DE102015108064A1 - Test system and method for automated testing of at least two simultaneously connected to the test system control units and ECU connection and control unit switching unit for use in such a test system - Google Patents

Abstract

A test system (2) according to the invention for the automated testing of at least two control devices simultaneously connected to the test system comprises a control computer (4) on which environmental model data for the control devices (40, 44) to be tested and, for a test procedure with several Test steps, control unit control data and reference data for control unit output signals are stored; an environment simulation calculator (12) connected to the control computer (4); and an input / output interface (16) for outputting environmental model test signals and / or control test signals and for receiving controller output signals having; wherein the environment simulation computer (12) is designed so that a test sequence with a plurality of test steps can be carried out by the environment simulation computer (12) from the environment model data and control device received from the control computer (4). Control data generates environment model test signals and / or control test signals and outputs via its input / output interface (16); and by the environment simulation computer (12) comparing controller output signals received via its input / output interface (16) with reference data for controller output signals; wherein a separate control unit connection and control unit switching unit (20) is provided, which has a test signal interface (22), a switching interface (24), at least two control unit connection interfaces (42, 46) and at least a switch (32); the test signal interface (22) is connected to the input / output interface (16) of the environment simulation computer (12); the switching interface (24) is connected to the control computer (4); and the control computer (4) and the at least one switch (32) of the control unit connection and control unit switching unit (20) are designed such that after a test sequence has been carried out with several test steps for a connected control unit (40, 44) of the control computer (4) outputs a switching signal to the control unit connection and control unit switching unit (20) and at least one switch (32) switches so that the test signal interface (22) with the control unit connection Interface (46) of a second connected control unit (44) is connected.

Description

The invention relates to a test system and a method for automated testing of at least two simultaneously connected to the test system control units and a control unit connection and control unit switching unit for use in such a test system.

Of the Article Jim A. Ledin: Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation, published in the journal "Embedded Systems Programming" in February 1999 describes the background of hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation.

From the DE 10 2010 043 661 A1 a device for testing and an HIL simulator is known. In such known test devices and HIL simulators is a disadvantage that the test of control devices on their functioning is very time-consuming and requires a lot of manpower.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a test system and method for automated testing, which increases the efficiency in testing ECUs and reduces the staffing of each ECU to be tested.

This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent patent claims. Advantageous developments emerge from the dependent claims.

A test system according to the invention for the automated testing of at least two control devices, in particular motor vehicle control devices, simultaneously connected to the test system comprises a control computer, on which environmental model data for the control devices to be tested and, for a test procedure with several test steps, control device control data and reference data for Control unit output signals are stored; an environment simulation calculator coupled to the control computer and having an input / output interface for outputting environmental model test signals and / or control test signals and for receiving controller output signals; wherein the environment simulation computer is designed such that a test sequence with a plurality of test steps is feasible in that the environment simulation computer uses the environment model data and the control device control data received from the control computer to transmit environmental model test signals and / or control Generates test signals and outputs them via its input / output interface; and by the environment simulation computer comparing control unit output signals received via its input / output interface with reference data for controller output signals; wherein a separate controller port and controller switching unit is provided having a test signal interface, a switching interface, at least two controller port interfaces, and at least one switch; the test signal interface is connected to the input / output interface of the environment simulation computer; the switching interface is connected to the control computer; and the control computer and the at least one switch of the control unit connection and control unit switching unit are designed such that after a test procedure has been carried out with several test steps for a connected control unit, the control computer sends a switching signal to the control unit connection unit. and outputs control unit switching unit and at least one switch switches so that the test signal interface is connected to the control unit connection interface of a second connected control unit.

An inventive method for automated testing of at least two simultaneously connected to a test system control units, in particular motor vehicle control units, comprising the following steps: Connecting a separate ECU connection and control unit switching unit with its test signal interface to an input / output interface an environment simulation calculator; Connecting at least two control units, in particular motor vehicle control units, to respective control unit connection interfaces of the control unit connection and control unit changeover unit; Selecting an environment model associated with the controllers and a test procedure having at least one test step on a control computer or on an environment model computer and on a test automation computer; Performing a test procedure with a plurality of test steps for the first connected control unit by an environment simulation computer, by the environment simulation computer from the environment model computer received from the control computer or from the environment model computer and the test automation computer. Data and controller control data generates and outputs environmental model test signals and / or control test signals to the first controller via its input / output interface and via the controller port and controller switching unit; and by the environment simulation computer comparing controller output signals received via the controller connection and control unit switching unit and via its input / output interface with reference data for controller output signals; After the test procedure for the first connected control unit has been carried out, outputting a changeover signal to a changeover Interface of the control unit connection and control unit switching unit by the control computer or by the test automation computer, and switching at least one switch of the control unit connection and control unit switching unit so that the test signal interface with the control unit Connection interface of the second connected control unit is connected; and performing a test procedure with a plurality of test steps for the second connected control unit by an environment simulation computer.

A control unit connection and control unit switching unit according to the invention for use in a test system for automated testing of at least two simultaneously connected to the test system control devices, in particular motor vehicle control devices of the type described here comprises a test signal interface, a switching interface, at least two Controller port interfaces and at least one switch; wherein the test signal interface is for connection to an input / output interface of an environment simulation computer; wherein the switching interface is for connection to a control computer or to a test automation computer; and wherein at least one switch is configured such that, after receiving a switching signal, it switches over from a control computer or from a test automation computer in such a way that the test signal interface is connected to the control unit connection interface of a second connected control unit.

