EP2339557A2 - Test device for warning systems - Google Patents

Abstract

The device has a device loop comprising a set of devices connected to a hazard alarm control panel, and a communication circuit (2) connected with the devices of the device loop and a control of the device loop. The communication circuit comprises a simulation unit (9) for testing functionality of a current measurement unit (8) and the hazard alarm control panel, where testing of the functionality of the current measurement unit and the communication circuit takes place using software implementation of a control unit (3). An independent claim is also included for a method for testing a current measurement unit of a communication circuit of a hazard alarm system.

Description

The invention relates to a test device for security systems, in particular for their communication circuit, which is responsible for the data communication and the control of a plurality of participants connected via a subscriber loop participants.

Since alarm systems are intended to warn the owners or operators of endangered industrial equipment or storage facilities as early as possible of the occurrence of major damage from fires, chemicals or other hazardous substances that appropriate countermeasures can be taken, their reliability and operational reliability are set high standards.
Therefore, such systems, in particular fire detection systems for detection and extinguishing controls to extinguish fires under various requirements and operating conditions for long periods must work reliably and trouble-free.
In order to keep the used signaling and installation technology trouble-free for years, as far as possible all sources of error, which can occur during the operating time under real environmental conditions and especially in harsh industrial areas, must be detected, indicated and eliminated at an early stage.

Because of the rapid spread of hazardous situations such as fires, toxic gases or the like in a short time, rapid and reliable detection, alarm triggering and combat are particularly important. Above all, this concerns the functionality of the danger or fire detectors at the top of the signal chain.

Malfunctions, both of the supply and signal connection lines, used connection lines (wire connections), as well as their interfaces and contacts, as well as deviations in the functionality of the individual participants, in particular their operating parameters must be quickly recognized to the Central reported and quickly eliminated. These are in particular short circuit, wire break or missing participants on the subscriber loop.

A subscriber loop is understood below to mean a ring bus system in which individual-addressable subscribers (for example danger detectors, fire detectors, actuators, etc.) are connected to a danger control center via a connection line which ensures both the power supply and the data transmission. The connection line may e.g. be designed as a two-wire line, or even have multiple lines. A danger control center (GMZ) can, for example. as a fire alarm control panel (BMZ), extinguishing control panel, combined fire alarm and extinguishing control panel, intruder alarm control panel, control center, gas detection center and others. be educated. A hazard warning system (GMA) is the name given to the entirety of all devices / subscribers etc. connected to a corresponding control center and the operational control center. One possible variant of the GMA is the fire alarm system (BMA).

The occurrence of malfunctions on subscriber loops is taken into account by the constant monitoring and regular checking of the reporting devices.
But not only the peripheral, connected to a security control panel participants must be monitored, but also the functionality of the circuit parts of the danger control center itself.

The term "subscriber" is to be understood in the following any type of sensors, detectors, hazard detectors, fire detectors, alarm, emergency call device or control and switching devices for controlling or switching off devices such as air conditioning or extinguishing systems, which as line module, in particular as a detector via a Connecting line are connected to a security control center, to be understood.

The communication circuit can be both a fixed part of the GMZ (eg Einplatinensystem) or as controlled by the microprocessor system of the GMZ Module or as a stand-alone module with its own microprocessor system in a modular GMZ be realized.
The present invention relates in particular to the arranged in a security control center communication circuit, which are responsible in particular for the data exchange and monitoring of the individual, connected to the trunk line participants.

As is known, the data communication between the communication circuit and the subscribers takes place generally via a ring bus system and a data transfer control, preferably in bit serial form and in the half duplex method.
In this case, the data information of the individual users that can be addressed via the ring bus system are modulated onto the supply voltage provided by the security messaging center (GMZ).

In order to monitor the data traffic and the voltage supply of the subscriber loop, that is to say the connecting line and its subscribers, the communication circuit usually has various functional units connected in series.
These are preferably, a functional unit for the voltage supply of the subscriber loop, a voltage pulse generator for modulating the supply voltage of the GMZ and a voltage measuring unit for checking the proper modulation of the supply voltage.

Since the subscribers respond to the data packets received by means of modulated voltage pulses by modulating their power consumption, a current measuring unit for detecting the subscriber responses (current increase) is furthermore connected downstream. From the detection of the current increase response by this current measuring unit, important conclusions can be drawn on the functionality of the connection line and the individual participants.

An output stage for the circuit-technical connection of the hazard or fire control panel (BMZ) to the subscriber loop is connected to the current measuring unit as a further functional unit.
By switching the output stage, the subscriber loop can be disconnected from the GMZ / BMZ and switched on.

The aforementioned functional units of the communication circuit are controlled by an integrated control unit, which is preferably designed as a microprocessor system.

