JP2010251948A - Signal converter, signal converting method, and signal converting program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To evaluate different electronic controllers in a common configuration. <P>SOLUTION: When a signal converter 60, which is held between the electronic controller 20 and an evaluation device 40 for evaluating the controller, receives a switch signal value (a digital signal value) or a sensor signal value (an analog signal value) from the evaluation device 40, or receives a digital control signal value or an analog control signal value from the electronic controller 20, the reception signal is properly converted, with referring to a digital signal allocation table A with a digital signal setting position set therein or an analog signal allocation table B related to the resolution with respect to an analog signal, in response to the signal allocation rule. The converted signal is transmitted to the electronic controller 20 or the evaluating device 40 via an external signal I/F 70 or a digital signal I/F 62. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for converting a signal input to and output from an electronic control device.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in the automobile field, a HILS (Hardware In the Loop Simulator) system as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-361292 (Patent Document 1) is used to enable the development and design of a control system on a desk. Has been. The HILS system evaluates the electronic control device by outputting a pseudo signal such as a sensor signal and a switch signal to the electronic control device, and inspecting a control signal such as an actuator output from the electronic control device.

  By the way, in the HILS system, analog signals such as supercharging pressure and temperature and digital signals indicating the operating states of various switches must be mixed as signals input to and output from the electronic control unit. For this reason, in the conventionally proposed technique, an analog signal and a digital signal can be mixed by providing the HILS system with a dedicated interface adapted to the input / output signal of the electronic control device.

JP 2004-361292 A

  However, since there are a plurality of electronic control devices mounted on a vehicle and their input / output signals are not necessarily the same, the HILS system having a dedicated interface adapted to the input / output signals of the electronic control device evaluates different electronic control devices. It was difficult to do.

  Therefore, in view of the conventional problems as described above, the present invention converts a signal so as to match an input / output signal of an electronic control device to be evaluated, thereby enabling evaluation of different electronic control devices. The purpose is to provide conversion technology.

  Therefore, in the signal conversion technique according to the present invention, when data including a digital signal value is received from the electronic control device or the evaluation device that performs the evaluation, the setting position of the digital signal in the digital data in binary notation is set. The digital signal value is set at the digital data setting position corresponding to the digital signal of the received data with reference to the digital signal allocation table. Also, when data including an analog signal is received from the evaluation device, the analog signal is referred to the analog signal allocation table in which the resolution is associated with the analog signal, and the analog signal is considered in consideration of the resolution corresponding to the analog signal of the received data. Is converted into digital data in binary notation, and then converted into analog data. On the other hand, when analog data including an analog signal value is received from the electronic control unit, the analog data is converted into digital data, and then the analog signal allocation table is referenced, and the analog data is considered in consideration of the resolution corresponding to the analog signal of the received data. The signal value is converted into digital data in binary notation.

  According to the signal conversion technique of the present invention, a signal output from the electronic control device to the evaluation device or from the evaluation device to the electronic control device is appropriately converted with reference to the digital signal assignment table and the analog signal assignment table. For this reason, if a digital signal allocation table and an analog signal allocation table are prepared so as to match the input / output signals of the electronic control device and the evaluation device, different electronic control devices can be evaluated.

An embodiment of a HILS system to which the present invention is applied Illustration of digital signal allocation table Illustration of analog signal assignment table Flow chart of signal allocation processing executed in signal allocation unit Flow chart of signal allocation processing executed in signal allocation unit Explanatory diagram of the procedure for assigning switch signals to digital data Explanatory diagram of the state in which switch signals are assigned to digital data Illustration of digital data representing sensor signal values in binary notation

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a HILS system to which the present invention is applied.
The HILS system includes a signal conversion device 60 interposed between an electronic control device 20 to be evaluated and an evaluation device 40 that performs the evaluation, and an allocation rule that is connected to the signal conversion device 60 via a LAN (Local Area Network) or the like. And a setting device 80 (table setting means). Here, as the electronic control device 20, for example, an engine control device, a shift control device, or the like can be applied.

