Co-Drive Signal Charging for Low Power Driver Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Low power output drivers in electronic devices pose challenges for effective communication over longer distances due to increased resistive-capacitive time delays in data signal transmission lines, complicating the receipt and interpretation of low power data signals during testing.
Innovation Solution
The system includes providing an input signal to a device under test with low power output drivers, determining an expected data signal, and charging a portion of the data signal transmission line with a co-drive output signal based on the expected data signal to improve signal detection by a signal analyzer, with the co-drive output signal being timed to be received concurrently with the data signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If data signal transmission lines are extended to enable testing over longer distances, then testing capability is improved, but resistive-capacitive time delay increases causing signal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging of the transmission line capacitance with a co-drive output signal before the actual data signal arrives. This pre-charging action prepares the transmission line by establishing an initial voltage state that matches the expected data signal level, thereby reducing the effective charging time required when the data signal is applied and minimizing the observed rise time delay.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the co-drive output signal parameters (voltage level, timing) based on the expected data signal characteristics. By changing these parameters in response to the anticipated signal conditions, the system optimizes the pre-charging effect to compensate for the fixed resistive-capacitive delays inherent in long transmission lines.
2Use of energy by moving object
If low power output drivers are used to reduce power consumption, then energy efficiency is improved, but signal strength decreases making detection difficult over longer distances
Solution Approach 1:
The co-drive output signal acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the weak low-power data signal and the signal analyzer. By pre-charging the transmission line with a stronger co-drive signal, the system creates a favorable electrical environment that amplifies the effective strength of the incoming low-power data signal, enabling accurate detection without increasing the power consumption of the DUT's output driver.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies a preliminary co-drive output signal that counteracts the expected resistive-capacitive voltage drop before the data signal arrives. This preliminary anti-action compensates for the signal weakening effect by pre-establishing voltage levels that offset the anticipated decay, thereby maintaining signal detection accuracy over long transmission distances.
3Speed
If transmission line capacitance is reduced to decrease time delay, then signal speed is improved, but transmission line length must be shortened limiting testing distance
Solution Approach 1:
The co-drive output signal performs a preliminary charging action that effectively reduces the observed rise time without requiring physical shortening of the transmission line. By pre-establishing the voltage state, the system achieves fast signal transitions over long distances, decoupling the relationship between line length and signal speed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the speed and accuracy of data signal detection by reducing resistive-capacitive delays, allowing for reliable testing of devices with low power output drivers over longer distances.
Implementation Method 1
a rise time for a data signal that is conveyed by the data signal transmission lines may be longer than a clock cycle of the integrated circuit device, with the rise time being a result of the resistive-capacitive time delay of the data signal transmission lines
Implementation Method 2
charging at least a portion of the data signal transmission line with a co-drive output signal
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for testing a device under test (DUT) that includes a low power output driver. The methods include providing an input signal to the DUT. The low power output driver is configured to generate a data signal responsive to receipt of the input signal by the DUT and provide the data signal to a signal analyzer via a data signal transmission line. The methods further include determining an expected data signal to be received from the low power output driver and charging at least a portion of the data signal transmission line with a co-drive output signal that is based, at least in part, on the expected data signal. The methods further include receiving a composite data signal with the signal analyzer. The systems include probe heads with a plurality of data signal transmission lines and a plurality of co-drive conductors.