Tri-axial power and control system and method

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to systems and methods related to test and measurement systems, and in particular to test and measurement systems employing triaxial connectors and cables. A test and measurement device comprising a first input configured to receive a first voltage from a first conductor of a first triaxial cable, a second input configured to receive a second voltage from a second conductor of the first triaxial cable or a second triaxial cable, and an output configured to output a signal.

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 945,035 entitled “TRIAXIAL POWER AND CONTROLMETHOD”, filed on December 6, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to systems and methods associated with test and measurement systems, and in particular to test and measurement systems employing triaxial connectors and cables. Background Technology

[0004] For a variety of reasons, when setting up tests for a device under test (DUT), it is often necessary or beneficial to place a remote device between the test and measurement instruments and the DUT. Such remote modules may include, for example, preamplifiers for low-current measurements, devices for modifying or protecting the behavior of test and measurement instruments, remote T-biasers (RBTs) that allow for both DC and AC testing, and matrices for generally switching instruments to different DUTs.

[0005] However, many of these remote devices cannot be controlled in different operating modes. Furthermore, due to considerations of spacing and size, as well as the cost of developing control hardware and drivers, adding connections (such as wires) to these modules to allow digital communication to change modes is generally impractical.

[0006] The embodiments disclosed herein address these and other deficiencies of the prior art. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Referring to the accompanying drawings, aspects, features, and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of embodiments, wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 It is a block diagram of a test and measurement system that includes remote devices;

[0009] Figure 2 This is a block diagram of a test and measurement system including a remote device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 3 It is possible Figure 2 An example of a signal received at a remote device;

[0011] Figure 4 This is another example of a remote device according to other embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0012] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to remote modules and circuits connected between test and measurement instruments and the device under test, and are capable of changing modes based on the output from the test and measurement instruments.

[0013] Figure 1 A block diagram of an example test system according to an embodiment of this disclosure is illustrated. Test and measurement instruments 100, such as a source measurement unit (SMU), can be connected to a device under test (DUT) 104 via a remote device 102. Test and measurement instruments 100 can also be directly connected to the DUT 104. Test and measurement instruments 100 are connected to the remote device 102 and / or the DUT 104 via one or more triaxial cables. The triaxial cable typically includes a center conductor, often referred to as the “force.” The center conductor and an inner insulation layer are surrounded by an intermediate conductor, often referred to as the shield. The shield and another insulation layer are then surrounded by a third outer conductor or shield, which is often used as a ground. Finally, the outer shield is typically surrounded by an outer insulating protective layer.

[0014] Remote device 102 receives voltage across two conductors 106 and 108 of a triaxial cable connected to test and measurement instrument 100. Test and measurement instrument 100 can be connected to device under test 104 via a third conductor 110 of the triaxial cable, or directly to device under test 104 via another triaxial cable. Test and measurement instrument 100 can instruct remote device 102 to change the testing mode of device under test 104 via conductors 106 and 108. Remote device 102 can modify the signal path from test and measurement instrument 100 for appropriate testing of device under test 104. In some embodiments, conductor 106 may be a conductor of a first triaxial cable, and conductor 108 may be a conductor of a second triaxial cable.

[0015] Currently, a problem exists in semiconductor parameter testing systems where, for example, low-current DC, capacitance-voltage (C / V), and pulse measurements must all be switched and connected to the device under test (DUT) 104 using the same triaxial cable. Triaxial cable protection is necessary for DC testing, but is generally undesirable for AC / DC and pulse testing. The remote device 102 of this disclosure allows the remote device 102 to be closer to the DUT 104 while being able to change modes as needed for testing.

[0016] Figure 2The illustration depicts a remote device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. In this system, a test and measurement instrument 100 can power a remote device 102, which detects and executes coded commands to change the mode of the remote device. The system includes the test and measurement instrument 100, the remote device 102, and the device under test 104. The test and measurement instrument 100 can be connected to the remote device 102 via one or more triaxial cables.

[0017] The remote device 102 may include a power supply 206, a signal decoder 208, a device control circuit 210, and a device or measurement circuit 212. The remote device is connected to at least two conductors 214 and 216 of a triaxial cable, which connect the remote device 102 to the test and measurement instrument 100. The third conductor 218 of the triaxial cable may be directly connected to the device under test 104.