According to the invention, a multiplicity of control devices, in particular motor vehicle control devices, can be tested. The motor vehicle control units can be roughly divided into the categories: drive control units, z. B. engine controllers or transmission controllers; Suspension control units, eg. ESP controllers or steering controllers; Control units on the body, z. B. Headlight control units, control units for windows or windscreen wipers; Infotainment control devices, in particular control devices for navigation devices or control devices for the radio or the multimedia system; and driver assistance control units, in particular collision warning control units or Lane Assist control units. This list is not exhaustive.

In accordance with a basic concept of the invention, the provision of a separate control unit connection and control unit switching unit whose test signal interface is connected to the input / output interface of the environment simulation computer has its switching interface with the control unit. Computer is connected to the at least two control device connection interfaces corresponding, to be tested control devices are connected or can be connected and whose at least one switch by the control computer, as defined in the claims, is switchable, possible, fully automatically connected several Testing ECUs sequentially without the need for a test engineer intervention in between, and without a test engineer having to manually unplug it after completing a controller test, and plug in a next ECU to be tested by plugging in a connector cable.

The number of control units to be tested automatically one after the other is predetermined by the control unit connection interfaces provided at the separate control unit connection and control unit changeover unit.

At the beginning of the test, a test engineer can then connect all the ECUs to be tested to the available ECU connection interfaces, enter or select the appropriate environment model and test procedure on the control computer and then start the test. Thereafter, the test system or the test procedure carries out the corresponding test procedures. The control unit connection and control unit switching unit switches over by means of its at least one switch after successful completion of a test procedure of a control unit in such a way that the respectively next connected and tested control unit via the test signal interface with the input / output interface of Environment simulation computer is connected and the test is performed by the environment simulation computer for each connected to be tested control unit.

As a result, such control devices can be tested most efficiently, with reduced labor input and also outside normal working hours, especially overnight or over a weekend.

In addition, the test system according to the invention and the test method according to the invention are not limited to always testing control units of the same type. At the beginning, the test engineer at the control computer can also select different environmental models and / or different test procedures for the respectively connected test devices. Thus, a large number of control devices of the same or different type can be tested automatically, without the need for a test engineer to be on site, who would have to manually change control devices on the environment simulation computer.

The idle times of the environment simulation computer are significantly reduced, resulting in Optimized utilization of both the available test time and the environment simulation computer leads.

In addition, according to the invention, contact problems resulting from the frequent changeover at the input / output interface of the environment simulation computer, which falsify a test procedure and the resulting test results or render them useless, can be significantly reduced.

If you z. B. assumes that a test procedure for a controller takes three hours and twelve hours of testing time, z. As are available overnight, the idle time - compared with an idle time of nine hours in a conventional test system in which a test unit to be tested is connected directly to the environment simulation computer - when using a separate control unit connection according to the invention and ECU switchover unit, with two ECUs connected to their controller terminals, for six hours, and even to zero when using a ECU connector and ECU switch unit with four ECUs connected to its controller terminals be reduced. This corresponds to a doubling or quadrupling of the efficiency.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, it was not enough simply to provide multiple input / output interfaces to the environment simulation computer. Rather, the present inventors have pioneered the provision of a separate controller port and controller switching unit which interfaces with the available slot, particularly the available input / output interface of the environment simulation computer. As a result, existing test systems can be retrofitted with the ability to automatically test several ECUs one after the other without repositioning, regardless of their type, type and design.

In order to enable the correct switching, the inventors have recognized that this separate control unit connection and control unit switching unit, which is to be equipped with the corresponding desired number of control unit connection interfaces, in each case identical to the on / off. The output interface of the environment simulation computer is that this separate ECU connection and control unit switching unit with a test signal interface, which is to be connected to the input / output interface of the environment simulation computer, with a switching interface to be connected to the control computer, and to be equipped with at least one corresponding switchable switch, which is switched by a switching signal of the control computer so that the test signal interface with the control unit port Interface of each connected to be tested control unit is connected.

On the environment simulation computer, which can also be referred to as a hardware-in-the-loop system / HIL system, the entire simulation of the non-physically present physical environment of the control devices, in particular vehicle models, roadway models, engine models and the like, can take place , This is known to the person skilled in the art and does not need to be explained further here. Roughly speaking, the environment simulation computer is a separate computer on which the simulations run in a real-time operating system, with the least possible delays. On the environment simulation computer, the necessary interfaces to the control unit, in particular buses, analog / digital inputs and outputs and the like, are available. The environment simulation computer is therefore the only component in conventional test systems that communicates directly with the ECU to be tested.

In the case where, as defined in the dependent claims 3, 4 and 5, the control computer is designed as a combination of an environment model computer (also called HIL computer) and a test automation computer (also called test automation), the environment simulation computer has in each case an interface to the environment model computer and to the test automation computer.

According to a further basic concept of the present invention, the control devices to be tested are no longer connected directly to the environment simulation computer, but rather to the separately-to-be-provided control unit connection and control unit changeover unit.

According to a further basic concept of the present invention, a further component now intervenes in the signal path between the environment simulation computer and the control unit to be tested, namely the control computer in the form of changeover signals to the changeover interface of the control unit connection and control devices Switching unit, which cause a switchover of at least one switch thereof. This is thus an unobvious step away from the principle that only the environment simulation computer communicates with the controller.

The control computer is responsible for the control of the environment simulation computer. From the control computer, the environment model data for the simulation models for sent the environment simulation calculator that may be stored there to the environment simulation calculator. The control computer can also start, stop, parameterize, monitor and simulate the simulations on the environment simulation computer.

The separate ECU connection and control unit switching unit can function like a multiplexer for the existing ECU connection interfaces.

