ADAPTER CABLE SIGNAL CONTROL DEVICE

Abstract

The utility model discloses a device for regulating the signal of an adapter cable and an adapter cable, wherein the device for regulating the signal comprises at least one regulating subcircuit intended for connecting between the first signal input and the first signal output of the adapter cable, the regulating subcircuit includes an amplification module and a signal conversion module, the amplification module is intended for amplifying the first unipolar rectangular signal received by the first signal input to a second unipolar rectangular signal with a peak value equal to a specified value, and outputting it; the signal conversion module is intended for converting the second unipolar rectangular signal output by the amplification module into a bipolar rectangular signal and outputting it to the first signal output.The technical solution for the utility model enables the adapter cable to ensure the applicability of the automotive diagnostic tool for diagnosing and programming various types of ECUs, increasing the versatility of the automotive diagnostic tool. 5 clauses, 6 figs.

Description

[0001] Technical field

[0002] This application relates to the field of vehicle diagnostic equipment technology, in particular to a device for adjusting the signal of an adapter cable.

[0003] Technology Level

[0004] The Tuner Wire Adapter Cable is a specialized cable designed to directly connect the vehicle communication interface of the diagnostic tool to the electronic control units (ECUs) of various vehicles, in order to implement programming and diagnostic functions through software on a personal computer.

[0005] At present, the General Purpose Timer (GPT) signal input port of the electronic control unit (ECU) of the vast majority of vehicles is generally shared with the signal input ports of various vehicle sensors, and the automotive diagnostic tool can only generate a single-ended 0-5V square wave signal through its internal configuration and output it to the GPT signal input port of the ECU.

[0006] However, there are some types of ECUs on the market that require a GPT signal with a negative lower voltage limit to operate. Since automotive diagnostic tools are unable to generate this type of signal, they cannot be used to diagnose and program these types of ECUs, which reduces the versatility of the automotive diagnostic tool.

[0007] The essence of the utility model

[0008] This application provides a signal adjustment device of an adapter cable, designed to enable the use of an automotive diagnostic tool in diagnosing and programming various types of ECUs, thereby increasing its versatility.

[0009] In order to achieve the said objective, the device for regulating the signal of the adapter cable proposed in this application includes an adjustment module intended for connecting between the first signal input and the first signal output of the adapter cable, wherein the adjustment module includes:

[0010] an amplification module electrically connected to the first signal input and configured to amplify the first unipolar rectangular signal received by the first signal input to a second unipolar rectangular signal with a peak value equal to a predetermined value and output it;

[0011] a signal conversion module electrically connected to the amplification module and the first signal output and configured to convert the second unipolar rectangular signal output by the amplification module into a bipolar rectangular signal and output it to the first signal output.

[0012] In some embodiments, the signal conversion module includes:

[0013] a push-pull unit electrically connected to the amplification module and the filter unit and designed to convert the second unipolar rectangular signal into an output signal containing a bipolar rectangular signal;

[0014] a filter unit electrically connected to the first signal output and used to filter DC components from the signal output by the push-pull unit to obtain a bipolar rectangular signal and output it to the first signal output.

[0015] In some embodiments, the adjustment module further includes a first biasing unit electrically connected to the side of the push-pull unit connected to the amplification module to provide static biasing of the push-pull unit.

[0016] In some embodiments, the control module further includes a matching resistor, which is included in series between the filtering unit and the first signal output and is designed to match the signal levels; and / or, the filtering unit includes a filtering capacitor, which is included in series between the push-pull unit and the first signal output.

[0017] In some embodiments, the push-pull unit includes an NPN transistor and a PNP transistor, the collector of the NPN transistor is connected to a power source, the emitter of the NPN transistor and the emitter of the PNP transistor are jointly electrically connected to the filter unit, the base of the NPN transistor and the base of the PNP transistor are jointly electrically connected to the gain module, the collector of the PNP transistor is grounded; and / or,

[0018] The filter unit includes a filter capacitor connected in series between the push-pull unit and the first signal output.

[0019] In some embodiments, the gain module includes a voltage comparator and a first resistor, a non-inverting input of the voltage comparator is electrically connected to the first signal input, an inverting input of the voltage comparator is designed to receive a reference voltage, an output of the voltage comparator is electrically connected to the signal conversion module, the non-inverting input of the voltage comparator is connected to ground through the first resistor; and / or,

[0020] the amplitude of the second unipolar square wave does not exceed half of the set value, or the amplitude of the second unipolar square wave does not exceed the peak value of the first unipolar square wave; and / or,

[0021] the set value is 9.1V; and / or,

[0022] The peak value of the first unipolar square wave is less than or equal to 5V.

[0023] The signal adjustment device according to any of the above-mentioned embodiments may be included in the design of an adapter cable, which also includes at least one first signal input and a first signal output corresponding to the first signal input.

[0024] The technical solution of the signal adjustment device of the adapter cable according to the present application is as follows: using at least one adjustment subcircuit connected between the first signal input and the first signal output of the adapter cable, it is possible, thanks to the amplification module of the adjustment module, to amplify the first unipolar rectangular signal received by the first signal input to a second unipolar rectangular signal with a peak value equal to a predetermined one, and, thanks to the signal conversion module of the adjustment module, to convert the second unipolar rectangular signal output by the amplification module into a bipolar rectangular signal and output it to the first signal output;Thus, the adapter cable is able to convert the unipolar rectangular signal output by the vehicle communication interface of the diagnostic tool into a corresponding bipolar rectangular signal for input to the GPT signal input port of the ECU, as a result, the GPT signal input ports of various types of ECUs are able to normally recognize the signals transmitted by the vehicle diagnostic tool through the adapter cable, which allows the vehicle diagnostic tool to be used for diagnosing and programming various types of ECUs, increasing its versatility.

