Bi-directional Time Reference Bus for ATE Timing

The system measures the actual propagation delay of each signal path using a time measurement unit (TMU) that records arrival times of calibration signals. This measured delay information is fed back to the trigger signal generator, which then adjusts the trigger timing to compensate for the measured path differences, achieving accurate synchronization without requiring precisely matched cable lengths.

The system dynamically adjusts the trigger signal timing parameters based on measured propagation delays. The trigger signal generator modifies the trigger time for each instrument according to the measured delay values, allowing the system to achieve precise timing synchronization while using cables of varying lengths, thus reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Each instrument independently measures its own signal path delay using the TMU and uses this information to adjust its timing. The system performs self-calibration by having each instrument record the arrival time of calibration signals and calculate its own propagation delay, eliminating the need for complex external calibration equipment or centralized control of signal path lengths.

The system divides the timing calibration process into independent segments, with each instrument measuring and compensating for its own signal path delay separately. This segmentation allows each instrument to operate independently with its own calibration data, simplifying the overall system architecture compared to a centralized approach that would require all signal paths to be precisely matched.