Shared Pin Scheduling for Concurrent Automated Test Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated testing systems do not efficiently share resources during concurrent testing, leading to idle resources and increased costs due to the need for multiple, exclusive test equipment setups, which limits the effectiveness and efficiency of parallel testing.
Innovation Solution
A method for scheduling tests in concurrent test flows to share resources by determining shared resources between test branches and reserving them for sole access by the first test that requires them, ensuring optimal resource allocation and minimizing hardware requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If tests are executed in parallel to reduce test time, then productivity is improved, but the quantity of test resources required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges resource allocation from multiple concurrent test flows by identifying shared resources and consolidating their access control into a single allocation mechanism. This allows the same physical resource to be dynamically assigned to different test flows based on current demand, effectively combining resource pools to reduce total resource requirements while maintaining parallel test execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where the assignment of test resources to concurrent test flows is not fixed but changes based on real-time conditions. The system continuously monitors resource availability and test progress, dynamically adjusting which test flow accesses which resources to optimize utilization and reduce idle time, thereby reducing the total quantity of resources needed.
2Reliability
If dedicated test resources are allocated per device to ensure test reliability, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes test resources universal by designing them to serve multiple test flows concurrently rather than being dedicated to a single device or test sequence. A single test resource can be dynamically assigned to different test flows based on current execution needs, making the resource multi-functional. This reduces the total number of resources required while maintaining reliability through proper access control and coordination mechanisms.
3Quantity of substance
If test resources are serialized to reduce hardware requirements, then quantity of resources is reduced, but test time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static serialized resource allocation into a dynamic system where resources are allocated based on real-time test flow execution status. When one test flow completes or pauses, its resources become immediately available to other waiting test flows. This dynamic reallocation minimizes idle time and resource contention, allowing fewer resources to handle more concurrent tests without significant time penalties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuous utilization of test resources by implementing mechanisms that prevent idle time between test executions. When a test flow releases a resource, the system immediately assigns it to the next ready test flow, maintaining continuous useful action. This eliminates gaps in resource utilization that would otherwise require additional resources to maintain parallel test throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for using shared pins in a concurrent test execution environment is disclosed. The method relates to scheduling tests in concurrently executing test flows for automated test equipment (ATE) in a way so that resources can be shared between the test flows. The method comprises determining if any of a plurality of splits used by a first test contains at least one resource that is shared, wherein the first test and a second test are sequenced for execution in two separate concurrently executing test flows. The method further comprises determining if the first test should execute before the second test if the split is associated with resources required by both the second and first tests. Finally the method comprises reserving the split containing the at least one shared resource for access by the first test before beginning execution of the first test.