In-System Test Architecture Using a Configurable Master Test Image

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing In-System-Testing (IST) architectures require separate test images for different tests, leading to logistical challenges in generating, characterizing, and productizing these images, and they are difficult to scale due to varying user requirements.

Innovation Solution

A master test image is used with register bank configurations that allow for flexible execution orders of control packets, enabling a single image to perform multiple tests by tailoring specific tests without creating individual images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate test images are generated for different tests, then testing coverage and flexibility are improved, but device complexity and resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting flexibilityVSAvoidtest image management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal test image structure that can perform multiple different tests through configuration data rather than requiring separate test images for each test type. The test image includes a plurality of tests with associated control packets, and a configuration data structure that specifies which tests to execute and in what order, allowing a single test image to serve multiple testing purposes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple separate test images into a single consolidated test image that contains all necessary tests and control packets. By combining multiple test functionalities into one unified structure with configurable execution parameters, the system reduces the number of separate test images needed while maintaining the ability to perform diverse tests.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple test images are created to support user-specific test requirements, then testing adaptability is improved, but ease of manufacture and scalability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser-specific test configurationVSAvoidtest image generation and characterization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic configurability through a configuration data structure that can be modified to accommodate different user requirements without regenerating the entire test image. The configuration data allows selective execution of specific tests from the plurality of available tests, enabling flexible adaptation to user needs while maintaining a stable, reusable test image structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the test execution control into separate configuration data from the test image itself. The configuration data structure independently specifies which tests to run and in what sequence, allowing the test image to remain a comprehensive, unchanging resource while the configuration layer provides user-specific customization without requiring multiple versions of the test image.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If fixed execution order of control packets is maintained, then system simplicity is preserved, but adaptability to different test needs decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol packet structure simplicityVSAvoidtest execution order flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a configuration data structure as an intermediary layer between the fixed control packet structure and the required test execution flexibility. This configuration data specifies the execution order of control packets for different tests without modifying the control packets themselves, allowing the simple, fixed control packet structure to coexist with flexible, user-defined execution sequences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20260067196A1In-system testing architecture for autonomous systems and applications

Publication Date: 2026.03.05 NVIDIA CORP

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to applications, platforms, architecture, etc. for using a master test image that may be used for multiple different tests. For example, a testing system may include a register bank that may be loaded with test configurations corresponding to one or more tests. The test configurations may respectively correspond to sets of control packets included in the master test image that may be used or executed for corresponding tests. The test configurations may indicate execution orders of their respective sets of control packets in which the execution order of one or more of the control packets included in the sets of control packets may differ from a default execution order of such control packets as indicated in the master test image. Such a configuration may accordingly allow for the flexibility of performing many different tests using a single master test image.