[0025] Brief description of drawings

[0026] Fig. 1 is a diagram of the structure of a module of a signal adjustment device of an adapter cable provided by one embodiment of the present application;

[0027] Fig. 2 is a diagram of the design of a module of a signal adjustment device of an adapter cable provided by one embodiment of the present application;

[0028] Fig. 3 is a diagram of the structure of a module of a signal adjustment device of an adapter cable provided by one embodiment of the present application;

[0029] Fig. 4 is a diagram of the structure of a module of a signal adjustment device of an adapter cable provided by one embodiment of the present application;

[0030] Fig. 5 is a diagram of the structure of a module of a signal adjustment device of an adapter cable provided by one embodiment of the present application;

[0031] Fig. 6 is a diagram of the structure of a module of a signal adjustment device of an adapter cable provided by one embodiment of the present application;

[0032] Fig. 7 is a schematic diagram of the input circuit of the sensor of one of the electronic control units.

[0033] Fig. 8 is a diagram of the structure of an adapter cable provided by one embodiment of the present application;

[0034] Fig. 9 is a diagram of the structure of the adapter cable shown in Fig. 8, with a hidden operating part and a housing part;

[0035] Fig. 10 is a diagram of the structure of a part of the housing of the adapter cable structure shown in Fig. 8;

[0036] Fig. 11 is a diagram of the structure of the adapter cable shown in Fig. 8, from the other side.

[0037] Implementation of a utility model

[0038] The technical solutions in the embodiment examples of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the attached drawings of the embodiment examples of this application. It is obvious that the described embodiment examples represent only a portion of the embodiment examples of this utility model, and not all of them. All other embodiment examples obtained by specialists in the field based on the embodiment examples of this utility model without creative work fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0039] It should be clarified that all directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, rear, etc.) in the embodiment examples of this application are used only to explain the relative positional relationship, movement conditions, etc. between various components at a certain position (as shown in the drawings). If this certain position changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly.

[0040] It should also be clarified that when an element is described as "fixed to" or "mounted on" another element, it may be directly attached to the other element or there may be intervening elements present simultaneously. When one element is described as "connected" to another element, it may be directly attached to that other element or there may be intervening elements present simultaneously.

[0041] Furthermore, the descriptions "first," "second," etc. in this application are used only for descriptive purposes and should not be construed as indicating the relative importance or implying an indication of the number of the specified technical features. Thus, features limited to "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one such feature. Furthermore, the technical solutions of various embodiments may be combined with each other, but this must be feasible for a person skilled in the art. If the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impracticable, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not subject to protection within the scope of this application.

[0042] Currently, vehicle electronic control unit (ECU) diagnostics and programming are performed using an automotive diagnostic tool (automotive diagnostic scanner) connected to the vehicle's ECU via an adapter cable. Upon completion of diagnostics or ECU programming, the automotive diagnostic tool's software automatically cuts off power to the ECU.

[0043] However, during the actual diagnosis or programming process, when the automotive diagnostic tool is connected to the vehicle's ECU via an adapter cable, a situation may arise in which, after programming or diagnostics are completed, the tool fails to automatically cut off the power supply to the vehicle's ECU due to a malfunction, creating a potential safety hazard. For example, an abnormal power signal may damage the vehicle's ECU circuit, or disconnecting the adapter cable while the power is on may easily damage the vehicle's ECU circuit.

[0044] In order to solve the above problems, the author of this application proposed a new design of an adapter cable, which can eliminate the safety hazard caused by the automotive diagnostic tool not automatically cutting off the power supply to the vehicle ECU when an abnormality occurs, and thereby ensure the safety of the vehicle ECU.

[0045] The adapter cable proposed in this application is designed to connect an automotive diagnostic tool to the vehicle's ECU.

[0046] Referring to Fig. 8 and 9, in this embodiment, the adapter cable includes a main signal cable 1100 and a first connector 1200. One end of the main signal cable 1100 is provided with an interface structure for connecting to the ECU of the vehicle.

[0047] This interface structure can be a plug (such as a 16-pin plug), or it can be a set of terminals, which can be made up of terminals of the same type or can contain several different types of terminals; the interface structure can also be in the form of bare wire ends, etc.

[0048] The first connector 1200 is located at the other end of the main signal cable 1100. This first connector 1200 is designed to connect to the vehicle communication interface of the vehicle diagnostic tool. This first connector 1200 may be a plug (e.g., a plug equipped with a DSUB-25F interface), or it may be a connector of another type.

[0049] The first connector 1200 is located at the other end of the main signal cable 1100. This first connector 1200 is designed to connect to the vehicle communication interface of the automotive diagnostic tool. This first connector 1200 may be a plug (e.g., a plug equipped with a DSUB-25F interface), or it may be a connector of another type.

[0050] The first connector 1200 includes a housing 1210 and a printed circuit board 1220 installed inside the housing 1210, wherein a physical switch 1221 is installed on the printed circuit board 1220, which controls the switching on and off of the power supply to the ECU, and the housing 1210 is provided with an operating part 1211 for manually controlling said physical switch 1221. In some embodiments, the operating part 1211 can be considered as a part of the physical switch 1221 itself, and can also be made in the form of a separate structure connected to the physical switch 1221. In this case, the operating part 1211 can be a button, a key, a rotary switch, a slider or a similar structure; the housing 1210 can be made of plastic or another insulating material.

[0051] The following describes a method for using the adapter cable according to the present embodiment in the process of programming or diagnosing the ECU of a vehicle.

