DE102007055442A1 - Antenna connection diagnosis method for motor vehicle, involves supplying current for predetermined time interval to test connection between receiver e.g. radio/navigation device, and antenna terminal - Google Patents

Abstract

The method involves supplying current in a predetermined time interval to test a connection e.g. plug-in connection, between a receiver (8) e.g. radio/navigation device, and an antenna terminal, where the predetermined time interval amounts to 10 minutes. The supplied current is flowed over a current path, and the current path is maintained between two connection pins of the antenna terminal by a jumper. An antenna (4) is connected with the receiver over the antenna terminal, and operating current of an impedance converter (2) is supplied during the testing of an antenna connection. An independent claim is also included for a device for diagnosis of an antenna connection for a motor vehicle.

Description

The The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for diagnosis or verification of an antenna connection for a motor vehicle to provide a connection between a receiving device and a Antenna connection z. B. in a motor vehicle to check.

To The prior art is used in integrated glass antenna systems a correct connection of all Plug connections between a receiving device (eg radio / navigation device) and a last mating between a washer connection wire and a active or passive impedance converter of the receiving device checked such that an operating current or a part of the operating current for an active one Impedance converter and a diagnostic current in a passive impedance converter via a Antenna cable and over all Plug connections led becomes. If it is detected that the operating or diagnostic power is outside a defined range, the receiving device generates a Entry in a fault memory. In order to also check plug connections, which starting from the receiver behind are the impedance converter, the operating or diagnostic current via a shorting bridge between two Anschlussgins a Scheibenanschlusssteckers led and only then fed to the impedance converter. Alternatively, a part of the operating current a shorting bridge passed between two connecting glands of the disk connector and used a switch to power the impedance converter turn.

Should an antenna disk structure for multiple reception services (eg TV, radio, navigation, etc.) in one combined impedance converter housing Usually, each service will be one or more connections provided to the antenna disk structure. Be at n Connection gland of the disk connector more than (n - 2) pins for one Contacting the antenna disk structure used, so is inevitable at least one antenna of the antenna disk structure during the The above-mentioned diagnostic method of the prior art, an electric Potential. Are in direct proximity to this under an electric Potential standing antenna structure further metallic structures, such as B. a heating field of a heated disk or antenna structures, at a different electrical potential, arises due to the Potential difference especially in case of contamination or at one Moisture of the disc structures a "pitting" (an electrocorrosion) to the metallic Structures.

Therefore It is the object of the present invention, an antenna connection to verify that no damage, For example, due to a pitting, can occur.

According to the invention this Task by a method for the diagnosis of an antenna connection for a Motor vehicle according to claim 1 and a correspondingly configured Device solved according to claim 6. The dependent ones claims define preferred and advantageous embodiments of the invention.

in the Within the scope of the present invention is a method for diagnosis or checking an antenna connection for a Motor vehicle provided. In this case, a current is fed or a voltage applied to check if the electrical connection between a receiving device and a Antenna connection correctly interconnected (inserted) or error-free is. This will check if the electrical connection between the receiving device, an antenna and a Antenna device, such. B. an impedance converter or a Antenna amplifier, error-free. The current or voltage is not longer than fed or created for a predetermined time interval.

Under the predetermined time interval is understood to be a time interval, which is set before the diagnosis of the antenna connection and advantageously chosen with 10 ms. Normally will the predetermined time interval once set or determined and then applies to all the following procedures for the diagnosis of the antenna connection.

By doing the current or the voltage at most this predetermined time interval long fed or created, there is only this predetermined For a period of time, there is a risk that the injected current or the applied voltage damage, z. As the aforementioned pitting causes. By doing the predetermined time interval is chosen to be short, can such damage due to the method according to the invention be virtually excluded for the diagnosis of the antenna connection.