  The evaluation device 40 includes a personal computer including an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard, and a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor, and executes various programs for evaluating the electronic control device 20 by executing an evaluation program. While outputting pseudo signals such as various switches, various control signals output from the electronic control device 20 are received. Note that the evaluation device 40 is not separate from the signal conversion device 60, and may be incorporated and integrated therein.

  The signal conversion device 60 includes a digital signal I / F (interface) 62 for connecting to the evaluation device 40 via a CAN (Controller Area Network) line, a signal allocation unit 64, and D for converting digital data into analog data. A / A conversion circuit 66, an A / D conversion circuit 68 for converting analog data into digital data, and an external signal I / F 70 for connection to the electronic control unit 20 via an analog line and a digital line. Composed.

  The digital signal I / F 62 is composed of a known hardware circuit. When CAN data (pseudo signal) is received from the evaluation device 40, the digital signal I / F 62 transmits the CAN data (pseudo signal) to the signal allocation unit 64, while the signal allocation unit 64 transmits CAN data. When (control signal) is received, it is transmitted to the evaluation device 40.

  The signal allocation unit 64 is realized by a computer that executes a signal conversion program. When CAN data including an analog signal value is received from the digital signal I / F 62, the signal allocation unit 64 is operated by the D / A conversion circuit 66 according to a signal allocation rule described later. Digital data for D / A conversion for conversion into analog data is created and transmitted to the D / A conversion circuit 66. Further, when the signal allocation unit 64 receives the CAN data including the digital signal value from the digital signal I / F 62, the signal allocation unit 64 creates the digital data from the CAN data according to the signal allocation rule, and converts this into the external signal I / F 70. Send. Furthermore, when the signal allocation unit 64 receives digital data including an analog control signal value or a digital control signal value from the A / D conversion circuit 68 or the external signal I / F 70, the signal allocation unit 64 converts the CAN data from the digital data according to the signal allocation rule. Is transmitted to the digital signal I / F 62.

  The D / A conversion circuit 66 includes a known hardware circuit. When digital data is received from the signal allocation unit 64, the D / A conversion circuit 66 converts the digital data into analog data and transmits the analog data to the external signal I / F 70.

  The A / D conversion circuit 68 includes a known hardware circuit. When analog data is received from the external signal I / F 70, the A / D conversion circuit 68 converts the analog data into digital data and transmits the digital data to the signal allocation unit 64. At this time, the A / D conversion circuit 68 uses an identifier (ID) for distinguishing the analog data based on which analog signal port of the external signal I / F 70 the analog data is output from the electronic control unit 20. Append to digital data. Note that the identifier for distinguishing analog data is the same as that of the signal allocation rule described later. In addition, by configuring the D / A conversion circuit 66 and the A / D conversion circuit 68 from hardware circuits, the load on the signal allocation unit 64 can be reduced.

  Here, the step executed when the digital signal I / F 62, the signal allocation unit 64, and the external signal I / F 70 cooperate to receive data including the first signal conversion means and the digital signal value. The Further, when the digital signal I / F 62, the signal allocation unit 64, the D / A conversion circuit 66, and the external signal I / F 70 cooperate with each other, when the data including the second signal conversion means and the analog signal value is received. The executing step is realized. Further, when the digital signal I / F 62, the signal allocation unit 64, the A / D conversion circuit 68, and the external signal I / F 70 cooperate to receive the third signal conversion means and analog data including the analog signal value. The steps to be executed are realized.

  The external signal I / F 70 is made up of a known hardware circuit, and transmits analog data from the D / A conversion circuit 66 or digital data from the signal allocation unit 64 to the electronic control device 20. . Further, when the external signal I / F 70 receives analog data or digital data from the electronic control unit 20, the external signal I / F 70 transmits analog data to the A / D conversion circuit 68, while transmitting digital data to the signal allocation unit 64. To do.