[0052] When it is necessary to program or diagnose the vehicle ECU, the vehicle communication interface of the vehicle diagnostic tool (vehicle diagnostic scanner) is connected to the vehicle ECU via an adapter cable according to the present embodiment; first, by operating the operating portion 1211, the physical switch 1221 is brought to a conductive state so that the power supply terminal of the vehicle communication interface of the vehicle diagnostic tool is connected to the corresponding terminal of the vehicle ECU; then, the vehicle communication interface of the vehicle diagnostic tool outputs control signals (including the BOOT signal, the CNF1 signal, the GPT signal, etc.), which are transmitted through the adapter cable to the vehicle ECU.After the BOOT / CNF1 / GPT signals stabilize, the vehicle diagnostic tool begins supplying a power signal to the vehicle's ECU to provide power. The ECU's microcontroller starts up, determines the combination of received signals and their waveforms, and, after confirming the signals' validity, initiates the internal programming algorithm (i.e., enters programming mode) or enters diagnostic mode. Upon determining that programming or diagnostics are complete, the vehicle diagnostic tool disconnects the power signal output via its vehicle communication interface. At this point, by operating the operating section 1211, the physical switch 1221 is set to a non-conducting state.Therefore, even if the automotive diagnostic tool fails to turn off the power signal output of its vehicle communication interface due to a failure or malfunction, opening the physical switch 1221 will also turn off the power signal supplied by the vehicle communication port to the vehicle ECU (namely, turning off the power of the vehicle ECU), which ensures that the power of the vehicle ECU is turned off and avoids a safety hazard.

[0053] In addition, during the process of diagnosing or programming the vehicle ECU with the automotive diagnostic tool, if an abnormality or failure occurs in the circuit of the on-board ECU (such as short circuit, etc.), you can also manually open the physical switch 1221 with the operating part 1211 to immediately cut off the power supply to the on-board ECU and avoid more serious consequences.

[0054] The technical solution of the adapter cable of this embodiment example is as follows: the first connector 1200, for connecting to the automotive communication interface of the diagnostic tool, includes a housing 1210 and a printed circuit board 1220 installed in the housing 1210. By placing on the printed circuit board 1220 a physical switch 1221 that controls turning on / off the power supply to the ECU, and by implementing on the housing 1210 an operating part 1211 for manually controlling this physical switch, the operation with the operating part 1211 for switching the state of the physical switch 1221 makes it possible to control turning on / off the power output signal supplied by the automotive communication interface of the diagnostic tool to the on-board ECU;Thus, in the case where, after the completion of programming or diagnosis of the vehicle ECU by the automotive diagnostic tool, the latter does not automatically cut off the power supply to the vehicle ECU due to a failure, by manually operating the operating part 1211 to physically disconnect the switch 1221, it is possible to physically cut off the connection between the power supply terminal of the vehicle communication interface (namely, the terminal that outputs the power signal) and the vehicle ECU, thereby ensuring that the power supply to the on-board ECU is cut off, avoiding the safety hazard arising from the fact that the vehicle ECU continues to be energized after the completion of programming or diagnosis, and ensuring the safety of the vehicle ECU.

[0055] In some embodiments, the printed circuit board 1220 has a BOOT signal terminal, a CNF1 signal terminal, and a power signal terminal, which are connected to the main signal cable 1100 and are intended to be connected through the main signal cable 1100 to the BOOT terminal (after power is supplied to the ECU, the boot program is executed in accordance with the signal on this terminal), the CNF1 terminal (configuration terminal), and the power terminal of the vehicle ECU, respectively.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 8-10, in some embodiments, a power status indicator 1222 is installed on the printed circuit board 1220 for displaying the state of the power signal output, and a first light hole 1212 corresponding to the power status indicator 1222 is formed on the housing 1210, so that through the first light hole 1212 of the adapter cable, the state of the power status indicator 1222 can be directly observed and, therefore, the state of the signal at the power terminal (for example, the presence of a power signal, its normality, etc.) can be determined.

[0057] As shown in Fig. 8-10, in some embodiments, a BOOT status indicator 1223 is installed on the printed circuit board 1220 for displaying the state of the BOOT signal output, and a second light hole 1213 corresponding to the BOOT status indicator 1223 is formed on the housing 1210, so that through the second light hole 1213 of the adapter cable, the on / off state of the BOOT status indicator 1223 can be directly observed and, therefore, the state of the signal at the BOOT terminal (for example, the presence of the BOOT signal) can be determined.

[0058] As shown in Fig. 8-10, in some embodiments, a CNF1 status indicator 1224 is installed on the printed circuit board 1220 for displaying the state of the CNF1 signal output, and a third light hole 1214 corresponding to said CNF1 status indicator 1224 is formed on the housing 1210, so that through the third light hole 1214 of the adapter cable, the on / off state of the CNF1 status indicator 1224 can be directly observed and, therefore, the state of the signal at the CNF1 terminal (for example, the presence of the CNF1 signal) can be determined.

[0059] In the technical solution of this embodiment, by installing the first connector 1200 of indicators on the printed circuit board 1220 for displaying the state of various signals and causing the light of said indicators to be output through the corresponding light holes in the housing 1210, the user can directly and clearly observe the state of the corresponding signals on the first connector 1200 of the adapter cable, thereby making it possible to determine whether the programming or diagnostic process is proceeding normally, which makes the diagnosis and programming of the on-board ECU more convenient.

[0060] As shown in Fig. 8 and 10, in some embodiments, the first light hole 1212, the second light hole 1213 and the third light hole 1214 are located on one side of the housing 1210, which further facilitates the user to simultaneously monitor the state of the power status indicator 1222, the BOOT status indicator 1223 and the CNF1 status indicator 1224. Of course, the power status indicator 1222, the BOOT status indicator 1223 and the CNF1 status indicator 1224 can also be located on one side of the printed circuit board 1220, which facilitates the arrangement of the indicators.

