Adaptive Trigger State Machine for Automated Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Measurement systems, such as oscilloscopes, face challenges in initiating the measurement process when a device under test does not enter the required state, leading to incomplete data acquisition and the need for manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A measurement apparatus with a state machine, measurement device, and trigger device that adapts the trigger condition if the desired state is not reached within a predetermined time, allowing for automated data acquisition based on dynamically adjusted trigger events, enabling continuous measurement even if the initial specified state is not attained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a state machine is used to control the measurement process, then the measurement can be automated, but the measurement cannot be performed if the device under test does not enter the required state
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger state condition is made dynamic and adaptable. Instead of being fixed to a single predetermined state, the trigger device can change the trigger state condition to another state if the predetermined state is not reached within a timeout period. This dynamic adaptation allows the measurement apparatus to respond to different operational scenarios and maintain measurement capability even when the device under test does not enter the initially specified state.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger state condition parameter is changed from a fixed value to an adaptable parameter. The system monitors whether the device under test enters the predetermined state within a timeout period, and if not, it changes the trigger state condition parameter to an alternative state. This parameter change enables the measurement process to be initiated under different conditions, resolving the contradiction between automation and measurement success.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed trigger state condition is specified, then the measurement apparatus can be simple to operate, but no measurement will be performed if the device under test does not reach that state
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement apparatus performs self-adjustment by automatically changing the trigger state condition when the predetermined state is not reached. The trigger device monitors the state machine and autonomously modifies the trigger condition without requiring user intervention. This self-service mechanism maintains ease of operation while improving productivity, as the system adapts to ensure measurement success.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback mechanism is implemented where the trigger device monitors whether the device under test enters the predetermined state within a timeout period. Based on this feedback, the system automatically changes the trigger state condition to an alternative state if the predetermined state is not reached. This feedback loop ensures both ease of operation and high data acquisition success rate by allowing the system to adapt to actual device behavior.
3Productivity
If the trigger state condition is changed dynamically, then measurement can be performed even if the initial state is not reached, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger device is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a simple trigger initiator and as an adaptive state manager. It can operate in a basic mode with a fixed trigger state condition and automatically switch to an adaptive mode by changing the trigger state condition if needed. This universal design allows the same component to handle both simple and complex scenarios, improving productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares multiple trigger state conditions in advance. When the device under test does not enter the predetermined state within the timeout period, the trigger device already has an alternative state ready to switch to. This preliminary preparation of alternative states reduces the complexity of real-time decision-making and simplifies the dynamic adaptation process, allowing productivity improvement with minimal increase in device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A test arrangement and a method for controlling a measurement apparatus are provided. The measurement apparatus, in particular the triggering of the measurement apparatus is controlled by a state machine. If a desired state for triggering the measurement apparatus is not entered within a predetermined time period, the conditions for triggering the measurement apparatus can be adapted. For example, a required state for triggering can be changed or an automated triggering can be initiated.