In order to ensure the functional safety of a hazard alarm system, ie the alarm control panel with one or more connected subscriber loops, various monitoring mechanisms and tests of the participating modules and participants in the subscriber loops are required.

But not only the functionality and operational safety of the connected subscriber loop is important for the safe operation of a hazard alarm system, but also the reliable operation of the hazard alarm system and its modules themselves.
For safety reasons, it is necessary to regularly check the communication circuit responsible for the power supply and the data traffic with the subscriber loops and to monitor their functionality. In particular, for monitoring the functionality of loop participants numerous methods and circuit arrangements are known from the literature.

So will in the DE 10 2008 003 799 A1 a, preferably designed as a module monitoring device for monitoring the operating state of supply and / or signal lines proposed, which is suitable and designed for integration into a reporting system.
With this known monitoring device to be detected in particular in the emergence of wire breaks and short circuits on the connecting line.

Another device for detecting emerging interruptions on a ring bus is from DE 20 2008 009 211 U1 known.

In the German patent DE 966199 a test equipment for receiving centers of signaling equipment is specified, with which in the receiving center accommodated facilities, such as relays, voters, display and registration element are subjected to a test. For this purpose, the detector loop is decoupled from the control center and coupled with test detectors of the same type and equipped with error Nachbildstellen line simulation as the detector loop and in the form of an external Prüfkoffers to the control center. However, real detectors of the same type are required here for checking the telephone relay and no setting options for the testing of parameters different detectors provided.
However, none of these presented monitoring and testing facilities is capable or designed to automatically check the control and communication circuits responsible for the control and signal transmission of the reporting systems in the respective alarm or fire alarm control panels in an automated, fast and flexible manner.
This is especially true for monitoring devices that use detector systems of various types.

Object of the present invention is therefore to provide a test device for security systems, preferably for fire alarm systems, which avoids the disadvantages of known solutions and is able to reliably check the functioning of communication or control modules and their functional units and monitor.

This object is achieved by the features specified in the characterizing part of the first and the tenth patent claim.
In the subclaims advantageous embodiments of the invention are given.

According to the invention a test device for security systems with a ring bus system and connected participants is specified, which has a subscriber simulation unit, preferably in the Integrated communication circuit of the alarm panel and a check their functional units allowed without the subscriber loop must be connected to a large number or individual participants.

The subscriber simulation unit can be completely integrated into the communication circuit of the hazard center. However, it is also possible to arrange the subscriber simulation unit externally.

Advantageously, the communication circuit comprises functional units such as a voltage supply to the subscriber loop, a control unit preferably designed as a microprocessor system, a voltage pulse generator, a voltage measuring unit, a current measuring unit, an output stage and at least one subscriber simulation unit. The functional units can be connected in series in the following sequence: voltage supply, voltage pulse generation, voltage measuring unit, current measuring unit, subscriber simulation unit, output stage, connection of the subscriber loop by means of connecting line and ring bus system, wherein the functional units are signal-wise connected to the control unit.

The voltage measuring unit and the current measuring unit are interchangeable in their arrangement and thus in their switching sequence.

The subscriber simulation unit can be embodied as a real subscriber with a subscriber address and its own electronic control, which can be arranged from a completely independent module in the alarm control panel and without connection to the control unit.
As a real participant in relation to the present invention are in particular so-called daughter boards to understand that are offered by various manufacturers of Schleifenteinehmern, which are able to convert participants (eg detectors or actuators) from other manufacturers to compatible participants in the subscriber loop.
According to the invention, therefore, a daughterboard can be installed as an independent real participant in the communication circuit of a BMA or GMZ and, in the function as a subscriber simulation unit, enables the same testing options as a microcontroller-controlled current sink.
Although this arrangement of a real subscriber provides the same advantageous test capabilities of the current measurement unit as the current sink, this solution is generally more costly and consumes a subscriber address on the subscriber loop.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the subscriber simulation unit is designed as a current sink, preferably as a constant current sink. It is of course within the scope of the invention that the current sink can also be designed in multiple stages. Depending on the field of application, this can be adapted and designed in such a way that any desired protocol can be used for modulating the signal pulses of the communication circuit and on the subscriber loop.

The input transistors of the current sink are connected via the signal line with the microcontroller port, the control unit of the communication circuit signal and circuit technology, which allows the circuit and control of the current sink.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to design the alarm system as a fire alarm system and the alarm panel as a fire alarm and extinguishing center, the subscriber loop is designed as a two-wire ring bus system and participants as signalers, detectors, fire detectors, multi-functional alarm systems, actuators, visual or audible alarm, controls and circuits for air conditioning systems, equipment shutdowns, extinguishing systems and remote alarm transmitter or the like are formed.
In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a method for testing functional units of the danger control center is specified by means of the current sink integrated in the communication circuit and arranged between the functional units of the current measuring unit and the output stage.

