Modular Test Primitive for Flexible Device Under Test Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic testing systems are expensive, inflexible, and limited in throughput and convenience, making them unsuitable for efficient and adaptable testing of devices under varying protocols and technologies.
Innovation Solution
A portable and modular test system comprising a self-contained independent test control unit with a device interface board, power supply, and site module, which can be reconfigured for different test protocols and devices, using a field programmable gate array (FPGA) and compatible with standard communication protocols, allowing independent operation and easy integration with a distributed testing infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional testing systems use tightly coupled components and hard wired connections, then system stability and reliability are improved, but system mobility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is divided into independent modular primitives, each capable of autonomous operation. Each primitive contains its own control components, power supply, and testing functionality, allowing individual modules to be moved, reconfigured, or maintained without affecting the entire system. This segmentation enables both reliability through modular isolation and adaptability through easy repositioning and reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular primitives are designed with universal interfaces and standardized connection protocols that enable them to interface with various device types and testing equipment. The primitives can be configured for different testing scenarios through software programming, allowing a single physical module to perform multiple testing functions across different devices and protocols, thereby achieving both stability through standardized interfaces and adaptability through configurable functionality.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional testing systems use tightly coupled components, then testing precision and control are improved, but system flexibility and ease of modification deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamically reconfigurable primitives that can be programmed and reprogrammed through software to perform different testing functions. The modular architecture allows primitives to be dynamically added, removed, or reconfigured during system operation without requiring physical rewiring or system shutdown, maintaining testing precision through controlled software configuration while achieving flexibility through easy modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The primitives utilize programmable parameters and configurable settings that can be adjusted through software to adapt to different testing requirements. By changing software parameters, configuration files, or firmware rather than physical hardware connections, the system maintains precise control over testing operations while enabling flexible adaptation to new device types, protocols, or testing methodologies.
3Reliability
If conventional testing systems use numerous hard wired components, then system reliability is improved, but system portability and ease of deployment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into self-contained modular primitives that can operate independently with minimal external connections. Each primitive integrates its own power supply, control logic, and testing functionality, reducing dependence on extensive hard-wired infrastructure. This modular design maintains reliability through isolated operational units while dramatically improving portability by enabling easy transportation and deployment of individual modules or small groups of modules.
4Productivity
If conventional testing systems are designed as large stationary systems, then comprehensive testing capability is improved, but testing convenience and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The comprehensive testing system is segmented into multiple autonomous primitives that can be distributed across different locations. Each primitive provides complete testing functionality for its assigned devices, eliminating the need for a single large stationary system. This segmentation maintains comprehensive testing capability through the collective functionality of multiple modules while dramatically improving convenience by allowing testing to occur at various accessible locations throughout the manufacturing or testing facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a single-dimensional large stationary architecture to a multi-dimensional distributed modular architecture. Primitives can be arranged in various spatial configurations and distributed across multiple locations, adding spatial dimensionality to the system design. This enables comprehensive testing capability to be achieved through distributed modules rather than a single centralized system, improving accessibility and convenience by placing testing capability closer to production lines or device locations.
5Device complexity
If conventional testing systems are single purpose with limited flexibility, then system simplicity is improved, but adaptability to new technologies and protocols deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each primitive is designed as a universal module capable of supporting multiple testing protocols and device types through software configuration. The primitives maintain simplicity through standardized internal architecture and interfaces, while achieving protocol flexibility through programmable control logic that can be updated via software or firmware to accommodate new testing standards, device protocols, or technology requirements without requiring hardware modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
Presented embodiments facilitate efficient and effective access to a device under test. In one embodiment, a test system comprises: a device interface board (DIB) configured to interface with a device under test (DUT); and a primitive configured to control the device interface board and testing of the device under test. The primitive is an independent self contained test control unit comprising: a backplane interface configured to couple with the device interface board; a power supply component configured to control power to the backplane interface; and a site module configured to control testing signals sent to the device interface board and device under test. The site module is reconfigurable for different test protocols. The primitive can be compatible with a distributed testing infrastructure. In one exemplary implementation, the primitive and device interface board are portable an operable to perform independent testing unfettered by other control components.