Universal PDN Test Tool for Power Converter Validation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power distribution network (PDN) testing and validation are cumbersome and prone to errors due to the need for multiple test equipment setups and methodologies, with existing tools often limited in their ability to measure non-linear responses and low-frequency signals, leading to potential integration of suboptimal or faulty PDN designs in electronic devices.

Innovation Solution

A universal PDN test tool system that uses a single device with arbitrary waveform generation (AWG) and multi-channel monitoring capabilities to capture various performance parameters, such as inductor current and output voltage, without requiring complex additional circuitry, allowing for comprehensive validation and debugging of power conversion circuits using the same instrumentation and connection schemes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple separate test equipment setups are used for different PDN validation tasks, then dedicated test equipment can be leveraged for each specific measurement, but the testing process becomes cumbersome and error-prone due to frequent switching between devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidtesting convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate test equipment functions into a single integrated test device that can perform transient response analysis, impedance measurement, and transfer function validation. This integration eliminates the need to switch between multiple devices while maintaining the measurement capabilities of each individual tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The test device is designed with multi-functionality to perform various PDN validation tasks including transient response testing, impedance analysis, and transfer function measurement using a single instrument platform, making it adaptable to different measurement requirements without requiring separate specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If frequency-domain based test equipment is used for PDN validation, then linear circuit testing capability is provided, but the tools cannot measure non-linear responses and have high low-end cutoff frequency limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelinear circuit measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement capability range

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The test device dynamically adapts its measurement methodology based on the circuit characteristics being tested. It can operate in both frequency-domain mode for linear circuits and time-domain mode for non-linear responses, automatically selecting the appropriate measurement approach to maintain accuracy across different circuit types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes its operational parameters including measurement domain (frequency vs. time), bandwidth settings, and analysis methods based on the specific PDN characteristics being tested. This allows it to accurately measure both linear and non-linear responses by adjusting its measurement parameters to match the circuit behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of moving object

If traditional oscilloscopes are used for PDN testing, then time-domain measurements are available, but accuracy and dynamic range are much more limited compared to frequency response analyzers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime-domain measurement capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy and dynamic range

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The device replaces traditional oscilloscope hardware limitations with advanced digital signal processing and computational algorithms. By using software-based analysis methods including Fast Fourier Transform and sophisticated measurement algorithms, it achieves frequency response analyzer-level accuracy while maintaining time-domain measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS10564191B2Test tool for power distribution networks

Publication Date: 2020.02.18 ORACLE INT CORP

AI summary

Methodologies and systems are described herein whereby performance parameters of a power converter may be tested. In one or more embodiments, a system for testing the performance parameters comprises a multi-channel monitoring device including a first channel for monitoring a switch voltage of a power converter and a second channel for concurrently monitoring an output voltage of the power converter. The system further comprises a set of one or more processors for generating, as a function of the switch voltage and the output voltage, and displaying an inductor current waveform approximating current through an inductor of the power converter. Additionally or alternatively, other waveforms such as output current waveforms and inductor voltage waveforms, may be generated during testing of the power converter. An arbitrary wave generator may inject different signals during testing of the power converter.