The testing of the functional units is carried out with the aid of a subscriber simulation unit.

For this purpose, it is advantageous to carry out the control and switching of the subscriber simulation unit by means of the control implemented in the communication circuit or a dedicated integrated electronic control.

The functional units can be tested by the subscriber simulation unit in a subscriber loop separated from the alarm control panel and without occupying a subscriber address on the subscriber loop.

The non-consumption of a subscriber address is particularly important for obtaining maximum availability of subscriber addresses to competitors.

• Koordinierung und Steuerung der Funktion und des Schaltschemas der Funktionseinheit durch die vorzugsweise als Mikroprozessor-System ausgebildete oder einen Mikrocontroller aufweisende Steuereinheit und
• die Aktivierung der Stromsenke über den Mikrocontroller-Port der Stromeinheit.

It is advantageous to carry out the testing of the functional units of the alarm panel by means of the subscriber simulation unit designed as a current sink or as a multi-stage current sink by the following switching steps:

• Coordination and control of the function and the circuit diagram of the functional unit by the preferably designed as a microprocessor system or a microcontroller having control unit and
• Activation of the current sink via the microcontroller port of the power unit.

1. a - Messung des Ruhestroms mit der Strommesseinheit,
2. b - Einschalten der Stromsenke,
3. c - Erneute Strommessung des Gesamtstrom aus Stromsenke und Ruhestrom,
4. d - Abschalten der Stromsenke,
5. e - Prüfung des Ruhestroms, auf Wertunterschiede gegenüber der Messung a.
6. f - Ermittlung der Stromerhöhung aus der Differenz zwischen Gesamtstrom und Ruhestrom und Prüfung der festgelegten Stromerhöhung auf zulässigen Wert.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to carry out the testing of the functional units of the communication circuit by current measurements according to the following measuring procedure:

1. a - measurement of the quiescent current with the current measuring unit,
2. b - turning on the current sink,
3. c - renewed current measurement of total current from current sink and quiescent current,
4. d - switching off the current sink,
5. e - testing the quiescent current, for differences in value with respect to the measurement a.
6. f - Determination of the current increase from the difference between the total current and the quiescent current and check the specified current increase to the permissible value.

Furthermore, it is advantageous that with an adapted and optimized current sink the current measurement is used for testing the functional units for any communication protocols and any type of modulation of measurement pulses up to the high-frequency modulation.

Furthermore, it is advantageous to check before commissioning the subscriber loop in addition to the supply voltages and modulation pulses and a current measurement for detecting the current pulses of the participants, the subscriber loop is switched on reaching the setpoints of the security panel.

The testing of the functional units of the communication circuit with the subscriber simulation unit, which is preferably designed as a current sink, can take place at arbitrary time intervals and also during the operation of the subscriber loop. This can be, for example, based on the test of the memory of the processors of the participants hourly.
The further embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to four FIGS. 1 bis4, and several embodiments will be explained in more detail.

• Fig. 1a die schematische Darstellung des Blockschaltbildes einer Gefahrenmeldeanlage (GMA) mit einer als Brandmeldezentrale ausgebildeten Gefahrenmeldezentrale (GMZ) 1 und einer Teilnehmerschleife 11 mit der erfindungsgemäßen Teilnehmersimulationseinheit 9, welche von einem Mikroprozessorsystem der GMZ gesteuert wird.
• Fig. 1b die schematische Darstellung des Blockschaltbildes einer Gefahrenmeldeanlage (GMA) mit einer als Brandmeldezentrale ausgebildeten Gefahrenmeldezentrale (GMZ) 1 und einer Teilnehmerschleife 11 mit der erfindungsgemäßen Teilnehmersimulationseinheit 9, welche als realer Teilnehmer 9a in der Kommunikationsschaltung enthalten ist.
• Fig. 2 zeigt das Schaltbild einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der erfinderischen Stromsenke 9, welche durch den Mikrocontroller-Port der Steuerung 3 am Signaleingang 17 über die Transistoren 14 und 15 aktiviert wird.
• Fig. 3 zeigt das Schaltbild einer über den DA-Ausgang eines Mikrocontrollers der Steuereinheit 3 der Kommunikationsschaltung 2 einstellbaren Stromsenke 13.