The switching logic of the control computer can be configured as an additional software module to be provided on the control computer, a so-called software plug-in.

The provided on the control computer software component for generating a switching signal or for controlling the control unit connection and control unit switching unit can be used as a plug-in for an existing test automation, z. B. in ECU test as a so-called utility, be designed as a separate exe file or other program. It is preferred that this software can communicate via Ethernet with the control unit connection and control unit switching unit. This software can be adapted to the respective test case, eg. B. depending on the number of ECUs to be tested.

In the case where the control computer as defined in claims 3 to 5 is designed as a combination of an environment simulation computer and a test automation computer, this software component is to be provided on the test automation computer.

To connect the input / output interface of the environment simulation computer with the test signal interface, preferably the same sockets and adapter cables are used with the same connectors.

The number of switches to be provided in the separate control unit connection and control unit switching unit is conditioned, firstly, by the number of pins / lines of the input / output interface of the environment simulation computer and thus also of the test signal interface of the control units Secondly, by the number of ECU connection interfaces of the ECU connection and control unit switching unit and the connectable control units, which must be switched between.

The number of switches to be provided can therefore be between two (2-pins / lines, two connected controllers) and 1,600 (400-pins / lines eg a motor controller, 4 connected controllers).

The switches can be designed as signal relays.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the environment simulation computer is designed so that after a test procedure has been carried out, a test procedure termination signal can be output to the control computer.

As a result, the control computer is reliably informed that the test procedure for the relevant control unit connected to the control unit connection and control unit switching unit has been completed. The control computer then generates the switching signal and outputs it to the ECU terminal and control unit switching unit so that their at least one switch switches so that the test signal interface with the control unit connection interface of the next connected Control unit is connected, and the environment simulation computer can continue with the test of this next control unit. This optimizes the interaction between the environment simulation calculator, control computer and ECU connection and control unit switching unit to further enhance the fully automatic test procedure for all connected ECUs.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the control computer is designed as a combination of an environment model computer and a test automation computer; wherein environment model data for the ECUs to be tested are stored on the environment model computer and said environment model data is transferable to the environment model simulation computer; wherein on the test automation computer the control device control data and reference data for control unit output signals are stored and these control device control data and reference data are transferable to the environment model simulation computer; wherein the environment simulation computer is connected to the environment model computer and to the test automation computer; and wherein the environment simulation computer is designed such that a test procedure with a plurality of test steps can be carried out by the environment simulation computer being able to read from the environment model data received from the environment model computer and from the control device received from the test automation computer. Control data generates and outputs environmental model test signals and / or control test signals via its input / output interface, and by the environment simulation computer via its input / output interface. Output interface compares received controller output signals with reference data for controller output signals.

The environment model computer and the test automation computer can both be designed as a desktop computer or as a laptop computer and with the desired user interface, eg. As Microsoft Windows and appropriate software, which is known in the art and need not be explained further here, be equipped. For the functionality of the environment model computer (HiL system) reference is made to the explanations made above.

The test automation calculator stores controller control data as well as reference data for controller output signals, which allows the environment simulation calculator to compare the controller output signals contained by the controller being tested with the reference data controller output signals. In other words, the control unit output signals returned based on the environment model test signals and control test signals returned by the environment simulation computer to the controller to be tested are compared against reference data for control unit output signals and thus against a target profile. The result of such a comparison is whether the ECU to be tested has successfully completed the test procedure or the individual test steps of the same or whether errors have occurred, so that a statement "controller functioning" or "controller defective" can be made.

On the test automation computer test procedures can be stored or defined by a test engineer, which are automated by the environment simulation computer. These can in particular run sequentially, ie one after the other, and can include the steps of loading the environment model data from the environment model computer, starting simulations, and influencing simulations.

The test automation computer is connected to the environment model computer and to the environment simulation computer. This data connection can be configured in the form of Ethernet. The test automation calculator can also be used with additional devices, such. B. connected to one or more diagnostic interfaces.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the test automation computer and the at least one switch of the control unit connection and control unit switching unit are designed so that after a test procedure has been carried out with several test steps for a connected control unit, the test automation computer sends a switching signal the control unit connection and control unit switching unit outputs and switches at least one switch so that its test signal interface is connected to the control unit connection interface of a second connected control unit.

According to this embodiment, the test automation computer is connected to the control unit connection and control unit switching unit and causes switching of at least one switch thereof by outputting a switching signal to the control unit connection and control unit switching unit.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the environment simulation computer is designed so that after a test procedure has been carried out, a test procedure termination signal can be output to the test automation computer.

Thus, after performing a test procedure for the respectively connected control unit, the environment simulation computer notifies the test automation computer that the test procedure has ended, whereupon the latter checks the switching of the control unit connection and control unit changeover unit to the next Control unit causes.

In these embodiments of the test system according to the invention, an existing test system with an environment simulation computer (HIL), with an environment model computer (HIL computer) and with a test automation computer (test automation) can be retrofitted in a simple manner to several according to the invention Automatically test control units one after the other.

For this purpose, only the invention separate control unit connection and control unit switching unit to provide to connect with their test signal interface with the input / output interface of the environment simulation computer and with their switching interface with the test automation computer connect to. The test automation computer must be provided with appropriate software or a computer program that generates a switching signal and outputs it to the switching interface when the test procedure for a controller tested has ended. Possibly. In addition, the environment simulation computer must be configured to issue a test completion signal to the test automation computer.

According to another embodiment, the data connection between the Control computer or between the environment model computer and the test automation computer, the environment simulation computer and the ECU connection and control unit switching unit, in particular of the switching interface, an Ethernet switch on.

