Integrated Loop Gain Probe for Two-Contact IC Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measurement systems for loop gain of devices under test, particularly integrated circuits, are complex due to multiple contacts and are not suitable for probing small devices, especially those with difficult access, as they require multiple components and contacts.
Innovation Solution
A compact loop gain measurement probe with integrated components, including a printed circuit board, injection transformer, and passive probe circuits, which reduces the number of contacts to two, allowing for simplified probing of small devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If multiple separately formed devices are used for measurement, then measurement functionality is complete, but device complexity increases and accessibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separately formed measurement devices into a single integrated measurement probe. The probe integrates the injection transformer, first passive probe circuit, and second passive probe circuit into one unified device that contacts the device under test at only two locations, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining complete measurement functionality for loop gain characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement probe is designed as a universal device that performs multiple measurement functions simultaneously. It can inject signals via the injection transformer while also probing multiple nodes through the passive probe circuits, enabling complete loop gain measurement functionality from a single multi-functional probe rather than requiring separate specialized devices.
2Ease of operation
If multiple contacts are required for testing, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in accessing small devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple probing functions into a single compact probe structure that requires only two contact points with the device under test. This integration maintains the necessary measurement precision by incorporating both the injection transformer and passive probe circuits within the same probe body, while dramatically improving ease of operation by reducing the number of contacts needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The injection transformer acts as an intermediary component within the probe that enables signal injection through the two contact points while the passive probe circuits simultaneously measure the necessary signals. This intermediary approach allows complete loop gain measurement functionality to be achieved through minimal contacts, maintaining measurement precision while improving accessibility.
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
Enables efficient loop gain measurements on small devices like integrated circuits with reduced complexity and improved accessibility, using a single device that integrates all necessary components.
Implementation Method 1
an injection transformer which performs a voltage injection on the device under test
Implementation Method 2
a first passive probe circuit and a second passive probe circuit, wherein the first passive probe circuit is connected with the first connection interface and the first output, whereas the second passive probe circuit is connected with the second connection interface and the second output
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a loop gain measurement probe including a printed circuit board and an injection transformer. The loop gain measurement probe includes a first connection interface and a second connection interface, which are connected with the injection transformer and are connectable with a device under test. The loop gain measurement probe includes a first output and a second output, which are connectable to the test and/or measurement instrument. The loop gain measurement probe includes an input connected with the injection transformer and capable of forwarding an input signal received to the injection transformer. The loop gain measurement probe includes a first passive probe circuit and a second passive probe circuit, which are connected with the first connection interface and the first output as well as with the second connection interface and the second output, respectively.