Coupling Emulator for Device Testing via FPGA
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emulation solutions for testing devices, such as semiconductor devices, are limited in their ability to simulate a full range of parameters and scenarios, particularly for complex devices, as they often lack sufficient computational power for real-time simulations and cannot accurately replicate the behavior of real devices under varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
The use of an emulator device that emulates the coupling between a device under test and other devices using digital computations, implemented on a field programmable gate array (FPGA), which approximates the behavior of real devices, including timing, and allows for varying parameters to test different coupling scenarios, such as resistance, inductance, and capacitance, using wave digital filter structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If real devices are used for testing under various conditions, then comprehensive testing of different circumstances is achieved, but device complexity and setup requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy (emulator) of the complex coupling network that replicates its electrical behavior using basic circuit elements. Instead of physically connecting the DUT to multiple real devices representing sensors, actuators, and communication interfaces, the emulator generates equivalent electrical signals and impedances, providing comprehensive testing coverage with minimal physical setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The emulator allows dynamic adjustment of electrical parameters (resistance, inductance, capacitance, signal levels) to simulate different coupling conditions and device behaviors. By changing these parameters, the same physical emulator can test the DUT under numerous different circumstances without requiring physical reconfiguration or additional devices.
2Power
If simulations are used for device testing, then computational resources are reduced, but real-time behavior and certain errors cannot be accurately detected
Solution Approach 1:
The emulator serves as an intermediary between full physical testing and pure simulation. It provides a physical electrical interface that ensures real-time signal integrity and timing accuracy while keeping the actual device hardware minimal. The emulator translates computational test scenarios into real electrical signals that the DUT can respond to naturally, bridging the gap between virtual and physical testing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical devices are connected for comprehensive testing, then all coupling scenarios can be tested, but the number of required devices and laboratory space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The emulator is designed as a universal testing interface that can represent multiple different device types (sensors, actuators, communication interfaces) through programmable electrical characteristics. A single emulator unit performs the function of what would otherwise require numerous different physical devices, reducing both the quantity of equipment needed and the laboratory space required while maintaining comprehensive coupling scenario coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method associated with testing are disclosed, where a coupling between a device under test and at least one further device may be emulated. The coupling may be a bus.