CAN Transceiver Internal Test Routing Without Bus Arbitration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing the operability of a CAN transceiver in a CAN bus network results in significant load and time expenditure, as it requires sending a TXD test message that competes for arbitration, affecting regular communication and requiring substantial time before testing can occur.
Innovation Solution
A CAN transceiver design incorporating a test unit that allows operability testing without interfering with the CAN bus network by transitioning to a second state, where a reduced test signal is routed through internal components, enabling quick and non-disruptive testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a TXD test message is sent to test the CAN transceiver operability, then the transceiver can be tested, but it competes for arbitration on the CAN bus and affects regular communication
Solution Approach 1:
The transceiver is divided into functional components (transmitter, receiver, test unit) with separate testing pathways. The test unit can independently activate test modes that route signals through internal components without entering the CAN bus network, segmenting the testing function from the communication function to eliminate arbitration conflicts.
Solution Approach 2:
The test unit acts as an intermediary component between the TXD interface and the CAN bus interface. It provides alternative signal routing paths that allow testing of internal components (transmitter, receiver) without directly injecting test messages into the CAN bus, thereby mediating between testing needs and communication continuity.
2Reliability
If a TXD test message is sent to test the CAN transceiver operability, then the transceiver can be tested, but it requires substantial time before testing can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The test unit is pre-configured with test modes and internal routing paths that are ready for immediate activation. Testing can begin without waiting for bus arbitration or requiring prior communication idle periods, as the test signals are routed through internal components that are always accessible when test mode is activated.
Solution Approach 2:
The test unit dynamically switches between different operational states (first state for normal operation, second state for testing). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to transition quickly between communication and testing modes without fixed time delays, enabling rapid testing whenever needed.
3Productivity
If the test unit is in the first state coupling TXD to CAN bus interface, then normal communication occurs, but testing cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The test unit implements dynamic state switching between a first state for normal communication and a second state for testing. In the first state, the TXD interface is coupled to the CAN bus interface for regular communication. In the second state, the coupling is reconfigured to route signals through internal components for testing, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The test unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a normal signal conduit during communication and as a test signal routing device during testing. This multi-functionality allows the same component to support both communication operations and operability testing without requiring separate dedicated test hardware.
4Reliability
If the test unit is in the second state for testing, then testing can be performed, but the TXD signal routing is changed from normal communication path
Solution Approach 1:
The test unit automatically manages its own state transitions and signal routing based on control signals from the controller. When testing is required, the controller activates the test unit, which self-configures the appropriate signal paths and coupling relationships, eliminating the need for manual intervention in the complex routing configuration.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The design enables efficient and non-disruptive testing of the CAN transceiver operability, reducing communication interference and time expenditure, allowing testing during idle periods without affecting other devices on the CAN bus network.
Implementation Method 1
the reducer is configured to generate an output voltage for the receiver based on a CAN Bus voltage from the CAN Bus interface, such that the output voltage is less than one tenth, one twentieth, or one thirtieth of the CAN Bus voltage
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a controller area network, CAN, transceiver, comprising: a transmit data, TXD, interface, a receive data, RXD, interface, a CAN Bus interface, a transmitter, a receiver, a reducer, and a test unit, wherein the transmitter is coupled between the TXD interface and a test unit input of the test unit, a first test unit output of the test unit is coupled to the CAN Bus interface, the CAN Bus interface is coupled to a receiver input of the receiver via the reducer, a second test unit output of the test unit is coupled to the receiver input of the receiver, the test unit is configured, in a first state, to couple the test unit input to the first test unit output and is configured, in a second state, to couple the test unit input to the second test unit output.