  The allocation rule setting device 80 is composed of a personal computer having an input device such as a mouse and a keyboard and a display device such as a liquid crystal monitor, and a database 82 (DB) constructed in a storage such as a hard disk, and an allocation rule setting unit. 84 and an allocation rule transmission unit 86. The allocation rule setting device 80 is provided for the purpose of facilitating the setting of signal allocation rules.

  The database 82 holds a digital signal allocation table 82A and an analog signal allocation table 82B, respectively, for defining signal allocation rules. In the digital signal allocation table 82A, as shown in FIG. 2, in addition to the name for identifying the electronic control device to be evaluated, its symbol, and the transmission cycle of the digital data as the pseudo signal, the digital data allocation rule is recorded. Is done. According to the digital data allocation rule, for each byte, an input / output signal name, an identifier (ID), a resolution, a data range (range of values that data can take) and transmission / reception data contents (data Meaning) is recorded. On the other hand, in the analog signal allocation table 82B, as shown in FIG. 3, in addition to the name for identifying the electronic control device to be evaluated, its symbol, and the transmission cycle of analog data that is a pseudo signal, the analog data allocation rule Is recorded. The analog data allocation rule includes, for each set of bytes used by analog data, an input / output signal name, identifier (ID), resolution, data range, IO, transmission / reception data contents, and a value representing the data range in hexadecimal. To be recorded. In addition, in the digital signal allocation table 82A and the analog signal allocation table 82B, allocation rules for digital control signals and analog control signals output from the electronic control device 20 are also set.

  The assignment rule setting unit 84 provides the user with a function of creating and editing the digital signal assignment table 82A and the analog signal assignment table 82B in an interactive environment in cooperation with the input device and the display device. The assignment rule setting unit 84 registers the digital signal assignment table 82A or the analog signal assignment table 82B in the database 82 when the user creates / edits the digital signal assignment table 82A.

  The allocation rule transmission unit 86 activates the signal converter 60 in response to an evaluation start instruction from the user, reads the digital signal allocation table 82A and the analog signal allocation table 82B held in the database 82, and duplicates them. The digital signal allocation table A and the analog signal allocation table B are transmitted to the signal allocation unit 64 of the signal conversion device 60. Here, the database 82 holds the digital signal allocation table 82A and the analog signal allocation table 82B, and adopts a configuration in which a copy thereof is transmitted to the signal allocation unit 64, whereby the digital signal allocation table 82A and the analog signal Management of the allocation table 82B can be facilitated.

  The digital signal allocation table 82A and the analog signal allocation table 82B read from the database 82 may be selected from those corresponding to the name or symbol of the electronic control unit designated by the user. In this way, even if a plurality of digital signal allocation tables 82A and analog signal allocation tables 82B are held in the database 82, those that are suitable for the electronic control unit 20 to be actually evaluated are automatically selected / selected. Can be sent. Here, the process of selecting the digital signal allocation table 82A and the analog signal allocation table 82B from the database 82 corresponds to the table selection means.

  4 and 5 show signal conversion processing that is executed when the signal allocation unit 64 receives CAN data or digital data. The computer executes the signal conversion process, thereby realizing the first signal conversion unit, the second signal conversion unit, and the third signal conversion unit.

  In step 1 (abbreviated as “S1” in the figure, the same applies hereinafter), it is determined whether the received data is CAN data. Here, whether or not the received data is CAN data can be determined through, for example, whether or not the received data is configured according to the CAN format. If the received data is CAN data, the process proceeds to step 2 (Yes), while if the received data is not CAN data (that is, digital data), the process proceeds to step 8 (No).

