Multi-Path Receiver Signal Routing for ATE Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated test equipment (ATE) for semiconductor devices faces challenges in efficiently handling a wide range of input signals, particularly in minimizing noise and signal distortions across different power levels, leading to complex and bulky receiver designs.
Innovation Solution
A multi-path receiver structure that employs a high-power amplifier as the first stage to handle both low-power and high-power signals, with a switch to route signals to either a dedicated low-power or mid/high-power path, minimizing the number of switches and noise introduction, and allowing for a more compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate receive paths are used for different power levels, then signal handling capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is segmented into two distinct paths: a low-power receive path with a low-noise amplifier for weak signals, and a high-power receive path with a high-power amplifier for strong signals. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific power range, improving overall signal handling capability while managing complexity through functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-power amplifier is designed to serve dual purposes: it handles high-power signals directly and can also function as the first stage for low-power signals when needed. This multi-functionality reduces the need for completely separate amplifier chains, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility in handling different signal power levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are used to route signals to different paths, then signal routing flexibility is improved, but noise introduction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The switching function is extracted and consolidated into a single switch positioned at the input stage, before the signal reaches the amplifier paths. This single switch routes signals to either the low-power or high-power path, minimizing the number of switches and their associated noise contributions while maintaining routing flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A single switching mechanism acts as an intermediary between the input and the two amplifier paths. This intermediary consolidates the routing function, reducing the total switch count from what would be required with multiple distributed switches, thereby minimizing noise introduction while preserving signal routing flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a high-power amplifier is used as the first stage, then dynamic range is improved, but noise floor may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier stages are segmented into distinct low-power and high-power paths, each with amplifiers optimized for their respective power ranges. The low-noise amplifier in the low-power path maintains a low noise floor for weak signals, while the high-power amplifier handles strong signals, together providing a wide instantaneous dynamic range without compromising the noise floor for either range.
Solution Approach 2:
Each receive path is designed with local quality optimization: the low-power path uses a low-noise amplifier with characteristics optimized for weak signals (low noise figure), while the high-power path uses a high-power amplifier optimized for strong signals. This local optimization ensures that each path performs optimally for its intended signal power range, maintaining low noise floor where needed while achieving wide dynamic range.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-path receiver for automated test equipment. The multi-path receiver includes an input for receiving low-power signals and high-power signals. The high-power signals have signal amplitude higher than the low-power signals. The multi-path receiver further comprises an output for outputting a received signal, a first path for transmitting a received high-power signal from the input to the output and a second path for transmitting a received low-power signal from the input to the output. The second path comprises an amplifier. A first switch is provided for switching a received high-power signal to the first path and for switching a received low-power signal to the second path. A high-power amplifier is also connected between the input and the first switch for amplifying the received signal independent of its input power before it is switched with the first path or the second path.