In an embodiment according to the invention, a current path or an electrical connection, via which the supplied current flows in a positive case, is conducted via a short-circuit bridge between two terminal accesses of the antenna terminal. To diagnose the antenna connection is thereby checked whether the injected current is still present after the shorting bridge. Under an antenna connection is a connection with several electrical connection accesses or on understood, wherein each antenna of an antenna structure, which comprises at least one antenna, is connected to one of these electrical connection access (the 'return conductor' of the respective antenna is usually connected to ground).

It is also possible to check for diagnosis the injected current over the antenna connector and one connected to the antenna connector Antenna or antenna structure to ground or to another sink drains. In this Case will be no shorting bridge and thus no further connection access of the antenna connection required.

Favorable This way, an antenna or an antenna access to which (s) to Diagnosis of the antenna connection a potential is applied, after switched potential free the predetermined time interval.

By doing the antenna is switched floating, so during the Diagnosis of the antenna connection built-up potential is reduced will be a probability for a damage due to the diagnosis of the antenna connection further reduced.

at a further embodiment of the invention becomes an operating current for an antenna device (eg, an impedance converter or an antenna amplifier) which to operate an over antenna connected to the antenna connection is required, fed only if the review of Antenna connection was positive. In other words, the antenna device becomes only then turned on, if it has been checked positive that the antenna connection error-free. A passive impedance converter becomes a diagnostic voltage (a voltage needed to perform diagnostics) only then created or a diagnostic stream (a stream, which for the implementation of diagnostic operations needed is fed) when checking the Antenna connection was positive before.

By doing the antenna device is not turned on when the antenna connection has an error, so z. B. any connector of Antenna connection is defective, is advantageously excluded, that a damage due to the operation of the antenna device occurs.

in the The scope of the present invention also provides a device for Diagnosis of an antenna connection for a motor vehicle provided.

There the device according to the invention essentially to carry of the method according to the invention described above, in the following, only for differences to the method according to the invention received.

at an embodiment of the invention The device comprises a voltage connection, a switch to the feeder of the current to the antenna terminal, which is shorted via a shorting bridge is, and a tester to review the from the short-circuited antenna terminal back flowing stream or on the short-circuited antenna terminal applied potential. through the tester checks the device the current flowing back from the shorted antenna port or the potential applied to the short-circuited antenna terminal, as soon as the voltage connection of the device supplies power is, so the device is turned on accordingly. The Device is now advantageously designed such that she's the switch at the latest after the predetermined time interval has elapsed, when the test device No current or potential recorded.

Under with a shorting bridge short-circuited antenna connection is a connection to understand which at least two accesses or pins. At one of these entrances an antenna is connected. The shorting bridge now bridges the first access connected to the antenna with the second of these Additions. The electricity is now usually over led the first access to the antenna terminal, which with both the Shorting as well as connected to the antenna. It is then checked whether the current from the second Access flows back, so whether the electrical connection from the receiving device to the second access error-free.

Instead of of the current flowing back from the shorted antenna terminal can from the tester also be checked a stream which over the antenna connection to an antenna and from there onwards Mass or to another valley flows.

at a further embodiment of the invention The device includes another switch to over this Switches an operating current to an antenna device (eg. to an impedance converter or to an antenna amplifier) which supply to operate an over antenna connected to the antenna connection is required. The device is now designed according to the invention such that it only closes the further switch when the tester the current flowing back from the shorted antenna port has recorded.

Thereby it is ensured that the antenna device only then turned on will be tested positive if previously is that the antenna connection is working properly.

The The present invention can be used, in particular, for diagnosing or checking a Antenna connection in a motor vehicle during production or at another quality inspection (z. B. in a diagnosis in a workshop) are used, wherein a pitting metallic structures is prevented. Of course it is however, the present invention is not limited to this preferred application limited, but can about it addition to the review of Antenna connections outside a motor vehicle or z. B. for checking antenna connections be used on ships or aircraft. Furthermore Is it possible, the present invention always to check any electrical Use a connection which is not an antenna connection, if there is a risk that the electricity fed in for inspection or the review submitted Voltage in case of error, d. H. the connection to be checked is defective, leads to a problem or damage when the power or the Tension too long (ie longer as the predetermined time interval).

