Parallel CAN Bus Cable Testing System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated data storage libraries face challenges with CAN bus cable damage, leading to data and power signal failures, which result in library downtime, costly repairs, and inefficient troubleshooting due to the need for individual cable testing.

Innovation Solution

A system with a first and second interface for sending and analyzing data and power signals through a CAN bus cable, allowing concurrent testing of both signals to quickly identify faulty cables and minimize downtime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If individual cable testing is performed sequentially, then testing thoroughness is improved, but library downtime and troubleshooting time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecable testing thoroughnessVSAvoidlibrary downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines data signal testing and power signal testing into a single parallel testing operation. The testing system simultaneously sends data test signals and power test signals through the CAN bus cable, then simultaneously analyzes the returned signals, eliminating the need for sequential testing of individual cables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The testing system performs continuous parallel testing of data and power signals without interruption. By using separate interfaces for signal transmission and reception, the system maintains continuous testing flow, quickly identifying faulty cables while minimizing library downtime.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Productivity

If parallel testing of data and power signals is implemented, then troubleshooting speed is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetroubleshooting speedVSAvoidtesting system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system is segmented into distinct functional components: a first interface for sending signals, a second interface for receiving signals, and analysis circuitry for processing the returned signals. This segmentation allows parallel testing operations while maintaining clear functional separation, managing system complexity through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Duration of action of stationary object

If CAN bus cable damage is not detected early, then operational continuity is maintained, but data loss and power signal failures occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational continuityVSAvoidsignal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system performs preliminary testing of CAN bus cables by sending test signals before actual operational use. This preliminary action detects potential cable damage early, preventing data loss and power signal failures that would occur if damaged cables were used in normal operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10205486B2Parallel testing of a controller area network bus cable

Publication Date: 2019.02.12 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A computer program product according to one embodiment includes a computer readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, wherein the computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se, the program instructions executable by a processing system to cause the processing system to perform a method that includes sending a data testing signal through a data lead of a cable via a first interface, sending a power signal through a power lead of the cable via the first interface, receiving and analyzing the data testing signal from the data lead of the cable via a second interface, and receiving and analyzing the power signal passing through the power lead of the cable via the second interface.