Ethernet is a very widespread bus that can be quickly retrofitted. In particular, when retrofitting existing test systems, Ethernet is usually already present on the test automation computer. The control of switching between test automation computer and ECU connection and control unit switching unit can be done in particular via Ethernet, which is particularly reliable.

In addition, a control unit can also be selected manually via a switch on the control unit connection and control unit switching unit. However, automatic switching is only possible in the automatic position of the switch on the control unit connection and control unit switching unit to prevent accidental switching in critical tasks, e.g. B. to avoid required software updates.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the control unit connection and control unit control unit further comprises a PLC control unit, in particular a BUS coupler, which is composed of the switching signal received from the control computer or from the test automation computer generates in particular analog switching signal and outputs to at least one switch of the control unit connection and control unit drive unit to switch this.

This is a particularly easy to implement yet reliable way to implement the switching on the part of the ECU connection and control unit switching unit.

The control of the switch or the signal relay can be done by the bus coupler via Ethernet. The PLC controller can thus implement the switching signal of the test automation computer and can also report the current status of the switches / relays to this test automation computer.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the control unit connection and control unit drive unit further comprises a control unit signal tapping interface, in particular a breakout module, at which the control unit output signals and / or the environment model test signals and / or the control test signals can be tapped off.

Through this controller signal tapping interface, the controller output signals, the environmental model test signals and the control test signals may be analyzed by an additional analyzer, e.g. B. a separate analysis calculator can be tapped directly. The controller signal tapping interface can be z. B. banana sockets.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the test signal interface and the at least two control unit connection interfaces of the control unit connection and control unit switching unit as well as the input / output interface of the environment simulation computer each have the same number of Connection pins on.

This ensures that the same control devices that can be conventionally tested by being connected directly to the environment simulation computer can now also be tested in accordance with the invention using the separate ECU connection and control unit switching unit.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the number of switches in the control unit connection and control unit switching unit is such that all required lines for the test signals and for the control unit output signals are routed to the respectively to be tested and connected to a control unit connection. Interface of the control unit connection and control unit switching unit connected control unit are switchable and / or that all required lines for the test signals and for the control unit output signals successively to be tested each and to the control unit connection interfaces of the control unit connection - and control unit switching unit connected control unit are switchable.

The number of switches provided in the control unit connection and control unit switching unit, or in the case where there are a sufficient number of switches, varies depending on the connected control unit and is usually between 2 and 1,500 switches , An upper limit does not exist here theoretically.

In addition, the switches can be designed so that they differ from each other, so as to be able to switch through, for example, for individual services particularly high currents or high frequencies. The switches of the ECU connection and control unit switching unit and their EPS control can thus always to the respective Use case to be adapted. The switching unit with the switches can be constructed from modular components.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the test system further comprises at least two control units, which are each connected via an adapter cable to the control unit connection interfaces of the control unit connection and control unit switching unit.

In this embodiment, the control units to be tested are part of the test system itself. The number of control units connected to the control unit connection interfaces of the control unit connection and control unit changeover unit is limited only by the number of available control unit connection interfaces ,

For the inventive control unit connection and control unit switching unit according to claim 12, the advantages and embodiments described above with reference to the test system, which are not reproduced here to avoid repetition.

The test signal interface of the ECU connection and control unit switching unit can be connected by means of an adapter cable to the input / output interface of the environment simulation computer. The connector sockets of the ECU connection and control unit switchover unit are the same as the input / output interface connector of the environment simulation computer, thereby avoiding changes to it. If the control unit connection and control unit switching unit according to the invention is to be operated together with different environment simulation computers, this can be realized by means of various adapter cables which are suitable for the respective environment simulation computers.

The power supply of the control unit connection and control unit switching unit according to the invention can be done either via an internal or external power supply. The maximum power of the power supply is selected according to the existing number and types of switches or relays installed in the control unit connection and control unit switching unit. Advantageously, in an internal power supply or at high power also an emergency stop circuit or its own backup can be provided.

The advantages and embodiments described above with reference to the test system according to the invention apply in the same way to the method according to the invention for the automated testing of at least two control devices simultaneously connected to a test system. These are not reproduced again to avoid repetition. The Applicant reserves the right to submit dependent procedural claims.

The invention is explained in more detail by means of embodiments with reference to the accompanying figures.

1 shows a schematic representation of a test system according to the invention with a control computer, with an environment simulation computer and with a control unit connection and control unit switching unit to which two control units to be tested are connected.

2 shows a schematic representation of a second test system according to the invention with an environment model computer, with a test automation computer, with an environment simulation computer, and with a control unit connection and control unit switching unit to which in turn connected two to be tested control units are; and

3 shows a schematic representation of a third test system according to the invention, the first test system 1 corresponds, wherein the control unit connection and control unit switching unit still additionally has a control unit signal tapping interface.

1 shows a schematic representation of a test system according to the invention 2 with a tax calculator 4 , with an environment simulation calculator 12 and with a controller connection and control unit switching unit 20 , to the two ECUs to be tested 40 and 44 are connected.

The tax calculator 4 , which combines the functionality of an environment model calculator, also referred to as HIL control computer, and a test automation calculator, also referred to as test automation, has a switch port interface 6 and an interface 8th to the environment simulation calculator 12 , On the control computer 4 are environment model data for the ECUs under test 40 and 44 and, for a multi-step test procedure, controller control data and reference data for controller output signals are stored.

