DE102016117385B4 - Device and method for the identification of electronic assemblies - Google Patents

Abstract

A device and a method are used to identify interchangeable assemblies (10, 12, 14). A control module (18) evaluates identification signals of the interchangeable modules (10, 12, 14) and performs a target value / actual value comparison for identification.

Description

The invention relates to a device for the identification of electronic modules with at least one interchangeable module to be identified and with at least one control module. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the identification of electronic components and the detection of permutations of connector parts.

In complex electronic devices or electronic systems, e.g. Printers or copiers, several electronic assemblies are included, which are also referred to as printed circuit boards, PCBA (printed circuit board assembly) or plug-in modules. These modules may be of the same type, but differ in electronic signal processing and / or have the same dimensions and / or have the same connectors. Normally, communication with interchangeable modules takes place via a higher-level control module, which comprises a programmable logic controller (PLC) and / or a processor and associated software. When mounting a replaceable assembly or servicing, errors may occur, i. an incorrect module is mounted and / or one module is not plugged into the correct slot and / or two similar-looking modules or connectors are reversed. Frequently, the interfaces between the assemblies are the same for economic reasons and for the sake of standardization, i. the same connectors are used. Again, there may be an exchange. Such errors can lead to significant damage to the entire device, and it is much more difficult to troubleshoot.

In the prior art, it is known to provide assemblies with mechanical elements according to the key-lock principle, so that only at a specific slot the associated assembly can be plugged. Also Codierstecker and Codierbuchsen can be used, which define the connector mechanically unique. Furthermore, connecting lines between the modules in the respective length can be limited so that incorrect plugging is not possible. This individualized hardware solution is technically and economically complex.

DE 20 2012 104 259 U1 describes an arrangement for protection against misfiring of plug-in modules. With the help of guide pins, it is ensured that the respective plug-in module can only be plugged into the correct slot.

Out DE 10 2009 043 937 A1 is an identification of connectors provided with RFID chips known, wherein RFID antennas can detect only one of their slot associated connector by means of RFID. The device contains the RFID-coded plug a frequency component that generates an identification signal of a predetermined frequency. This identification signal is supplied to a controller for evaluation in accordance with a desired value / actual value comparison.

It is an object of the invention to provide a device and a method for the identification of electronic modules, which is simple in construction and which works easily and reliably allows identification of the interchangeable module before damage can occur.

This object is achieved for a device by the combination of the features of claim 1.

By using a frequency signal as an identification signal of this identification signal can also be transmitted over long distances, for example, cable lengths for the connector of several meters are easily and reliably possible. By using different frequencies on the interchangeable module a variety of different modules can be distinguished. In the higher-level control module, the identification signal is analyzed and the respective replaceable module identified by a target value / actual-value comparison, the control module accessing intelligent units, such as PLCs or processors with associated software. The corresponding target values are stored in the associated software in the form of lists.

It is advantageous that the replaceable module contains a divider component and a multiplex component, wherein the divider component generates a plurality of frequency signals from a base frequency signal generated by the frequency component and feeds this to the multiplex component. Depending on a selection signal, preferably in the form of a binary address signal, the multiplex component switches through one of the frequency signals which is used as the identification signal. Preferably, an integer division of the base frequency signal, which is typically generated by means of a quartz resonant circuit on the respective module. If multiple interchangeable modules are to be identified, it must be ensured that all resulting divider frequencies are unique, so that the same frequency at the output of the multiplex module does not occur twice in the entire module system. Also, no frequency overlaps should be present.

To avoid the emission of interfering signals (EMC) as a result of the transmission of the possibly high-frequency identification signal, an electronic locking can take place, wherein the identification phase is controlled by the control module released.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the selection signal for the multiplex component is generated by preferably hard-wired hardware on the replaceable module, which defines a further identification feature for this module. The selection signal can be generated for example by a hardwired bridge as a binary address signal or by a switch module. Preferably, such a selection signal determines the slot of the respective module. The control module can recognize, for example, the type of interchangeable module and the slot based on the identification signal. If the actual value then coincides with the previously stored desired value, then the relevant replaceable module is released and the associated interface is activated. Otherwise, an error message occurs.