[0061] As shown in Fig. 8 and 9, in some embodiments, the physical switch 1221 is located opposite the third light hole 1214, and the operating portion 1211 is located in the third light hole 1214 and is formed as a light-transmitting portion, namely, it is made of a light-transmitting material. In the solution of this embodiment, by arranging the physical switch 1221 in a position corresponding to the third light hole 1214 and arranging the operating portion 1211 in the third light hole 1214 itself, it is possible to control the physical switch 1221. Thus, in the housing 1210, it is not necessary to make a separate additional hole specifically for the operating portion 1211, which reduces the total number of holes in the housing 1210 and simplifies its design.At the same time, due to the fact that the operating part 1211 is light-transmitting, it does not interfere with the user's observation of the status indicator 1222 through the third light opening 1214.

[0062] As shown in Fig. 8 and 9, in some embodiments, the physical switch 1221 may be configured as a switch with a hollow structure having an internal space, the physical switch 1221 may cover the status indicator 1222, so that the status indicator 1222 is located in the internal space of the physical switch 1221. With such a configuration, both the physical switch 1221 and the status indicator 1222 are located opposite the third light hole 1214. Of course, in other embodiments, the status indicator CNF1 1224 and the physical switch 1221 may be arranged in another way, for example, the status indicator 1222 and the physical switch 1221 may be installed next to each other, and the size of the third light hole 1214 may be increased so that both the status indicator 1222 and the physical switch 1221 are in its visible area.

[0063] Of course, in some other embodiments, a mounting hole for installing the operating part 1211 may be separately formed on the body 1210, and the physical switch 1221 is located opposite this mounting hole.

[0064] As shown in Fig. 11, in some embodiments, the end of the first connector 1200 remote from the main signal cable 1100 has a first interface 1215 (for example, a DSUB-25F interface) for connecting to the automotive communication interface of the automotive diagnostic tool, an eyelet 1216 is formed on the outer wall of the housing 1210, and the eyelet 1216 is located along the length direction of the first interface 1215. In the solution of this embodiment, by adding the eyelet 1216, when connecting the first interface 1215 of the first connector 1200 to the automotive communication interface of the automotive diagnostic tool, the user can conveniently apply force to the first connector 1200 through the eyelet 1216, which ensures a faster and more reliable completion of the process of coupling the first interface 1215 to the automotive communication interface.In addition, in the process of disconnecting the first interface 1215 of the first connector 1200 from the vehicle communication interface of the vehicle diagnostic tool, the same eyelet 1216 allows the user to conveniently apply force to the first connector 1200, ensuring a faster and more reliable removal thereof.

[0065] In some embodiments, the lug 1216 may be single, or there may be multiple. If there are multiple lugs 1216, they may be located on the same side of the housing 1210, or they may be located on different sides of the housing 1210.

[0066] In some embodiments, the eye 1216 and the operating portion 1211 are located on different sides of the housing 1210, which avoids mutual interference between them and maintains ease of access and control of the operating portion 1211.

[0067] Of course, in some other embodiments, on the side of the housing 1210 where the operating part 1211 is located, the eye 1216 may also be additionally installed, provided that their mutual arrangement is rationally distributed.

[0068] As shown in Figs. 8 and 10, in some embodiments, a recess 1217 is formed on the outer wall of the housing 1210, and the operating portion 1211 is located at the bottom of said recess. Placing the operating portion 1211 in the recess 1217 allows for a reduction in its protruding height, reducing the likelihood of accidental activation of an erroneous operation and thereby ensuring the stability of the physical switch 1221 when using the adapter cable.

[0069] Additionally, in some embodiments, the design may be such that the height of the operating portion 1211 is lower than the depth of the recess 1217. With this design, the operating portion 1211 does not protrude beyond the surface of the outer wall of the housing 1210, which further effectively reduces the likelihood of its erroneous operation.

[0070] In some embodiments, the interface structure may be implemented as a second connector intended for connection to an On-Board Diagnostics interface of the vehicle ECU.

[0071] Or, in some embodiments, the main signal cable 1100 includes multiple signal wires, and the interface structure includes terminals installed at the ends of the respective signal wires remote from the first connector 1200. Each terminal is designed to be connected to a corresponding terminal of the vehicle's ECU (specifically, to the corresponding terminal of the on-board diagnostic system interface). To facilitate correct connection, each signal wire may have its own marking or identifier (e.g., text marking, color coding, etc.), which allows the user to accurately match and connect each wire via its terminal to the designated terminal of the ECU.

[0072] At present, the General Purpose Timer (GPT) signal input port of the electronic control unit (ECU) of the vast majority of vehicles is generally shared with the signal input ports of various vehicle sensors (such as the accelerator pedal position sensor, crankshaft position sensor, camshaft position sensor, etc.), and the automotive diagnostic tool can only generate a single-ended square wave signal (namely, the GPT signal, such as a 0-5V square wave signal) through its internal configuration and output it to the GPT signal input port of the ECU.

[0073] However, there are some types of ECUs on the market that require a GPT signal with a negative lower voltage limit to operate. Since automotive diagnostic tools are unable to generate this type of signal, they cannot be used to diagnose and program these types of ECUs, which reduces their versatility.

[0074] To solve this problem, as shown in Fig. 1-6, an improved design of an adapter cable is proposed. In this embodiment, the first connector 1200 has a first interface 1215 for connecting to an automotive communication interface of a diagnostic tool, wherein the first interface 1215 has two first signal inputs 201, the main signal cable 1100 has two first signal outputs 202; a signal adjustment device 100 is installed on the printed circuit board 1220, which includes an adjustment module 101, the adjustment module 101 is connected between one first signal input 201 and one first signal output 202, and another adjustment module 101 can be connected between another first signal input 201 and another first signal output 202.The control module 101 is intended for converting the first unipolar rectangular signal received by the corresponding first signal input 201 into a bipolar rectangular signal and outputting it to the corresponding first signal output 202.

