Diagnostic Tool Design
Since one of the main benefits of RV-C is the ability to provide diagnostic information through an inexpensive electronic tool, some consideration should be given to diagnostics in the design. Of course, at a minimum an RV-C component must support the basic diagnostic features described above. Some components may need additional configuration and diagnostic tools.
One of the benefits of RV-C is that each component vendor does not have to reinvent the diagnostic tool. The same technician's tool can potential work for every node on the network. SilverLeaf Electronics is introducing just such a “universal tool” - a laptop-based cable adapter and software package. SilverLeaf will include a basic diagnostic module in their laptop software for all components, at no charge to either the vendor or the technician. For many products this will be sufficient, but some vendors will wish to create more powerful modules that include proprietary capabilities.
The tools to do so are available from SilverLeaf for a reasonable price, or vendors can contract to have SilverLeaf do the programming. This custom software can use RV-C's provisions for proprietary messaging to perform whatever unique configuration or diagnostic tasks the product requires. Such a module could be used for factory testing and advanced configuration, as well as ordinary diagnostics.
Software modules can be distributed as a free download, a for-pay download, or with a “key” that the technician would have to enter before they can use it. This last capability allows the vendor to require the technician to complete a training course or qualify in some other way to use the software.