Developing a LIN Responder Test Tool
Romppanen, Tomi (2023)
2023
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202304135199
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202304135199
Tiivistelmä
Developing quality software is a complex process that requires continuous testing of the product throughout the development life cycle. System testing is performed at the final stages of the development process, after the units of code that contain the functionality of the product have been fully integrated to form a system. This thesis presents a tool that can be used in system testing of a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) Responder node. LIN is a cost-efficient serial network protocol that is used to control non-safety-critical applications in modern vehicles. This thesis was commissioned by the Finland Software Development Center of ROHM Semiconductor GmbH.
The main goal of this thesis work was to develop a LIN capable test tool using PC controlled LIN interface hardware, that can be used in system testing of a LIN Responder node. The work began by studying revision 2.2A of the LIN protocol, and the interface hardware’s Python application programming interface. A test tool was then developed based on the specifications set for the communication between LIN 2.X nodes, and test cases focusing on the LIN protocol were written to evaluate the usability of the test tool in system testing of the Responder node.
This thesis achieved its goal; a working LIN Responder test tool was developed. The tool was successfully used to test the Responder node’s handling of LIN communication. It was able to verify that the Responder node is capable of handling normal LIN communication without raising errors. Test tool was also used to create and test some of the common LIN error states, but due to limitations in the test tool hardware’s programming interface, not all error states could be covered.
Future development of the tool could consist of improving test tool’s ability to test LIN error states. This would require the LIN interface hardware of the tool to be changed to one that allows complete modification of all parts of the LIN frame.
The main goal of this thesis work was to develop a LIN capable test tool using PC controlled LIN interface hardware, that can be used in system testing of a LIN Responder node. The work began by studying revision 2.2A of the LIN protocol, and the interface hardware’s Python application programming interface. A test tool was then developed based on the specifications set for the communication between LIN 2.X nodes, and test cases focusing on the LIN protocol were written to evaluate the usability of the test tool in system testing of the Responder node.
This thesis achieved its goal; a working LIN Responder test tool was developed. The tool was successfully used to test the Responder node’s handling of LIN communication. It was able to verify that the Responder node is capable of handling normal LIN communication without raising errors. Test tool was also used to create and test some of the common LIN error states, but due to limitations in the test tool hardware’s programming interface, not all error states could be covered.
Future development of the tool could consist of improving test tool’s ability to test LIN error states. This would require the LIN interface hardware of the tool to be changed to one that allows complete modification of all parts of the LIN frame.