Method for checking an interface module

• US 20020194541A1
• Filed: 03/11/2002
• Published: 12/19/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/09/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Original Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
• Inventors: Tschentscher, Harald, Straub, Bernhard, Ulmer, Michael, Taufer, Peter, Lukacic, Davor, Otterbach, Jens
• Granted Patent: US 8,386,206 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 714/37
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/221 to test buses, lines or interfaces, e.g. stuck-at or open line faults

Abstract

A method for checking an interface module, the interface module returning to the processor, using a second data message, stored values representing sensor values, after a request for a test by a processor using a data message. Using these firm sensor values, the processor can check the functioning of the interface module and its own algorithm. A safety module, which also picks up the sensor values, also checks its functioning with them, since the safety module is a redundant hardware path to the processor and is used as a plausibility check for the release decision of means of restraint. The interface module is changed into a test mode as soon as it receives the first data message from the processor, and it then suppresses the transmission of the real sensor values which were received from connected sensors.

Claims

1. A method for checking an interface module, comprising:

initiating a checking by a processor by a transmission of a first data message to the interface module;

in reply to the first data message, returning values permanently stored in registers from the interface module to the processor using a second data message; and

carrying out the checking of the interface module by the processor on the basis of the values.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first and second data messages are transmitted synchronously.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first data message is transmitted over a first line and the second data message is transmitted over a second line.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the stored values represent an upper and a lower boundary of sensor values.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising using, by the processor, the values for checking a processing of the sensor values.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising checking a function of a safety module with the aid of the values, the safety module being connected to the interface module.

7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising, after receiving the first data message, resetting the interface module to a test mode, suppressing sensor values received from connected sensors.

8. A device comprising:

a processor;

a safety module; and

an interface module coupled to the processor and the safety module,

wherein the processor initiates a checking of the interface module by a transmission of a first data message to the interface module,

wherein the interface module, in reply to the first data message, returns values permanently stored in registers to the processor using a second data message, and

wherein the processor carries out the checking of the interface module on the basis of the values.

9. The device according to claim 8, further comprising at least one sensor coupled to the interface module.

10. The device according to claim 8, wherein the processor, the interface module and the safety module are situated in a control device.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the control device is adapted to be connected to a restraint device.