The The present invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIGS attached Drawings explained with reference to preferred embodiments.

1 schematically represents an interaction between a receiving device, an impedance converter and an antenna.

2a to 2f illustrate the operation of a device according to the invention for the diagnosis of an antenna connection.

3a and 3b represent a device according to the invention, wherein a current is detected in the direction of the antenna.

4 represents a further embodiment of a device according to the invention in detail.

In 1 is shown schematically as a receiving device 8th , an impedance converter 2 and an antenna 4 electrically interconnected. In this case, the operating voltage is provided via an inner conductor of an antenna line in the impedance converter and is coupled out in a suitable, generally conventional manner from the antenna line.

In 2a a circuit is shown, which is a device according to the invention 1 , to which in turn a first switch 11 and a second switch 12 heard, along with an amplifier 2 , an antenna connection or antenna plug 5 , an associated glass antenna 4 and a third switch 13 includes. The circuit is in 2a shown in a pristine state, the switch 13 , which both zür voltage supply to the device 1 as well as to the power supply of the amplifier 2 must be closed, is open. The antenna plug 5 includes three accesses. Here is a first of these accesses to the antenna 4 and with the amplifier 2 connected. A second of these entrances is also with the antenna 4 , with the first switch 11 and with a shorting bridge or diagnostic bridge 3 connected. Finally, a third of these entrances is also with the shorting bridge 3 , with a test connection 6 the device 1 and connected to a resistance to ground.

In 2 B is now the in 2a shown circuit in a state shortly after switching on or shortly after closing the third switch 13 shown. By closing the third switch 13 becomes the device 1 energized and a current 7 over the third switch 13 , the closed first switch 11 , over the shorting bridge 3 to the test port 6 guided if the corresponding connection or a corresponding current path is not interrupted. In other words, closing the switch 13 one in which in the 2 B Left side connection of the switch 13 applied potential on the antenna 4 applied. The device 1 Now check as soon as she has the switch 13 is supplied with a voltage, whether through its test port 6 a stream 7 flows or whether at its test port 6 a potential is applied which corresponds to the potential of the left side terminal of the switch 13 equivalent. When the device 1 recorded that over their test port 6 a current flows or that at its test connection 6 the potential is present; which is the potential of the left side terminal of the switch 13 corresponds, detects the device 1 in that a good case exists and in the other case (via its test connection 6 no current flows or at its test connection 6 is not the potential of the left side terminal of the switch 13 on) that an error has occurred.

In 2c Now a situation is shown, which is present when the Gutfall of the device 1 has been recorded. Once the device 1 closes the good case, it closes over a signal 22 , which of a holding circuit of the device 1 is generated, the second switch 12 over which the amplifier 2 is powered, so it is turned on.

In 2d On the other hand, a situation is shown which is present when the error case of the device 1 has been detected, for example, incomplete plugged antenna connector 5 , In this case, the second switch 12 not closed, the amplifier 2 So not turned on.

In 2e a situation is shown, which in Gutfall shortly after in 2c presented situation exists. In the Gutfall namely opens the device 1 shortly after closing the second switch 12 the first switch 11 by means of a signal 21 , which of another holding circuit of the device 1 is produced. Now flows in the circuit of the rated current, since all necessary connections for operation (connectors) are fine. The in 2e shown state is virtually a final state in Gutfall, which can be left by the third switch 13 is opened, which corresponds to the original state.

In 2f a situation is shown, which in case of error shortly after the in 2d presented situation exists. Even in case of failure, the device opens 1 within 10 ms after closing the third switch 13 the first switch 11 by means of the signal 21 , This will do that on the antenna 4 applied potential, so that, for example, no pitting can occur. There is no or hardly any electricity flowing, because the connections (connectors) are not in order.

