Automated Serial Link Performance Measurement via JTAG Phase Sweeping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the performance of serial data communications links are time-consuming and difficult to interpret, particularly in assessing jitter and bit error ratio, especially for novice users, due to the need for manual phase adjustments and complex 'bathtub' plots.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a JTAG interface to automate bit error ratio testing across multiple receiver phase locations, with logic to conclude testing if errors are detected, and a graphical user interface for intuitive performance depiction, enabling quick and easy visualization of link quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual phase adjustments and bathtub plots are used to measure serial communications link performance, then measurement precision can be achieved, but measurement time increases significantly and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical phase adjustment with an automated digital phase sweep system. The controller automatically adjusts the receiver phase through multiple locations while the test equipment systematically measures bit error ratios at each phase point, eliminating time-consuming manual operations while maintaining measurement precision through consistent, repeatable automated procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the test equipment and the serial communications link. This controller coordinates the phase sweeping process, manages the systematic variation of receiver phase, and handles the collection and processing of bit error ratio measurements, thereby automating the measurement process and reducing both measurement time and operational complexity.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive bit error ratio testing is performed across multiple phase locations, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the test equipment with multi-functionality, integrating phase sweeping capabilities, bit error ratio measurement, and automated data processing into a single unified system. The controller serves multiple functions by managing phase adjustment, coordinating measurements, and processing results, thereby reducing the need for separate specialized equipment and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The test equipment incorporates automated data processing and analysis capabilities that allow it to self-manage the measurement process. The system automatically sweeps through phase locations, collects bit error ratio data, processes the measurements, and generates performance assessments without requiring complex external instrumentation or manual intervention, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Loss of information
If traditional bathtub plots are used to depict link performance, then complete performance data is captured, but ease of operation and interpretation deteriorate for novice users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex bathtub plot data into more manageable and interpretable components. By systematically measuring and presenting bit error ratio at discrete phase locations, the system breaks down the continuous performance characterization into distinct, easily comparable data points that maintain complete performance information while being more accessible to novice users through structured presentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the traditional two-dimensional bathtub plot representation into a systematic phase-location versus bit error ratio format that emphasizes key performance characteristics. This dimensional reorganization presents the same complete performance data in a manner that highlights the relationship between phase alignment and error rates, making the information more intuitive and easier to interpret for users with varying levels of expertise.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for measuring performance of a serial communications link includes a system under test including at least one transmitter and at least one receiver coupled together via a serial data communications link, wherein at least one of the transmitter and the receiver has at least one tunable parameter, at least one controller coupled to at least one of a transmitter and a receiver via a joint test action group JTAG interface, and logic configured to perform a bit error ratio test (BERT) at a plurality of receiver phase locations over a defined time period and concluding the BERT for a particular phase location if a BERT error count is greater than 0 at the particular phase location.