Pattern Generator Circuit for Repeated Jitter Waveform Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pattern generators face challenges in efficiently generating a jitter signal with a waveform that is repeated every period, which is necessary for jitter tolerance tests in built-in self-tests, as they require precise control and storage of waveform values to ensure accurate signal generation.

Innovation Solution

A pattern generating apparatus comprising a storage, a counter, and a calculation circuit, controlled by a controller, which generates control signals to produce an output signal with a waveform that is repeated every period by storing values corresponding to the waveform and using these signals to calculate the output signal, allowing for efficient generation of jitter signals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If waveform values for the entire period are stored in the storage device, then the waveform generation accuracy is improved, but the storage resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaveform generation accuracyVSAvoidstorage resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The waveform generation period is segmented into multiple sub-periods, with only the waveform values for a portion of the period (first sub-period) being stored in the storage device. The controller generates control signals to selectively access and output stored values during different sub-periods, thereby reducing storage requirements while maintaining waveform generation accuracy through intelligent segmentation of the storage burden.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage device pre-stores waveform values for only the critical first sub-period rather than the entire period. The controller utilizes these pre-stored values in conjunction with generated control signals to reconstruct the complete periodic waveform, performing preliminary action on the essential waveform data to reduce storage needs while preserving generation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If a simple storage and output mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to generate precise repeated waveforms deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidwaveform generation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The controller serves multiple functions: it generates control signals for the storage device, manages the output timing of waveform values, and ensures the periodic repetition of the waveform. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain precise waveform generation without adding separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity while preserving accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The controller monitors the output signal and uses feedback mechanisms to ensure that the waveform values are output at the correct timing and that the periodic repetition accuracy is maintained. This feedback control allows the system to achieve precise waveform generation with a relatively simple device structure by using intelligent control rather than complex hardware.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If waveform values for the entire period are stored, then the waveform repetition accuracy is improved, but the generation time and processing overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewaveform repetition accuracyVSAvoidgeneration time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The waveform period is segmented into sub-periods, with storage operations performed only for the first sub-period. The controller efficiently manages the output of these segmented waveform values with minimal processing overhead, reducing the time required for waveform generation and repetition while maintaining accuracy through the segmented approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses periodic action by storing waveform values for only one sub-period and then repeatedly outputting these values in a periodic manner under controller management. This periodic repetition of stored values, rather than continuously storing and processing entire period waveforms, reduces generation time and processing overhead while maintaining waveform repetition accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS11740270B2Pattern generator and built-in-self test device including the same

Publication Date: 2023.08.29 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

An apparatus for generating an output signal having a waveform that is repeated every period, includes a storage configured to store values corresponding to the waveform in a portion of a period of the output signal, a counter configured to generate a first index of a sample included in the output signal, a controller configured to generate at least one control signal based on the first index and the period of the output signal, and a calculation circuit configured to generate the output signal by calculating an output from the storage based on the at least one control signal.