Adaptive Calibration Circuit for Test System Interconnects

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communications test systems require manual calibration for each specific interconnect, which is time-consuming and skill-dependent, and lacks efficiency when dealing with different interconnect configurations.

Innovation Solution

A control circuit performs adaptive calibration by determining the range of valid values for configurable calibration parameters, sweeping through these values, testing the received signal, and determining a set of calibrated values based on the results, reducing the need for manual adjustment and skill-intensive processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual calibration is performed for each interconnect, then calibration accuracy is improved, but calibration time and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-calibration by automatically determining valid parameter ranges, sweeping through values, and selecting optimal calibration parameters without requiring manual user intervention. The control circuit autonomously tests signals and determines calibrated values, eliminating the need for skilled operators to manually adjust parameters while maintaining calibration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically changes calibration parameters by determining valid ranges for each parameter, sweeping through subsets of values, and selecting optimal parameters based on signal testing. This automated parameter adjustment process replaces manual calibration while achieving comparable or superior accuracy through algorithmic optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If manual calibration is performed for each interconnect, then calibration accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration system serves itself by automatically determining valid parameter ranges, sweeping through values, and selecting optimal calibration parameters without requiring manual user intervention. This eliminates the need for skilled operators and simplifies operation while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from signal testing to automatically adjust calibration parameters. The control circuit tests signals at different parameter values and uses the results to determine optimal calibrated values, creating a closed-loop system that maintains accuracy without manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If automated calibration is implemented, then calibration speed is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The calibration process is segmented into distinct automated steps: determining valid parameter ranges, sweeping through values, testing signals, and selecting optimal parameters. This segmentation allows complex calibration to be broken down into manageable automated operations, increasing speed while keeping the control circuit structure organized and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-determining valid parameter ranges and pre-configuring the sweeping process before actual calibration occurs. This preparation enables rapid automated calibration execution without requiring complex real-time decision-making during the calibration process itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9910125B2Methods, systems, and computer readable media for adaptively calibrating test systems for different interconnects
Publication Date: 2018.03.06 KEYSIGHT TECH SINGAPORE (SALES) PTE LTD
  • US9910125B2 patent drawing
  • US9910125B2 patent drawing
  • US9910125B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The subject matter described herein relates to methods, systems, and computer readable media for adaptive calibration of test systems to interconnects. In some examples, a control circuit performs a method for adaptive calibration including determining, for each configurable calibration parameter of a number of configurable calibration parameters for a receiver for processing a received signal from an interconnect coupled to the receiver, a range of valid values for the configurable calibration parameter. The method further includes for each configurable calibration parameter: sweeping the configurable calibration parameter across a subset of values from the range of valid values for the configurable calibration parameter; and testing the received signal from the interconnect for each value in the subset of values and storing a result of the testing for the value. The method further includes determining a set of calibrated values for the configurable calibration parameters based on the results of the testing.