Another solution provides a device with the features of claim 3. Here are on the interchangeable module on the interface two connections of the connector electrically bridged by a bridge. The two connections are previously specified. The control module transmits a detection signal via one of these connections, preferably a clocked signal, which is fed back to the control module via the bridge and the other connection when the plug connection is closed. The control module evaluates the detection signal and if the actual value coincides with the desired value, the respective connector is identified as correct.

It is advantageous if the bridge between the two terminals includes an electronic component, which is switchable by an enable signal in a conductive state and by a sent out by the control module Disable signal in a high-impedance state. During the identification phase, which is performed by the control module, no other information signals can be transmitted on the two terminals of the connector. When the identification phase is completed, the electronic component, for example a tri-state buffer component, is switched from the conducting state to the high-resistance state by the control assembly, so that the bridge between the two terminals is ineffective. These ports can then be used for other information signals and the exchange of information between the respective interchangeable board and the control board.

In a variant of the invention, a coding signal from the replaceable module to the control module can be transmitted as a further identification signal via a further connection of the plug connection in the plugged state. For example, in this case a low signal is applied to a specific plug contact of the respective connector. On the basis of this low signal, the control module recognizes the presence or absence of the correct plug connection for similar types of module.

According to a further aspect of the invention, method claims are specified which define the operation of the devices. The technical advantages that can be achieved with these methods are consistent with those explained above.

• 1 eine Anordnung mit mehreren Baugruppen,
• 2 schematisch eine auswechselbare Baugruppe mit Baueinheiten zu ihrer Identifikation,
• 3 eine weitere auswechselbare Baugruppe mit Brücken zur Identifikation, und
• 4 eine auswechselbare Baugruppe mit einem elektronischen Baustein als Brücke.

Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to figures. Show:

• 1 an arrangement with several assemblies,
• 2 schematically an interchangeable assembly with units for their identification,
• 3 another interchangeable module with bridges for identification, and
• 4 a replaceable module with an electronic module as a bridge.

1 shows a first interchangeable module 10 , a second interchangeable module 12 and one with the reference numeral 14 designated nth assembly. Each assembly 10, 12, 14 is connected via at least one electrical connection 16, often a ribbon cable with a plurality of individual lines, with a control assembly 18 connected. About these lines 16 An exchange of information takes place between the exchangeable modules 10 . 12 . 14 and the control assembly 18 , The control assembly 18 contains at least one logic device, eg a processor 20 and / or an intelligent circuit, such as an FPGA 22 (Field Programmable Gate Array) with appropriate access to control software.

The wires 16 are with connectors 24 , equipped with a multi-pole connector strip and a multipole female connector. In the 1 The arrangement shown is typical of an assembly system in a high-performance printer.

2 points to the interchangeable module 10 arranged electrical components, the an identification of this module 10 enable. A quartz or MEM based frequency generator 30 generates a base frequency signal, which is sent over one line 32 a divider block 34 for frequency division is supplied. Typically, frequency division is performed in binary values with the integer divisor, eg 2, 4, 16, 32. These divider frequencies become a multiplex component 36 fed to the control input 38 (Select input) Selection signals on lines 40 be created. These selection signals are generated by means of a bridge element or plug 42, whereby by hard-wired bridges 43 from the power supply Vcc and 0-potential (GND) binary address signals are generated. When using eg two address lines, four different selection signals with the binary value 00, 01, 10, 11 are possible. Due to the selection signal 40 will be one of the four at the input of the multiplexing block 36 applied frequency signals through and passes over the line 16 to the control module 18 ,

