JP2006228091A - Method for inspecting electronic control unit - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for inspecting an electronic control unit (gateway ECU) having a gateway function by which productivity is improved by shortening inspection tact time. <P>SOLUTION: The terminals CAN1, CAN2 of gateway ECUs 1<SB>1</SB>to 1<SB>n</SB>are mutually inverted and connected in series, inspection pattern data are transmitted from the terminal CAN1 of the gateway ECU 1<SB>1</SB>which is one end of the serial connection and data received on the terminal CAN1 of the gateway ECU 1<SB>n</SB>which is the other end of the serial connection is compared with the transmitted data to inspect a gateway function. Since the communication (relay) functions of the plurality of gateway ECUs 1<SB>1</SB>to 1<SB>n</SB>can be inspected only by one inspection, inspection tact time can be shortened. When the gateway ECUs 1<SB>1</SB>to 1<SB>n</SB>are allowed to display respective lamps 3<SB>1</SB>to 3<SB>n</SB>at the completion of relay, a rejected gateway ECU can be detected by its OFF position. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an inspection method for an electronic control unit, and more particularly to an inspection method for an electronic control unit having a communication function for relaying data between a plurality of networks mounted on a vehicle.

  There are several types of vehicles, such as an engine / powertrain system that controls engines and transmissions, a chassis system that controls steering and brakes, a body system that controls air conditioners and power windows, and an information system that controls audio and video. There are networks, and protocols such as communication speed and data format suitable for each system are adopted. Generally, a CAN (Controller Area Network) protocol is adopted as a protocol of the in-vehicle network. Each network is independent, and connected devices communicate with each other using a common protocol. However, as the number of systems required for vehicles increases, Since they are individually provided by a plurality of control systems, data is being shared across the boundaries of each network. Therefore, an electronic control unit is used that enables communication by relaying data between networks having different transmission conditions such as communication speed. In the following description, an electronic control unit (ECU) having a communication function for relaying such data is referred to as a gateway (G / W) ECU.

  Such a gateway ECU performs an inspection at the time of shipment from the factory. The inspection includes a gateway function inspection to check whether the connection after the internal assembly is normally performed and the function of relaying data is normal. And inspection of the ECU itself. Regarding the inspection of the ECU function, an electronic control unit inspection system that shortens the inspection time and improves the inspection efficiency is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In the gateway function inspection of the gateway ECU, the gateway ECU is connected to the inspection device one by one, and using the inspection data, it is confirmed that the data transmitted from the transmission end is normally received at the reception end. In this way, it is checked whether the relay function is normal.
JP 2000-121484 A

  However, in the inspection of the conventional gateway ECU, since each gateway ECU is checked one by one in each inspection process, there is a problem that the inspection tact time is long and the productivity is poor.

  The present invention has been made in view of these points, and an object of the present invention is to provide an electronic control unit inspection method that shortens the inspection tact time and improves the productivity.

In order to solve the above problem, the present invention has a terminal connected to the first network and a terminal connected to the second network, and relays data between the first and second networks. In an inspection method for an electronic control unit having a function, a plurality of electronic control units are connected in series by connecting terminals to which the same network is connected, and data for inspection is transmitted as transmission data from one end of the serial connection And receiving the test data relayed through the plurality of electronic control units at the other end of the series connection as received data, and checking the gateway function by confirming the received data and the transmitted data. An inspection method for an electronic control unit is provided.

  According to such an electronic control unit inspection method, the gateway functions of a plurality of electronic control units can be inspected at a time by one inspection, so that the inspection tact time can be shortened.

  The electronic control unit inspection method of the present invention can confirm that a plurality of electronic control units relay data at a time by transmitting one inspection data from one inspection device, Since there is no need to transmit inspection data for the number of electronic control units, there is an advantage that inspection tact time can be shortened and productivity can be improved.

  In addition, the relay time from transmission to completion of reception is measured, and if the relay time is not within the predetermined time, it is determined that the relay is rejected. Can be prevented.

  In addition, when the data received by the electronic control unit is retransmitted normally, notification that the relay has been completed normally has been made. By exchanging only the unit with another electronic control unit, the inspection can be resumed quickly.

  By making the number of electronic control units to be connected to an even number, the protocols at both ends can be made common, or protocols with the same conditions can be applied, and inspection can be performed only with an inspection device that supports one type of protocol. Therefore, the inspection equipment development man-hours can be reduced.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, taking as an example a case where the embodiment is applied to an inspection of a gateway ECU having a communication function for relaying data between two CAN buses. Note that the two CAN buses are controlled by CAN protocols having different data transmission rates.

