Expanded protocol adapter for in-vehicle networks

Abstract

A protocol adapter for in-vehicle networks that provides diagnostics, analysis and monitoring. The protocol adapter has a pass-through feature (voltage translator)/smart mode that allows the protocol adapter to emulate older boxes. Visual indicators (LEDs) indicate the pass through feature is in operation. LEDs also indicate activity on the RS232 bus between the adapter and a PC. Single color and multiple color emitting LEDs indicate a program is being executed and identify the program that is being executed. The protocol adapter supports RP1202 and RP1210, J1708 and J1939 and J1939 Transport Layer. The protocol adapter has a Real Time Clock, Standard COMM port connection, 7-32 Volt Supply and is CE compliant. The adapter can be used wirelessly.

1 . A protocol adapter for transferring diagnostic signals between a vehicle network and a computer, said protocol adapter comprising a plurality of electrical circuits and an RS232 bus, said circuits being capable of operating in more than one protocol, said circuits including a voltage translator for translating a voltage so that the protocol adapter operates in a pass-through mode.  
   
   
       2 . The protocol adapter according to  claim 1  wherein the protocol adapter transfers signals in a protocol selected from the group consisting of SAEJ1850 protocol, GM class 2 protocol, SAEJ1850 protocol, Chrysler protocol, GM Class 1 UART protocol, IS 0 9141-2 protocol, IS 0 9141-1989 protocol, ISO 9141-special protocol, SAEJ2284, dual-wire CAN protocol, SAEJ2411 protocol and single wire CAN protocol.  
   
   
       3 . The protocol adapter according to  claim 1  wherein the circuits include a static RAM module and a flash memory module for providing reflashing that allows the protocol adapter to be adapted with new firmware.  
   
   
       4 . The protocol adapter according to  claim 1  wherein the circuits include a J1708 transceiver for providing an interface between the vehicle network and the computer when the vehicle network is operating in a J1708 protocol.  
   
   
       5 . The protocol adapter according to  claim 1  wherein the circuits include a J1850 transceiver for providing an interface between the vehicle network and the computer when the vehicle network is operating in a J1850 protocol.  
   
   
       6 . The protocol adapter according to  claim 1  wherein the circuits include a controller area network (CAN) transceiver circuit for providing an interface between the vehicle network and the computer when the vehicle network is operating in a J1939 protocol.  
   
   
       7 . The protocol adapter according to  claim 1  wherein the circuits include an RS-232 transceiver circuit for providing an interface to an RS-232 port on the computer.  
   
   
       8 . The protocol adapter according to  claim 1  wherein the circuits include an universal asynchronous receive and transmit (UART) circuit for providing communication of asynchronous data to and from the computer.  
   
   
       9 . The protocol adapter according to  claim 1  further comprising a plurality of LEDs, said plurality of LEDs providing a visual indication of the protocol being used by the protocol adapter.  
   
   
       10 . The protocol adapter according to  claim 9  wherein the plurality of LEDs includes a plurality of dual colored LEDs.  
   
   
       11 . The protocol adapter according to  claim 10  wherein the plurality of dual colored LEDs are four dual colored LEDs, wherein three of the dual colored LEDs indicate which one of six user selected protocols is being used, and the fourth dual color LED indicates a mode of operation, including the pass-through mode.  
   
   
       12 . The protocol adapter according to  claim 1  wherein the protocol adapter communicates with the vehicle network and the computer wirelessly.  
   
   
       13 . A protocol adapter for transferring diagnostic signals between a vehicle network and a computer, said protocol adapter comprising: 
 a static RAM module and a flash memory module for providing reflashing that allows the protocol adapter to be adapted with new firmware;    a J1708 transceiver for providing an interface between the vehicle network and the computer when the vehicle network is operating in a J1708 protocol;    a J1850 transceiver for providing an interface between the vehicle network and the computer when the vehicle network is operating in a J1850 protocol;    a controller area network (CAN) transceiver circuit for providing an interface between the vehicle network and the computer when the vehicle network is operated in a J1939 protocol;    an RS-232 transceiver circuit for providing an interface to an RS-232 port on the computer; and    a universal asynchronous receive and transmit (UART) circuit for providing communication of asynchronous data to and from the computer.    
   
   
       14 . The protocol adapter according to  claim 13  wherein the protocol adapter includes a pass-through mode where the protocol adapter voltage translates signals between the vehicle network and the computer.  
   
   
       15 . The protocol adapter according to  claim 13  further comprising a plurality of LEDs, said plurality of LEDs providing a visual indication of the protocol being used by the protocol adapter.  
   
   
       16 . The protocol adapter according to  claim 15  wherein the plurality of LEDs includes a plurality of dual colored LEDs.  
   
   
       17 . Te protocol adapter according to  claim 16  wherein the plurality of dual colored LEDs are four dual colored LEDs, where three of the dual colored LEDs indicate which one of six user selected protocols is being used, and the fourth dual color LED indicates a mode of operation, including a pass-through mode.  
   
   
       18 . A protocol adapter for transferring diagnostic signals between a vehicle network and a computer, said protocol adapter comprising: 
 a J1708 transceiver for providing an interface between the vehicle network and the computer when the vehicle network is operating in a J1708 protocol;    a J1850 transceiver for providing an interface between the vehicle network and the computer when the vehicle network is operating in a J1850 protocol;    a controller area network (CAN) transceiver circuit for providing an interface between the vehicle network and the computer when the vehicle network is operated in a J1939 protocol; and    a plurality of LEDs, said plurality of LEDs providing a visual indication of the protocol being used by the protocol adapter, wherein the plurality of LEDs includes a plurality of dual colored LEDs.    
   
   
       19 . The protocol adapter according to  claim 18  further comprising a static RAM module and a flash memory module for providing reflashing that allows the protocol adapter to be adapted with new firmware.  
   
   
       20 . The protocol adapter according to  claim 18  further comprising an RS-232 transceiver circuit for providing an interface to an RS-232 port on the computer.  
   
   
       21 . The protocol adapter according to  claim 18  further comprising a universal asynchronous receive and transmit (UART) circuit for providing communication of asynchronous data to and from the computer.  
   
   
       22 . The protocol adapter according to  claim 18  wherein the plurality of dual colored LEDs are four dual colored LEDs, wherein three of the dual colored LEDs indicate which one of six user selected protocols is being used, and the fourth dual color LED indicates a mode of operation, including a pass-through mode.  
   
   
       24 . The protocol adapter according to  claim 18  wherein the protocol adapter includes a pass-through mode where the protocol adapter voltage translates signals between the vehicle network and the computer.  
   
   
       25 . The protocol adapter according to  claim 18  wherein the protocol adapter communicates with the vehicle network and the computer wirelessly.