Electronic Control Device Abnormality Diagnosis via D/I Port Switching

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic control devices require modifications to diagnose digital input circuit abnormalities, increasing costs and complexity.

Innovation Solution

An electronic control device with a microcomputer having a D/I port, an RC filter, and a terminal capacitor for charging and voltage division, allowing abnormality diagnosis without modifying the circuit configuration by switching the D/I port between input and output states to assess connection conditions based on voltage inputs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the circuit configuration is modified to add an electronic component or microcomputer port for abnormality diagnosis, then the ability to diagnose digital input circuit abnormalities is improved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabnormality diagnosis capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The D/I port is designed to serve dual functions: normal digital input operations and abnormality diagnosis. By switching the port between input and output states, the same hardware component performs multiple functions, eliminating the need for additional dedicated diagnosis ports or components, thus reducing cost while maintaining diagnosis capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own existing D/I port and internal capacitors to perform self-diagnosis. The microcomputer outputs test voltages through the D/I port and measures the voltage changes caused by charging/discharging internal capacitors to detect abnormalities. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external diagnosis equipment or additional components, reducing both cost and complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the circuit configuration is modified to add an electronic component or microcomputer port for abnormality diagnosis, then the ability to diagnose digital input circuit abnormalities is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveabnormality diagnosis capabilityVSAvoidcircuit configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The D/I port is designed to serve dual functions: normal digital input operations and abnormality diagnosis. By switching the port between input and output states, the same hardware component performs multiple functions, eliminating the need for additional dedicated diagnosis ports or components, thus reducing cost while maintaining diagnosis capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The abnormality diagnosis function is merged with the existing D/I port and internal capacitor structure. The diagnosis mechanism combines the port's input/output switching capability with the charging/discharging behavior of internal capacitors, creating an integrated self-diagnosis system that doesn't require separate diagnosis hardware, thereby reducing circuit complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables effective abnormality diagnosis of digital input circuits without altering the circuit configuration, enhancing safety and reducing costs by distinguishing normal, disconnection, and ground fault states through software-defined threshold values.

Implementation Method 1

a first capacitor (C2) connected between the external connection terminal (6) and the circuit ground (GND)... after the first capacitor (C2) is charged with the predetermined voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

an RC filter provided between the D/I port and the first capacitor (C2), the RC filter including a first resistor (R1) and a second capacitor (C1)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFilter (electronic): Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentUS10845429B2Electronic control device

Publication Date: 2020.11.24 ASTEMO LTD

AI summary

Provided is an electronic control device capable of performing abnormality diagnosis of a digital input circuit without modifying the circuit configuration. Included are: an external connection terminal to which an external power supply is connected; a first capacitor having one end connected to the external connection terminal and the other end connected to circuit ground; a microcomputer having a D/I port which is an input/output port and to which a voltage of the external connection terminal is input; an RC filter provided between the D/I port and the first capacitor, the RC filter including a first resistor and a second capacitor; and a second resistor for dividing an output voltage of the D/I port together with the first resistor and applying the divided voltage to one end of the first capacitor, in which the microcomputer outputs a predetermined voltage from the D/I port and diagnoses a connection condition of the external connection terminal on the basis of a voltage input to the D/I port after the first capacitor is charged with the predetermined voltage.