Show it:

• Fig. 1a the schematic representation of the block diagram of a security alarm system (GMA) with trained as a fire alarm center danger control center (GMZ) 1 and a subscriber loop 11 with the subscriber simulation unit 9 according to the invention, which is controlled by a microprocessor system of the GMZ.
• Fig. 1b the schematic representation of the block diagram of a hazard detection system (GMA) with trained as a fire alarm panel Security messaging center (GMZ) 1 and a subscriber loop 11 with the subscriber simulation unit 9 according to the invention, which is included as a real subscriber 9a in the communication circuit.
• Fig. 2 shows the diagram of a preferred embodiment of the inventive current sink 9, which is activated by the microcontroller port of the controller 3 at the signal input 17 via the transistors 14 and 15.
• Fig. 3 shows the circuit diagram of a via the DA output of a microcontroller of the control unit 3 of the communication circuit 2 adjustable current sink 13th

A preferred embodiment of the invention is in Fig. 1a and relates to a fire alarm system with a fire panel 1, which is connected via a connecting line 16 with a plurality of participants 12 and a power supply 5 has.
In this case, the subscriber loop 11 is designed as a ring bus system, via which the subscribers 12 are individually addressable with the communication circuit 2.
As a participant 12, various modules and devices for function and condition monitoring and alarm transmission can be defined, such as signal and monitoring transmitter, detectors, fire detectors, actuators, multi-functional alarm systems, automatic visual or audible alarm, controls and circuits for air conditioning, equipment shutdowns , Extinguishing systems or remote alarm transmitters.
The power supply of the participants 12 is carried out by the fire panel 1, also via the trained as a ring bus line 16. Information, data and messages to the operating conditions of the individual participants 12, the fire panel 1 are also transmitted via the connecting line 16 by means of the ring bus as a data bus as vice versa the transmission of addresses and commands from the communication circuit 2 to the subscribers 12 takes place.

The communication with the participants 12 takes place by data packets or data words, which are transmitted by modulation of the supply voltage. The subscribers 12 in turn respond to a received data packet by modulating their power consumption.
The data packets thus coded by the subscribers 12 are detected by the current measuring unit 8 and evaluated by the fire panel 1 for fire alarms, error messages such as wire break, short circuit and / or operational readiness, as well as further status information.

The circuitry and electronic connection of the subscriber loop 11 to the communication circuit 2 of the fire panel 1 is made by the output stage 10. With the output stage 10, the connections to, or when using, multiple subscriber loops 11 to the subscriber loops 11 can be interrupted and restored.

The control of the functional units 5 to 10 carried by the control unit 3, which z. B. may be preferably designed as a microprocessor system.
As described, the functionality of the individual subscribers 12 is tested essentially by means of detection of the current pulses by the current measuring unit 8 of the communication circuit 2.

As a result, however, no statement about the functionality of the current measuring unit 8 itself can be made. Since, according to the prior art, the current measuring unit 8 can not be tested, it is not possible to distinguish between a missing or defective subscriber 12 on the connecting line 16 or a faulty current measurement by a defective current measuring unit 8.
As a result, only insufficient or even false fault messages can be output, the elucidation of which requires a great deal of measurements and further investigations.
Therefore, statements about the state of the current measuring unit 8 can be obtained only indirectly through the examination of the test results of the modulated connected participants current impulses.

For this examination option, at least one real participant 12 is always necessary.
In addition to the time required for this purpose, but a real loop participant 12 always consumes an important loop address, which is then not available for other operating functions of the subscriber loop.
Of considerable disadvantage here is of course that subscriber loop is not fully available in this time window and a dangerous situation may not be detected and reported.

Here now, the present invention begins.

According to the invention, a subscriber simulation unit 9 is inserted into the communication circuit 2 of the fire alarm control panel 1 (FIG. Fig. 1a and 1 b ), with which in particular the functionality of the current measuring unit 8 can be tested.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the subscriber simulation unit 9 is arranged between the two functional units current measuring unit 8 and output stage 10.

The implementation of the subscriber simulation unit 9 in the communication circuit 2 of the fire panel 1 now according to the invention allows the examination of the proper function of the functional units 5 to 8 without connected subscriber loop 11 with the various participants 12th

To carry out this test, the connection between the subscriber loop 11 and the current measuring unit 8 is separated by the output stage 10 and the subscriber loop 11 is simulated by the subscriber simulation unit 9. The control unit 3 coordinates the timing and the functions of the functional units 6 to 10.
In a particularly preferred embodiment, the subscriber simulation unit is designed as a current sink 9. This in Fig. 2 illustrated circuit diagram of an exemplary current sink 9 shows their electronic Construction. The current sink 9 is preferably designed as a constant current sink 9. A constant current sink 9 has the advantage over a load resistor that the desired current load is independent of the magnitude of the supply voltage.
The current sink 9 is activated via the two transistors 14 and 15 connected to the signal input 17 through the microcontroller port of the control unit 3. When the current sink 9 is switched on, a constant voltage and thus a constant current across the transistor 19 and 19 occur at the reference diode 18 its emitter resistance.

