Dynamic Terminal Selection for Multi-State Device Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test apparatuses are unable to dynamically change the terminals for detecting output signal values during a test sequence, limiting their ability to branch into different commands based on multiple states represented by output signals, making it difficult to perform comprehensive testing of devices with three or more states.
Innovation Solution
A test apparatus with an executing section, storage section, detecting section, and selecting section that allows for dynamic selection of setting data for output terminals, enabling the detection of output signal values and changing the execution sequencing of the test command sequence based on detection results, thereby allowing for detection of multiple states and branching into corresponding commands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardware is allocated in advance for detecting output signal values at each terminal, then detection capability is established, but the ability to dynamically change detection terminals during test sequence execution is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic terminal selection by allowing the detecting section to change detection terminals during test sequence execution. The selecting section dynamically selects which terminal to detect based on test commands, replacing the static hardware allocation approach with a dynamic software-controlled detection mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting section is designed to be universal, capable of detecting output signal values from any terminal by selecting appropriate setting data. This multi-functional design allows a single detecting section to serve multiple terminals dynamically, eliminating the need for dedicated detection hardware at each terminal.
2Device complexity
If fixed hardware detection is used for each terminal, then detection is simplified, but the ability to detect three or more states and branch into different commands is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter by selecting different setting data corresponding to different terminals and states. Instead of fixed hardware detection, the system dynamically changes detection parameters (terminal selection, state identification) to enable detection of three or more states and appropriate command branching.
Solution Approach 2:
The selecting section acts as an intermediary between the test commands and the detecting section. It selects appropriate setting data based on test commands and supplies it to the detecting section, enabling flexible multi-state detection and command branching without complex hardware changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic terminal selection is implemented, then adaptability is improved, but the complexity of selecting and managing setting data increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing multiple pieces of setting data in the storage section before test sequence execution. This allows the selecting section to quickly retrieve and switch between different terminal configurations without complex real-time calculations or data management during execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copying by storing multiple copies of setting data corresponding to different terminals in the storage section. The selecting section copies the appropriate setting data based on test commands, simplifying the management of dynamic terminal selection through data replication rather than complex hardware switching.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a test apparatus that tests a device under test having a plurality of output terminals. The test apparatus comprises an executing section that executes a test command sequence for testing the device under test; a storage section that stores a plurality of pieces of setting data designating one or more output terminals among the plurality of output terminals; a detecting section that detects whether a value of an output signal from an output terminal designated by one of the pieces of setting data matches an expected value; and a selecting section that selects different pieces of setting data in the storage section when at least two detection commands, which change execution sequencing of the test command sequence according to the detection results of the detecting section, are executed, and supplies the selected pieces of setting data to the detecting section.