[0075] By adding an adjustment module 101 between the first signal input 201 and the first signal output 202, the first unipolar square-wave signal output by the vehicle communication interface to the first signal input 201 is converted into a bipolar square-wave signal, which is then output to the first signal output 202 for input to the on-board ECU. Thus, the GPT signal input ports of various ECUs can correctly recognize the signals transmitted by the automotive diagnostic tool via the adapter cable, thereby enabling the automotive diagnostic tool to be used for diagnosing and programming various ECUs, increasing its versatility.

[0076] The signal adjustment device 100 of this adapter cable will be described in detail in the following embodiment examples.

[0077] As shown in Fig. 1-6, the adapter cable has at least one first signal input 201 and a corresponding first signal output 202. The first signal input 201 can be used to connect to the vehicle communication interface of the vehicle diagnostic tool, and the first signal output 202 can be used to connect to the signal input port of the GPT ECU.

[0078] In this embodiment, the signal adjustment device 100 of the adapter cable includes an adjustment module 101, which is connected between the first signal input 201 and the first signal output 202 of the adapter cable. The adjustment module 101 includes an amplification module 10 and a signal conversion module 20.

[0079] The amplifier module 10 is designed to be electrically connected to the first signal input 201. When the first signal input 201 receives the first unipolar square wave signal output from the vehicle communication port of the diagnostic tool, the amplifier module 10 amplifies the first unipolar square wave signal received by the first signal input 201 into a second unipolar square wave signal with a peak value equal to a predetermined value and outputs it.

[0080] Specifically, the set value is determined by the configuration of gain module 10 and can be adjusted according to the adjustment requirements. For example, with a set voltage of 9.1 V, gain module 10 will amplify the first unipolar square wave signal to a second unipolar square wave signal with a peak value of 9.1 V.

[0081] It should be noted that gain module 10 amplifies the first unipolar rectangular signal received by the first signal input 201 with the corresponding gain. The gain of gain module 10 for the first unipolar rectangular signal can be greater than 1, and can also be less than or equal to 1.

[0082] The gain of the amplification module 10 may be determined depending on the peak value of the first unipolar rectangular signal received by the first signal input 201. For example, the amplification module 10 may be configured to determine an appropriate gain based on the level of the peak value of the first unipolar rectangular signal received by the first signal input 201, in order to bring the peak value of the second unipolar rectangular signal after amplification to a single predetermined level. Thus, regardless of the specific peak value of the first unipolar rectangular signal received by the first signal input 201 of the adapter cable, a second unipolar rectangular signal with a stabilized peak value will always be generated.

[0083] The signal conversion module 20 is designed to be electrically connected to the amplification module 10 and the first signal output 202. When the amplification module 10 outputs the second unipolar square-wave signal obtained after amplification, the signal conversion module 20 converts the second unipolar square-wave signal output by the amplification module 10 into a bipolar square-wave signal and outputs it to the first signal output 202. Thus, the first signal output 202 of the adapter cable outputs the bipolar square-wave signal to the signal input port of the GPT ECU.

[0084] In this case, the amplitude of the bipolar square wave signal does not exceed half the set value and does not exceed the permissible peak value of the square wave signal for the ECU GPT signal input port. For example, with a set value of 9.1 V, the amplitude of the bipolar square wave signal can be 4.5 V; the positive and negative peak values ​​of the bipolar square wave signal are 4.5 V and -4.5 V, respectively.

[0085] Specifically, a detailed illustration of the practical application scenario and the working process of the signal adjustment device 100 of the adapter cable according to the present application is given below.

[0086] Take the currently common automotive diagnostic tools on the market (such as SM2, SM2pro or SM3 models) as an example, the peak value of the single-ended square wave signals output by their vehicle communication interfaces is generally 5V; at present, most types of ECUs require (that is, can recognize) single-ended square wave signals with a peak value not exceeding 5V for the GDC signal input ports, while some types of ECUs require bipolar square wave signals for the GDC signal input ports.When it is necessary to perform diagnostics or programming of the ECU, the vehicle communication interface of the diagnostic tool is connected to the ECU via an adapter cable, and then the diagnostic tool outputs two independent single-ended rectangular signals through its vehicle communication interface, which are transmitted via the adapter cable and fed to two GPT signal input ports of the ECU (e.g., GPT1 input port and GPT2 input port) respectively.

[0087] In the case where an adapter cable equipped with a signal adjusting device 100 according to the present embodiment is used between the vehicle communication interface of the diagnostic tool and the ECU, two unipolar rectangular signals with a peak value of 5 V (namely, the first unipolar rectangular signals) output by the vehicle communication interface of the diagnostic tool are respectively supplied to the first two signal inputs 201 of the adapter cable.After the first signal input 201 of the adapter cable has received the first unipolar rectangular signals, the amplification module 10 of the signal adjustment device 100 of the adapter cable amplifies them to second unipolar rectangular signals with a peak value equal to a predetermined value (for example, 9.1 V), then the signal conversion module 20 converts the second unipolar rectangular signals into bipolar rectangular signals, the amplitude of which does not exceed half of the predetermined value (for example, with an amplitude of 4.5 V, namely with a negative peak value of -4.5 V and a positive peak value of 4.5 V). This bipolar rectangular signal is output from the first signal outputs 202 of the adapter cable to the GPT signal input ports of the ECU, and can be recognized by the GPT signal input ports of the various types of ECUs that currently exist, the output signal adjusted by the signal adjustment device 100 of the adapter cable will be correctly perceived by the ECU regardless of its type.

