US 4,831,560 AGranted

Method for testing auto electronics systems

OwnerJames V. Zaleskiinventor

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Abstract

An interactive method for testing vehicle electronics systems is disclosed in which various vehicle subsystems are exercised under the control of the tester unit while the performance of associated subsystems are monitored to detect and isolate malfunctions. The tester includes interchangeable program cartridges that can be easily inserted to adapt the unit for a variety of different vehicles and test procedures, and also optional interchangeable input/output cartridges for test procedures in which additional access to or from the tester or peripheral devices is necessary. The test unit accesses the vehicle's electronics data bus by means of an assembly line diagnostic link, the access being accomplished via a multiplexer that makes it possible to locate faults on the data bus itself. The tester greatly reduces the time and effort necessary to analyze malfunctions in the field, and is considerably more comprehensive than prior test equipment.

Claims6

Dependent claims

A method of testing an automobile's electronic systems which control associated mechanical functions, the operation of said mechanical functions effecting other electronic elements or systems which are part of, or related to the controlling system, for an automobile having an electronics data bus and an associated assembly line diagnostic link (ALDL) which is connected to provide access to the electronics data bus, comprising:

applying a sequence of test signals from a location external to the automobile to a selected one of the automobile's electronic systems via said ALDL and electronics data bus, without interrupting any electrical connections to the automobile's electronic systems, to exercise the mechanical function controlled by the selected electronic system,
monitoring via said ALDL and electronics data bus at least one of the electronic systems in the automobile which are part of, or related to the selected system as said mechanical function is exercised to detect malfunctions in the selected electronic system or the monitored system, and
providing an indication of any detected malfunctions.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.