Electronic control assembly testing system

Abstract

An automotive powertrain assembly testing system comprising an interface module adapted to interconnect between an electronic control module of an automotive vehicle and an on-site computer system capable of accessing a remote database and data interpretation system. The interface module includes a four channel signal input capable of sampling data at a rate of 500,000 samples per second, in the range of zero to 250 volts. The interface module further includes a sample buffer capable of storing 32,768 samples per input channel. Electronic samples received by the interface module are transferred via an electronic connection to the on-site computer system, for real-time display to a system operator, and for transfer via a standard phone line or high-speed data connection to a remote database and data interpretation system. The data interpretation system receives the sampled data, compares it with acceptable data values for the vehicle undergoing diagnosis, and generates a component evaluation report. The component evaluation report is transmitted back to the on-site computer system for display to the operator or technicians, and includes a listing of vehicle components generating signals which are outside acceptable ranges. The data interpretation system further indicates to the operator or technician a repair priority for the failed components to facilitate rapid repair of the automotive vehicle.