[0088] The procedure for programming or diagnosing a vehicle's ECU with an automotive diagnostic tool may include the following steps:

[0089] 1. The user removes the ECU from the vehicle.

[0090] 2. The user connects the power, VPP, BOOT, CNF1 terminals to the corresponding designated pins of the ECU (the pinout is unique for each ECU).

[0091] 3. The adapter cable connects to the vehicle communication interface of the diagnostic tool, which in turn is connected to the computer via the USB interface.

[0092] 4. The user launches the software on the computer and initiates the programming process.

[0093] 5. The PC program communicates with the vehicle communication interface of the diagnostic tool via the main USB data bus, configuring specific combinations of voltages and / or waveforms at the BOOT, CNF1, Vpp, and GPT1 / 2 outputs; the vehicle communication interface of the diagnostic tool outputs control (logical) signals to one end of the adapter cable (which may be represented by a connector, for example, DB25), the adapter cable converts the logical signal levels into the required waveform (in the context of this application, into a bipolar rectangular signal).

[0094] 6. After the BOOT / CNF1 / GPT signals have stabilized (after approximately 300-500 ms), the software activates the ECU power switch, supplying voltage to it, after which the ECU microcontroller starts up.

[0095] 7. Upon startup, the microcontroller determines the BOOT / CNF1 / Vpp / GPT signal combination and their waveform. If the signals are correct, the microcontroller activates the internal programming algorithm, entering programming mode.

[0096] 8. The PC software then downloads the data to the ECU microcontroller's flash memory. Data exchange occurs via the CAN or KLINE bus.

[0097] 9. After the download is complete, the PC software turns off the power of the ECU.

[0098] 10. The user installs the control unit back into the vehicle.

[0099] Note that the ECU removal and installation steps outlined in the above procedure can be omitted. Diagnostics or programming can be performed directly on the vehicle using a laptop.

[0100] Thus, the technical solution of the signal adjustment device 100 of the adapter cable in this embodiment is that the use of the adjustment module 101 connected between the first signal input 201 and the first signal output 202 of the adapter cable allows the amplification module 10 of the adjustment module to amplify the first unipolar rectangular signal received by the first signal input 201 to a second unipolar rectangular signal with a peak value equal to a predetermined one, and the signal conversion module 20 of the adjustment module converts the second unipolar rectangular signal output by the amplification module 10 into a bipolar rectangular signal and outputs it to the first signal output 202;This enables the adapter cable to convert the unipolar rectangular signal output by the vehicle communication interface of the diagnostic tool into a corresponding bipolar rectangular signal for input to the GPT signal input port of the ECU, as a result, the GPT signal input ports of various types of ECUs are able to normally recognize the signals transmitted by the vehicle diagnostic tool through the adapter cable, which allows the vehicle diagnostic tool to be applicable to diagnosing and programming various types of ECUs, which increases the versatility of the vehicle diagnostic tool.

[0101] In some embodiments, the number of the first signal inputs 201 and the first signal outputs 202 of the adapter cable can be configured according to requirements. In some embodiments, the number of adjustment modules 101 in the signal adjustment device of the adapter cable may correspond to the number of the first signal inputs 201 or the first signal outputs 202 in the adapter cable used. For example, when the first signal input 201 is intended for connection to the vehicle communication interface of the diagnostic tool, and the first signal output 202 is intended for connection to the signal input port of the GPT ECU, the first signal inputs 201 and the first signal outputs 202 can be configured in a quantity of two, and the number of adjustment modules 101 of the signal adjustment device is also two.Of course, in other embodiments, the number of first signal inputs 201 and first signal outputs 202 may be one, three, or more.

[0102] As shown in Fig. 2, in some embodiments, the signal conversion module 20 includes a push-pull unit 21 and a filter unit 22, wherein the push-pull unit 21 is electrically connected to the amplification module 10 and the filter unit 22, and the filter unit 22 is electrically connected to the first signal output 202. The combination of the push-pull unit 21 and the filter unit 22 realizes the conversion of the second unipolar rectangular signal into a bipolar rectangular signal.

[0103] At this time, the push-pull unit 21 is designed to convert the second unipolar rectangular signal into an output signal containing a bipolar rectangular signal. The push-pull unit 21 operates by switching the corresponding conductive paths at the peak value and at the minimum value of the second unipolar rectangular signal, thereby generating a bipolar rectangular signal in the output signal. Of course, the output signal of the push-pull unit 21 may also contain some DC components, and the filter unit 22 serves to filter the DC components from the output signal of the push-pull unit 21. After filtering the output signal of the push-pull unit 21 using the filter unit 22, a pure bipolar rectangular signal (namely, an AC signal) is obtained, which is output to the first signal output 202.

[0104] In the technical solution of this embodiment, the signal conversion module 20 converts the second unipolar rectangular signal into a stable bipolar rectangular signal using a combination of a push-pull unit 21 and a filter unit 22. The action of the push-pull unit 21 reduces the output resistance, which reduces signal attenuation during transmission and ensures its stable transmission. Additional filtering performed by the filter unit 22 ensures that the bipolar rectangular signal output to the first signal output 202 is free from interference from the DC component, ensuring that a stable bipolar rectangular signal is supplied to the GDC signal input port of the ECU, enabling the ECU to accurately recognize the signal.

