each have an EMC (electromagnetic compatibility) filter. This enables reliable connection of control units and / or hardware components.

[0019] The plurality of control unit interfaces and / or the plurality of component interfaces can each have at least one separate line for data transmission and at least one separate line for power or energy transmission. This enables a reliable connection of control units and / or hardware components.

[0020] As already explained above, the test device can comprise a control unit. The control unit can be configured to detect a malfunction of the switching element. Furthermore, the control unit can be configured to trigger the output of an acoustic, haptic, and / or visual signal to a user of the test device in response. This can enable particularly efficient testing.

[0021] It should be noted that the devices and systems described in this document can be used both alone and in combination with other devices and systems described in this document. Furthermore, any aspects of the devices and systems described in this document can be combined in a variety of ways. In particular, the features of the claims can be combined in a variety of ways.

[0022] The invention will be described in more detail below using exemplary embodiments. Fig. 1 a block diagram of an exemplary test device.

[0023] As stated at the beginning, this document deals with the efficient and gentle testing of different variants of one or more vehicle components. In this context, Fig.1 shows an exemplary test device 100. The test device 110 comprises a switching unit 110, which comprises a plurality of control unit interfaces 111 for connecting a corresponding plurality of control units 101 (e.g., different variants of a specific control unit 101). Furthermore, the switching unit 110 comprises a plurality of hardware interfaces 112 for connecting a corresponding plurality of hardware components 102 (e.g., different variants of a specific hardware component 102). In addition, the switching unit 110 can comprise a plurality of simulation interfaces 113 for connecting a corresponding plurality of simulated hardware components 103. The switching unit 110 can further comprise a system interface 114 for connecting the test device 100 to a test system 104, for example, to a vehicle or to a section of a vehicle.By connecting the test device 100 to a test system 104, a hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) test can be enabled.

[0024] The respective interfaces 111, 112, 113, 114 each enable the transmission of data, power, and / or signals. The respective interfaces 111, 112, 113, 114 can have specific connector types for the respective components 101, 102, 103, 104 to be connected.

[0025] The switching unit 110 can be configured to connect any combination of a control unit 101 and a (possibly simulated) hardware component 102, 103 to each other and, if necessary, to the test system 104. The connection can be made as if the control unit 101 and the (possibly simulated) hardware component 102, 103 were directly integrated into the test system 104.

[0026] The switching unit 110 can be controlled, for example, via a wired or wireless (e.g. radio and / or WLAN) communication unit 115 of the test device 100.

[0027] Thus, a test device 100 is described that enables continuous integration and continuous validation. The test device 100 makes it possible to test the functionality of different software variants of a control unit 101 in several different hardware variants of a hardware component 102. In certain cases, this may only be possible by changing the hardware at a test station. The switching unit 110 described in this document can prevent such a hardware change and damage to the control unit contacts, which are generally only designed for 10 to 20 mating cycles. The switching unit 110 enables automated switching between different control units 101 and / or hardware components 102, 103.

[0028] The control units 101 are contacted once and activated for the respective test cycle if necessary.

[0029] The use of complex data bus systems with relatively high bandwidths (e.g., 10 Mbit - 1 Gbit) increases the demands on EMC (electromagnetic sensitivity) and interference immunity. This places relatively high demands on signal integrity, impedances, PCB (printed circuit board) routing, contact geometry, and line / contact spacing. Furthermore, the cable routing preferably features twisted pairs and / or defined pitch lengths.

[0030] The test device 100 described in this document enables the differentiation and evaluation of signals from a control unit 101 and / or control unit simulation hardware 102, as well as the determination of the appropriate transmission and switching type. The test device 100 has suitable load switches for supply lines, and the PCB routing is aligned to corresponding current intensities and fields. Signal lines are interconnected with suitable electronic switches according to their sensitivity and the signals carried. Data bus lines such as CAN-FD, 10 Mbit Ethernet, and FlexRay are routed separately and interconnected with suitable switches. Data bus lines of the test device 100 with a bandwidth of 100 Mbit - 1 Gbit Ethernet feature a separation of the data line and routing. Furthermore, the test device 100 has plug-in adapters that meet the EMC requirements of the components 101, 102, and 103 to be tested.

[0031] The test device 100 is designed such that all signal switching occurs in a de-energized state. A control unit (not shown) of the test device 100 can check whether reliable signal switching has occurred. After the signals have been switched, the components 101, 102, 103 and their connections are enabled for use.

[0032] Furthermore, the test device 100 is designed such that the grounds of different components 101, 102, 103 are not interconnected. In particular, the test device 100 is designed to prevent ground offsets. For this purpose, the test device 100 has one or more circuits and / or relays that enable detection of the switching process.

