Dynamic Resource Allocation for Wireless Transceiver Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wireless device test systems are inefficient in managing shared testing resources, leading to increased costs and test times due to static resource allocation and idle time among multiple devices under test, as they rely on worst-case estimates rather than real-time availability and priority optimization.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamically managing access to shared tester resources by prioritizing requests based on availability and priority, allowing multiple devices to be tested concurrently by queuing requests and assigning access tokens according to their priority levels, ensuring optimal use of resources and minimizing test time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If static resource allocation based on worst-case estimates is used to ensure no contention among DUTs, then resource availability and test reliability are improved, but test time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the tester dynamically assigns access to DUTs based on real-time resource availability and DUT priorities rather than static worst-case estimates. The resource manager continuously monitors tester availability and adjusts scheduling decisions, allowing the system to adapt to actual conditions and reduce unnecessary idle time while maintaining test reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the resource manager receives real-time information about tester availability and DUT test progress, then adjusts resource allocation decisions accordingly. This closed-loop control allows the system to respond to actual conditions rather than relying on predetermined worst-case scenarios, optimizing both reliability and productivity.
2Productivity
If multiple DUTs are tested in parallel to reduce test time, then productivity improves, but device complexity and resource management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a resource manager as an intermediary component that handles the complexity of parallel testing coordination. This intermediary abstracts the complex resource allocation logic from the individual testers and DUTs, managing priorities and scheduling while allowing multiple DUTs to be tested in parallel. The resource manager serves as a central coordinator that simplifies the overall system architecture despite the increased parallelism.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system is segmented into independent functional components: multiple testers, multiple DUTs, and a central resource manager. Each component operates semi-independently, with the resource manager dividing testing tasks and allocating resources to different DUTs based on priorities. This segmentation allows parallel operation while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
3Loss of time
If dynamic resource allocation is implemented to reduce idle time, then test time decreases and productivity improves, but control complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service mechanisms where the resource manager automatically monitors tester availability, evaluates DUT priorities, and makes scheduling decisions without manual intervention. The dynamic allocation process is autonomous, continuously adapting to changing conditions and reducing idle time while eliminating the need for complex manual scheduling operations, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite the sophistication of the control logic.
Data Source
AI summary
Method for testing multiple signal transceiver devices under test (DUTs), such as data packet signal transceivers, with a shared DUT testing resource, such as a tester having a single vector signal generator (VSG) and a single vector signal analyzer (VSA). Requests by the DUTs for access to tester resources (e.g., to receive signals from the signal generator or provide signals to the signal analyzer) are prioritized based upon tester availability and whether the requesting DUT requires sole access or can share access to the tester. If the tester is unavailable, DUT requests are queued according to their respective priorities to await tester availability. As a result, access to shared tester resources can be managed dynamically to minimize test time while testing multiple DUTs concurrently.