Processor Testing via Mode-Specific Tester Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Testing processors in different operational modes is challenging due to the inability to change configurations during testing, as they are set by hardware controls or fundamental environmental features, making it difficult to efficiently test and validate processor functionality across various modes.
Innovation Solution
A centralized scheduler system manages a network of tester systems, each configured to operate in specific modes, allowing users to request tests and efficiently allocate resources to ensure that processors are tested in the desired mode, using a combination of hardware and software components to execute and monitor test scripts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If processors are configured with fixed hardware controls (dip switches, EEPROM programming) to operate in specific modes, then the processor configuration is stable and cannot be changed during testing, but it becomes difficult to efficiently test and validate processor functionality across various modes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the testing system into multiple independent tester systems, each configured to test a specific processor mode. This segmentation allows parallel testing across different modes simultaneously, improving overall testing productivity while maintaining configuration stability in each tester.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized scheduler system as an intermediary that manages test requests and allocates them to appropriate tester systems based on the desired processor mode. This mediator coordinates between users and multiple testers, enabling efficient resource allocation without requiring configuration changes in individual testers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tester systems are used to test different processor modes, then testing coverage across various modes is improved, but resource allocation and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized scheduler system serves multiple functions: receiving test requests, determining the required processor mode, selecting an appropriate tester system, and managing test execution. This universal system handles all management tasks for multiple testers, providing versatility in testing coverage while simplifying overall system management.
Solution Approach 2:
The scheduler system receives information about tester availability and status, uses this feedback to make intelligent allocation decisions, and continuously monitors test execution. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic resource management that adapts to current system state, reducing management complexity while maintaining comprehensive testing coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
Testing operation of processors setup to operate in different modes. In an embodiment, each tester system includes a processor setup to operate in a corresponding mode. A user sends a test request to a scheduler system indicating the mode of the processor sought to be tested, and the scheduler system forwards the test request to one of the tester systems with a processor setup to test the requested configuration. The scheduler system may maintain configuration information indicating which processors are setup to test which modes of interest, and also status information indicating which tester systems are presently available for testing. The configuration information and status information is used in determining a specific suitable tester system to which a test request is to be forwarded.