The operation is the following. With the help of the bridge element 42 becomes in the multiplex building block 36 determines which frequency signal is switched through. The frequency generator 30 sets the base frequency, which is the type of the assembly 10 Are defined. The bridge unit 42 determines the slot of the assembly 10 by their coding. The parent control assembly 18 analyzed using their logic building blocks 20 and or 22 the received identification signal and performs based on previously set in a list of setpoint values a setpoint value / actual value comparison and can thus the interchangeable module 10 and identify the associated slot. If the setpoint value agrees with the actual value, the module becomes 10 enabled and the interface is activated before damage can occur due to mutually driving outputs or due to faulty control due to permutation. In case of error, an error message occurs. By using different base frequencies, a variety of module types can be distinguished. By using several address lines and a correspondingly constructed bridge module 42 can also be distinguished from a variety of bays. In order to expand the number of possibilities, however, it is also permissible to have only one base frequency for different module types and the module type differentiation over divider ranges eg range A: 1, 2, 4, 8 and range B: 16, 32, 64 , 128 and define the bays via the respective dividers, eg 1 for type A and 16 for type B.

3 shows another embodiment of the invention, wherein the interchangeable assembly 12 via two connectors X1 and X2 via lines 16 with the control assembly 18 and the processor 20 connected is. On the assembly 12 has the connector X1 Pins and sockets 1s to 10s, as well as the connector X2 , The pins 7s and 8s of the connector X1 are over a bridge 44 electrically connected to each other. For identification, the control module sends in an identification phase 18 over the line 16 a recognition signal 46 from, preferably a clocked signal, which over the bridge 44 on the connector X1 to the control assembly 18 is returned. Based on the arrangement of the bridge 44 on the pins 7s and 8s may be the control assembly 18 detect if the connector is in the correct position in the assembly. For different assemblies is the bridge 44 each on other pairs of pins on freely selectable, but defined pins 1s to 10s set.

For the connector X2 the same applies. Here is a bridge 48 placed on the pins 7s and 9s, leaving the control assembly 18 can see if the line 16 with its connector strip or female connector with the right connector X2 connected is. If the wires 16 have the same power strip or socket, so would in a swap with the connectors X1 and X2 such an error can be recognized immediately.

The assembly 12 includes driver components 50 . 52 that work as bus drivers / level shifters. These driver blocks 50 . 52 be by a signal on the line e through the control assembly 18 activated. This signal has two states "Enable" and "Disable", which causes the driver blocks 50 . 52 be activated or deactivated. In this way, the proper operation of the interchangeable assembly 12 be coordinated by the higher-level control module 18, without the outputs of the two modules 12 and 18 drive against each other.

Another identification feature can be connected to the control module via a further connection 10s 18 be sent. This is done on the power supply plug 54 a low signal over a bridge 56 generated by the driver blocks 50 . 52 and the pin 10s in the connector X1 or X2 to the control module 18 is transmitted. For example, the controller board uses this low signal to identify if the replaceable board is being replaced 12 stuck in its right slot or not.

4 shows a development of the arrangement after 3 , In the 3 shown bridges 44 . 48 are here as electronic components 60 . 62 preferably realized as a tristate buffer, by the signal on the line e and via an inverter 66 into a conductive state, where it acts as a bridge as in 3 work, or in a high-impedance state are switchable, in which the respective bridge is repealed. This signal on the line e serves as mentioned at the same time as an enable / disable signal for the driver blocks 50 . 52 ,

During the identification phase, the building blocks are located 60 . 62 in the conducting state, thereby identifying the assembly 12 is possible. After a positive identification of the assembly 12 become the driver building blocks 50 . 52 over the signal on the line e (Enable signal) activated and the blocks 60 . 62 switched to the high-impedance state, whereby the bridge effect is canceled. About the pins 7s and 8s of the connector X1 and via the pins 7s and 9s of the connector X2 can now be an exchange of information, which means that these connections have a dual function.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10, 12, 14

interchangeable module

16

cables

18

Control module

20

processor

22

FPGA

24

Connectors

28

Connectors

30

Frequency generator

32

Line for basic frequency signal

34

Divider module

36

Multiplex block

38

control input

40

Line for selection signals

42

bridge element

43

wired bridges

44

bridge

46

Detecting signal

48

bridge

50, 52

Driver Blocks

54

Power connector

56

bridge

60.62

electronic components

e

management

X1, X2

plug connector

1s to 10s

Pins / sockets

Claims (8)

