Automated Test Equipment Variable Signal Edge Selection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional test systems face difficulties in flexibility and efficiency due to the fixed number of signal edges in test vectors, leading to challenges in assembling packets, modifying patterns, and performing pre-execution modifications, especially when the natural protocol boundaries do not align with the selected number of edges.

Innovation Solution

An automated test equipment with a test processor that variably selects the number of signal states or transitions based on current instructions, allowing partial execution of test vectors and enabling flexible assembly and modification of test patterns.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the number of signal edges in test vectors is fixed, then throughput is improved and data compression is achieved, but flexibility in assembling packets and modifying patterns deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovethroughputVSAvoidflexibility in assembling packets

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the number of signal edges dynamic by allowing the test processor to execute a variable number of edges from each test vector based on control signals. Instead of being fixed at compilation time, the edge count can be adjusted during runtime to match protocol boundaries and packet requirements, resolving the contradiction between fixed-edge efficiency and flexible assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the parameter of signal edge count from a fixed value to a variable parameter that can be modified during test execution. The test processor receives control signals that specify how many edges to execute from the current test vector, allowing adaptation to different packet sizes and protocol requirements while maintaining the underlying fixed mapping structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the number of signal edges in test vectors is fixed, then clock frequency stability is improved, but ease of modifying patterns during debug deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclock frequency stabilityVSAvoidease of modifying patterns

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the test vector execution into controllable portions by allowing the test processor to execute only the required number of edges from each vector. This segmentation enables independent modification of individual vector executions during debug without affecting the overall clock frequency stability, as each vector remains mapped to a fixed number of edges but only a subset is executed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements partial action by allowing the test processor to execute only the necessary portion of each test vector's edges rather than the complete fixed set. This partial execution capability enables efficient pattern modification during debug, where only the required edges are applied while maintaining clock stability through the underlying fixed mapping structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Quantity of substance

If test vectors are mapped onto a fixed number of signal edges, then data compression is achieved, but the need for padding operations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata compressionVSAvoidtime for padding operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the necessary number of edges from each test vector based on actual packet requirements. Instead of always executing the complete fixed set of edges and then discarding excess portions, the system extracts and executes only the required subset, eliminating the need for padding operations with unnecessary nop() instructions and reducing overall test time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Device complexity

If the number of signal edges is fixed for each test vector, then system simplicity is maintained, but pre-execution modification capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidpre-execution modification capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent prepares test vectors with a fixed mapping to a predetermined number of edges in advance, enabling efficient compilation and storage. During pre-execution modification, the system binds specific vector indices to packet positions and configures the variable edge count parameters before test run, combining preliminary preparation with flexible modification capability without significantly increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9857424B2Automated test equipment, instruction provider for providing a sequence of instructions, method of providing signal to a device under test, method for providing a sequence of instructions and test system

Publication Date: 2018.01.02 ADVANTEST CORP

AI summary

An automated test equipment includes a test processor configured to provide a signal to a device under test on the basis of a sequence of instructions defining an evaluation of test vectors. The test processor is configured to map a test vector onto a set of signal states or signal transitions. Furthermore, the test processor is configured to variably select a number of signal states or signal transitions provided in the signal based on a current test vector in dependence on a current instruction.