Multi-User Test Instrument Virtualization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In test and measurement instruments, limited availability and physical constraints in locations like temperature chambers lead to time-sharing among engineering teams, restricting multiple users from simultaneous access and increasing validation time due to limited resources and space.
Innovation Solution
A test instrument system that allows multiple users to independently control and access resources through virtual instances, using a client-server architecture with network communication, enabling multiple users to configure and operate the instrument as if they have complete control, with collision avoidance mechanisms for resource management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple users share a single test instrument through time-sharing, then resource utilization is improved, but validation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The test instrument is segmented into multiple virtual instruments through software virtualization, allowing each user to have an isolated virtual instance with dedicated resources. This segmentation enables simultaneous access by multiple users without time-sharing, thereby improving both resource utilization and validation throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-user sequential access (one dimension) to multi-user parallel access by introducing the virtualization dimension. Multiple virtual instruments run concurrently on the same physical hardware, enabling users to perform validation tasks simultaneously rather than serially.
2Productivity
If multiple test instruments are provided for simultaneous user access, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple virtual instruments are merged into a single physical test instrument through resource virtualization. The physical instrument's hardware resources (ADC, DAC, waveform generators) are shared among multiple virtual instances via time-multiplexed access controlled by a resource manager, eliminating the need for multiple physical devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The single physical test instrument is designed with universal functionality to serve multiple users simultaneously through virtualization. The instrument can dynamically allocate its resources to different virtual instruments based on user needs, making one device perform the work of multiple specialized instruments.
3Measurement precision
If test instruments are placed in limited spaces like temperature chambers, then measurement capability is improved, but access difficulty and reconfiguration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A network communication intermediary (LAN/Ethernet) is introduced between the remote test instrument in the temperature chamber and the user's computer. This intermediary allows users to remotely configure and control the instrument through software without physical access, eliminating the need to open the chamber or manually adjust controls.
Solution Approach 2:
Physical mechanical access to the instrument is replaced with electronic/digital access through network communication. Instead of manually connecting cables or adjusting physical controls inside the temperature chamber, users send commands and receive data through Ethernet network protocols.
4Adaptability or versatility
If test instruments are shared among multiple users, then resource utilization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reconfiguration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Each user's virtual instrument is pre-configured with their specific measurement parameters, connection settings, and operational characteristics before they begin work. The resource manager pre-allocates resources to each virtual instance, so users can start their validation tasks immediately without manual reconfiguration when switching between users.
Solution Approach 2:
The test instrument's configuration is made dynamic through virtualization, allowing each user to have their own customized virtual instrument instance with persistent settings. When a user logs into their virtual instrument, the system dynamically loads their pre-saved configuration, making the instrument adapt to each user's specific needs without manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A test and measurement instrument includes one or more processors to execute code to cause the processors to: access a user instance of the test and measurement instrument; receive one or more requests from the user instance of the test and measurement instrument; determine any collisions between the one or more requests and any other requests for elements of the test and measurement instrument; resolve any collisions as necessary; perform one or more operations to fulfill the request; and display information resulting from the one or more operations on an instance user interface.