The environment simulation calculator 12 , also called HIL, has an interface 14 to the tax calculator 4 through which it receives environment model data and control device control data therefrom and, if necessary, output data, such as, for example, a result "tested control unit functioning" or "tested controller defective" and a test completion signal sent to the control computer 4 indicates that the test procedure performed for the controller being tested is terminated.

The environment simulation calculator 12 furthermore has an input / output interface 16 , via the environment model test signals and control test signals to the controller connection and control unit switching unit 20 and via which it outputs control unit output signals from the control unit connection and control unit switching unit 20 receives.

During operation, the environment simulation computer generates 12 from the tax calculator 4 environment model data and controller control data received environment model test signals and control test signals and outputs these via its input / output interface 16 out. Furthermore, the environment simulation computer receives 12 via its input / output interface 16 ECU output signals and compares them with reference data for ECU output signals, which he from the control computer 4 receives and there are assigned in particular the control unit control data for the respective test procedure with several test steps. Furthermore, the environment simulation computer detects 12 when a test procedure for a controller under test is completed, in which case it issues a test completion signal to the control computer 4 out.

The ECU connection and control unit switching unit 20 has a test signal interface 22 over a data connection line 18 with the input / output interface 16 of the environment simulation computer 12 connected is. Furthermore, the control unit connection and control unit switching unit has 20 a switching interface 24 using a data connection line 26 with the switch port interface 6 of the tax calculator 4 connected is.

Further, the controller port and control unit switching unit has 20 first and second ECU connection interfaces 36 and 38 , to which by means of connection lines 42 and 46 in each case a first control unit to be tested 40 and a second controller to be tested 44 are connected. Next has the ECU connection and control unit switching unit 20 via a PLC control unit 28 , the input side with the switching interface 24 is connected and the output side by means of a switching signal control line 30 with the switch unit 32 connected is. The ECU connection and control unit switching unit 20 further includes a switch unit 32 on, whose input side with the test signal interface 22 and its output side with the first and the second controller port interface 36 and 38 connected is.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the data connection lines have 18 such as 42 and 46 two connecting lines, and the switch unit 32 includes two in particular separated from each other via the switching signal control line 30 switchable switches, which are designed so that they can be switched between two switch positions. In the first switch position, the in 1 not shown, connect the switches of the switch unit 32 the test signal interface 22 with the first controller connection interface 36 so that from the environment simulation calculator 12 generated environment model test signals and control test signals via the input / output interface 16 , via the data connection line 18 , via the test signal interface 22 , via the switches of the switch unit 32 , via the first ECU connection interface 36 and over the connecting line 42 to the first controller 40 output, and that of the first controller 40 generated control unit output signals in the reverse direction to the environment simulation computer 12 be sent back. This one can well imagine, assuming that the upper data connection line 18 and the right connection line 42 Input lines as well as the lower data connection line 18 and the left connection line 42 Data output lines are, in each case based on the data flow direction to the first control unit 40 and away from it.

In the in 1 shown upper switch position is the test signal interface 22 with the second controller connection interface 38 connected so that the environment model test signals and control test signals from the environment simulation computer 12 via the input / output interface 16 , via the data connection line 18 , via the switches of the switch unit 32 , via the second ECU connection interface 38 and over the connecting line 46 to the second controller to be tested 44 and controller outputs in the reverse direction to the environment simulation calculator 12 be sent back.

During operation of the first test system according to the invention 2 First, a test engineer closes the ECUs to be tested, here the ECUs 40 and 44 , to the ECU connection interfaces 36 and 38 and dials on the control calculator 4 an environmental model associated with the control devices and a desired test procedure that has at least one test step. Subsequently, the actual test procedure is with performed several test steps. The environment simulation computer generates this 12 from those of the tax calculator 4 environment model data and controller control data received environment model test signals and control test signals and outputs these via its input / output interface 16 as well as via the ECU connection and control unit switching unit 20 more precisely via the data connection 18 , via the test signal interface 22 , via the switch unit 32 , via the first ECU connection interface 36 and over the connecting line 42 to the first controller to be tested 40 out. The control unit 40 generates from these test signals control output signals in the reverse direction to the environment simulation computer 12 be issued. There, these control unit output signals are compared with reference data for control unit output signals, which the environment simulation computer 12 from the control computer 4 along with the environment model data and controller control data. From this comparison, the environment simulation calculator 12 or the tax calculator 4 produce an output that can be used to determine that the controller being tested 40 . 44 has carried out the test procedure correctly or has output correct control unit output signals or whether errors have occurred. From this output, a decision "Controller operational" or "Controller defective" can be made.

After the execution of the test procedure, the environment simulation computer 12 over its interface 14 , via the data connection line 10 and over the interface 8th a test completion signal to the control computer 4 submit. The tax calculator 4 then outputs a switchover signal via its switch port interface 6 , via the data connection line 26 and via the switching interface 24 to the ECU connection and control unit switching unit 20 , in particular at their PLC control unit 28 ,

This PLC control unit 28 , which may be formed in particular as a bus coupler, generated from this switching signal, in particular an analog switching signal and outputs this to the switch unit 32 so that the switches of the switch unit 32 be switched such that the test signal interface 22 to the next controller port interface, in this case the second controller port interface 38 of the second connected control unit 44 is connected.

Now the test procedure with several test steps, as described above, for the second controller 44 carried out.

2 shows a schematic representation of a second test system according to the invention 52 with an environment model calculator 54 , with a test automation calculator 62 , with an environment simulation calculator 12 , and with a control unit connection and control unit switching unit 20 , to which in turn two ECUs to be tested 40 and 44 are connected.