[0105] As shown in Fig. 6, in some embodiments, the push-pull unit 21 includes an NPN transistor Q1 and a PNP transistor Q2, the collector of the NPN transistor Q1 is connected to the power supply Vbat, the emitter of the NPN transistor Q1 and the emitter of the PNP transistor Q2 are jointly electrically connected to the filter unit 22, the base of the NPN transistor Q1 and the base of the PNP transistor Q2 are jointly electrically connected to the amplification module 10, the collector of the PNP transistor Q2 is grounded. In this embodiment, in accordance with the second unipolar rectangular signal output by the amplification module 10, the NPN transistor Q1 and the PNP transistor Q2 of the push-pull unit 21 alternately go into a conducting state, as a result of which a bipolar rectangular signal is formed at the emitter of the NPN transistor Q1 (which is also the emitter of the PNP transistor Q2), which is output to the filter unit 22.It should be noted that in other embodiments, the push-pull unit 21 can also be implemented in the form of a complementary push-pull circuit based on other transistors or field-effect MOSFETs.

[0106] As shown in Fig. 6, in some embodiments, the filter unit 22 includes a filter capacitor C1, which is connected in series between the push-pull unit 21 and the first signal output 202. The filter capacitor C1 filters the output signal of the push-pull unit 21, effectively suppressing the DC component, which makes it possible to obtain a stable bipolar rectangular signal.

[0107] In the above embodiments, the push-pull unit 21 is formed by two transistors, and the filter unit 22 is formed by only one filter capacitor C1, this design ensures a simple circuit implementation and low cost of the signal conversion module 20.

[0108] It should be noted that in other embodiments of the present application, the signal conversion module may be implemented using other functional blocks or circuits, provided that it is possible to convert a unipolar rectangular signal into a bipolar rectangular signal.

[0109] As shown in Fig. 3, in some embodiments, the adjustment module 101 further includes a first bias unit 31, which is electrically connected to the side of the push-pull unit 21 that is connected to the amplification module 10, and serves to provide a static bias of the push-pull unit 21. The static bias provided by the first bias unit 31 effectively eliminates transient distortions of the push-pull unit 21, thereby ensuring the stability of the output signal generated by the push-pull unit 21. In the solution of this embodiment, each adjustment module 101 is provided with its own first bias unit 31.

[0110] As shown in Fig. 4, in some embodiments, the signal adjustment device 100 includes two adjustment modules 101, one adjustment module 101 is connected between one first signal input 201 and one first signal output 202 of the adapter cable, and the other adjustment module 101 is connected between the other first signal input 201 and the other first signal output 202 of the adapter cable; The signal adjustment device 100 further includes a second bias unit 32, the end of the push-pull units 21 of the adjustment modules 101, which is connected to the amplification modules 10, is electrically connected to the second bias unit 32, wherein the second bias unit 32 provides a static bias for the push-pull units 21 of the adjustment modules 101. The static bias provided by the second bias unit 32 effectively eliminates transient distortions of the push-pull units 21, thereby ensuring the stability of their output signals.In the solution of this embodiment, the signal adjustment device 100 comprises adjustment modules 101 that share one common second bias unit 32. This configuration further simplifies the circuit structure of the signal adjustment device 100 and reduces its cost.

[0111] As shown in Fig. 6, in some embodiments, a specific circuit structure of the second bias unit 32 is shown, which provides a static bias for the push-pull units 21 of the adjustment modules 101.In this case, the second bias unit 32 includes two bias resistors R3 and a bidirectional transient voltage suppression diode D1, which is formed by two diodes with a common anode, one end of the two bias resistors R3 is connected to the power source Vbat, the other end is separately electrically connected to the push-pull unit 21 of the adjustment module 101 (namely, to the base of the NPN transistor Q1 in the said push-pull unit 21), the anode of the bidirectional transient voltage suppression diode D1 is grounded, and the two cathodes of the bidirectional transient voltage suppression diode D1 (namely, the cathodes of the two diodes with a common anode) are electrically connected to the push-pull units 21 of the corresponding adjustment modules 101 (namely, to the bases of the NPN transistors Q1 in the said push-pull units 21).In the solution of this embodiment example, two bias resistors R3 provide a preliminary bias for the push-pull units 21 of the control modules 101, respectively, eliminating their transient distortions, and, moreover, the bidirectional transient voltage suppression diode D1 stabilizes and limits the voltage of the input signal of the push-pull units 21, ensuring the stability of their bias.

[0112] Specifically, the type of the bidirectional transient voltage suppression diode D1 can be selected depending on the level of the input signal of the push-pull unit 21, for example, when the peak value of the second unipolar square wave signal (namely, the input signal of the push-pull unit 21) output by the amplification module 10 (which is the set value) is 9.1V, the bidirectional transient voltage suppression diode D1 can be selected as the AZ23C9V1 model (a Zener diode in a SOT-23 package with a rated stabilization voltage of 9.1V).

[0113] As shown in Fig. 6, in some embodiments, the control module 101 further includes a terminating resistor R2 connected in series between the filter unit 22 and the first signal output 202 and designed to match the signal levels. In the solution of this embodiment, when the input circuit of the ECU GPT signal port includes a unipolar protection diode, the terminating resistor R2 ensures matching with this input circuit.

[0114] As shown in Fig. 6, in some embodiments, the amplification module 10 includes a voltage comparator U1 and a first resistor R1. The non-inverting input of the voltage comparator U1 is electrically connected to the first signal input 201, and the inverting input of the voltage comparator U1 is designed to receive the reference voltage Vref, the output of the voltage comparator U1 is electrically connected to the signal conversion module 20, the non-inverting input of the voltage comparator U1 is connected to the ground through the first resistor R1. In particular, the first resistor R1 serves to stabilize the input voltage at the non-inverting input of the voltage comparator U1, reduce noise and ensure the stability of the input signal voltage (namely, the first unipolar rectangular signal).In the solution of this embodiment, the amplification module 10 uses the voltage comparator U1 to amplify the first unipolar rectangular signal received by the first signal input 201, in order to obtain a second unipolar rectangular signal with a peak value equal to a specified one, at its output for transmission to the signal conversion module (namely, to the push-pull unit 21); such an implementation of the amplification module 10 is characterized by a simple circuit structure and low cost.