Of course, the current flow through the antenna connector in the direction of the antenna disk, z. B. in the direction of mass or in the direction of another sink. One such case is in 3a shown, in which the test current through the antenna disk to ground. In 3b the detection of the voltage or the current in front of the bridge is shown, with the current after the bridge flowing through a resistor to ground. The other behavior of the device 1 as it is in the 2a to 2f represented and described above does not change thereby.

In 4 is another embodiment of a device according to the invention 30 shown. The device 30 includes a first resistor 31 , a second resistor 32 , a third resistor 33 , a capacity 34 , a first self-conducting FET 35 , a second self-conducting FET 36 , a PMOS transistor 37 and an NMOS transistor 38 , A first circuit point 41 is with a first input of the first resistor 31 , a first input of the first FET 35 and a first input of the third resistor 33 connected. A second circuit point 42 is with a first input of capacity 34 , a first input of the second resistor 32 and a first input of the NMOS transistor 38 connected. A third node 43 is connected to a second input of the first resistor 31 , a second input of capacity 34 , a control input of the first FET 35 and a control input of the second FET 36 connected. A fourth node 44 is with a first input of the second FET 36 , a second input of the second resistor 32 , a first input of the PMOS transistor 37 and a control input of the NMOS transistor 38 connected. A fifth circuit point 45 is connected to a control input of the PMOS transistor 37 and a second input of the NMOS transistor 38 connected. A second input of the PMOS transistor 37 is connected to a second input of the third resistor 33 connected. A second entrance of the FET 35 is via a shorting bridge 3 with a second input of the second FET 36 connected.

The operation of the device according to the invention 30 in good case is as follows:
Once a voltage, for. B. 12 V, between the first node 41 and the second node 42 is created, the two FET switch 35 . 36 by. As a result, the voltage is between the first node 41 and the second node 42 almost also over the second resistor 32 that is, between the fourth node 44 and the second node 42 on, provided the shorting bridge 3 Electricity leads, which is the case in Gutfall. Due to the voltage between the fourth node 44 and the second node 42 will now also the NMOS transistor 38 switched continuously, so that the voltage between the first node 41 and the second node 42 from 12 V now also approximately between the first circuit point 41 and the fifth node 45 , So at the output terminals of the device 30 is applied.

For example, if an impedance converter or an antenna amplifier to the two output terminals (the circuit points 41 . 45 ) is connected, it is only now switched on. Since the potential of the fifth node is lowered by the NMOS transistor 38 is switched through, this is also the PMOS transistor 37 consistently switched.

Because of between the first node 41 and the second node 42 applied voltage is the capacity or the capacitor 34 charged, so the potential of the third circuit point 43 slowly rises. Once the potential of the third circuit point 43 exceeds a certain threshold, the two FETs lock 35 . 36 , This becomes the potential of the fourth node 44 lowered, so that also the NMOS transistor 38 locks. However, this does not change anything regarding the shift state of the PMOS transistor 37 so that the PMOS transistor 37 remains switched through.

The operation of the device according to the invention 30 in case of error is as follows:
In the event of a fault, the short-circuit bridge 3 does not carry current corresponds to the potential of the fourth circuit point 44 essentially the potential of the second circuit point 42 is, even if between the first node 41 and the second node 42 an operating voltage or 12 V is applied. For this reason, the NMOS transistor 38 not switched continuously, so that at the output terminals 41 . 45 no operating voltage can be tapped off. In other words, z. B. an impedance converter, which at the output terminals 41 . 45 is connected, in case of error for this reason, not switched on.

The time interval, which concerns the application of the operating voltage to the input terminals 41 . 42 until the lock on the two FETs 35 . 36 Elapsed, can accurately by a corresponding dimensioning of the first resistor 31 and the capacitor 34 existing series circuit can be determined.

