Automated Cabling Optimization for Test Campaigns
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual scheduling of complex test campaigns involving multiple devices and test programs is time-consuming and costly, as it requires significant effort and often results in delayed test execution due to the need for manual cabling setup and adherence to specific constraints.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a processing circuit, potentially based on quantum annealing or AI algorithms, to optimize cabling between devices under test and testing devices, considering various constraints and test plans, thereby automating the connection setup and providing optimized cabling and scheduling plans to improve efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual scheduling is used for complex test campaigns, then flexibility in handling constraints is maintained, but time consumption and costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical scheduling operations with an automated processing circuit that executes optimization algorithms. The processing circuit automatically determines optimal cabling configurations and test execution schedules by processing test constraints, device capabilities, and resource availability, eliminating the need for manual scheduling efforts while reducing test campaign duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the processing circuit independently analyzes test requirements, evaluates multiple scheduling scenarios, and generates optimized cabling plans without human intervention. The system serves itself by automatically updating cabling configurations based on real-time test execution status and constraint changes.
2Ease of operation
If manual cabling setup is performed according to scheduling plans, then connection accuracy can be ensured, but operational effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical cabling operations with automated processing circuitry that determines optimal cabling configurations. The processing circuit analyzes device connectors, test port requirements, and signal specifications to automatically generate precise cabling plans, eliminating manual connection efforts while maintaining or improving connection accuracy through algorithmic optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing circuit acts as an intermediary between test requirements and physical cabling implementation. It translates high-level test constraints and device capabilities into detailed cabling instructions, serving as a mediator that ensures connection accuracy while reducing operational effort by eliminating direct manual intervention in the cabling process.
3Productivity
If multiple test programs are executed in parallel on multiple testing devices, then productivity increases, but scheduling complexity and constraint management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic scheduling where the processing circuit continuously adapts the test execution plan based on real-time status of parallel test programs and available resources. The system dynamically adjusts cabling configurations and test execution timing to optimize parallel throughput while automatically managing constraints, allowing productivity to increase without proportionally increasing scheduling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing circuit performs preliminary analysis of all test programs, devices, and constraints before execution to pre-determine optimal parallel scheduling and cabling configurations. By evaluating all possible parallel execution scenarios in advance and selecting the optimal plan, the system enables high productivity while keeping scheduling complexity manageable through upfront computational optimization.
4Reliability
If expert knowledge is required for cabling specification, then connection reliability is improved, but operational costs and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expert human knowledge with automated processing circuitry that encodes cabling expertise in optimization algorithms. The processing circuit reliably determines optimal cabling configurations by analyzing device specifications, connector types, signal requirements, and test constraints, achieving expert-level connection reliability while fully automating the process to eliminate dependence on human experts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system copies expert cabling knowledge into the processing circuit through programmed optimization algorithms and decision rules. By encoding expert judgment criteria into the automated system, the patent reproduces expert-level connection reliability without requiring actual experts to perform manual cabling, thereby increasing automation while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method of optimizing cabling of at least one device under test when performing tests on the at least one device under test. At least one device under test with a plurality of connectors is provided. The connectors are capable of supporting different frequencies and/or different signal directions. At least one testing device with a plurality of test ports is provided. The test ports are capable of supporting different frequencies and/or different signal directions. The at least one device under test and the testing device are to be connected with each other via a cabling. The cabling between the at least one device under test and the at least one testing device is optimized by a processing circuit. Further, a system is disclosed.