Circuit Gain Range Equalization for Test Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional power supply test methods require a wider output range than normal operating conditions, leading to reduced circuit efficiency and increased complexity, as the gain range in abnormal operating states exceeds that in normal states, necessitating efficiency sacrifices.

Innovation Solution

A test method and system that adjust the input signal of the circuit under test using a test control signal to maintain a gain range in abnormal operating states similar to that of normal operating states, thereby reducing circuit complexity and improving efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the output range is widened to test stability under different voltages, then the test coverage is improved, but the circuit efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest coverageVSAvoidcircuit efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the input voltage adjustable and variable during testing. The test system dynamically changes the input voltage to the circuit under test, allowing the circuit to operate across different voltage conditions (including abnormal ranges) while maintaining efficient operation. This dynamic adjustment enables comprehensive stability testing without permanently sacrificing circuit efficiency, as the voltage range is only expanded during test conditions rather than normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the gain range is widened to test abnormal operating states, then the test capability is improved, but the circuit complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest capabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary test system that mediates between the circuit under test and the testing requirements. This test system includes voltage adjustment mechanisms and control circuits that expand the gain range and enable abnormal state testing without requiring the circuit under test itself to be modified or made more complex. The intermediary testing apparatus handles the complexity of wide-range testing while the circuit under test remains relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the input voltage range is expanded for testing, then the operating condition coverage is improved, but the normal operating efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating condition coverageVSAvoidoperating efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the operating conditions into normal operation mode and test mode. During normal operation, the circuit operates within its optimized voltage range for maximum efficiency. During testing, the test system temporarily expands the input voltage range to cover abnormal conditions. This segmentation allows the circuit to maintain high efficiency during normal use while still being thoroughly tested under expanded conditions when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10073506B2Method and system for testing circuit
Publication Date: 2018.09.11 DELTA ELECTRONICS INC(CN)
  • US10073506B2 patent drawing
  • US10073506B2 patent drawing
  • US10073506B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to a test method and system thereof. The test method comprises: outputting a test control signal to a test power supply of the circuit under test so as to adjust an input signal of the circuit under test so that a gain range of the circuit under test in an abnormal operating state is the same as that of the circuit under test in a normal operating state when the circuit under test enters into the abnormal operating state. The present disclosure may meet requirements for equipment test without sacrificing the efficiency of circuits in normal operating state or adding complexity circuit.