In general, instead of the two FET 35 . 36 even just one FET can be used or in other words on one of the two FETs 35 . 36 be waived. But since the potential of the antenna, which with one of the two approaches, which by means of the shorting bridge 3 are short-circuited, after expiration of the predetermined time interval via the respective FET connected to the access 35 . 36 is discharged, is an embodiment with two FET 35 . 36 advantageous, at least as long as it is unknown to which of the two accesses the antenna is connected.

To the in 4 shown circuit is at the input terminals 41 . 42 an operating or diagnostic voltage is applied from a receiving device (eg radio / navigation device). This operating or diagnostic voltage is then only in Gutfall to the output terminals 41 . 45 connected. If at the output terminals 41 . 45 an active impedance converter or antenna amplifier is connected, the operating or diagnostic voltage is an operating voltage for operating the active impedance converter or the antenna amplifier. If, on the other hand, at the output terminals 41 . 45 a passive impedance converter is connected, it is the operating or diagnostic voltage to a diagnostic voltage, with the aid of diagnostic operations can be initiated.

In the 4 illustrated device 30 can be arranged, for example, within an impedance converter.

The present invention provides that an electrical potential on an antenna structure only very briefly (much shorter than 0.5 seconds) after switching on the receiver (eg. B. a radio / navigation device) is applied. While This short time can be the correct connection or insertion of the Slice antenna port to be diagnosed. After this diagnosis time the corresponding antenna structure is switched floating. The operating current within the impedance converter or the antenna amplifier is thereby while the entire operating time monitored by the receiving device. Without correct connection or connection of the disk connection is the impedance converter and so that the operating / diagnostic power is not turned on, as above accomplished is.

1

contraption

2

Amplifier or impedance transformer

3

diagnosis bridge

4

window antenna

5

antenna connector

6

test connection

7

electricity

8th

receiving set

11-13

switch

21-22

signal

30

contraption

31-33

resistance

34

capacity

35-38

transistor

41-45

circuit point

Claims (14)