The test method according to the invention will now be described by way of example for a current sink 9.

1. 1. Messung des Ruhestroms (IR) mit der Strommesseinheit 8.
2. 2. Einschalten der Stromsenke 9.
3. 3. Erneute Messung des Gesamtstroms (IG), des Ruhestroms und der Stromsenke 9.
4. 4. Abschalten der Stromsenke 9.
5. 5. Überprüfung des Ruhestromes.
   Der Höhe des Ruhestrom IR muss sich wieder auf den Wert aus der Messung 1 einstellen, sonst ist ein Defekt der Stromsenke 9 anzunehmen.
6. 6. Ermittlung der Stromerhöhung (IH) als ein Maß für die Funktionstüchtigkeit eines simulierten Teilnehmers.

Thereafter, the test procedure is carried out in the following steps:

1. 1. Measurement of the quiescent current (IR) with the current measuring unit 8.
2. 2. Turning on the current sink 9.
3. 3. Re-measurement of the total current (IG), the quiescent current and the current sink 9.
4. 4. Switch off the current sink 9.
5. 5. Check the quiescent current.
   The level of the quiescent current IR must be set back to the value from the measurement 1, otherwise a defect of the current sink 9 is assumed.
6. 6. Determination of the current increase (IH) as a measure of the functionality of a simulated participant.

The determination of the current increase IH results from the difference between total current IG and quiescent current IR (IH = IG-IR).
Subsequently, a check of the determined current increase with the expected current increase takes place, by comparison of the measured values with the permissible upper and lower limits stored in the control unit 3.

If the expected correct current increase is not measured, a defective module is reported. Since the module is no longer working properly, the subscriber loop 11 is deactivated.
In this case, both the check of the quiescent current, as well as the determination of the current increase by a software implementation of the control unit 3 are executed. The control unit 3 is preferably designed as a microprocessor or microcontroller system which controls the stages and circuit parts via ports. Analog inputs of the voltage and current measurements are acquired via the microprocessor system 3 AD inputs.

It is advantageous to check the voltage supply and modulation pulses for the participants 12 with the voltage measurement. With the additionally integrated current sink 9, it is now additionally possible according to the invention to also check current measurements of the current measuring unit 8 for the simulated detection of the current pulses of the subscribers 12.
With this first embodiment described here ( Fig. 2 ) of a current sink 9 can be simulated in the rule, only one pulse or a pulse train as a participant response of the current sink 9 to the communication circuit 2, while the sequence of execution of these measurement pulses can be arbitrarily designed.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the current sink 9 is designed as a current sink 13 which can be set via the DA output of the microcontroller of the control unit 3. The operation is similar to the non-adjustable current sink 9. It is output from the microcontroller a certain voltage from the program via the DA output, so that sets an adjustable constant current through the transistor 22. By means of this adjustable current sink 13, the communication circuit 2 can also be set to other or higher currents, which then correspond to other loop participants 12 with other protocols or other test sequences with changed parameters ( Fig. 3 )
In the simulation of a pulse train by the microcontroller of the control unit 3 with the current sink 9,13 as a response of a subscriber 11, it is of course possible, the current measuring unit 8 and its control and measurement evaluation in such a way to further develop that the output of the current sink 9, 13 pulse train is detectable and evaluated.
Thus, it can be assumed that the detection of a pulse of the current sink 9,13 by the current measuring unit 8, the detection of further pulses and / or any pulse train is possible even without large circuit and measurement conversion.
A preferred application of this type of simulation, for example, the detection of malfunction of individual modules of the control unit 3 with its microprocessor or microcontroller itself. Reference is made in particular to the inventive possibility of z. B timing errors that. because of a defective oscillator of the microcontroller may occur, check. In terms of measurement technology, a specific pulse sequence must be generated by a second microcontroller with its own time base and applied to the simulation unit designed as a current sink 9, 13 whose detection and evaluation with the current measurement unit 8 reveals indications of the cause of the error of the first microcontroller. For such cases, there are useful applications for using a simulated pulse train.

