Smart test link dongle

Abstract

A dongle for connecting a computerized device to a certified unit under test (UUT) includes a computerized device communication port and a UUT communication port. The dongle also includes a communication module operatively connecting the computerized device communication port and the UUT communication port. The communication module includes an internet protocol (IP) module that supplies an IP address to a computerized device connected to the computerized device communication port, wherein the IP address enables the computerized device to receive signals from and/or send signals to the UUT.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A dongle for connecting a computerized device to a certified unit under test (UUT), comprising:
 a computerized device communication port;   a UUT communication port; and   a communication module operatively connecting the computerized device communication port and the UUT communication port, the communication module including an internet protocol (IP) module that supplies an IP address to a computerized device connected to the computerized device communication port, wherein the IP address enables the computerized device to receive signals from and/or send signals to the UUT.   
     
     
         2 . The dongle of  claim 1 , wherein the IP module includes a dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP) server. 
     
     
         3 . The dongle of  claim 1 , further including a power port for supplying the IP module with electrical power. 
     
     
         4 . The dongle of  claim 1 , further including a battery for supplying the IP module with electrical power. 
     
     
         5 . The dongle of  claim 1 , wherein the communication module further includes a mode switching module having at least two states including an operational mode and a test mode. 
     
     
         6 . The dongle of  claim 5 , wherein the mode switching module is operatively connected to a mode switch to switch the mode switching module between the at least two states. 
     
     
         7 . The dongle of  claim 1 , further including a power switch to supply power to the IP module. 
     
     
         8 . The dongle of  claim 3 , wherein the power port includes a universal serial bus (USB) port for connecting to the computerized device. 
     
     
         9 . The dongle of  claim 1 , wherein the computerized device communication port includes power over Ethernet. 
     
     
         10 . The dongle of  claim 1 , wherein the computerized device communication port is a wireless communication port. 
     
     
         11 . The dongle of  claim 1 , wherein the UUT communication port is a wireless communication port. 
     
     
         12 . A method, including:
 receiving a request for an internet protocol (IP) address from a computerized device;   supplying an IP address to the computerized device that allows communication between a unit under test (UUT) and the computerized device; and   bridging communication between the computerized device and the UUT using the IP address.   
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , further including sending a mode signal to the UUT. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein sending the mode signal includes sending a test mode signal to the UUT instructing the UUT to operate in a test mode. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein sending the mode signal includes sending a boot mode signal to the UUT instructing the UUT to operate in a boot mode. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein sending the mode signal includes sending an operational mode signal to the UUT instructing the UUT to operate in an operational mode.