[0018] The test and measurement instrument 100 can output a first voltage on the first conductor 214 and a second voltage on the second conductor 216 to change the mode of the remote device 102. Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. Figure 2 As shown, the first conductor 214 is a shield, and the second conductor 216 carries the LO signal, while the HI signal is transmitted to the device under test 202 via the third conductor 218. However, the conductors can be configured to carry various signals, such as HI to shield, shield to LO, HI to LO, or first shield to second shield. By sending different voltage signals on each conductor, conductors 214 and 216 can be used to power and communicate with the remote device 102.

[0019] Test and measurement instrument 100 can send an initial power signal to remote device 102 via first conductor 214 and second conductor 216, which is received by power supply 206. Power supply 206 receives variable voltage from first conductor 214 and second conductor 216 and generates a constant voltage supply based on the variable voltage. This constant voltage supply can be used to power signal decoder 208 and device control circuit 210.

[0020] Once powered on, the signal decoder 208 monitors the voltage on the first conductor 214 relative to the second conductor 216 to determine what command the test and measurement instrument 100 is sending to the remote device 102. Using the established communication protocol, the signal decoder 208 can decode the command signal sent from the test and measurement instrument 100 based on the voltage of the first conductor 214 and the second conductor 216.

[0021] The device control circuit 210 receives commands from the signal decoder 208, and can take actions to change the operating mode of the remote device 102 in the device circuit 212. During normal testing, signal 220 can be output to the device under test 104 via the remote device 104.

[0022] In some embodiments, the power supply 206, the signal decoder 208, and the device control circuit 210 are active or “on” only when receiving a voltage between the first conductor 214 and the second conductor 216; otherwise, they can be powered off or placed in sleep mode.

[0023] For example, in some embodiments, power supply 206 may be a capacitor charged by the voltage between the first conductor 214 and the second conductor 216. This capacitor will be large enough to power the signal decoder 208 and the device control circuitry 210, thereby receiving and executing commands from the test and measurement instrument 100. When the capacitor has discharged, power supply 206, signal decoder 208, and device control circuitry 210 are de-energized.

[0024] As those skilled in the art will understand, more complex circuitry can be provided to de-energize the signal decoder 208 and device control circuitry 210 when not in use, such as a switch that disconnects power supply 206 from the first conductor 214 and the second conductor 216. This switch can be activated based on the voltage between the first conductor 214 and the second conductor 216.

[0025] Figure 3 An example of a signal 300 transmitted from test and measurement instrument 100 to remote device 102 via a first conductor 214 and a second conductor 216 is illustrated. Before the shutdown and normal test 308 can begin, the signal 300 may include a power-on section 302, a command section 304, and a command execution section 306.

[0026] First, the energized portion 302 of the receiving signal 300 provides a variable voltage to the power supply 206, thereby generating a constant voltage for the signal decoder 208 and the device control circuit 210. The energized portion 302 of the signal 300 is configured to ensure that sufficient charge is transferred to the power supply 206 to power the signal decoder 208 and the device control circuit 210 until the command execution portion 306 of the signal 300 is received and executed.

[0027] Command portion 304 is a unique signal that can be decoded by signal decoder 208. Command portion 304 is unique such that if power supply 206 is not interrupted during normal testing, the test sequence is unlikely to accidentally trigger device control circuitry 210 and cause remote device 102 to change mode. In such an embodiment, remote device 102 may include modulation of frequency or pulse amplitude to ensure that the command signal is unique and cannot be triggered by the test sequence.

[0028] Signal 300 also includes a command execution section 306, which notifies the remote device 102 that the entire command signal 304 has been received, and that the device control circuit 210 can change the mode of the remote device 102 based on the decoded command signal from the signal decoder 208, for example, by changing the configuration of the device circuit 212. Once the command is executed, normal testing of the device under test 104 can be performed through the remote device 102.

[0029] When not powered on, the power supply 206, signal decoder 208, and device control circuit 210 are floated using a protective signal, so that these components do not cause any additional leakage during the testing of the device under test.

[0030] In some embodiments, the remote device 102 may send communication signals back to the test and measurement instrument 100, for example, to confirm the status or operating mode of the remote device 102. For example, in some embodiments, when the device control circuit 210 has completed executing a command, the device control circuit 210 may initiate communication back to the test and measurement instrument 100 to confirm that the mode of the remote device 102 has changed. In some embodiments, the device control circuit 210 may also confirm which mode the remote device 102 has changed to, rather than simply confirming that a change has occurred, so that the test and measurement instrument 100 can confirm that the remote device 102 has received and decoded the correct signal.

[0031] The remote device 102 can transmit communication signals back to the test and measurement instrument 100 via a separate connection, or it can use the first conductor 114 and the second conductor 116. In some embodiments, the third conductor of the triaxial cable can be used to transmit signals back to the test and measurement instrument 100. In other embodiments, the remote device 102 may include a transmitter or transceiver capable of transmitting communications back to the test and measurement instrument 100.

[0032] Figure 4 This is another example of a remote device 102, which can be connected to the device under test 104 and the test and measurement instrument 100. Figure 4 (not shown in the text) Figure 4The diagram illustrates three Kelvin triaxial connections connected to a three-terminal device under test 104. Each Kelvin connection includes two cables 400 and 402, a relay coil 404, and a switch 406.

[0033] The intermediate conductor 408 of each cable 400 and 402 is connected to the relay coil 404. The center conductor 410 is connected to one of the terminals of the device under test 104. When engaged, the switch 406 connects the center conductor 408, the terminal of the device under test 104, and the outer conductor 412 to each other. The outer conductor 412 of each of cables 400 and 402 is connected to each other.

[0034] exist Figure 4 In this embodiment, the test and measurement instrument 100 may instruct the remote device 102 to activate or deactivate the switch 406 based on the type of measurement being performed. For example, the switch 406 may be activated to perform a high-frequency measurement that requires the use of an outer conductor 412.

[0035] During operation, the test and measurement instrument 100 can open and close each switch 406 by energizing or de-energizing the associated relay coil 404. To energize or de-energize the relay coil 404, the test and measurement instrument 100 can send a differential voltage across the Kelvin cable to the intermediate conductor 408 of 400 and 402. When switch 406 is open and relay coil 404 is not activated, relay coil 404 is under a protective signal, which reduces leakage to the terminals of the device under test 104.

[0036] exist Figure 4 The embodiment is illustrated in the diagram. (As shown in the diagram...) Figure 4 As shown, the coil relay 404 can be placed physically close to the device under test 104, which can provide advantages, for example, for fast pulse measurements, radio frequency measurements, and high-frequency measurements. That is, as... Figure 4 The remote device shown in the diagram can provide benefits for high-frequency measurements, but it does not sacrifice accurate measurement of direct current.

[0037] Various aspects of this disclosure can operate on specially created hardware, firmware, digital signal processors, or on specially programmed computers including processors that operate according to programmed instructions. The terms controller or processor used herein are intended to include microprocessors, microcomputers, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and special-purpose hardware controllers. One or more aspects of this disclosure can be embodied in computer-usable data and computer-executable instructions, such as in one or more program modules executed by one or more computers (including monitoring modules) or other devices. Typically, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc., which perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types when executed by a processor in a computer or other device. Computer-executable instructions can be stored on computer-readable storage media, such as hard disks, optical disks, removable storage media, solid-state storage, random access memory (RAM), etc. As those skilled in the art will understand, the functionality of program modules can be combined or distributed according to the expectations of various aspects. Furthermore, functionality can be wholly or partially embodied in firmware or hardware equivalents, such as integrated circuits and FPGAs. Specific data structures can be used to more efficiently implement one or more aspects of this disclosure, and such data structures are contemplated within the scope of the computer-executable instructions and computer-usable data described herein.

[0038] In some cases, the disclosed aspects may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or any combination thereof. The disclosed aspects may also be implemented as instructions carried or stored thereon on one or more computer-readable storage media, which may be read and executed by one or more processors. Such instructions may be referred to as a computer program product. As discussed herein, a computer-readable medium means any medium that can be accessed by a computing device. By way of example and not limitation, a computer-readable medium may include computer storage media and communication media.

[0039] Computer storage media refers to any medium that can be used to store computer-readable information. By way of example and not limitation, computer storage media may include RAM, ROM, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memory technologies, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital video disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage devices, cassette tape, magnetic tape, disk storage devices or other magnetic storage devices, and any other volatile or non-volatile, removable or non-removable media implemented in any technology. Computer storage media does not include the signal itself or the temporary form of signal transmission.

[0040] A communication medium is any medium that can be used for the communication of computer-readable information. By way of example and not limitation, a communication medium may include coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, air, or any other medium suitable for communication of electrical, optical, radio frequency (RF), infrared, acoustic, or other types of signals.

[0041] Example

[0042] Illustrative examples of the techniques disclosed herein are provided below. Embodiments of the techniques may include any one or more of the examples described below, as well as any combination thereof.

[0043] Example 1, a test and measurement device, comprising: a first input configured to receive a first voltage from a first conductor of a first triaxial cable; a second input configured to receive a second voltage from a second conductor of either the first or second triaxial cable; circuitry configured to change modes based on the first and second voltages; and an output configured to output a signal.

[0044] Example 2 is a test and measurement device of Example 1, further comprising: a power supply configured to receive a first voltage and a second voltage, and to generate a constant voltage supply based on the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and a signal decoder configured to receive a constant voltage source and monitor the first voltage relative to the second voltage to determine a command code for changing a mode.

[0045] Example 3 is the test and measurement device of Example 2, where the power source is a capacitor.

[0046] Example 4 is a test and measurement device of Example 2 or 3, further including device control circuitry configured to receive command codes from a signal decoder and cause the measurement circuitry to change modes based on the command codes.

[0047] Example 5 is a test and measurement device of Example 4, wherein the first conductor is configured to conduct a low signal of the first triaxial cable, and the second conductor is a shield for the first triaxial cable.

[0048] Example 6 is a test and measurement device of any of Examples 1-5, wherein a first voltage and a second voltage are received from a test and measurement instrument.

[0049] Example 7 is a test and measurement device of Example 1, wherein a second voltage is received from a second conductor of a second cable, the output including a third conductor of a first triaxial cable coupled to a second triaxial cable and a fourth conductor of a second triaxial cable, and the circuit further includes: a relay coil connected to a first input and a second input, the relay coil being configured to be activated based on a voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and a switch connected to a fifth conductor of the first triaxial cable, wherein the switch changes state when the relay coil is activated.

[0050] Example 8 is a test and measurement device of any of Examples 1-7, wherein the output is a first output coupled to the device under test, and the device further includes a second output configured to send information to the test and measurement instrument.

[0051] Example 9 is a system for measuring a device under test, comprising: a test and measurement instrument coupled to at least one triaxial cable, the test and measurement instrument being configured to output a first voltage on a first conductor of the at least one triaxial cable and a second voltage on a second conductor of the at least one triaxial cable; and a module coupled to the test and measurement instrument via the at least one triaxial cable, the module being configured to change modes based on the first voltage and the second voltage.

[0052] Example 10 is a system of Example 9, wherein the module further includes: a power supply configured to receive a first voltage and a second voltage and generate a constant voltage supply based on the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and a signal decoder configured to receive the constant voltage supply and monitor the first voltage relative to the second voltage to determine a command code for changing the mode.

[0053] Example 11 is the system of Example 10, where the power source is a capacitor.

[0054] Example 12 is a system of any one of Examples 10 or 11, wherein the module further includes mode control circuitry configured to receive command codes from a signal decoder and cause a measurement circuitry to change mode based on the command codes.

[0055] Example 13 is a system of any of Examples 9-12, wherein the first conductor is configured to conduct a low signal of the first triaxial cable, and the second conductor is a shield for the first triaxial cable.

[0056] Example 14 is a system of any of Example 9, wherein the first conductor is a conductor of a first triaxial cable and the second conductor is a conductor of a second triaxial cable.

[0057] Example 15 is a system of Example 14, wherein the module includes: a relay coil connected to a first input and a second input, the relay coil being configured to be activated based on a voltage difference between a first voltage and a second voltage; and a switch connected to a third conductor of a first triaxial cable, wherein the switch changes state when the relay coil is activated.

[0058] Example 16 is a system of any of Examples 9-15, wherein the module is further configured to send communication signals to test and measurement instruments.

[0059] Example 17 is a method for operating a remote device, comprising: receiving a voltage difference between two conductors of one or more triaxial cables from a test and measurement instrument at the remote device; activating a mode circuit on the remote device to change an operating mode based on the voltage difference; and outputting a signal to the device under test based on the operating mode of the remote device.

[0060] Example 18 is a method of Example 17, further including supplying power to the power source based on the voltage difference; and decoding a command signal based on the voltage difference to determine the operating mode.

[0061] Example 19 is a method of Example 17, wherein the activation mode circuit includes activating a relay coil to open or close a switch.

[0062] Example 20 is a method of any of Examples 17-19, further comprising transmitting a signal from a remote device to a test and measurement instrument to confirm a mode change.