• 1. Teilnehmerschleifenspannung einschalten.
• 2. Ruhestrom der Teilnehmerschleife 11 messen und mit dem Sollwert vergleichen.
• 3. Teilnehmerschleifenspannung messen und mit dem Sollwert vergleichen.
• 4. Spannungsimpuls 6 einschalten, die Impulsspannungshöhe messen und mit dem Sollwert vergleichen. Den Spannungsimpuls wieder ausschalten.
• 5. Konstantstromsenke 9 einschalten, Strom messen, Differenz zum Ruhestrom ermitteln und mit dem Sollwert vergleichen. Stromsenke wieder ausschalten.
• 5a. Mit der einstellbaren Stromsenke 13 können weitere verschiedene Testströme überprüft und somit auch ein weiterer Fehler der Nichtlinearität der Strommessung erkannt werden.
• 6. Wenn die Kommunikationsschaltung 2 mit der erfindungsgemäßen Teilnehmersimulationseinheit 9 in den vorgesehenen Parametern läuft, wird die Ausgangsstufe 10 zur Teilnehmerschleife 11 eingeschaltet und die Kommunikationsschaltung 2 kann ihre bestimmungsgemäßen Funktionen aufnehmen und mit den Teilnehmern 12 kommunizieren.

Die erfindungsgemäße Strommessung durch die Strommesseinheit 8 der mittels Konstantstromsenke 9 oder der einstellbaren Stromsenke 13 erzeugten Stromimpulse kann während des Betriebs der Teilnehmerschleife 11 zwischen den Teilnehmerabfragen durch die Kommunikationsschaltung 2 oder in beliebigen Intervallen erfolgen.
Da beispielsweise für die Überprüfung der Speicherbereiche von Mikroprozessoren ein stündlicher Rhythmus vorgesehen ist, sollte vorzugsweise auch für die Überprüfung der Strommesseinheit 8 durch eine ein- oder mehrstufige Stromsenke 9 oder eine einstellbare Stromsenke 13 vorgesehen werden.In all cases, the measured values of the current measurements (current increase values) must be pulses or detected pulse sequences in the limited and stored tolerance ranges. Only in this case, the proper functionality of the communication circuit 2 is secured with its functional units 5 to 10 and the subscriber loop 11 can be switched on.
In summary, here again the circuit and measurement process at the start of in Fig. 1 shown functional units 3 to 10 are given.
If errors are detected by the communication circuit 2, the loop circuit 1,2 is deactivated immediately and output a detailed error message if necessary.

• 1. Switch on subscriber loop voltage.
• 2. Measure the quiescent current of the subscriber loop 11 and compare it with the setpoint.
• 3. Measure the loop voltage and compare it with the setpoint.
• 4. Switch on voltage pulse 6, measure the pulse voltage level and compare with the setpoint. Switch off the voltage pulse again.
• 5. Switch on constant current sink 9, measure current, determine difference to quiescent current and compare with setpoint. Switch off current sink again.
• 5a. With the adjustable current sink 13 more different test currents can be checked and thus also another error of the non-linearity of the current measurement can be detected.
• 6. When the communication circuit 2 is running with the subscriber simulation unit 9 according to the invention in the intended parameters, the output stage 10 is turned on to the subscriber loop 11 and the communication circuit 2 can record their intended functions and communicate with the participants 12.

The current measurement according to the invention by the current measuring unit 8 of the current pulses generated by means of the constant current sink 9 or the adjustable current sink 13 can take place during operation of the subscriber loop 11 between the subscriber requests by the communication circuit 2 or at any intervals.
Since, for example, an hourly rhythm is provided for checking the memory areas of microprocessors, it is also preferable to provide for checking the current measuring unit 8 by means of a single-stage or multistage current sink 9 or an adjustable current sink 13.

Furthermore, it is also within the scope of the invention to provide equivalent circuit arrangements for current sinks or other controllable electronic loads of comparable functionality for the present inventive test method and to classify them in the given electronic infrastructure for hazard detectors and their communication and test modules.

A further embodiment of the invention relates to the design of the subscriber simulation unit 9 as a real subscriber 9a, which is preferably integrated into the fire panel 1 and has an independent control unit without connection to the control of the communication circuit 2 ( Fig. 1 b) , Suitable real participants 9a, are specially designed for this purpose and have correspondingly adapted boards and microprocessor systems, which can generate the required current impulse response for the communication circuit 2.

The test device according to the invention is then formed in this embodiment by a modified real subscriber 9a in the BMZ, instead of a microcontroller controlled current sink 9. With this arrangement, in principle, the same tests of the functional units 5 to 8, 10 are performed, as with the current sink 9th

