Protocol adapter for in-vehicle networks

• US 6,772,248 B1
• Filed: 03/22/2000
• Issued: 08/03/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 03/26/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Dearborn Group, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Dearborn Group, Inc.
• Inventors: McClure, Robert, Such, David
• Primary Examiner(s): Gaffin, Jeffrey
• Assistant Examiner(s): KIM, HAROLD J
• Application Number:
  US09/532,718
• Time in Patent Office: 1,595 Days
• Field of Search: 710/72, 710/62, 701/24, 701/29, 701/33
• US Class Current: 710/72
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/042 using digital processors G05B19/05 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/21134 Signal adaption circuit build into connector
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/25451 Connect module to bus using interface with adaptive logic
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/2637 Vehicle, car, auto, wheelchair
• CPC Class Codes: Y02P 90/02 Total factory control, e.g. smart factories, flexible manufacturing systems [FMS] or integrated manufacturing systems [IMS]

Abstract

An apparatus for in-vehicle electronic control module (ECM) development in which network protocol control parameters are varied. The apparatus includes an adapter, which consists of a microprocessor subassembly and an interface subassembly, and computer based (client) software with two parts: the host communication level and the API (DLL). The apparatus provides a “pass-through” interface such that various compliant applications from various developers can use a common adapter. The apparatus provides a “pass-through” interface such that all compliant adapters from various developers can use any of the unique developer applications. This makes all compliant software applications and hardware interface adapters interchangeable. The improved protocol adapter is designed to perform the following functions: ECM emulation, analysis of network message loading, simulation of message traffic loading of an in-vehicle network, inventory management, ECM code testing, a gateway between networks, and to provide vehicle maintenance status checks.

Claims

1. A protocol adapter comprising adapter circuitry for transferring diagnostic signals between networks within a vehicle and a programmable controller, said adapter circuitry transferring the signals for different versions of software, said adapter circuitry including pass-through mode circuitry, said pass-through mode circuitry including a voltage translator for translating the voltage of the diagnostic signals, said pass-through mode circuitry causing the protocol adapter to emulate a predecessor protocol adapter to pass the diagnostic signals using obsolete software.

2. The protocol adaptor according to claim 1 wherein the adaptor couples circuitry and programs wirelessly.