  In step 2, it is determined whether or not the switch data value (digital signal value) is included in the CAN data. Here, whether or not the switch signal value is included in the CAN data is determined by referring to the digital signal allocation table A, for example, based on whether or not there is an input / output signal corresponding to the ID of the data frame in the CAN data. Can be determined. If the switch data value is included in the CAN data, the process proceeds to step 3 (Yes), while if the switch data value is not included in the CAN data (that is, if the sensor signal value is included), the step is performed. Proceed to 6 (No).

  In step 3, the switch signal value is assigned to the digital data with reference to the digital signal assignment table A. That is, when starting the assignment of switch signal values for the first time, empty digital data for assigning various switch signal values is created as shown in FIG. 6 according to the assignment rules of the digital signal assignment table A. In addition, ID data for distinguishing data contents and data representing switch signal values are extracted from the data frame of CAN data. Then, the digital signal allocation table A is referred again, the byte and bit (setting position) of the digital data to which the input / output signal corresponding to the CAN data ID is set are specified, and the extracted data is set here.

  In step 4, for example, as shown in FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not the assignment of the switch signal value is completed through whether or not the data is set in all the bits of the digital data. When the assignment of the switch signal value is completed, the process proceeds to step 5 (Yes), and the digital data in which the switch signal value is set is transmitted to the external signal I / F 70. Here, when digital data is transmitted to the external signal I / F 70, the digital data is emptied in preparation for the next assignment. On the other hand, if the assignment of the switch signal value is not completed, the process is terminated (No).

  In step 6, the analog signal allocation table B is referred to create digital data for D / A conversion. That is, data representing the ID and sensor signal value for distinguishing the data contents are extracted from the data frame of the CAN data. Further, the resolution of the input / output signal corresponding to the CAN data ID is read with reference to the analog signal allocation table B. Then, digital data for D / A conversion is created by converting the sensor signal value into binary notation in consideration of the resolution. In addition, when the assignment of the bytes constituting the digital data to the upper bits is not performed, 0 may be set to the bits.

  Here, for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the digital data creation method for D / A conversion, the CAN data including the sensor signal value 3000 mmHg of the supercharging pressure sensor (ID = 100) is used. A creation method will be described. In the analog signal allocation table B, the resolution of the supercharging pressure sensor corresponding to ID = 100 is 1 mmHg / bit. If the sensor signal value of 3000 mmHg is expressed in bits using a resolution of 1 mmHg / bit (1 bit / mmHg), it is 3000 bits. When this is converted to binary notation, it becomes 101110111000. When this value is assigned to the digital data, it becomes 0000101110111000 as shown in FIG.

In step 7, the digital data created in step 6 is transmitted to the D / A conversion circuit 66.
In step 8, it is determined by the same method as in step 2 whether or not the digital data includes a digital control signal value (digital signal value). Then, if the digital control signal value is included in the digital data, the process proceeds to step 9 (Yes), while if the digital data does not include the digital control signal value (that is, the analog control signal value is included). E.) Go to step 12 (No).

  In step 9, the digital signal assignment table A is referred to assign digital control signal values to the CAN data. That is, data representing IDs and digital control signal values for distinguishing data contents are extracted from the digital data. Then, referring to the digital signal allocation table A, the byte and bit (setting position) in the data field of the CAN data to which the input / output signal corresponding to the digital data ID is set are specified, and the extracted data is set here To do.

  In step 10, for example, it is determined whether or not the assignment of the digital control signal value is completed through whether or not the data is set in all the bits of the data field in the CAN data. If the assignment of the digital control signal value is completed, the process proceeds to step 11 (Yes), and the CAN data in which the digital control signal value is set is transmitted to the digital signal I / F 62. On the other hand, if the assignment of the digital control signal value is not completed, the process is terminated (No).

  In step 12, CAN data is created with reference to the analog signal allocation table B. That is, the ID and the analog control signal value (analog signal value) for distinguishing the data contents from the digital data are extracted, and the resolution of the input / output signal corresponding to the digital data ID is referred to the analog signal allocation table B. Is read. Then, the data in which the analog control signal value is converted into binary notation is created in consideration of the resolution, and the ID and data are set in the data frame of the CAN data.