In a further alternative embodiment, the subscriber simulation unit 9 can also be arranged externally on the subscriber loop 11 outside the fire control panel.
However, there are some advantages in this external embodiment compared to the above-described integrated embodiments of the current sink 9. In an external arrangement on the subscriber loop 11 there is a risk that in a disturbance of the loop (eg two-sided wire break) can no longer be distinguished beyond doubt whether the current measurement works or no participant exists.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, an exchange of the measurement sequence of the voltage measuring unit 7 with the current measuring unit 8 is proposed. For this purpose, the arrangement of the voltage measuring unit 7 with the current measuring unit 8 of the communication circuit 2 is reversed.
The inventive inventive test method in this sense can also be used advantageously if the two measurements are reversed in order. However, it must be ensured that the current sink 9 downstream of the current measurement.
Interchanging the current and voltage measurement influences in principle the current or voltage correct measurement. If the voltage measurement of the current measurement is switched after, voltage is measured correctly since the measured current also includes the current required for voltage measurement (voltage divider and current in the AD input of the microcontroller). if, on the other hand, the current measurement of the voltage measurement is switched after measured correctly, because the voltage at the output is lower by the voltage drop of the current measuring resistor (shunt). Depending on the center of gravity to be determined, one of the two arrangements is preferable.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the current sink 9 of the inventive test device is adapted and optimized such that the inventive test method, in particular the current measuring method of the communication circuit 2 is advantageously applicable even when using any communication protocol. The modulation of the signal pulses for the communication between subscriber loop 11 and communication circuit 2 can take place up to the high-frequency modulation.

This embodiment is particularly advantageous when communication protocols for participants 12 different manufacturers use, as the modulation types and signal frequencies of different manufacturers from each other. Differ.
Thus, the loop participants 12 are addressed by the BMZ and transmit their data on the basis of any modulation of the supply voltage. In turn, the subscribers 12 respond by some modulation of their response current pulses.
Thus, for example, find a pulse length modulation with increase in the supply voltage for data transmission and as a protocol for communication with the loop participants 12 use.
The participants then respond bit by bit in a special protocol, in the bit window defined by the BMZ by means of voltage pulses. By an adapted and optimized current sink 9 corresponding to these applications, the test method according to the invention can be used for different modulation protocols.

The inventive integration of a current sink 9 in the communication circuit 2 of the fire panel 1 allows a fast and secure calibration of the current measuring circuit of the BMZ.
This is an internal functional test of the communication circuit 2 of the BMZ with disconnected subscriber loop 11 and no real external Loop participants 12 possible. Thus, in particular, the functions of transmitting and receiving protocol data of the communication circuit 2 can be checked for operability.

The presented test method and the inventive test device have the particular advantage that a regular and at any time intervals repeatable test facility for important functional units of a GMZ / BMZ is provided without the important addresses are blocked on the subscriber loop. Furthermore, the erroneous or confusing error messages often associated with the current checks can be avoided.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Security control panel, fire alarm panel

2

Communication circuit (3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)

3

Control unit with microprocessor system, or microcontroller

4

Power supply of the GMA / BMA

5

Voltage supply of the subscriber loop 11

6

Voltage pulse generation

7

Voltage measuring unit

8th

Current measuring unit

9

Participants simulation unit

9a

Real participant as participant simulation unit 9

10

output stage

11

Subscriber loop (consisting of connection line 16 and subscribers 12)

12

Loop participants, participants (detectors, fire detectors, alarms ...)

13

adjustable current sink or multistage current sink (not shown)

14

Transistor 1 of the current sink

15

Transistor 2 of the current sink

16

connecting line

17

Signal input of the current sink 9

18

Reference diode 3 Current sink 9

19

Transistor 4 of the current sink 9

20

Input supply voltage of the subscriber loop 11

21

DA output of the microcontroller from the control unit 3

22

Transistor of adjustable current sink 13

Claims (14)

