Dual Buffer Threshold System for Dynamic Fail Data Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional testing architectures face inefficiencies due to fixed buffer size allocations for fail data, leading to uneven memory usage and processing inefficiencies across devices under test (DUTs), as they fail to account for varying amounts of fail data and require inefficient interrupt handling and processing.
Innovation Solution
A dual buffer size threshold system is implemented, allowing dynamic on-demand memory allocation and interrupt handling, adjusting buffer sizes based on the activity level of the fail data processing module and availability of buffers to optimize resource usage and reduce wait times during testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed buffer size threshold is set to a large value, then memory allocation is simplified, but processing efficiency deteriorates due to long processing times and excessive wait periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic buffer size adjustment by introducing multiple buffer size thresholds (first threshold and second threshold) that can be selectively applied based on DUT characteristics and fail data volume. The system transitions from static fixed-size buffers to dynamic buffers that adapt their size during operation, resolving the contradiction between simplified management and processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the buffer size parameter dynamically by selecting between different threshold values based on monitoring conditions. When fail data volume exceeds the first threshold, the system switches to a second (larger) threshold, effectively changing the buffer size parameter to match the data volume and maintain processing efficiency without excessive complexity.
2Speed
If a fixed buffer size threshold is set to a small value, then processing responsiveness is improved, but interrupt overhead increases causing processing inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the interrupt trigger threshold based on conditions. Instead of using a consistently small threshold that causes frequent interrupts, the system monitors fail data volume and only triggers interrupts when thresholds are exceeded, reducing unnecessary interrupt overhead while maintaining responsiveness when data accumulation occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies partial action by not triggering interrupts for every buffer fill event. Instead, it uses threshold-based triggering where interrupts are generated only when the first or second thresholds are exceeded, reducing the frequency of interrupt handling overhead while still maintaining processing responsiveness when significant data accumulation occurs.
3Ease of operation
If even memory allocation is assigned to all DUTs, then resource distribution is simplified, but memory efficiency deteriorates due to unused buffer space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different buffer size thresholds to different DUTs based on their specific characteristics and fail data generation patterns. Instead of uniform allocation, each DUT can have customized threshold values (first threshold, second threshold) that match its local requirements, improving memory utilization efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through automated assignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically allocates buffer resources by monitoring fail data volume and automatically adjusting buffer size assignments. When a DUT's fail data exceeds certain thresholds, the system dynamically reallocates buffer resources, transitioning from static even distribution to dynamic adaptive allocation that improves memory efficiency without requiring complex manual configuration.
4Reliability
If DMA engines pause and resume frequently to process buffers, then memory buffer full conditions are handled, but testing performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple buffer size thresholds and proactive buffer management strategies. Instead of reacting to buffer full conditions with frequent pauses, the system anticipates data volume patterns and pre-allocates appropriate buffer sizes, reducing the frequency of pause-resume cycles and maintaining testing performance while preventing buffer overflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring fail data volume and buffer status in real-time. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts buffer threshold selections and triggers appropriate actions, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents buffer overflow while minimizing performance-degrading pause-resume operations through intelligent decision-making.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention utilize a dual buffer size threshold system for raising interrupts that allows DUT testing systems to perform real-time buffer memory allocation procedures in an on demand basis. Using dual interrupt threshold systems in the manner described by embodiments of the present invention, DUT testing systems can reduce the need to decide on a single buffer size threshold when testing a set of DUTs that separately provide different amounts of fail data relative to each other. As such, embodiments of the present invention can minimize the overhead processing spent on interrupt handling while also reducing the amount wait time needed for the data processing module to process fail data for each DUT. Thus, embodiments of the present invention can increase the use of tester resources more efficiently while decrease the amount of time a tester system spends collecting and/or analyzing fail data for a set of DUTs during a testing session.