USB isolation for vehicle communication interface
First Claim
1. A Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI), comprising:
- a logic controller configured to communicate with an OBD II diagnostic port in a vehicle via an OBD II cable and receive and transmit OBD II signals;
an Ethernet controller in communication with the logic controller;
an Ethernet to USB controller that communicates with a diagnostic device via USB signals and with the Ethernet controller; and
an Ethernet communications transformer positioned between and communicates with the Ethernet controller and the Ethernet to USB controller, wherein the Ethernet communications transformer creates a galvanic isolation between the vehicle and the diagnostic device.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates generally to an automotive diagnostic tool which facilitates data communications between an automobile and diagnostic device, such as a personal computer. More particularly, the present invention relates to electrically isolating the data communications using a Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI) device situated between an automobile'"'"'s communication diagnostic port and the personal computer. The VCI contains logic circuitry to translate the automobile'"'"'s On Board Diagnostic (OBD II) signals to an embedded Ethernet controller. Ethernet signals are then non-galvanicly exchanged with an Ethernet to USB controller with an Ethernet transformer. A personal computer is attached via a USB cable to the VCI'"'"'s Ethernet to USB Controller, permitting information exchange between the automobile and the personal computer.
113 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI), comprising:
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a logic controller configured to communicate with an OBD II diagnostic port in a vehicle via an OBD II cable and receive and transmit OBD II signals; an Ethernet controller in communication with the logic controller; an Ethernet to USB controller that communicates with a diagnostic device via USB signals and with the Ethernet controller; and an Ethernet communications transformer positioned between and communicates with the Ethernet controller and the Ethernet to USB controller, wherein the Ethernet communications transformer creates a galvanic isolation between the vehicle and the diagnostic device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of electrically isolating communications between a vehicle'"'"'s On Board Diagnostic (OBD II) port and a vehicle diagnostic device, comprising the steps of:
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providing a Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI) device with a logic controller configured to receive OBD II signals from the vehicle'"'"'s OBD II port and to transmit the OBD II signals to the vehicle'"'"'s OBD II port; receiving the OBD II signals from the vehicle'"'"'s OBD II port via a data link connector that is in communication with the logic controller; configuring the logic controller to communicate in a communication protocol of the OBD II signals; converting the OBD II signals to an Ethernet signal that is understood by an Ethernet controller of the VCI device; isolating galvanically the OBD II signals and USB signals, wherein the USB signals is received by an Ethernet to USB controller from the vehicle diagnostic device, the Ethernet to USB controller is located in the VCI device; and transmitting the converted OBD II signals via the Ethernet to USB controller to the vehicle diagnostic device. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14)
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15. A Vehicle Communication Interface (VCI), comprising:
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means for processing configured to communicate via an OBD II cable with an OBD II diagnostic port in a vehicle and configured to receive and transmit OBD II signals; means for controlling Ethernet communications configured to communicate with the means for processing; means for controlling Ethernet to USB communications configured to communicate with a diagnostic device via USB signals and the means for controlling Ethernet communications; and means for isolating signals configured to be positioned between and communicate with the means for controlling Ethernet communications and the means for controlling Ethernet to USB communications, wherein the means for isolating signals creates a galvanic isolation between the vehicle and the diagnostic device. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification