AC Coupling Test System Without Multiplexer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional AC coupling test systems require multiplexers for multiple tests, which lead to increased costs and production yield issues due to signal transmission loss and reflection, and the need for multiple test systems to check transmitting and receiving functions separately.
Innovation Solution
A test system comprising a transmitter, a capacitor, and a receiver, where the transmitter includes an output circuit, a transmitting circuit, a signal generator, and a comparing circuit, and the receiver includes an input circuit, a switch, and a receiving circuit, allowing for multiple tests without a multiplexer by using different signal processing and switching configurations to determine normal, open-circuited, or short-circuited states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multiplexer is used to perform multiple tests in AC coupling mode, then multiple tests can be performed, but signal transmission loss and reflection increase, deteriorating test accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the multiplexer from the AC coupling test system entirely. Instead of using a multiplexer to switch between different test configurations, the system directly connects the transmitter and receiver through the capacitor for all test types, eliminating the source of signal loss and reflection associated with multiplexer usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the capacitor serve multiple functions: it acts as the AC coupling element for signal transmission and simultaneously serves as part of the test circuit for both transmitting function tests and open-circuited/short-circuited problem tests. This eliminates the need for separate multiplexer circuits for different test types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multiplexer is used to perform multiple tests, then test versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the multiplexer component from the test system, simplifying the overall device architecture. By eliminating this complex switching component, the system achieves multiple test capabilities through a simpler direct connection approach via the capacitor.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor is designed to handle multiple test functions universally - serving as both the AC coupling element and the test circuit component for detecting transmitting functions and open-circuited/short-circuited problems, thereby reducing the need for additional specialized components.
3Measurement precision
If separate test systems are used for transmitting function test and open-circuited/short-circuited test, then test accuracy is improved, but productivity decreases due to increased test time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the transmitting function test and the open-circuited/short-circuited problem test into a single integrated test system. Both test types share the same capacitor-based AC coupling circuit, allowing sequential or combined execution of multiple tests without requiring separate dedicated systems, thus improving test speed while maintaining accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables cost-effective and efficient performance of multiple tests in AC mode without a multiplexer, reducing signal loss and reflection, and simplifying the test process while maintaining accurate determination of device states.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter is connected to a receiver via a capacitor; therefore, in this configuration only an AC signal can be transmitted successfully
Data Source
AI summary
A test system includes a transmitter, capacitor, and receiver. The transmitter includes: an output circuit coupled to the receiver via the capacitor; a transmitting circuit transmitting a predetermined signal to a pad of the output circuit during a first test; a signal generator outputting a first signal and second signal to the pad during a first process and second process of a second test; and a comparator comparing the pad's signal with a reference signal in the first process and second process to determine whether the second test passes. The receiver includes: an input circuit coupled to the transmitter via the capacitor; a switch coupled between the input circuit and a receiving circuit to be conducting in the first test and second process and nonconducting in the first process; and the receiving circuit determining whether the first test passes according to the predetermined signal and assisting the capacitor in discharging.