Test device for hazard alarm systems, comprising a security alarm center (1) which is connected to a plurality of subscribers (12) via at least one subscriber loop (11), preferably as a ring bus system, and at least one communication circuit (2) for communication with the individual subscribers (12 ) and their control, characterized in that
the communication circuit (2) comprises the following functional units, a power supply (5) of the subscriber loop (11) a control unit (3) designed as a microprocessor or microcontroller, a voltage pulse generation (6), a voltage measuring unit (7), a current measuring unit (8), an output stage (10), - And at least one subscriber simulation unit (9), wherein the a subscriber simulation unit (9) for testing the functionality of the current measuring unit (8) of the communication circuit (2) and thus the danger warning center (1) is provided and arranged and the testing of the functionality of the current measuring unit (8), and the entire communication circuit (2) by means of software implementation the control unit (3) takes place. Test device according to claim 1,
characterized in that
the subscriber simulation unit (9) is completely integrated into the communication circuit (2) of the danger control panel (1) or alternatively is arranged externally. Test device according to claim 2,
characterized in that the control unit (3) is designed as a microprocessor or microcontroller and the functional units (3, 5 to 10) are connected in series in the following order; - power supply (5), Voltage pulse generation (6), Voltage measuring unit (7), - current measuring unit (8), Subscriber simulation unit (9), - output stage (10) Connection of the subscriber loop (11) by means of connecting line (16) and wherein the functional units (6 to 10) are signal-technically connected to the control unit (3), wherein the voltage measuring unit (7) and the current measuring unit (8) are interchangeable in their arrangement and circuit order. Test device according to claim 1 or 2,
characterized in that
the subscriber simulation unit (9) is embodied as a real subscriber (9a) with its own subscriber address and its own electronic control and is arranged as a completely independent module or component of the communication circuit (2) in the hazard warning center (1) and wherein the real subscriber (9a) specifically is designed for these purposes, and has a correspondingly adapted board and a microprocessor or microcontroller. Test device according to claims 1-3,
characterized in that
the subscriber simulation unit is designed as a current sink (9) whose control and signal evaluation is performed by a microprocessor or a microcontroller of the control unit (3), wherein the input transistors (14, 15) of the current sink (9) via the signal line (17) with the Microcontroller port or the microprocessor of the control unit (3) of the communication circuit (2) are connected signal and circuit technology. Test device according to one of claims 5,
characterized in that
the current sink (9) is designed as a constant current sink, as a multistage current sink or as a microcontroller or microprocessor adjustable current sink (13), wherein it is adapted and designed depending on the application that any communication protocol of different manufacturers of participants (12), such as a pulse length modulation or a high frequency modulation for modulation of the signal pulses of the communication circuit (2) and on the subscriber loop (11) is usable. Test device according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 6,
characterized in that
the alarm system is designed as a fire alarm system and the alarm panel (1) as a fire alarm or extinguishing control center (1), wherein the connecting line (16) is designed as a ring bus system and the participants (12) as a signal generator, detectors, fire detectors, multi-functional alarm systems, automatic optical, or acoustic alarms, controls and circuits for air conditioners, equipment shutdowns, extinguishing systems and remote alarm transmitter or the like are formed. Method for testing the current measuring unit (8) of the communication circuit (2) of a hazard alarm system (1) using a test device according to one or more of the preceding Claims 1 to 7,
characterized in that
the test of the current measuring unit (8) is carried out with the aid of a subscriber simulation unit (9). Method according to claim 8,
characterized in that
the test of the current measuring unit (8) of the alarm control panel (1) takes place by means of the subscriber simulation unit (9) designed as current sink (9), multistage current sink (13) or adjustable current sink (13) by the following sequence: - Separation of the subscriber loop (11) from the danger control center (1) by the output stage (10) of the communication circuit (2), Coordination and control of the functions and circuit diagrams of the functional units (6 to 10) by the control unit (3) designed as a microprocessor system or having a microcontroller, - Activation of the current sink (9) via the microcontroller port of the control unit (3). Method according to claim 9,
characterized in that
the test of the current measuring unit (8) of the communication circuit (2) by current measurements by means of software implementation, which is designed as a microprocessor or microcontroller control unit (3) and the subscriber simulation unit (9) is carried out according to the following measurement procedure: a - measurement of the quiescent current of the communication circuit (2), b - turning on the current sink (9), c - renewed current measurement of the total current from current sink (9) and communication circuit (2), d - switching off the current sink (9), e - test of quiescent current, for differences in value with respect to measurement a, f - Determination of the current increase from the difference between the total current and the quiescent current and check the specified current increase to the permissible value. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the test sequence of a subscriber loop (11) with subscribers (12) provided by the software implementation of the control unit (3) of the communication circuit (2) comprises the following method steps,
a - turn on loop voltage,
b - Measure loop quiescent current and compare with setpoint,
c - measure loop voltage and compare with setpoint,
d - Switch on the voltage pulse with voltage pulse generation (6), measure the pulse voltage level with the voltage measuring unit (7) and compare it with the setpoint. Switch off the voltage pulse again,
e - switch on the constant current sink (9), measure the current, determine the difference to the quiescent current and compare with the setpoint, switch off the current sink (9) again,
f - after reaching the setpoint values, the output stage (10) is switched on to activate communication with the subscribers (12) of the subscriber loop (11). Method according to claim 11,
characterized in that
with the, as on the DA output of the microcontroller (3) adjustable current sink (9) further different test currents of the current measuring unit (8) are checked, whereby more errors of non-linearity in the current measurement can be detected. Method according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the testing of the current measuring unit (8) of the communication circuit (2) with the preferably designed as a current sink subscriber simulation unit (9) at arbitrary intervals and also during operation of the subscriber loop (11), for example, every hour, as in reference to the test of the internal memory of Processors of the participants (12). Method according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that
the control of the current sink (9) by means of microcontroller takes place in such a way that a pulse or a pulse sequence is generated as the simulated response of a subscriber (12).

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