In step 13, the CAN data created in step 12 is transmitted to the digital signal I / F 62.
According to such signal conversion processing, whether the received data is CAN data or not is a pseudo signal output from the evaluation device 40 or a control signal output from the electronic control device 20. It can be distinguished. If the received data is a pseudo signal and the pseudo signal is a switch signal, the switch signal value is appropriately set in the digital data according to the allocation rule of the digital signal allocation table A. When the switch signal value is set for all the bits of the digital data, this is transmitted to the electronic control unit 20 via the external signal I / F 70. At this time, even if the switch signals arrive out of order, they are appropriately set in the digital data in accordance with the allocation rule, so that the digital data output to the electronic control unit 20 is not affected.

  Also, if the received data is a pseudo signal and the pseudo signal is a sensor signal, digital data for D / A conversion in which the sensor signal value is expressed in binary according to the allocation rule of the analog signal allocation table B is created. Is done. The digital data for D / A conversion is converted into analog data by the D / A conversion circuit 66 and then transmitted to the electronic control unit 20 via the external signal I / F 70. At this time, when the sensor signal value is converted into binary notation, the conversion is performed in consideration of the resolution according to the signal, so that the accuracy of the analog data output to the electronic control unit 20 can be guaranteed.

  On the other hand, if the received data is a control signal and the control signal is a digital control signal value, the digital control signal value is appropriately set in the data field of the CAN data according to the allocation rule of the digital signal allocation table A. When digital control signal values are set for all bits of the data field in the CAN data, these values are transmitted to the evaluation device 40 via the digital signal I / F 62. At this time, even if the digital control signals arrive out of order, they are appropriately set in the CAN data in accordance with the assignment rule, so that the digital data output to the evaluation device 40 is not affected.

  If the received data is a control signal and the control signal is an analog control signal value, CAN data in which the analog control signal value is expressed in binary is generated according to the allocation rule of the analog signal allocation table B. Then, the CAN data is transmitted to the evaluation device 40 via the digital signal I / F 62. At this time, when the analog control signal value is converted into binary notation, the conversion is performed in consideration of the resolution corresponding to the signal, so that the accuracy of the analog data output to the evaluation device 40 can be guaranteed.

  Accordingly, the CAN signal, the digital signal, and the analog signal are mutually exchanged in accordance with the assignment rules set in the digital signal assignment table A and the analog signal assignment table B so as to match the input / output signals of the electronic control device 20 and the evaluation device 40. Converted. For this reason, if the digital signal allocation table A and the analog signal allocation table B are prepared so as to match the input / output signals of the electronic control device 20 and the evaluation device 40, different electronic control devices 20 can be evaluated. it can.

  The digital signal allocation table A and the analog signal allocation table B are not limited to the configuration transmitted from the allocation rule setting device 80, and are manually set in the signal conversion device 60 using, for example, spreadsheet software. You may do it. Further, the D / A conversion circuit 66 and the A / D conversion circuit 68 may be realized in software by a computer that executes a program. Furthermore, it is sufficient that the digital signal allocation table A records an ID for distinguishing input / output signals and the contents of transmitted / received data in association with each bit of the byte, and the analog signal allocation table B includes an input. It is sufficient if the resolution is recorded in association with the ID for distinguishing the output signal.

  Moreover, the allocation rule setting device 80 is not limited to a configuration that exists independently, and may be incorporated in the signal conversion device 60. Furthermore, the evaluation device 40 and the signal conversion device 60 may be connected not by a CAN line but by a known network.

