Oscillating Crystal Test Equipment Resonance Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic test equipment for circuits with oscillating crystals lacks a reliable and efficient method to verify proper mounting and functionality of these crystals, especially in identifying the correct type of crystal.
Innovation Solution
The automatic test equipment generates a signal with predetermined frequencies within a resonance window of the oscillating crystal, using a rectifier and low-pass filter to detect a DC signal, which indicates proper mounting and functionality, and can identify the type of crystal based on resonance frequency characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional automatic test equipment is used for testing oscillating crystals, then general circuit testing can be performed, but reliable verification of crystal mounting and functionality is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies resonance frequency excitation to the oscillating crystal, causing it to vibrate at its natural resonant frequencies. By detecting the crystal's response at these specific frequencies, the system reliably verifies proper mounting and crystal functionality, and identifies the crystal type based on its characteristic resonance frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the testing approach by specifically targeting resonance frequencies rather than using general-purpose test signals. The generator is configured to output signals at predetermined frequencies that correspond to the crystal's resonance frequencies, and the analyzer is tuned to detect responses at these specific frequency parameters, enabling reliable crystal verification and type identification.
2Productivity
If general-purpose test signals are used, then broad circuit compatibility is achieved, but quick and reliable crystal-specific testing is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the generator to output signals at predetermined resonance frequencies specific to the oscillating crystal under test. This preparation of the test signal before application to the crystal enables immediate and reliable detection of crystal functionality and type, significantly improving test speed while maintaining high reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces general-purpose electrical testing with a specialized resonance-based testing method. By substituting the mechanical oscillation principle (resonance) into the electrical testing domain, the system achieves both rapid testing through frequency-matched excitation and reliable verification through detection of the crystal's characteristic resonant response.
3Measurement precision
If resonance frequency matching is implemented, then crystal type identification is achieved, but test equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing the generator and analyzer to work with multiple crystal types through a library of predetermined resonance frequencies. The same basic test equipment configuration can test different crystal types by simply changing the frequency parameters in the generator, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment for each crystal type while maintaining accurate type identification.
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
This method allows for quick and reliable verification of the oscillating crystal's presence and functionality, reducing test time and costs while accurately identifying the crystal type, even with manufacturing variations.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one predetermined frequency is located inside a predetermined window around one of the resonance frequencies of the oscillating crystal
Implementation Method 2
A rectifier that is coupled in series with a low pass filter for rectifying and filtering the second signal
Implementation Method 3
A rectifier that is coupled in series with a low pass filter for rectifying and filtering the second signal
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to automatic test equipment for testing a circuit having an oscillating crystal and to a method for operating such automatic test equipment. A generator generates a first signal comprising an oscillating part having at least one predetermined frequency. A first terminal couples the first signal to the oscillating crystal. At least one predetermined frequency is located inside a predetermined window around one of the resonance frequencies of the oscillating crystal. An analyzer has a second terminal coupled to the oscillating crystal for detecting a second signal and a rectifier connected in series with a low-pass filter for rectifying and filtering the second signal. A detector for detects a DC-signal at the output of the low-pass filter and for signals a valid test result for the oscillating crystal if the DC-signal exceeds a certain threshold value.