Mixed Analog Digital Integrity Test via PRNG Signal Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods are inadequate for efficiently checking the integrity of mixed analog-digital systems, particularly in vehicle systems, where transient errors in digital transmissions can occur unpredictably, impacting safety and are difficult to detect without extensive simulation or real-world testing.
Innovation Solution
A device with a processor that uses a pseudo-random number generator (PRNG) to inject a test signal into the digital transmission, estimating its integrity through an analog output, compensating for the linear transfer function of both digital and analog paths, allowing for non-invasive error detection without direct access to the digital transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If extensive computer simulation and real-world road driving are used to verify integrity, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and loss of energy increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing integrity verification through computer simulation before real-world road driving. The system injects test signals into the digital transmission path and analyzes the analog output to detect errors proactively, eliminating the need for extensive post-deployment field testing and reducing overall verification time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a virtual replica of the digital transmission path through computer simulation. Instead of physically testing the entire system for months, the system models the digital path behavior in silo, injecting test signals and analyzing responses to predict real-world performance without requiring actual road driving.
2Measurement precision
If direct access to digital transmission is provided for integrity checking, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by using the analog output as a mediator between the digital transmission path and the integrity verification system. Instead of directly accessing the digital transmission (which would require complex tap points and signal injection mechanisms), the system injects test signals at the digital path and analyzes their transformed versions at the analog output, simplifying the verification architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical signal injection and tapping mechanisms with a computational approach. Instead of physically accessing the digital transmission line through complex hardware interfaces, the system uses computer-based signal processing to inject test signals and analyze the analog output, substituting mechanical complexity with software-based verification.
3Ease of operation
If existing integrity check techniques are applied to mixed analog-digital systems, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by tailoring the integrity verification method specifically to the mixed analog-digital system architecture. Instead of using generic digital integrity checks that don't account for analog conversion effects, the system adjusts the test signal injection and analysis procedures to match the specific characteristics of the analog output path, improving detection accuracy for this particular system type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the verification parameters to account for the analog output transformation. The system modifies the test signal characteristics and analysis criteria based on how the digital transmission is converted to analog signals, adjusting parameters such as signal amplitude, frequency response, and noise characteristics to accurately detect errors in the mixed system context.
Data Source
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AI summary
Device (120) for checking the integrity of a digital transmission for an analog output (114) of a system (104). The analog output (114) may be checked for transient errors that can be attributed to a digital transmission path embedded somewhere within the vehicle system (104). A test signal is introduced into a digital transmission (112) that can be reassembled from an analog path (118) of the analog output (110), and, if not, allows the test device (120) to pinpoint that errors are appearing due to the digital path, and not because of the analog output. In this way, debugging an installation of a system (104) becomes easier; obtaining confidence in reliability of a mixed analog and digital system becomes less of a challenge and less time consuming.