The second test system 52 largely corresponds to the first test system 2 out 1 where the tax calculator 4 in the form of a combination of an environment model computer 54 and a test automation calculator 62 is formed, which are separate from each other, and wherein the data connection between the environment model computer 54 , the test automation calculator 62 , the environment simulation calculator 12 and the switching interface 24 the ECU connection and control unit switching unit 20 through Ethernet and through a signal distribution unit acting as an Ethernet switch 58 can be trained, is realized.

Same elements as in 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and are not explained again to avoid repetition.

On the environment model calculator 54 Environmental model data is stored for the ECUs under test. These are over the interface 56 and the ethernet switch 58 as well as the Ethernet data connection 60 to the environment simulation calculator 12 transfer.

On the test automation calculator 62 The control unit control data as well as reference data for control unit output signals are stored and these are transmitted via the interface 64 , via the ethernet switch 58 and over the data links 60 to the environment simulation calculator 12 transfer.

The environment simulation calculator 12 then performs a multi-step test procedure by generating environmental model test signals and control test signals from the received environment model data and from the received controller control data and via its input / output interface 16 who issues - as with in reference to 1 described in detail - to the respective connected control unit 40 or 44 which then generates control unit output signals which, in turn, as described with reference to FIGS 1 described in detail above - to the environment simulation calculator 12 to compare these with the reference data for ECU output signals, so again as described above with reference to FIG 1 described in detail - to generate an output, whether the received control unit output signals match the reference data and whether the controller can thus be classified as functional or defective.

After completing a test procedure with several test steps for each connected control unit, the environment simulation computer 12 a test completion signal to the test automation computer 62 output, through the interface 14 , via the ethernet switch 58 and via the appropriate data connections 60 , The test automation calculator 62 then gives a toggle signal to the controller port and controller switch unit 20 , in particular at their switching interface 24 off and their PLC control unit 28 generates from it a switching signal, which is the switch unit 32 via the switching signal control line 30 so switches that the test signal interface 22 with the second controller connection interface 38 is connected. Now the test procedure for the second connected control unit takes place 44 ,

3 shows a schematic representation of a third test system according to the invention 70 that the first test system 2 out 1 corresponds to the control unit connection and control unit switching unit 20 additionally via a control unit signal tapping interface 72 features.

Same elements as in 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and are not explained again to avoid repetition.

Unlike the first test system 2 has the ECU connection and control unit switching unit 20 of the third test system 70 additionally via a control unit signal tapping interface 72 , also referred to as a breakout module, from which the controller output signals, environment model test signals, and control test signals can be tapped. This interface 72 is with the data links 18 immediately adjacent to the test signal interface 22 connected.

In a specific embodiment given below, two engine control units are tested for so-called combination instruments, ie instrument blocks of motor vehicles, which comprise by way of example a tachometer / a speed indicator and a speed indicator.

At the first controller to be tested 40 it is a combination instrument, where the speedometer shows the speed in the unit km / h, and the second to be tested control unit 44 It is a combination instrument, where the speed of the speedometer in the unit miles / hour is displayed.

A test engineer closes the first instrument cluster at the first ECU connection interface 36 and the second controller 44 at the second controller port interface 38 at. Furthermore, a test engineer chooses on the control calculator 4 the corresponding environment model or the corresponding environment model data for the first combi device 40 and for the second combination device 44 out. Furthermore, a test engineer selects the test procedure to be performed on the control computer 4 out, which is stored on it, or he gives this test procedure in the control computer 4 or the test automation calculator 62 one.

Then the test procedure is started. The environment simulation calculator 12 now generates from the tax calculator 4 or from the environment model calculator 54 and the test automation calculator 62 obtained environment model data and control unit control data corresponds to a test signal, in this case a simulated output value of an engine control unit (not shown here) and has a size of 100 km / h. This test signal is now from the environment simulation computer 12 via the input / output interface 16 , via the data connection line 18 , via the test signal interface 22 , via the switch unit 32 , via the first ECU connection interface 36 and via the connection connection 42 to the first controller 40 which then generates a controller output which is reversed to the environment simulation calculator 12 arrives. There, this control unit output signal is compared with the reference signal, ie the setpoint value, which corresponds to the expected control unit output signal for the input variable 100 km / h of the engine control unit. This reference value is stored in the control computer together with the test signal.

The environment simulation calculator 12 can now determine whether the control unit output signal corresponds to the reference value and, if so, generate a corresponding output value, which signals whether the test has been passed or not.

Subsequently, further such test steps can take place. For example, a ramp of increasing simulated engine ECU output values may be checked as to whether the controller output signal would cause the correct speed reading on the tachometer to correspond thereto.

After carrying out the test procedure, the environment simulation computer 12 generate an output and to the control calculator 4 or the test automation computer 62 from which the test result can be seen.

Furthermore, the environment simulation computer generates 12 after completion of the test procedure, a test procedure termination signal and passes this to the control computer 4 or to the test automation computer 62 then, the corresponding switching signal to the switching interface 24 sends. The PLC control unit 28 generates from this switching signal an analog switching signal and switches the switch unit 32 with the help of the switching signal control line 30 so around that now the second ECU to be tested 44 , in particular the second control unit connection interface 38 same with the environment simulation calculator 12 is connected.

Now the environment simulation calculator takes over 12 to the environment model data of the second controller 44 and on the for this second controller 44 selected test sequence, in particular the control unit control data and the reference data for control unit output signals that on the control computer 4 or on the environment model calculator 54 and the test automation calculator 62 are stored or have been previously selected by the test engineer.

Now the test procedure for the second control unit 44 analogous to the test procedure described above, in which case the control unit output signals correspond to signals for a miles / hour tachometer.

