Method for detecting a fault on a data line
AssigneeLear Corporation
InventorMatthias Queck
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Multiple embodiments relate to a method for detecting a fault on a data line in a bus system in a two-line data network having at least two control units. A data signal is emitted by a transmitter-receiver unit on the two data lines as a differential voltage signal that includes a defined quiescent current. The data lines are mutually connected through a resistance bridge for detecting the middle voltage. The middle voltage is detected directly by a microcontroller after a low-pass filter or as a digital value after an analog-to-digital conversion. The result is displayed and/or stored. A circuit arrangement for implementing the method is also provided.
Claims20
A method for detecting a fault in a data line in a bus system in a two-conductor data network having at least two control units, the method comprising:
- transmitting a data signal from a transmitter-receiver unit to two data lines as a differential voltage signal incorporating a defined quiescent current, the two data lines being connected with one another through a resistance bridge for determining the middle voltage such that the middle voltage is detected at least following an analog-to-digital conversion as a digital value by a microcontroller, and at least one of the following occurs:
- one of an optical display and an acoustic display results, at least one of a fault diagnosis and a generated error signal is stored, and control signals are generated;
- and
- determining by the microcontroller whether one of the two data lines has at least one of a ground connection, a connection therebetween, and a short circuit with a power supply source.
A method for detecting a fault in a two-conductor data network, the method comprising:
- transmitting a data signal from a transmitter-receiver unit to two data lines as a differential voltage signal, the two data lines being connected with one another through a resistance bridge for providing a middle voltage based on the differential voltage signal;
- converting, at a microcontroller, the middle voltage from an analog value to a digital value to generate a digital middle voltage;
- comparing the digital middle voltage to a predetermined voltage;
- determining that a fault condition is present in the network if the digital middle voltage is not equal to the predetermined voltage;
- and
- performing at least one of:
- visually displaying a fault condition in the event the digital middle voltage is not equal to the predetermined voltage;
- and
- generating an audible signal indicative of the fault condition in the event the digital middle voltage is not equal to the predetermined voltage.
An apparatus for detecting a fault in a two-conductor data network, the apparatus comprising:
- a microcontroller for being operably coupled to a transmitter-receiving unit that transmits a data signal over two data lines as a differential voltage, the two data lines being connected to one another through a resistance bridge that provides a middle voltage based on the differential voltage, the microcontroller being configured to:
- convert the middle voltage from an analog value to a digital value to generate a digital middle voltage;
- compare the digital middle voltage to a predetermined voltage;
- determine that a fault condition is present in the network if the digital middle voltage is not equal to the predetermined voltage;
- and
- transmit an error signal such that at least one of a display indicates the presence of the fault condition in the event the digital middle voltage is not equal to the predetermined voltage and an audible signal is transmitted indicative of the presence of the fault condition in the event the digital middle voltage is not equal to the predetermined voltage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.