[3F4] Online monitoring of communication networks with SSTDR
T Whitmore, G Xu, S Simpson and R Filer
Viper Innovations Ltd, UK
Reliable fault detection in automotive and industrial communication networks is critical to ensuring system integrity and minimising downtime. This study investigates the feasibility of using spread spectrum time-domain reflectometry (SSTDR) for real-time fault detection and monitoring in controller area network (CAN-FD) and Ethernet communication systems. Compatibility testing confirmed that SSTDR operation does not interfere with network performance, with no measurable impact on data transfer speeds or error rates. However, an increase in Ethernet connection establishment time was observed. Fault location testing demonstrated that SSTDR accurately identified faults along active communication lines, despite noise from the communications signal. The results indicate that SSTDR is a viable tool for online network monitoring, with potential for further performance improvements through front-end hardware optimisation.
