Apparatus for testing auto electronics systems
First Claim
1. A diagnostic test unit for automobile electronics systems, comprising:
- an off-vehicle microprocessor,means for selecting and providing operational controls to the microprocessor during a test sequence,a selectable program means providing a selectable one of a plurality of diagnostic test sequences to the microprocessor for exercising and altering the operation of particular electrical systems in the automobile,a transceiver which is connectable to provide an interface between the microprocessor and the automobile electronics system, the transceiver providing an interactive path for transmitting test signals from the microprocessor to exercise and alter the operation of said systems in the automobile, and a receiver path enabling the microprocessor to monitor the condition of associated automobile systems while a first system is being exercised, anda power supply for the test unit.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An interactive system and 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.
158 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A diagnostic test unit for automobile electronics systems, comprising:
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an off-vehicle microprocessor, means for selecting and providing operational controls to the microprocessor during a test sequence, a selectable program means providing a selectable one of a plurality of diagnostic test sequences to the microprocessor for exercising and altering the operation of particular electrical systems in the automobile, a transceiver which is connectable to provide an interface between the microprocessor and the automobile electronics system, the transceiver providing an interactive path for transmitting test signals from the microprocessor to exercise and alter the operation of said systems in the automobile, and a receiver path enabling the microprocessor to monitor the condition of associated automobile systems while a first system is being exercised, and a power supply for the test unit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A diagnostic test unit for automobile electronics systems, comprising:
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a portable housing, an off-vehicle microprocessor, a keyboard connected to provide selectable operational controls to the microprocessor during the course of a test sequence, a receptacle in the portable housing adapted to releasably receive interchangeable program cartridges programmed with respective test sequences for exercising and altering the operation of particular electrical systems in the automobile, and to connect a received program cartridge with the microprocessor, a transceiver providing an interactive interface for two-way testing communication between the microprocessor and the automobile electronics systems under the control of the selectable operational controls and the connected program cartridge, and a power supply for the test unit, the portable housing containing the above elements and being capable of being hand held. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
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Specification