6

Unique Attributes of

Automotive Functional

Testing

Functional testing of automotive

ECMs can strain the capabilities of

a typical test system. The TS-5020

can address a wide range of ECMs,

from climate control to ABS to air bag

control. Table 1 takes a closer look

at the test requirements for some of

these ECMs and the solution Keysight

TS-5020 can provide.

Test Requirements

The advancement of electronically

controlled functions in today’s

automobiles require a wide range

of capabilities: fast switching,

versatile signal generation and serial

communications; to name a few.

The TS-5020 is designed to meet

these challenges by increasing

production volume with higher

throughput while reducing the cost

of test. As summarized in the table

below, the TS-5020 offers a variety of

solutions for each of the critical test

requirements.

Figure 4. Example of serial interface for an electronic control module (ECM).

Table 1. TS-5020 solutions for automotive electronic control module testing

Test Requirements for ECM The Keysight TS-5020 Solution

Fast switching for routing

of multiple signals

and loads

– Programmable, easy to use switch path editor

– Scalable switching solution to cater up to 112 pins

– Load switching support up to 5 A

– Maximum of 80 load channels

– 42 V-ready solution

Real-world waveform

and signal generation

– Variable reluctance and Hall-effect sensor

simulation

High-current

and high-voltage

response handling

– Flyback voltage and current handling

– Voltages up to 150 V, currents up to 5 A

– Period, frequency, timing and duration

measurement capabilities

Serial communication

– ISO-9141 capability

– J1850 capability

– J1939 / CAN capability / fault-tolerant CAN /single-

wire CAN

Test Methodologies

The ability to test many types of

modules with one system improves

development leverage. Adding test

methodologies that accelerate

the measurement of each module,

regardless of type, is the next step

towards lower-cost test.

The Keysight TS-5020 offers two

approaches that improve the flexibility

and speed of the testing process. One

is UUT-assisted testing in which the

ECM becomes an active participant in

the testing process. The other is the

throughput-multiplier strategy which

enables batch testing of multiple

identical ECMs.

UUT-Assisted Test

As shown in figure 4 above right, most

ECM designs include a serial interface.

Communication protocols vary by

manufacturer, but most comply with

OBD2 standards. Variations include

ISO-9141, J1939/CAN and J1850. The

serial link is used in the automobile

itself and can also assist in the testing

of the module.

As a programmable device, the ECM

can be loaded with either operational

code or test code. Operational code

is either present in ROM during test

or is downloaded when the unit is

shipped. Test code is either included

in ROM or downloaded through

the serial link into the module. By

using test code as part of the test

program, the TS-5020 establishes a

set of conditions to which the ECM

responds. This test approach is

known as UUT-assisted test.

Power

Other outputs

Switch drivers

for headlamps

Serial interface

Discrete sensors

Analog sensors

Display lights

µController