Optical Interface Test Apparatus with Pre-Connection Signal Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional test apparatuses face difficulties in establishing optical connections with devices under test that have optical interfaces, and determining whether the issue is with the device or the connection, especially when optical signals cannot be obtained.

Innovation Solution

A device interface apparatus with an optical connector and detecting section that checks for optical signal output before connecting, allowing for both optical and electrical connections to be established, and includes a mechanism to determine if the device or connection is defective.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the test apparatus establishes an optical connection with the device under test, then optical signal transmission is enabled, but it becomes difficult to determine whether the device or the connection is defective when optical signals cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical connection reliabilityVSAvoiddefect detection difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by detecting optical signals from the optical connector before establishing the optical connection with the device under test. This pre-detection step allows the system to verify the optical connector's functionality independently, so that when the full optical connection is established, any failure can be accurately attributed to either the connector (if pre-detection failed) or the device (if pre-detection succeeded but full connection failed).

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the optical connector as an intermediary element that can be detected separately from the device under test. By placing the optical connector between the test apparatus and the device, and detecting its optical signals independently before connection, the system creates a measurable intermediate state that enables precise defect localization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the test apparatus uses an optical signal as the test signal, then testing capability is enhanced, but the complexity of establishing and verifying the optical connection increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidoptical connection complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by separating the optical connection establishment into distinct phases: first detecting optical signals from the optical connector independently, then establishing the full optical connection with the device under test. This segmentation breaks down the complex optical connection process into manageable, verifiable steps, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining enhanced testing capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Speed

If the optical interface is connected directly to the optical connector, then connection speed is improved, but the ability to perform preliminary detection is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection speedVSAvoidpreliminary detection time

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary detection of optical signals from the optical connector before establishing the full optical connection with the device under test. This preliminary action enables the system to verify connector functionality in advance, preventing wasted connection attempts and reducing overall testing time despite the additional initial detection step.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates reliable optical and electrical connections with devices under test, enabling effective testing and identifying potential issues with the device or connection, thereby improving testing efficiency and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

an optical signal detecting section that detects an optical signal output from at least one of the optical interface and the optical connector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical signal detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9246579B2Device interface apparatus, test apparatus, and test method

Publication Date: 2016.01.26 ADVANTEST CORP

AI summary

A test apparatus that easily tests a device under test having an optical interface. Provided is a test method, a test apparatus, and a device interface apparatus on which is mounted a device under test having an optical interface, the device interface apparatus comprising a device mounting section on which the device under test is mounted; an optical connector that is connected to the optical interface of the device under test; and an optical signal detecting section that detects an optical signal output from at least one of the optical interface and the optical connector, before the optical interface of the device under test mounted on the device mounting section is connected to the optical connector.