With a test system and test method according to the invention and with a control unit connection and control unit changeover unit according to the invention 20 Thus, control devices of the same or different type can be tested automatically one after the other, without intervening, in particular having to be repositioned.

The resulting advantages have been explained in detail above and will not be repeated here to avoid repetition.

For better illustration, the data links have 18 and the connecting cables 42 and 46 in each case only two connecting lines. It goes without saying that any other number of lines can be provided here, for. B. 8 to 400 lines. The number of switches of the switch unit 32 is determined by the number of lines and the number of ECU connection interfaces.

The interfaces 16 . 22 . 36 and 38 may be formed as so-called sub-D connectors, and also the corresponding connector of the adapter cable may be formed as a sub-D connector.

An additional, manually operable switch located on the housing of the ECU connection and control unit switching unit 20 is arranged, can be designed as a three-position switch, with either the automatic position, which can be arranged in particular in the middle, or one of the connected control units can be selected. The PLC control unit 28 can be designed as a bus coupler with two control outputs, the two-quadrupler-changer relay control and the environment simulation computer 12 thus connect to the corresponding, to be tested controller.

At the tax calculator 4 or the test automation computer 62 A common test automation program can be used, such as ECU TEST or EXAM. Therefore, there is a test automation utility available for control that controls the control unit connection and control unit switching unit 20 allowed. In the Test Automation Utility, the IP address of the ECU connector and controller switch unit may be 20 and the desired position can be set. In addition, the utility can be used by the control computer or the test automation computer 62 Report back whether the PLC control unit 28 has executed the switchover command correctly. The switching can be repeated as desired.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

first test system

4

Tax calculator

6

Switching terminal interface

8th

Interface to the environment simulation computer

10

Data link line

12

Ambient simulation calculator

14

interface

16

Input / output interface

18

Data link line

20

ECU connection and control unit switching unit

22

Test signal interface

24

Shift interface

26

Data link line

28

PLC control unit

30

Switching signal control line

32

Switch unit

34

Data link line

36

first controller connection interface

38

second controller connection interface

40

first control unit

42

connecting cable

44

second control unit

46

connecting cable

52

second test system

54

Environment Model Calculator

56

interface

58

Signal distributor unit / Ethernet switch

60

data connections

62

Test automation computer

64

interface

70

third test system

72

Controller signal pickoff interface

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• DE 102010043661 A1 [0003]

Cited non-patent literature

• Article Jim A. Ledin: Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation, published in the journal Embedded Systems Programming in February 1999 [0002]

Claims (13)