20 Electronic Control Unit 40 Evaluation Unit 60 Signal Conversion Unit 62 Digital Signal I / F
64 Signal allocation unit 66 D / A conversion circuit 68 A / D conversion circuit 70 External signal I / F
80 Allocation Rule Setting Device 82 Database 82A Digital Signal Allocation Table 82B Analog Signal Allocation Table 84 Allocation Rule Setting Unit 86 Allocation Rule Transmitting Unit A Digital Signal Allocation Table B Analog Signal Allocation Table

Claims (7)

A signal conversion device that is interposed between an electronic control device and an evaluation device that performs the evaluation, and converts a signal transmitted from the electronic control device to the evaluation device or from the evaluation device to the electronic control device,
When data including a digital signal value is received from the electronic control device or the evaluation device, the digital signal assignment table in which the setting position of the digital signal in the digital data in binary notation is set is referred to First signal conversion means for setting a digital signal value at a corresponding digital data setting position;
When data including an analog signal value is received from the evaluation device, the analog signal is referred to the analog signal allocation table in which the resolution is associated with the analog signal, and the analog signal is considered in consideration of the resolution corresponding to the analog signal of the received data. A second signal converting means for converting the value into digital data in binary notation, and further converting the digital data into analog data;
When analog data including an analog signal value is received from the electronic control unit, after converting this into digital data, the analog signal allocation table is referred to and the resolution corresponding to the analog signal of the received data is considered. Third signal converting means for converting an analog signal value into digital data in binary notation;
A signal converter characterized by comprising the above.   2. The signal conversion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the digital signal allocation table and the analog signal allocation table are held in a database, respectively.   Table selection means for selecting a digital signal allocation table and an analog signal allocation table that meet a condition specified by the user from a database in which a plurality of digital signal allocation tables and analog signal allocation tables are held. 3. The signal conversion apparatus according to claim 2, wherein   4. The signal conversion apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising table setting means for creating and editing the digital signal allocation table and the analog signal allocation table.   The second signal conversion means performs conversion from digital data to analog data using a D / A conversion circuit, while the third signal conversion means uses digital data from the analog data to digital data using an A / D conversion circuit. The signal conversion apparatus according to claim 1, wherein conversion to data is performed. A computer that is interposed between the electronic control device and the evaluation device that performs the evaluation, and that converts a signal transmitted from the electronic control device to the evaluation device or from the evaluation device to the electronic control device,
When data including a digital signal value is received from the electronic control device or the evaluation device, the digital signal assignment table in which the setting position of the digital signal in the digital data in binary notation is set is referred to Setting a digital signal value at a corresponding digital data setting position;
When data including an analog signal value is received from the evaluation device, the analog signal is referred to the analog signal allocation table in which the resolution is associated with the analog signal, and the analog signal is considered in consideration of the resolution corresponding to the analog signal of the received data. After converting the value into digital data in binary notation, further converting it into analog data;
When analog data including an analog signal value is received from the electronic control unit, after converting this into digital data, the analog signal allocation table is referred to and the resolution corresponding to the analog signal of the received data is considered. Converting the analog signal value into binary digital data;
The signal conversion method characterized by performing. A computer that is interposed between the electronic control device and the evaluation device that performs the evaluation and converts a signal transmitted from the electronic control device to the evaluation device or from the evaluation device to the electronic control device,
When data including a digital signal value is received from the electronic control device or the evaluation device, the digital signal assignment table in which the setting position of the digital signal in the digital data in binary notation is set is referred to First signal conversion means for setting a digital signal value at a corresponding digital data setting position;
When data including an analog signal value is received from the evaluation device, the analog signal is referred to the analog signal allocation table in which the resolution is associated with the analog signal, and the analog signal is considered in consideration of the resolution corresponding to the analog signal of the received data. A second signal converting means for converting a value into digital data in binary notation and further converting it into analog data; and
When analog data including an analog signal value is received from the electronic control unit, after converting this into digital data, the analog signal allocation table is referred to and the resolution corresponding to the analog signal of the received data is considered. A third signal converting means for converting an analog signal value into digital data in binary notation;
Signal conversion program to function as

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