Phase Generator Delay-Chain Testing via Digital Phase Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing phase generators require lengthy and expensive testing processes to verify the functionality and performance of delay units and multiplexers, necessitating precise and expensive equipment to measure short time intervals, which is inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A control system comprising a chain of delay units, multiplexers, a phase comparator, and a Time-Digital converter circuit that generates a digital phase shift signal, allowing for quick and precise testing without expensive devices, using control logic to process and adapt testing based on real-time operation status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional testing methods with expensive precise equipment are used to measure short time intervals, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a virtual model of the delay block created through simulation, where the behavioral model replicates the electrical characteristics of the physical delay block. This virtual copy allows testing without physical measurement equipment, eliminating the need for expensive precise measurement devices while maintaining testing accuracy through mathematical modeling of the delay characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical measurement systems with a computational simulation system. Instead of using expensive electronic measurement equipment to physically measure time intervals, the system uses a processor to compute delay values through a behavioral model, substituting mechanical/electrical measurement with computational analysis.
2Measurement precision
If traditional testing methods are used to verify delay units and multiplexers, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-establishes a behavioral model of the delay block that captures its electrical characteristics and delay behavior. This preliminary modeling work allows subsequent testing to be performed through rapid computational simulation rather than time-consuming physical measurements, significantly reducing test time while maintaining precision through the validated model.
Solution Approach 2:
By creating a virtual behavioral model that copies the essential characteristics of the physical delay block, the system enables rapid computational testing instead of slow physical measurement processes. The simulation can evaluate multiple test cases instantly, eliminating the time required for actual hardware measurement while preserving measurement accuracy through the model's faithful representation of the physical system.
3Reliability
If comprehensive testing of delay units is performed to ensure reliability, then reliability is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The behavioral model serves as a virtual replica of the delay block, allowing comprehensive reliability testing to be performed on the model rather than the physical hardware. This enables exhaustive testing of all delay units and multiplexers without impacting actual device productivity, as the simulation can run independently and in parallel with device manufacturing or deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The behavioral model acts as an intermediary between the physical delay block and the testing process. By directing all comprehensive reliability tests through this virtual model, the system achieves thorough verification of delay units and multiplexers without requiring the physical device to be taken offline or subjected to time-consuming measurement procedures, thus maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system for a phase generator including a delay block including delay units, and first and second multiplexers configured to receive output signals of each of the delay units and to respectively supply first and second output signals. The control system may include a controller configured to drive the first multiplexer and the second multiplexer respectively with a first select signal and a second select signal, a detection module configured to detect a phase difference between the first output signal and the second output signal and to generate a corresponding digital phase shift signal, the detection module including a phase comparator, and a Time-Digital converter circuit coupled thereto and having logic elements configured to generate the digital phase shift signal, and a logic circuit connected to the detection module and configured to process the digital phase shift signal and to generate a signal indicative of a control executed.