Remote diagnosis of data processing units

• US 6,584,432 B1
• Filed: 06/07/1999
• Issued: 06/24/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 06/07/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Keysight Technologies, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
• Inventors: Link, Ralf, Weedermann, Joerg, Holzinger, Bernhard
• Primary Examiner(s): Hoff, Marc S.
• Assistant Examiner(s): TSAI, CAROL S W
• Application Number:
  US09/327,255
• Time in Patent Office: 1,478 Days
• Field of Search: 702/57, 702/58, 702/59, 702/60, 702/62, 702/108, 702/117, 702/118, 702/120, 702/121, 702/122, 702/182-186, 702/188, 702/FOR.103, 702/FOR.104, 702/FOR.106, 702/FOR.134, 702/FOR.135, 702/FOR.170, 702/FOR.171, 714/25, 714/37, 714/44, 714/47
• US Class Current: 702/188
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/2294 by remote test

Abstract

Disclosed is a diagnostic unit for a remote diagnosis of a data processing unit (DPU). The diagnostic unit is adapted to be coupled to a remote DPU via a network and to an internal bus of the DPU. The diagnostic unit includes a central processing unit (CPU) for controlling a diagnostic action and/or a monitoring action independently of the DPU, by monitoring a data communication within the DPU and/or of the DPU with external devices, and/or by performing tests with the DPU. An “intelligent” diagnosis of the DPU can thus be provided, allowing a continuous and on-going monitoring of the DPU independent of the functional state of the DPU.

Claims

1. A diagnostic unit for a remote diagnosis of a local data processing unit (DPU) having a first central processing unit (CPU), said diagnostic unit coupled to a remote DPU via a network and to said local DPU via an internal bus, said diagnostic unit comprising:

a second central processing unit which is independent of said DPU and said first CPU, wherein said second CPU is capable of controlling at least one of a diagnostic action or a monitoring action, independently of said local DPU, by monitoring at least one of a data communication within said local DPU or a data communication by said local DPU with external devices, or by performing tests on said local DPU.

2. The diagnostic unit of claim 1, further comprising an analyzing unit, coupled to said second CPU and said internal bus of said local DPU, for passively monitoring at least one of data communications within said local DPU or communications of said local DPU with external devices.

3. The diagnostic unit of claim 2, wherein the analyzing unit provides means for measuring and analyzing at least one of data, data streams or events on the internal bus.

4. The diagnostic unit of claim 1, further comprising an execution unit coupled to said second CPU and said internal bus of said local DPU, for actively performing tests on said local DPU.

5. The diagnostic unit of claim 4, wherein said execution unit provides means for emitting a stimulus signal to said local DPU or for requesting specific tasks, data, and/or operations from said local DPU.

6. The diagnostic unit of claim 1, further comprising a power supply unit independent of a power supply of said local DPU.

7. The diagnostic unit of claim 1, wherein said diagnostic unit is provided as a plug-in card to be plugged into said local DPU.

9. The diagnostic unit of claim 1, wherein said diagnostic unit comprises said second central processing unit adapted to be coupled to said remote DPU via a network and to said local DPU via an internal bus disposed of within said DPU.

10. The diagnostic unit of claim 9, wherein said second central processing unit is independent from said local DPU and said first CPU.

8. A method for providing a remote diagnosis of a local data processing unit (DPU) having a first central processing unit (CPU), said method comprising:

coupling a diagnostic unit having a second CPU independent from said local DPU and said first CPU to an internal bus of said local DPU,

monitoring at least one of;

a data communication within said local DPU or a data communication of said local DPU with external devices, or performing tests on said local DPU,

coupling said diagnostic unit to a remote DPU via a network, and

providing a signal to said remote DPU indicating a functional state of said local DPU.

11. The method of claim 8 wherein said monitoring occurs independent of said functional state of said local DPU.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein said signal is provided independently of said functional state of said local DPU.

13. A diagnostic unit for remote diagnosis of a local data processing unit (DPU) having a local central processing unit (CPU), said diagnostic unit comprising:

a remote central processing unit adapted to be coupled to a remote DPU via a network and to said local DPU via an internal bus;

wherein said diagnostic unit controls at least one of a diagnostic action or monitoring action of said local DPU, independently of said local CPU, by monitoring at least one of a data communication within said local DPU or a data communication by said local DPU with external devices or by performing tests on said local DPU by means of said remote CPU.

14. The diagnostic unit of claim 13, wherein said central processing unit is independent from the local central processing unit.