ATE Temporal Signal Alignment Engine
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated Test Equipment (ATE) systems fail to display test results from multiple signal types coherently in time, limiting analysis and debugging capabilities due to their inability to align stimuli and acquisitions from different sources, especially when multiple operations are performed in parallel.
Innovation Solution
A system with an execution engine that aligns test results within a coherent time domain, allowing for the visualization of multiple signal types, including analog and digital signals, across different instruments and clock sources, using interactive graphical tools for analysis and refinement of test procedures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional test program editors are used to display ATE results, then the display is simple and easy to operate, but the temporal coherence and alignment of multiple signal types from different sources cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a time-domain alignment engine as an intermediary component that mediates between multiple ATE instruments with different clock sources and the display system. This engine receives timing information from various instruments, reconciles their temporal references, and provides unified time-aligned data for display, thereby achieving precise temporal alignment without requiring complex synchronization hardware across all instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The display system is segmented into independent trace displays for different signal types (analog, digital, bus signals) while maintaining a unified time reference through the alignment engine. Each signal type can be displayed on separate traces with appropriate scaling and filtering, but all traces are temporally coherent due to the common time base established by the alignment engine
2Productivity
If multiple operations are performed in parallel to improve productivity, then test execution speed increases, but the ability to display and analyze results coherently in time domain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment engine incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor timing information from parallel operations and dynamically adjust time references to maintain coherence. As parallel tests execute and complete, the system receives timing feedback and updates the temporal alignment accordingly, allowing operators to analyze results from multiple parallel operations as if they were sequentially time-aligned
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a temporal dimension to the display system by introducing time-aligned traces that overlay multiple signal types across the time domain. This dimensional addition allows parallel operations to be visualized in a unified temporal framework, transforming the analysis from separate independent displays to a integrated time-domain view that maintains ease of operation despite parallel execution
3Adaptability or versatility
If single stimulus or acquisition display is used, then the display is simple and focused, but comprehensive analysis of multiple signal types and parallel operations is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment engine provides universal functionality by accepting timing information from multiple ATE instruments with different clock sources and signal types, then unified them under a common time reference. The display system leverages this universality to present analog signals, digital signals, and bus signals all on the same time-aligned traces, enabling comprehensive multi-signal analysis without requiring separate display configurations for each signal type
Data Source
AI summary
The system includes an ATE which produces a plurality of test signals and test results for electronic devices by a test instrument or instruments therein. An execution engine responsive to the test results runs multiple test operations from the test instruments within a coherent time domain and maintains a temporal relationship between the multiple test results. The multiple test signals and test results are then displayed in a time coherent alignment.