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a gateway ECU inspection method according to the present invention.
In the inspection method of the present invention, the communication functions of the gateway ECUs _{1 1} to 1 _n each having terminals CAN 1 and CAN 2 connected to two CAN buses are to be checked. At the time of inspection, as shown in the figure, the plurality of gateway ECUs _{1 1} to 1 _n are connected in series by inverting the terminals CAN 1 and CAN 2 so that the terminals CAN 1 and CAN 2 connected to each other have the same protocol. Yes. Both ends of the series connection are connected to the inspection device 2.

With the above configuration, when the inspection device 2 transmits inspection data to the terminal CAN1 of the gateway ECU ₁₁ which is one end of the serial connection, the data is relayed while being sequentially converted into protocols by the respective gateway ECUs 1 ₂ to 1 _n . It will be done. Data received by the gateway ECU 1 _n terminal CAN1 is the other end of the series connection, is input to the inspection device 2, the inspection device 2, by comparing the received and transmitted data data, a plurality It is possible to simultaneously check whether the communication (relay) function of the gateway ECUs _{1 1} to 1 _n is normal with a single operation. Thereby, the inspection tact time can be greatly shortened, and the productivity can be improved.

The gateway ECUs _{1 1} to 1 _n are also connected to the lamps 3 _{1 to} 3 _n , respectively, and retransmit the received data so that they are turned on to notify that the relay has been completed normally. . As a result, when the relay function is operating normally, the lamps 3 _{1 to} 3 _n are sequentially turned on. If there is a relay function that is not normal among the gateway ECUs _{1 1} to 1 _n connected in series, since the subsequent lamps remain off, the first lamp is turned on in the direction in which data is relayed. It can be determined that the gateway ECU that is turned off is defective.

Note that by the number of gateway ECU 1 ₁ to 1 _n to be connected in series to an even number, it is possible to equalize the CAN protocol at both ends. Thereby, the inspection apparatus 2 can handle transmission / reception data for inspection using the same CAN protocol.

Next, a portion where the gateway ECUs _{1 1} to 1 _n are connected to the inspection apparatus 2 will be described in detail. Since all the gateway ECUs _{1 1} to 1 _n have the same configuration, the detailed configuration will be described by the gateway ECU _{1 1} as a representative.

FIG. 2 is a detailed view showing a connection state between the inspection apparatus and the gateway ECU.
The gateway ECU ₁₁ includes an ECU ₄ , a CAN controller 5, and a transceiver 6 in its main body, and is configured to be connected to the outside by a connector 7. Although not shown, the ECU 4 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), and an input / output unit. The ROM is composed of, for example, a flash memory, and a test program is written in advance at least in the gateway function test.

The inspection device 2 is provided with a connection device 8 integrally or separately, and the connection device 8 is provided with a connector 9 into which the connector 7 of the gateway ECU ₁₁ is fitted. The connection device 8 is provided therein with wiring for connecting a plurality of gateway ECUs _{1 1} to 1 _n in series, and further provided with a lamp 3 _{1 that} is lit when the relay function operates normally. . The lamp 3 _1, when fitted with a gateway ECU 1 ₁ of the connector 7 to the connector 9 of the connecting device 8 is connected to ECU4 via the terminal CHK, when the relay function is operating normally, the lamp lights terminal CHK A signal is output.

  Although not shown, the inspection apparatus 2 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and an input / output unit, and further includes a monitor for displaying the inspection result, an inspection start switch, and the like. A ROM function test program is written in the ROM.

Next, inspection data for relaying inspection to a plurality of gateway ECUs _{1 1} to 1 _n to which the inspection device 2 is connected in series will be described.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of inspection data.

  The inspection data has an inspection pattern configured by sequentially changing only one bit of 8-bit data. These eight data having different patterns for each bit are serially transmitted sequentially at the time of inspection. The inspection device 2 compares the data at the transmission end with the data at the reception end, and checks whether all the bit positions from 0 to 7 have the same data, thereby inspecting the gateway function.

Next, the operation of the inspection apparatus 2 will be described. The inspection device 2 operates according to the above-described gateway function inspection program.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the inspection apparatus.