[0063] The previously described versions of the disclosed subject matter have many advantages, which have been described or should be obvious to those skilled in the art. However, these advantages or features are not essential in all versions of the disclosed apparatus, system, or method.

[0064] Furthermore, this written description refers to specific features. It should be understood that the disclosure in this specification includes all possible combinations of those specific features. Where a specific feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or example, that feature may also be used in the context of other aspects and examples to the greatest extent possible.

[0065] Furthermore, when a method having two or more defined steps or operations is mentioned in this application, the defined steps or operations may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless the context precludes those possibilities.

[0066] Although specific examples of the invention have been illustrated and described for illustrative purposes, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, the invention should not be limited except for the appended claims.

Claims

1. A test and measurement device employing a triaxial connector and cables, comprising: The first input terminal is configured to receive a first voltage from the first conductor of the first triaxial cable; The second input terminal is configured to receive a second voltage from the second conductor of the first triaxial cable or the second triaxial cable; The circuit is configured to change modes based on the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; The output terminal is configured to output a signal based on the aforementioned pattern; The power supply is configured to receive a first voltage and a second voltage, and generate a constant voltage supply based on the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and A signal decoder is configured to receive the constant voltage supply and monitor the first voltage relative to the second voltage to determine a command code for changing the mode.

2. The test and measurement apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the power source is a capacitor.

3. The test and measurement apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an apparatus control circuit configured to receive command codes from the signal decoder and, based on the command codes, cause the measurement circuit to change mode.

4. The test and measurement apparatus of claim 3, wherein the first conductor is configured to conduct a low signal of the first triaxial cable, and the second conductor is a shield for the first triaxial cable.

5. The test and measurement apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first voltage and a second voltage are received from the test and measurement instrument.

6. The testing and measuring apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: Receive the second voltage from the second conductor of the second cable. The output terminal includes a third conductor of the first triaxial cable coupled to the device under test and a fourth conductor of the second triaxial cable, and The circuit further includes: A relay coil is connected to a first input terminal and a second input terminal, the relay coil being configured to be activated based on the voltage difference between a first voltage and a second voltage. A switch is connected to the fifth conductor of a first triaxial cable, wherein the switch changes state when the relay coil is activated.

7. The test and measurement apparatus of claim 1, wherein the output terminal is a first output terminal coupled to the device under test, and the apparatus further includes a second output terminal configured to send information to the test and measurement instrument.

8. A system for measuring a device under test, comprising: Test and measurement instruments are coupled to at least one triaxial cable, the test and measurement instruments being configured to output a first voltage on a first conductor of the at least one triaxial cable and to output a second voltage on a second conductor of the at least one triaxial cable; and A module, coupled to the test and measurement instrument via the at least one triaxial cable, is configured to change modes based on the voltage difference between a first voltage and a second voltage; The power supply is configured to receive a first voltage and a second voltage, and to generate a constant voltage supply based on the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; and A signal decoder is configured to receive the constant voltage supply and monitor the first voltage relative to the second voltage to determine the command code for changing the mode.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the power source is a capacitor.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the module further includes a mode control circuit configured to receive command codes from a signal decoder and cause the measurement circuit to change mode based on the command codes.

11. The system of claim 8, wherein the first conductor is configured to conduct a low signal of the first triaxial cable, and the second conductor is a shield for the first triaxial cable.

12. The system of claim 8, wherein the first conductor is a conductor of a first triaxial cable and the second conductor is a conductor of a second triaxial cable.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the module comprises: A relay coil, the relay coil being connected to a first input terminal and a second input terminal, the relay coil being configured to be activated based on the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage; And a switch connected to the third conductor of the first triaxial cable, wherein the switch changes state when the relay coil is activated.

14. The system of claim 8, wherein the module is further configured to send communication signals to the test and measurement instruments.

15. A method for operating a remote device, comprising: Receive the voltage difference between two conductors of one or more triaxial cables from test and measurement instruments at a remote device; The mode circuit on the remote device is activated based on the voltage difference to change the operating mode; and The remote device outputs signals to the device under test based on its operating mode. Power is supplied to the power source based on the voltage difference; and The operation mode is determined by decoding the command signal based on the voltage difference.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the activation mode circuit includes activating a relay coil to open or close a switch.

17. The method of claim 15, further comprising transmitting a signal from the remote device to the test and measurement instrument to confirm a mode change.

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