[0115] Of course, in other embodiments, the amplification module 10 may also be formed by other functional blocks or electronic components, provided that it is possible to amplify the first unipolar rectangular signal.

[0116] In some embodiments of the present application, the amplitude of the second unipolar rectangular signal does not exceed half of the specified value, or the amplitude of the second unipolar rectangular signal does not exceed the peak value of the first unipolar rectangular signal, in order to ensure that the final bipolar rectangular signal output to the first signal output 202 will be recognizable by the ECU.

[0117] Specifically, in some embodiments, the set value is selected to be 9.1 V, and the amplitude of the bipolar square wave signal is 4.5 V (namely, the positive peak value is 4.5 V, and the negative peak value is -4.5 V).

[0118] In some embodiments, the peak value of the first unipolar square wave signal is less than or equal to 5 V. For example, the first unipolar square wave signal is a signal output by an automotive communication interface of a diagnostic tool, with a peak value of 5 V.

[0119] As shown in Fig. 1-6, the adapter cable includes at least one first signal input 201, a corresponding first signal output 202, and a signal adjustment device 100 in accordance with any of the above-described embodiments. The specific structure of the signal adjustment device 100 of this adapter cable corresponds to the above-described embodiments. Since this adapter cable uses all the technical solutions of all the embodiments of the above-described signal adjustment device 100 of the adapter cable, it has at least all the beneficial effects provided by the technical solutions of the said embodiments, which are not listed in detail here.

[0120] In some embodiments, the adapter cable includes two first signal inputs 201 and two first signal outputs 202, and the signal adjustment device 100 also includes adjustment modules 101, one adjustment module 101 is connected between one first signal input 201 and one first signal output 202, and another adjustment module 101 is connected between another first signal input 201 and another first signal output 202. The adapter cable according to this embodiment is preferably used as a connecting cable between the automotive communication port of the diagnostic tool and the vehicle ECU, which allows the diagnostic tool to program or diagnose ECUs of various types.

[0121] The present application further proposes an automotive diagnostic device, including an automotive diagnostic tool and an adapter cable according to any of the above-described embodiments, wherein the first connector of the adapter cable is connected to the automotive communication interface of the automotive diagnostic tool. The specific structure of the signal adjustment device of this adapter cable corresponds to the above-described embodiments. Since the present automotive diagnostic device utilizes all the technical solutions of all the embodiments of the above-described adapter cable, it has at least all the beneficial effects provided by the technical solutions of the said embodiments, which are not listed in detail here.Due to the possession of all the technical effects of all the above-mentioned examples of implementation, this automotive diagnostic device is applicable for diagnosing and programming ECUs of various types of vehicles and is characterized by high versatility.

[0122] The foregoing represents only a portion or preferred embodiments of this application. Neither the text nor the drawings should be construed as limiting the scope of protection under this application. Any equivalent structural transformations made based on the contents of the description and drawings of this application within the framework of a single concept, as well as direct or indirect use in other related technical fields, are subject to protection within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A device for regulating the signal of an adapter cable, comprising an adjustment module intended for connection between a first signal input and a first signal output of the adapter cable, wherein the adjustment module includes: an amplification module, electrically connected to the first signal input and configured to amplify the first unipolar rectangular signal received by the first signal input to a second unipolar rectangular signal with a peak value equal to a specified value, and to output it; a signal conversion module, electrically connected to the amplification module and the first signal output and configured to convert the second unipolar rectangular signal output by the amplification module into a bipolar rectangular signal and to output it to the first signal output.

2. A device for regulating the signal of an adapter cable according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the signal conversion module includes: a push-pull unit electrically connected to the amplification module and the filter unit and designed to convert the second unipolar rectangular signal into an output signal containing a bipolar rectangular signal; a filtering unit electrically connected to the first signal output and designed to filter direct current components from the signal output by the push-pull unit to obtain a bipolar rectangular signal and output it to the first signal output.

3. The device for adjusting the signal of the adapter cable according to claim 2, characterized in that the adjustment module additionally includes a first bias unit, electrically connected to the side of the push-pull unit connected to the amplification module, to ensure static bias of the push-pull unit.

4. The device for regulating the signal of the adapter cable according to paragraph 2, characterized in that the regulating module additionally includes a matching resistor, connected in series between the filtering unit and the first signal output and intended for matching the signal levels; and / or, the filtering unit includes a filtering capacitor, connected in series between the push-pull unit and the first signal output.

5. The device for regulating the signal of the adapter cable according to claim 2, characterized in that the push-pull unit includes an NPN transistor and a PNP transistor, the collector of the NPN transistor is connected to a power source, the emitter of the NPN transistor and the emitter of the PNP transistor are jointly electrically connected to the filter unit, the base of the NPN transistor and the base of the PNP transistor are jointly electrically connected to the amplification module, the collector of the PNP transistor is grounded; and / or, the filter unit includes a filter capacitor connected in series between the push-pull unit and the first signal output.

6. The device for regulating the signal of the adapter cable according to any one of paragraphs. 1-5, characterized in that the amplification module includes a voltage comparator and a first resistor, the non-inverting input of the voltage comparator is electrically connected to the first signal input, the inverting input of the voltage comparator is intended for receiving a reference voltage, the output of the voltage comparator is electrically connected to the signal conversion module, the non-inverting input of the voltage comparator is connected to the ground through the first resistor; and / or, the amplitude of the second unipolar rectangular signal does not exceed half of the specified value, or the amplitude of the second unipolar rectangular signal does not exceed the peak value of the first unipolar rectangular signal; and / or, the specified value is 9.1 V; and / or, the peak value of the first unipolar rectangular signal is less than or equal to 5 V.

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