Networked Test System Virtual Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional test systems require multiple instruments to perform complex tests, leading to high costs and redundant hardware, as each instrument is self-contained and designed to perform specific functions, often duplicating circuitry and increasing the overall cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A networked test system utilizing functional modules that can be interconnected to form virtual instruments, allowing data exchange and reconfiguration to perform multiple functions, reducing the need for physical instruments and minimizing hardware requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical instruments are used to perform complex tests, then test functionality and versatility are improved, but hardware cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple physical instruments into a single integrated test system where functional modules from different instruments are merged into virtual instruments. This merging eliminates redundant hardware while preserving all necessary test functions, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by allowing a single physical instrument to perform multiple test functions through software configuration. Virtual instruments can be dynamically created to perform different measurement and analysis tasks, enabling one hardware platform to replace multiple specialized instruments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple physical instruments are used to perform complex tests, then test functionality and versatility are improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of multiple expensive physical instruments into a single cost-effective platform. By consolidating redundant hardware and sharing common resources (processor, memory, display), the system reduces overall cost while maintaining comprehensive test capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies of instrument functions through software rather than physical duplicates. Virtual instruments replicate the functionality of physical instruments but at a fraction of the cost, as they share the same hardware resources through software emulation.
3Reliability
If each instrument is self-contained with dedicated circuitry, then instrument reliability is improved, but device complexity and redundant hardware increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments test functionality into independent virtual instruments that can be dynamically assembled. Each virtual instrument is a self-contained software module that can operate independently, maintaining reliability while eliminating redundant physical hardware through shared resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a common hardware platform that can be configured to perform multiple instrument functions. This universal platform eliminates redundant dedicated circuitry while maintaining reliability through software-based functional separation.
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic test system that can be configured to perform any of a number of test processes. The test system contains multiple functional modules that are interconnected by a network. By using software to configure data flow between functional modules, combinations of modules can be made, thereby creating virtual instruments. As test requirements change, the test system can be reconfigured to contain other virtual instruments, eliminating or reducing the need to add instruments to meet changing test requirements. To ensure adequate performance of the test system, a proposed configuration may be simulated, and if a virtual instrument does not provide a required level of performance, the test system may be reconfigured.