Smart module and adapter apparatus
AssigneeCirris Systems Corporation
InventorsPaul S. Smith, Jon Alan Bertrand
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A smart module is disclosed for use in testing equipment such as cables and wire harnesses. The smart module may be incorporated within an adapter that interfaces with a test device and a wiring analyzer. The smart module includes a processor and a memory wherein data relating to the adapter may be stored. The smart module further includes first and second inputs that enable synchronous, bi-directional communication with the wiring analyzer. The smart module receives power, clock, communication data, and a reference input from the wiring analyzer and transmits data stored in the memory. The smart module may further include one or more visual indicators, such as LEDs, for displaying conditions of an interface between the adapter and a test device.
Claims35
A smart module apparatus for use within an adapter and for providing synchronous, bi-directional communication with a wiring analyzer, the module comprising:
- a first input for electrical communication with the wiring analyzer;
- a second input for electrical communication with the wiring;
- and
- a processor in electrical communication with the first and second inputs for receiving power, clock signal, bidirectional communication data, and an electrical reference from the wiring analyzer,
- wherein the processor receives power when not receiving a clock signal,
- wherein the processor receives a clock signal and a data bit zero when the first and second inputs have a reversed polarity for a time duration, and
- wherein the processor receives a clock signal and data bit one when the first and second inputs have a common voltage for a time duration.
A smart adapter for interfacing with a test device and a wiring analyzer, the smart adapter providing synchronous, bi-directional communication with the wiring analyzer, the adapter comprising:
- a plurality of connectors for providing electrical communication with the wiring analyzer;
- first and second smart module connectors for providing electrical communication with the wiring analyzer;
- a connector module, in electrical communication with the connectors, for providing an interface with a test device;
- and
- a smart module, in electrical communication with the first and second smart module connectors, the smart module including,
- a first input coupled to the first smart module connector,
- a second input coupled to the second smart module connector, and
- a processor in electrical communication with the first and second inputs for receiving power, clock signal, bidirectional communication data, and an electrical reference from the wiring analyzer,
- wherein the processor receives power when not receiving a clock signal,
- wherein the processor receives a clock signal and a data bit zero when the first and second inputs have a reversed polarity for a time duration, and
- wherein the processor receives a clock signal and data bit one when the first and second inputs have a common voltage for a time duration.
A method for providing adapter data relating to an adapter through synchronous, bi-directional communication to a wiring analyzer, the method comprising:
- incorporating a smart module with the adapter, the smart module having first and second inputs in electrical communication with a processor;
- placing the first and second inputs in electrical communication with the wiring analyzer to thereby enable transmission of power, clock signal, and bidirectional communication data from the wiring analyzer;
- the processor receiving power when not receiving a clock signal;
- the processor receiving a clock signal and data bit zero when the first and second inputs have a reversed polarity for a time duration;
- and
- the processor receiving a clock signal and data bit one when the first and second inputs have a common voltage for a time duration.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.