Device for the identification of electronic assemblies, comprising at least one replaceable assembly (10, 12, 14) to be identified and at least one control assembly (18), characterized in that the replaceable assembly (10) comprises a frequency component (30) which generates an identification signal of a predetermined frequency, that the identification signal is passed via a plug connection to the control module (18), which analyzes the identification signal and the assembly by a target value / actual value Identified comparison, wherein the interchangeable module includes a divider block (34) and a multiplexing block (36), the divider block (34) from a base frequency signal generated by the frequency block (32) a plurality of frequency signals and supplies this to the multiplexing device (36), and wherein the multiplexing device (36) turns on one of the frequency signals as a function of a selection signal (40) tion signal is used. Setup after Claim 1 wherein the selection signal is generated by hardware (42) on the interchangeable assembly, preferably by a hardwired bridge (43) or a switch component defining another identification feature for the interchangeable assembly (10), preferably the slot of the module. Device for the identification of electronic assemblies, with at least one interchangeable module (12) to be identified and with at least one control module (18), wherein the interchangeable assembly (12) is connectable to the control assembly (18) via at least one releasable plug connection (X1, X2), two terminals (7s, 8s, 7s 9s) of the plug connection (X1, X2) are bridged by a bridge (44, 48) on the replaceable module (12), the control module (18) emits a detection signal (46) via one of these connections, which is returned to the control module (18) when the plug connection is connected via the other connection and via the plug connection, wherein the control module (18) evaluates the detection signal (46) and identifies the interchangeable module (12) based on a desired value / actual value comparison. Setup after Claim 3 , with the bridge between the two terminals electronic component (60, 62), which is switchable by a signal from the control module (18) signal (E) in a conductive state or in a high-impedance state. Setup after Claim 4 in which, in the high-resistance state of the electronic component (60, 62), preferably a tristate buffer component, information signals are provided between the replaceable assembly (12) and the control assembly via the two terminals (7s, 8s; 7s, 9s) (18) are interchangeable. Device according to one of the preceding Claims 3 to 5 , wherein via a further terminal (10s) of the connector (X1, X2) in its closed state, a coding signal from the interchangeable module (12) to the control module (18) as a further identification signal is transferable, which preferably the slot the replaceable module (12) defined. Method for the identification of electronic assemblies, with at least one replaceable subassembly (10, 12, 14) to be identified and with at least one control subassembly (18), wherein the replaceable module (10) generates an identification signal of a predetermined frequency by means of a frequency component (30), the identification signal is passed via a releasable plug-in connection to the control module (18), which analyzes the identification signal and identifies the assembly by a desired value / actual value comparison, wherein the replaceable assembly includes a splitter device (34) and a multiplex device (36), the divider component (34) generates a plurality of frequency signals from a base frequency signal (32) generated by the frequency component and supplies this to the multiplex component (36), and wherein the multiplexing device (36) turns on one of the frequency signals used as the identification signal in response to a selection signal (40). Method for the identification of electronic assemblies, with at least one interchangeable module (12) to be identified and with at least one control module (18), wherein the interchangeable assembly (12) is connected to the control assembly (18) via at least one connector (X1, X2), on the interchangeable module (12) two connections (7s, 8s, 7s 9s) of the connector (X1, X2) are bridged by a bridge (44, 48), the control module (18) emits a detection signal (46) via one of these connections, which is returned to the control module (18) when the plug connection is connected via the other connection and via the plug connection, wherein the control module (18) evaluates the detection signal (46) and identifies the interchangeable module (12) based on a desired value / actual value comparison.

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