Serial Protocol Event Trigger for DUT Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing testing methods for electronic devices face challenges in accurately measuring events due to asynchronous event occurrences and synchronization errors, particularly in digital systems, which complicates power consumption measurements and requires modifications to the Device Under Test (DUT).
Innovation Solution
A serial protocol-based event trigger module operates independently on a host, communicating with the DUT through a serial protocol (e.g., RS232 or RS485) to detect predefined patterns and trigger actions without modifying the DUT hardware or software, ensuring low latency and synchronous operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an event-triggered approach is used for testing, then measurement accuracy for specific events can be improved, but predictability and determinism of event timing deteriorate due to asynchronous event occurrences and PVT variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a serial protocol-based event trigger as an intermediary layer between the DUT and the testing system. This mediator monitors serial communications from the DUT, detects predefined event patterns, and triggers measurements accordingly, providing both accuracy and predictability without modifying the DUT itself
2Reliability
If a time-triggered approach is used, then predictability of measurements is improved, but test data processing complexity and volume increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuously triggering measurements at fixed time intervals (excessive action), the system triggers measurements only when specific event patterns are detected in the serial communication (partial action), reducing unnecessary data processing while maintaining predictability
3Measurement precision
If an event-triggered approach is used, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but DUT complexity and modification requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The serial protocol-based event trigger serves as an external intermediary that monitors DUT communications without requiring any hardware or software modifications to the DUT, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while avoiding increased DUT complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The DUT's existing serial communication interface is utilized to provide event information, allowing the DUT to serve its own testing needs through its own communication protocol without requiring additional test-specific modifications
4Adaptability or versatility
If asynchronous event monitoring is used, then flexibility in detecting various events is improved, but synchronization errors and latency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors serial communications from the DUT in real-time, maintaining continuous readiness to detect events without interruption, thereby achieving both flexibility in detecting various event types and minimal latency through uninterrupted monitoring
Data Source
AI summary
A method for a serial protocol-based event trigger includes detecting a condition of a Device Under Test (DUT) with a first text pattern, wherein the condition indicates an enabled function of the DUT. A command is transmitted to the DUT to perform a first action with the enabled function in response to detecting the condition of the DUT. A second text pattern received from the DUT is detected in response to the first action. The second text pattern indicates a successful completion of an event by the enabled function. A second action is performed in response to detecting the second text pattern.