Test system ( 2 ) for the automated testing of at least two control devices, in particular motor vehicle control devices, connected to the test system simultaneously, comprising: a control computer ( 4 ), on the environment model data for the ECUs under test ( 40 . 44 ) and, for a multi-step test procedure, controller control data and reference data for controller output signals are stored; an environment simulation calculator ( 12 ), which is connected to the control computer ( 4 ) and an input / output interface ( 16 ) for outputting environmental model test signals and / or control test signals and for receiving controller output signals; the environment simulation computer ( 12 ) is designed so that a test procedure with several test steps is feasible by the environment simulation computer ( 12 ) from the control computer ( 4 Environmental model test signals and / or control test signals are generated and transmitted via its input / output interface (FIG. 16 ) outputs; and by the environment simulation calculator ( 12 ) via its input / output interface ( 16 ) compares received controller output signals with reference data for controller output signals; characterized in that a separate control unit connection and control unit switching unit ( 20 ), which has a test signal interface ( 22 ), a switching interface ( 24 ), at least two controller port interfaces ( 42 . 46 ) and at least one switch ( 32 ) having; the test signal interface ( 22 ) with the input / output interface ( 16 ) of the environment simulation computer ( 12 ) connected is; the switching interface ( 24 ) with the control computer ( 4 ) connected is; and the tax calculator ( 4 ) and the at least one switch ( 32 ) of the ECU connection and control unit switching unit ( 20 ) are designed so that after a test procedure has been carried out with several test steps for a connected control unit ( 40 . 44 ) the control computer ( 4 ) a switching signal to the ECU connection and control unit switching unit ( 20 ) and at least one switch ( 32 ) so that the test signal interface ( 22 ) with the ECU connection interface ( 46 ) of a second connected control device ( 44 ) is connected. Test system ( 2 ) according to claim 1, wherein the environment simulation computer ( 12 ) is designed such that after a test procedure has been carried out, a test procedure termination signal is sent to the control computer ( 4 ) is dispensable. Test system ( 52 ) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control computer ( 4 ) as a combination of an environment model computer ( 54 ) and a test automation computer ( 62 ) is trained; being on the environment model computer ( 54 ) Environment model data are stored for the ECUs to be tested and that environment model data is stored to the environment model simulation computer ( 12 ) are transferable; being on the test automation computer ( 62 ) the control device control data and reference data for control device output signals are stored and these control device control data and reference data are sent to the environment model simulation computer ( 12 ) are transferable; the environment simulation computer ( 12 ) with the environment model computer ( 54 ) and with the test automation computer ( 62 ) connected is; and wherein the environment simulation computer ( 12 ) is designed so that a test procedure with several test steps is feasible by the environment simulation computer ( 12 ) from the environment model computer ( 54 received environmental model data and from the test automation computer ( 62 controller test data generated environment model test signals and / or control test signals and via its input / output interface ( 16 ) and by the environment simulation calculator ( 12 ) via its input / output interface ( 16 ) compares received controller output signals with reference data for controller output signals. Test system ( 52 ) according to claim 3, wherein the test automation computer and the at least one switch ( 32 ) of the ECU connection and control unit switching unit ( 20 ) are designed so that after a test procedure has been carried out with several test steps for a connected control unit ( 40 . 44 ) the test automation computer ( 62 ) a switching signal to the ECU connection and control unit switching unit ( 20 ) and at least one switch ( 32 ) so that its test signal interface ( 22 ) with the ECU connection interface ( 46 ) of a second connected control device ( 44 ) is connected. Test system ( 52 ) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the environment simulation computer ( 12 ) is designed such that after a test procedure has been carried out, a test procedure termination signal is sent to the test automation computer ( 62 ) is dispensable. Test system ( 2 . 52 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the data connection between the control computer ( 4 ) or between Environment model calculator ( 54 ) and the test automation computer ( 62 ), the environment simulation computer ( 12 ) and the ECU connection and control unit switching unit ( 20 ), in particular of their switching interface ( 24 ) has an Ethernet switch. Test system ( 2 . 52 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit connection and control unit drive unit ( 20 ), a PLC control unit ( 28 ), in particular a BUS coupler, consisting of the from the control computer ( 4 ) or by the test automation computer ( 62 ) generated switching signal in particular an analog switching signal and at least one switch ( 32 ) of the ECU connection and control unit drive unit ( 20 ) to switch it. Test system ( 2 . 52 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit connection and control unit drive unit ( 20 ) further comprises a controller signal tapping interface ( 72 ), in particular a breakout module, at which the control unit output signals and / or the environment model test signals and / or the control test signals can be tapped off. Test system ( 2 . 52 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the test signal interface ( 22 ) and the at least two ECU connection interfaces ( 42 . 46 ) of the ECU connection and control unit switching unit ( 20 ) as well as the input / output interface ( 16 ) of the environment simulation computer ( 12 ) each have the same number of connection pins. Test system ( 2 ) according to claim 9, wherein the number of switches ( 32 ) in the ECU connection and control unit switching unit ( 20 ) is such that all the required lines for the test signals and for the control unit output signals to the respectively to be tested and at a control unit connection interface ( 42 . 46 ) of the ECU connection and control unit switching unit ( 20 ) connected control unit ( 40 . 44 ) and / or that all required lines for the test signals and for the control unit output signals are successively tested for all to be tested and at the control unit connection interfaces ( 42 . 46 ) of the ECU connection and control unit switching unit ( 20 ) connected control unit ( 40 . 44 ) are switchable. Test system ( 2 . 52 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the test system ( 2 ) at least two control devices ( 40 . 44 ), each via an adapter cable with the ECU connection interfaces ( 42 . 46 ) of the ECU connection and control unit switching unit ( 20 ) are connected. ECU connection and control unit switching unit ( 20 ) for use in a test system ( 2 ) for automated testing of at least two control devices simultaneously connected to the test system ( 40 . 44 ), in particular motor vehicle control devices, according to one of the preceding claims, comprising: a test signal interface ( 22 ), a switching interface ( 24 ), at least two controller port interfaces ( 42 . 46 ) and at least one switch ( 32 ); where the test signal interface ( 22 ) for connection to an input / output interface ( 16 ) of an environment simulation computer ( 12 ) is determined; where the switching interface ( 24 ) for connecting to a control computer ( 4 ) or with a test automation computer ( 62 ) is determined; and wherein at least one switch ( 32 ) is designed such that, after receiving a switching signal from a control computer ( 4 ) or from a test automation computer ( 62 ) so that the test signal interface ( 22 ) with the ECU connection interface ( 46 ) of a second connected control device ( 44 ) is connected. Method for automated testing of at least two simultaneously to a test system ( 2 . 52 ) connected control devices ( 40 . 44 ), in particular motor vehicle control devices, comprising the following steps: connecting a separate control unit connection and control unit changeover unit ( 20 ) with its test signal interface ( 22 ) to an input / output interface ( 16 ) of an environment simulation computer ( 12 ); Connecting at least two control units ( 40 . 44 ), in particular motor vehicle control devices, to respective control device connection interfaces ( 42 . 46 ) of the ECU connection and control unit switching unit ( 20 ); Selecting one of the controllers ( 40 . 44 ) and a test procedure, which has at least one test step, on a control computer ( 4 ) or on an environment model computer ( 54 ) and on a test automation computer ( 62 ); Perform a test procedure with several test steps for the first connected ECU ( 40 ) by an environment simulation computer ( 12 ) by the environment simulation calculator ( 12 ) from the control computer ( 4 ) or from the environment model computer ( 54 ) and the test automation computer ( 62 ) environment model data and controller control data generates and transmits environment model test signals and / or control test signals its input / output interface ( 16 ) and via the ECU connection and control unit switching unit ( 20 ) to the first control device ( 40 ) outputs; and by the environment simulation calculator ( 12 ) via the ECU connection and control unit switching unit ( 20 ) and via its input / output interface ( 16 ) compares received controller output signals with reference data for controller output signals; After completing the test procedure for the first connected ECU ( 40 ): Outputting a switching signal to a switching interface ( 24 ) of the ECU connection and control unit switching unit ( 20 ) by the control computer ( 4 ) or by the test automation computer ( 62 ), and switching at least one switch ( 32 ) of the ECU connection and control unit switching unit ( 20 ) such that the test signal interface ( 22 ) with the ECU connection interface ( 46 ) of the second connected control unit ( 44 ) is connected; and carrying out a test sequence with several test steps for the second connected control device ( 44 ) by an environment simulation computer ( 12 ).

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