Multiplexed Bus Feedback Loops for Concurrent Instrumentation Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current measurement equipment, such as the model 4142B modular DC source/monitor, is limited to establishing feedback loops between a single source circuit and sense circuit, making it unsuitable for tasks requiring multiple feedback loops, such as four-terminal resistance measurements and threshold voltage measurements of multiple FETs.
Innovation Solution
A measurement apparatus with a multiplexed bus system that allows for the establishment of multiple feedback loops between pairs of sense and source instrumentation modules, enabling the connection of multiple pairs of sense and source circuits for concurrent measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single feedback loop between one source circuit and one sense circuit is used, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability and versatility are limited for complex measurement tasks
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement apparatus is divided into separate source circuit modules and sense circuit modules that can be independently configured and connected through the multiplexed bus system. This segmentation allows multiple feedback loops to be established without requiring a completely different apparatus design, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiplexed bus system provides universal connectivity between source and sense circuits, allowing the same hardware platform to perform multiple measurement functions including single-loop, two-loop, and multi-loop configurations. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling versatile measurement capabilities without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple feedback loops are established between multiple source circuits and sense circuits, then the adaptability for complex measurements is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiplexed bus acts as an intermediary that simplifies the establishment of multiple feedback loops by providing a standardized communication interface between source and sense circuits. Instead of requiring complex point-to-point connections, users can easily configure multiple loops through the bus system, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining high adaptability.
3Productivity
If a multiplexed bus system is implemented to enable multiple feedback loops, then the adaptability and productivity are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple feedback loop connections are merged into a single multiplexed bus infrastructure, allowing concurrent measurements to occur through shared communication pathways. This merging approach improves productivity by enabling simultaneous operations while reducing manufacturing complexity compared to implementing separate dedicated connections for each feedback loop.
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus includes a frame to accommodate more than two instrumentation modules; a multiplexed bus associated with the frame and including more than two connectors; and a sense instrumentation module and a source instrumentation module mounted in the frame, electrically connected to respective ones of the connectors, and collectively including a communication link, and a circuit path that includes, in series between a sense input and a source output, a sense circuit to generate a sense output signal representing a sensed parameter dependent on a source signal; a feedback controller to generate a control signal in response to the sense output signal; and a source circuit to generate the source signal in response to the control signal. The communication link is in the circuit path, and includes a bus transmitter and a bus receiver each configured to select a channel of the multiplexed bus via which to communicate.