Comparison Judgment Circuit With Attenuator For High-Speed Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional comparison judgment circuits face limitations in high-speed signal evaluation due to the need for high-breakdown voltage transistors, which restricts test rate and performance in bidirectional semiconductor device testing.

Innovation Solution

A comparison judgment circuit is designed with an attenuator circuit and a level comparator that maintains a low input voltage level, allowing the use of high-speed comparators with low breakdown voltage components, and includes a protection circuit to manage overvoltage states.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a high-breakdown voltage transistor is used in the level comparator to withstand large amplitude signals, then the reliability is improved, but the operation speed deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewithstand capabilityVSAvoidoperation speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit is divided into two functional segments: an attenuator circuit (first resistor and second resistor) that handles the high-voltage signal conditioning, and a level comparator that operates at low voltage for high-speed comparison. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attenuator circuit acts as an intermediary between the high-amplitude signal source and the low-voltage level comparator. It transforms the high-voltage signal into a suitable low-voltage range, enabling the comparator to operate at optimal speed while protecting itself from overvoltage damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a high-breakdown voltage transistor is used in the level comparator, then the reliability is improved, but the productivity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewithstand capabilityVSAvoidtest rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The circuit is divided into two functional segments: an attenuator circuit (first resistor and second resistor) that handles the high-voltage signal conditioning, and a level comparator that operates at low voltage for high-speed comparison. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attenuator circuit acts as an intermediary between the high-amplitude signal source and the low-voltage level comparator. It transforms the high-voltage signal into a suitable low-voltage range, enabling the comparator to operate at optimal speed while protecting itself from overvoltage damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration enables high-speed signal evaluation while protecting the comparator from overvoltage, allowing for efficient operation and improved performance in testing and signal transmission.

Implementation Method 1

an attenuator circuit configured to output an attenuated voltage that occurs at a connection node that connects the first resistor and the second resistor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage division: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS8704527B2Comparison judgment circuit
Publication Date: 2014.04.22 ADVANTEST CORP
  • US8704527B2 patent drawing
  • US8704527B2 patent drawing
  • US8704527B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A comparison judgment circuit judges the level of a signal received, via a transmission line, from a second device which is a communication partner. An input/output terminal is connected to the transmission line. An attenuator circuit attenuates the voltage at the input/output terminal so as to generate an attenuated voltage. A level comparator compares the attenuated voltage with a predetermined threshold voltage, and generates a level judgment signal that corresponds to the comparison result. A protection circuit monitors the voltage at the input/output terminal or the attenuated voltage. When the voltage to be monitored deviates from a predetermined voltage range, the protection circuit forcibly cuts off or changes the voltage input to the level comparator.