Method for the diagnosis of an antenna connection for a motor vehicle, wherein a current ( 7 ) to establish a connection between a receiving device ( 8th ) and an antenna connection ( 5 ), characterized in that the stream ( 7 ) is fed for a long time for a predetermined time interval. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that a current path, over which in Gutfall the fed-in current ( 7 ), via a shorting bridge ( 3 ) between two connection pins of the antenna connection ( 5 ) and that for diagnosis it is checked whether the injected current ( 7 ) after the shorting bridge ( 3 ) is still present. A method according to claim 1, characterized in that it is checked for diagnosis, whether the injected current ( 7 ) via the antenna connection ( 5 ) and one to the antenna connector ( 5 ) connected antenna ( 4 ) flows to ground or to another drain. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an antenna ( 4 ), which via the antenna connection ( 5 ) with the receiving device ( 8th ) is connected, after the predetermined time interval is switched floating. Method according to one of the preceding connections, characterized in that an operating current of an antenna device ( 2 ), which is used to operate via the antenna connection ( 5 ) connected antenna ( 4 ) is only supplied if the test of the connection was positive. Method according to one of the preceding connections, characterized in that the predetermined time interval 10 ms is. Device for the diagnosis of an antenna connection for a motor vehicle, the device ( 1 . 11 ; 1 . 11 . 12 ; 30 ) is configured such that the device ( 1 . 11 ; 1 . 11 . 12 ; 30 ) a stream ( 7 ) to establish a connection between a receiving device ( 8th ) and an antenna connection ( 5 ), characterized in that the device ( 1 . 11 ; 1 . 11 . 12 ; 30 ) is additionally configured in such a way, the device ( 1 . 11 ; 1 . 11 . 12 ; 30 ) feeds the current for a maximum of a predetermined time interval. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the device ( 1 . 11 ; 1 . 11 . 12 ; 30 ) a voltage connection ( 6 ; 41 . 42 ), a switch ( 11 ; 35 . 36 ) for supplying the stream ( 7 ) to the antenna connector ( 5 ), which via a shorting bridge ( 3 ) and a test device for checking the short-circuited antenna port ( 5 ) flowing back stream ( 7 ) or one between the shorted antenna connector ( 5 ) and ground existing voltage, and that the device ( 1 . 11 ; 1 . 11 . 12 ; 30 ) is configured such that the device ( 1 . 11 ; 1 . 11 . 12 ; 30 ) by means of the test device from the short-circuited antenna terminal ( 5 ) flowing back stream ( 7 ) or the voltage between the shorted antenna connector ( 5 ) and ground as soon as the voltage connection is supplied with voltage, and that the device ( 1 . 11 ; 1 . 11 . 12 ; 30 ) the switch ( 11 ; 35 . 36 ) within the predetermined time interval, if the tester does not supply power ( 7 ) or no voltage detected. Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the device ( 1 . 11 ; 1 . 11 . 12 ; 30 ) a connection ( 6 ; 41 . 42 ), a switch ( 11 ; 35 . 36 ) for supplying the stream ( 7 ) to the antenna connector ( 5 ), which via the antenna ( 4 ) is connected to ground or another sink, and a test device for checking the current flowing to the antenna ( 7 ) and that the device ( 1 . 11 ; 1 . 11 . 12 ; 30 ) is configured such that the device ( 1 . 11 ; 1 . 11 . 12 ; 30 ) by means of the test device to the antenna connection ( 5 ) flowing stream ( 7 ) is checked as soon as the connection is supplied with voltage, and that the device ( 1 . 11 ; 1 . 11 . 12 ; 30 ) the switch ( 11 ; 35 . 36 ) within the predetermined time interval, if the tester does not supply power ( 7 ) detected. Device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the device ( 1 . 11 . 12 ; 30 ) another switch ( 12 ; 37 . 38 ) to receive an operating current of an antenna device ( 2 ), which are used to operate via the antenna connection ( 5 ) connected antenna ( 4 ) and that the device ( 1 . 11 . 12 ; 30 ) is configured such that the device ( 1 . 11 . 12 ; 30 ) the further switch ( 12 ; 37 . 38 ) closes only when the tester disconnects the power ( 7 ) or the voltage has been detected. Device according to one of claims 7-10, characterized in that the predetermined time interval 10 ms is. Device according to one of claims 7-11, characterized in that the device ( 30 ) a first resistor ( 31 ), a second resistor ( 32 ), a third resistor, a capacitor ( 34 ), a first transistor ( 35 ), a second transistor ( 36 ), a P-type transistor ( 37 ) and an N-type transistor ( 38 ) includes that a first circuit point ( 41 ) with a first input of the first resistor ( 31 ), with a first input of the first transistor ( 31 ) and the third resistor ( 33 ) with a first input of the P-type transistor ( 33 ), that a second node ( 42 ) with a first input of capacity ( 34 ), with a first input of the second resistor ( 32 ) and with a first input of the N-type transistor ( 38 ), that a third node ( 43 ) with a second input of the first resistor ( 31 ), with a second input of capacity ( 34 ) and a control input of the first transistor ( 35 ) and a control input of the second transistor ( 36 ), that a second input of the first transistor ( 35 ) via the shorted antenna connection ( 5 ) with a first input of the second transistor ( 36 ), that a fourth node ( 44 ) with a second input of the second resistor ( 32 ), one second input of the second transistor ( 36 ), a second input of the P-type transistor ( 37 ) and a control input of the N-type transistor ( 38 ) and that a fifth circuit point ( 45 ) with a control input of the P-type transistor ( 37 ) and a second input of the N-type transistor ( 38 ) connected is. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that the device ( 30 ) is configured such that the voltage connection from the first circuit point ( 41 ) and the second circuit point ( 42 ), and that an operating voltage for an antenna device ( 2 ) can be tapped between the first and the fifth circuit point. Device according to one of claims 7-13, characterized in that the device ( 1 . 11 ; 1 . 11 . 12 ; 30 ) is configured for carrying out the method according to one of claims 1-6.