Programmable Test Equipment Script Interpreter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic test equipment requires external configuration tools like PCs for adapting to unique test and measurement needs, limiting flexibility and requiring knowledge of firmware or machine code for programming.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a script language interpreter with a compiler and virtual machine within the equipment, allowing users to input editable parameters through a graphical user interface to convert script source code into machine code for controlling signal and graphics processors, thereby enabling flexible programming without needing external tools or knowledge of firmware/machine code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external configuration tools like PCs are used to adapt signal generator software to unique test needs, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the external configuration tool (PC) and the signal generator into a single integrated system. The script language interpreter is built directly into the signal generator, allowing the device to configure itself without requiring external tools. This combines the functionality of the PC-based configuration environment with the signal generator into one unified device, resolving the contradiction by eliminating the need for separate external tools while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The signal generator is equipped with a built-in script language interpreter that enables it to configure and adapt itself autonomously. Users can input high-level script commands that the interpreter translates into device-specific configuration instructions. This self-service capability allows the device to adapt to unique test needs without requiring external configuration tools, thereby improving adaptability while reducing device complexity and easing operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external configuration tools are used for programming, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to requiring knowledge of firmware or machine code
Solution Approach 1:
The script language interpreter acts as an intermediary layer between the user and the signal generator's internal firmware/machine code. Instead of requiring users to directly program firmware or machine code, they can use high-level script commands that the interpreter automatically translates into the appropriate device-specific instructions. This intermediary mechanism maintains full adaptability while dramatically improving ease of operation by abstracting away complex technical details.
Solution Approach 2:
The built-in script language interpreter enables the signal generator to process and execute user commands autonomously, translating high-level scripts into device-specific configuration instructions without requiring users to have specialized knowledge of firmware or machine code. This self-service capability resolves the contradiction by maintaining adaptability while making the device much easier to operate.
3Ease of operation
If script language interpreter is integrated within the equipment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the script language interpreter directly into the signal generator's architecture, merging previously separate functions (interpreter, compiler, virtual machine) into a unified embedded system. This integration improves ease of operation by providing a user-friendly scripting interface while managing device complexity through efficient resource utilization and unified system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated script language interpreter serves multiple functions within the signal generator: it parses user scripts, compiles them into intermediate code, executes them through a virtual machine, and interfaces with the device's signal generation capabilities. This multi-functionality improves ease of operation while managing device complexity by consolidating diverse functions into a single versatile component rather than requiring separate dedicated systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Flexibly programmable electronic test equipment and methods for programming same are disclosed. A piece of electronic test equipment includes signal processing hardware, a signal processor coupled to the signal processing hardware to control operation of the signal processing hardware, a central processor coupled to the signal processor, a graphical user interface, a graphics processor configured to control operations of the graphical user interface, a script language interpreter including a compiler and a virtual machine, the compiler converts script source code to byte code fed to the virtual machine interprets the byte code into machine code at run-time for controlling at least one of the signal processor and the graphics processor, the graphical user interface receives editable input parameters from a user to the script source code being converted by the compiler of the script language interpreter.