Backplane Testing System Using Loop-Back Signal Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current backplane testing methods are time-consuming, expensive, and limited in their ability to test higher speed components, as they require specialized equipment like Vector Network Analyzers, which are costly and only test localized areas, failing to assess actual channel compliance in the time domain.
Innovation Solution
A backplane testing system comprising a line module loop back test device and a route processing module test device that engage connectors on a test backplane, sending test signals through channels and analyzing them to determine compliance, allowing for comprehensive testing without expensive specialized equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a Vector Network Analyzer is used to test backplane channels, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the backplane channel environment using software simulation models that replicate the electrical characteristics and behavior of actual channels. This allows comprehensive channel compliance testing without requiring expensive physical Vector Network Analyzers, as the software model accurately reproduces channel responses for testing purposes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical testing system (Vector Network Analyzer hardware) with a software-based electrical simulation system. By using computational models to simulate channel behavior and perform compliance testing in the time domain, the system eliminates the need for complex specialized measurement equipment while maintaining testing accuracy
2Measurement precision
If a Vector Network Analyzer is used for backplane testing, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to setup requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-characterizing backplane channels during manufacturing and creating stored reference models of channel responses. These pre-established models allow for rapid compliance testing without requiring time-consuming setup of dedicated test traces and connectors, as the testing can proceed directly using the stored channel characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses software-generated copies of channel responses that can be instantly accessed and compared against actual measurements. This eliminates the time required for physical setup of Vector Network Analyzer test configurations, as the reference channel models are digitally stored and immediately available for compliance verification
3Measurement precision
If dedicated testing traces are added to the backplane, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the testing function from the physical backplane structure by using software to analyze existing channel responses. Instead of embedding dedicated test traces within the backplane, the system separates the measurement function into a software-based analysis layer that processes electrical characteristics already present in the operational channels, eliminating the need for additional physical test infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the existing backplane channels serve multiple functions: they simultaneously perform their operational data transmission role and serve as test channels for compliance verification. By using the same channels for both production and testing purposes through software-based analysis, the system eliminates the need for separate dedicated testing traces, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining measurement capability
4Measurement precision
If conventional testing methods are used, then measurement precision in frequency domain is improved, but adaptability decreases for time domain testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the domain parameter from frequency domain to time domain by using impulse response measurements and time-domain reflectometry techniques. This allows the system to test channel compliance in the time domain where actual backplane operation occurs, while maintaining measurement precision through proper signal processing and analysis methods that are adapted to time-domain characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
A backplane testing system includes a test backplane coupled to a test device chassis and including a first connector system, a second connector system, and channels that connect the first connector system and the second connector system. A first test device in a first test device slot on the test device chassis engages the first connector system and provides a loop back circuit for the first connector system. A second test device in a second test device slot on the test device chassis engages the second connector system. The second test device sends a test signal through a channel on the test backplane such that the test signal is provided to the loop back circuit on the first test device and received back through the channel. The second test device analyzes the test signal that is received to determine a testing compliance of the channel on the test backplane.