[0033] Exemplary features of the test device 100 are: • The signal lines, data lines and / or power transmission lines are differentiated and / or separated from each other; • The cables are routed separately; • The cables are shielded if necessary; • The PCB routing is aligned to the respective signal requirements; • Reflections, impedance jumps and / or EMC interference are suppressed; • The contact geometry is adapted to the respective signal requirements; • The switching unit 110 is adapted to the signal requirements; • The cable and / or connector connection is adapted to the requirements of the bus systems (particularly with regard to pitch and / or twisting); • The switching unit 110 and control unit connection are connected to the test system 104 via plug-in systems; • The switching elements of the switching unit 110 are designed to provide feedback on the respective switching state; • The supply lines are each locked by a safety mechanism and only release the respective test subjects 102, 103 and / or the respective control unit 101 after a consistency check; • The test device 100 can be designed to issue a visual and / or acoustic warning in the event of a malfunction; • The test device 100 may be configured to communicate feedback regarding the switching state of the switching unit 110 via a wireless communication link; • The test device 100 can be designed to be integrated into a LAN / WLAN network; • The test device 100 can be designed, for example, to switch between up to 6 control units 101; alternatively or additionally, switching of, for example, up to 3 real hardware actuator components 102 can be enabled; alternatively or additionally, switching of, for example, up to 3 control unit simulation hardware components 103 can be enabled; • The test device 100 can be designed to enable termination of open inputs with under-equipment of control devices 101; • The test device 100 can be designed to enable a variable termination of the respective control unit 101 and / or a connecting cable harness, • The test device 100 can be designed to prevent faulty interconnection between signal lines of the control units 101; • The test device 100 may have a bidirectional interface 114 to a test system 104 (e.g., via CAN and / or Ethernet); • The test device 100 typically includes an integrated control controller for controlling the test device 100; • The test device 100 may have an integrated power supply for supplying energy; and / or • The test device 100 may have optical signaling of the switching paths and / or states.

[0034] The test device 100 can be used for the automated validation of transmission control systems. The test device 100 enables fast, efficient, and continuous integration and automation of several different variants of hardware components and / or software 101 components 102, 103.

[0035] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown. In particular, it should be noted that the description and figures are intended only to illustrate the principle of the proposed devices and systems by way of example.

Claims

[1] Test device (100) for testing different variants of control units (101) and hardware components (102) of a motor vehicle; wherein the test device (100) comprises, - a plurality of control unit interfaces (111) for connecting a corresponding plurality of variants of a control unit (101); - a plurality of component interfaces (112) for connecting a corresponding plurality of variants of a hardware component (102); and - a switching unit (110) configured to enable data communication between any first control unit interface (111) from the plurality of control unit interfaces (111) and any first component interface (112) from the plurality of component interfaces (112). [2] Test device (100) according to claim 1, wherein - the test device (100) comprises a system interface (114) for connecting a test system (104); - the test system (104) comprises at least part of a motor vehicle; and - the switching unit (110) is configured to enable data communication between the first control unit interface (111), the first component interface (112) and the system interface (114). [3] Test device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the test device (100) comprises a plurality of simulation interfaces (113) for connecting a corresponding plurality of simulated hardware components (103) of the vehicle; and - the switching unit (110) is configured to enable data communication between the first control unit interface (111), the first component interface (112) and any one of the plurality of simulation interfaces (113). [4] Test device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the plurality of control unit interfaces (111) are designed to connect a corresponding plurality of variants of a control unit (101) for a transmission of the vehicle; and - the plurality of component interfaces (112) are designed to connect a corresponding plurality of variants of a hardware of the transmission of the vehicle. [5] Test device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the test device (100) comprises a communication unit (115) which is designed - to enable a user of the test device (100) to remotely configure the switching unit (110); and / or - to determine a switching state of the switching unit (110) remotely. [6] Test device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of control unit interfaces (111) and / or the plurality of component interfaces (112) are formed, - for Ethernet, CAN-FD and / or FlexRay data communication; and / or - for a data transfer rate of 100Mbit or more. [7] Test device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of control unit interfaces (111) and / or the plurality of component interfaces (112) each have an EMC filter. [8] Test device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of control unit interfaces (111) and / or the plurality of component interfaces (112) each have a plug-in adapter for connecting a complementary plug-in adapter of a variant of the control unit (101) or of a variant of the hardware component (102). [9] Test device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of control unit interfaces (111) and / or the plurality of component interfaces (112) each have at least one separate line for data transmission and at least one separate line for power transmission. [10] Test device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the test device (100) comprises a control unit which is arranged - to detect a malfunction of the switching unit (110); and - in response thereto, to cause the output of an acoustic, haptic and / or optical indication to a user of the test device (100).

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