High-Speed Network Physical Layer Test Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-speed wired communication networks with two-way communication on the same medium, such as those in vehicles, pose challenges in testing the physical layer due to difficulty in accessing components and determining if communication channels function correctly, especially with encryption and high operating speeds, making existing analysis equipment unsuitable.
Innovation Solution
A test device with generation, determination, and recording means that can generate and analyze test signals across communication interfaces and media, allowing for the evaluation of communication channels in high-speed networks, even in complex configurations like Ethernet or automotive systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing analysis equipment (oscilloscopes and vector network analyzers) is used to test physical layer signals, then signal analysis capability is provided, but practical implementation becomes unsuitable or extremely difficult in high-speed bidirectional networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a test device that acts as an intermediary between the communication interface and the analysis equipment. This test device includes generation means to create test signals and determination means to analyze the responses, thereby mediating the complex interaction between bidirectional communication signals and measurement equipment. The test device translates the complex bidirectional physical layer signals into analyzable forms without requiring direct connection of standard analysis equipment to the high-speed medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified model or copy of the communication interface behavior through the test device. The generation means reproduces test conditions that mimic actual communication scenarios, and the determination means analyzes these copied interactions to infer the state of the actual communication channel. This allows analysis of physical layer characteristics without directly measuring the complex high-speed bidirectional signals.
2Reliability
If components are made difficult to access (as in vehicle applications), then integration and protection are improved, but testing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the communication interface itself to participate in its own testing. The test device equips the communication interface with generation means and determination means, allowing it to autonomously generate test signals and analyze responses without requiring external disassembly or complex setup. This self-service capability maintains the integrated and protected structure while enabling comprehensive physical layer testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The test device is designed to be universally applicable to various communication interfaces and configurations. It can test different types of wired communication media (electrical wires, optical fibers) and different network topologies (point-to-point, bus). This multi-functionality allows the same test device to be used across different applications including vehicle networks, maintaining protection and integration while enabling testing.
3Productivity
If bidirectional communication is implemented on the same medium, then communication efficiency is improved, but independent measurement of signals in each direction becomes greatly complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bidirectional communication signals into separate testable components. The generation means creates isolated test signals in one direction, and the determination means separately analyzes the response in that same direction. This segmentation allows independent measurement of each communication direction's physical layer characteristics without interference from simultaneous bidirectional traffic, while the overall system maintains efficient bidirectional operation.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a testing device (DT) provided to a first member (O1) including a communication interface (IC) connected to a first communication medium (MC1) in a high-speed wired communication network (RC) communicating in two directions on a single medium, and including a second member (O2) comprising a communication interface (IC) coupled to the first communication medium (MC1). Said device (DT) includes generation means (MG) connected to the communication interface (IC) of the first member (O1) and/or to the first communication medium (MC1) and arranged so as to generate a test that must be sent to the communication interface (IC) of the first member (O1) or by the first communication medium (MC1) in order to cause the communication interface (IC) of the first member (O1), the first communication medium (MC1), and/or the communication interface (IC) of the second member (O2) to react.