First, the inspection device 2 transmits inspection pattern data to the terminal CAN1 of the gateway ECU ₁₁ which is one end of the plurality of gateway ECUs _{1 1} to 1 _n connected in series (step S1). Accordingly, whether or not the test pattern data is transmitted through the plurality of gateway ECUs, and reception of the transmitted test pattern data is completed at the terminal CAN1 of the gateway ECU 1 _n which is the other end. Is determined (step S2). Here, if the transmitted inspection pattern data has not been received, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the inspection pattern data (step S3). If the predetermined time has not elapsed since the transmission of the inspection pattern data, the process returns to step S2 and waits until the reception of the inspection pattern data is completed within the predetermined time range.

If it is determined in step S2 that the test pattern data has been received, it is determined whether or not the relay time required from transmission of the test pattern data to reception is within a predetermined time. (Step S4). If the relay time is within a predetermined time, it is determined whether the data transmitted by the inspection pattern matches the received data (step S5). Here, if the transmitted and received data match, the inspection OK is notified to the monitor of the inspection apparatus 2 (step S6). Thus, the inspector can determine that all the inspected gateway ECUs _{1 1} to 1 _n have passed by looking at the result of the inspection OK notified to the monitor.

If it is determined in step S2 and step S3 that reception of the transmitted test pattern data has not been completed even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the determination in step S4 has completed reception until the predetermined time has elapsed. Has exceeded the predetermined time, or if the received data is different from the transmitted data as determined in step S5, the inspection of the inspection apparatus 2 is notified of the inspection NG (step S7). Thereby, the inspector can know that there are unacceptable products among the plurality of gateway ECUs _{1 1} to 1 _n inspected by looking at the result of the inspection NG notified to the monitor.

As described above, when the inspection apparatus includes the inspection ECU NG among the plurality of gateway ECUs _{1 1} to 1 _n , even if it is known that there is the gateway ECU of the inspection NG, which gateway ECU is the inspection NG It cannot be judged until there is. Accordingly, the gateway ECUs _{1 1} to 1 _n display the lamps 3 _{1 to} 3 _n to indicate that the relay has been correctly completed when relaying the test pattern data. This process is performed by an inspection program stored in the ECU 4.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing flow of the gateway ECU.
First, when the inspection program of the gateway ECU receives inspection pattern data from one of the terminals CAN1 and CAN2 (step S11), the inspection program data is transmitted to the other of the terminals CAN1 and CAN2 (step S12). ). Thereafter, the data of the test pattern received whether retransmitted as it normally is determined (step S13), and if properly relay, lamp 3 is lit ₁ to 3 _n to notify the inspector relays completion (Step S14). In the determination in step S13, it may be checked whether the time required for relaying performed by the inspection apparatus 2 is within a predetermined time or whether the transmission / reception inspection patterns match.

As a result, the gateway ECU that normally relays the test pattern data is lit, so that at least the gateway ECU whose lamp is lit is the gateway ECU for the test OK. In addition, when the inspection device outputs the inspection result of the inspection NG, the gateway ECU in which the lighting of the lamp is first interrupted in the data transmission direction may be the inspection NG. In this case, the gateway ECU that has become the inspection NG is replaced with another gateway ECU, and the inspection by the inspection device is performed again.

  The above is to check whether or not the test pattern data transmitted in one direction is normally relayed. Next, the case of checking whether or not the data relay is normally performed in both directions will be described. To do.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing another processing flow of the inspection apparatus.
First, the inspection apparatus 2 transmits inspection pattern data to the terminal CAN1 of the gateway ECU ₁₁ which is one end of the plurality of gateway ECUs _{1 1} to 1 _n connected in series (step S21). Thereby, the data of the inspection pattern is relayed and transmitted through the plurality of gateway ECUs _{1 1} to 1 _n, and it is determined whether or not the data is received at the terminal CAN 1 of the gateway ECU 1 _n which is the other end ( Step S22). Here, if the transmitted inspection pattern data is not completely received, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the inspection pattern data (step S23). If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S22, and waits for completion of reception of the inspection pattern data until the predetermined time elapses.

  If it is determined in step S22 that the inspection pattern data has been received, it is determined whether or not the relay time required from the transmission of the inspection pattern data to reception is within a predetermined time. If the relay time is within a predetermined time (step S24), it is determined whether or not the transmitted data of the test pattern matches the received data (step S25).

  If it is determined in step S22 and step S23 that reception of the inspection pattern data has not been completed even after a predetermined time has elapsed, reception has been completed in step S24 until the predetermined time has elapsed. If the measured time exceeds the predetermined time, or if the received inspection pattern data is different from the transmitted inspection pattern data as determined in step S25, the inspection NG is notified to the monitor of the inspection apparatus 2. (Step S26).

Next, the inspection apparatus 2 transmits the data of the test pattern to the gateway ECU 1 _n terminal CAN1 which is the other end (step S27). As a result, the data of the inspection pattern is transmitted by relaying the plurality of gateway ECUs _{1 1} to 1 _n in the opposite direction to the previous inspection, and it is determined whether or not the data is received at the terminal CAN ₁ of the gateway ECU 11. (Step S28). Here, if the transmitted inspection pattern data has not been received, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed since the transmission of the inspection pattern data (step S29). If the predetermined time has not elapsed, the process returns to step S28, and waits until the inspection pattern data is completely received until the predetermined time elapses.

  If it is determined in step S28 that the inspection pattern data has been received, it is determined whether or not the relay time required from the transmission of the inspection pattern data to reception is within a predetermined time. If the relay time is within the predetermined time (step S30), it is determined whether the transmitted data of the test pattern matches the received data (step S31).

Here, when the data transmitted in the reverse direction of the inspection pattern matches the received data, the inspection OK is notified to the monitor of the inspection apparatus 2 (step S32). Thus, the inspector can determine that all the inspected gateway ECUs _{1 1} to 1 _n have passed by looking at the result of the inspection OK notified to the monitor.

  If it is determined in step S28 and step S29 that reception of the test pattern data transmitted in the reverse direction has not been completed even after a predetermined time has elapsed, it has been completed in step S30 until the predetermined time has elapsed. If the relay time exceeds the predetermined time, or if the received inspection pattern data is different from the transmitted inspection pattern data in the determination in step S31, the inspection NG is displayed on the monitor of the inspection apparatus 2. Notification is performed (step S33). Thereby, the inspector can know that there are unacceptable products among the plurality of inspected gateway ECUs by looking at the result of the inspection NG notified to the monitor, and further check the lighting state of the lamp. By confirming, it can be estimated which gateway ECU is the inspection NG. For example, the gateway ECU whose lamp is initially turned off in the first transmission direction and the gateway ECU whose lamp is initially turned off when viewed from the opposite transmission direction can be used as the inspection NG. In such a case, the gateway ECU whose lamp is initially extinguished in the transmission direction is replaced, and the bidirectional inspection is performed again.

  In the above embodiment, the gateway device inspection method for relaying data between two networks using the CAN protocol has been described. However, different protocols such as CAN and MOST (Media Oriented System Transport) are used. The present invention can also be applied to a gateway device inspection method that relays between networks.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the inspection method of gateway ECU by this invention. It is detail drawing which shows the connection state of a test | inspection apparatus and gateway ECU. It is a figure which shows an example of the data for a test | inspection. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of an inspection apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of a process of gateway ECU. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of another process of an inspection apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 ₁ to 1 _n gateway ECU
2 Inspection equipment 3 _{1 to} 3 _n lamp

Claims (7)

In an inspection method for an electronic control unit having a terminal connected to a first network and a terminal connected to a second network, and having a gateway function for relaying data between the first and second networks ,
A plurality of the electronic control units are connected in series by connecting terminals to which the same network is connected,
Send inspection data as transmission data from one end of the serial connection,
The test data relayed through the plurality of electronic control units at the other end of the serial connection is received as received data,
An inspection method for an electronic control unit, wherein the gateway function is inspected by confirming the reception data and the transmission data.   2. The confirmation of the reception data and the transmission data is performed by determining that all the electronic control units connected in series are passed only when a test pattern of the test data matches. Inspection method for electronic control unit.   2. The electronic device according to claim 1, wherein a relay time until the transmission data is completely received as the reception data is measured, and if the relay time is not within a predetermined time, it is determined that the transmission is failed. Control unit inspection method.   2. The electronic control unit inspection method according to claim 1, wherein when the received data is normally retransmitted, the electronic control unit notifies that the relay is normally completed.   The electronic control unit inspection method according to claim 4, wherein the electronic control unit that is not initially notified of relay completion in the transmission direction of the transmission data is determined to be unacceptable.   5. The inspection data is transmitted from the other end of the serial connection and relayed in the reverse direction after the reception data is completely received or after a predetermined time has elapsed from the transmission of the transmission data. Inspection method of electronic control unit of description. 2. The inspection method for an electronic control unit according to claim 1, wherein the number of the electronic control units is an even number and the terminals at both ends of the series connection are connected to the same network.

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