Single-Wire Synchronization Pulse for ATE Clock Drift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Asynchronous communication between Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) and Device Under Test (DUT) leads to clock drift, impairing data transfer, and existing solutions require additional resources or wires, which are costly or impractical.
Innovation Solution
A method for single-wire synchronization using a synchronization pulse with a low and high portion embedded in the communication protocol, allowing the DUT to synchronize with the ATE clock, enabling efficient data transfer without additional wires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If asynchronous communication is used between ATE and DUT, then communication flexibility is improved, but clock drift occurs which impairs data transfer reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic synchronization pulses embedded within the asynchronous data stream. These pulses occur at regular intervals to realign the DUT clock with the ATE clock, maintaining synchronization without requiring continuous synchronous operation. This periodic intervention resolves the clock drift problem while preserving overall asynchronous communication flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization pulse acts as an intermediary element embedded in the data stream. It carries timing information from the ATE to the DUT without requiring a separate dedicated clock wire. This intermediary mechanism enables the DUT to adjust its timing based on the embedded reference pulses, maintaining data transfer reliability through asynchronous communication.
2Reliability
If a large buffer and robust processor are used to detect asynchronous data transmission, then data transfer reliability is improved, but device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The DUT autonomously detects the synchronization pulse embedded in the data stream and automatically adjusts its timing based on the detected pulse position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external processing and large buffers to detect and correct timing issues, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization pulse is embedded in advance within the data stream at known positions. This preliminary embedding of timing information allows the DUT to proactively synchronize its timing without requiring complex real-time analysis or large buffers, simplifying the processing requirements.
3Reliability
If additional wires are used for synchronization signals, then synchronization reliability is improved, but the single-wire interface requirement is violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the synchronization function with the data transmission function by embedding synchronization pulses within the existing single-wire data stream. This combining of functions eliminates the need for separate synchronization wires while maintaining reliable timing, as the same physical medium carries both data and timing information.
Solution Approach 2:
The single-wire interface is designed to perform multiple functions: it carries both data transmission and synchronization signaling. The embedded synchronization pulses enable the data wire to also serve as a clock reference, making the interface universal and eliminating the need for additional dedicated synchronization conductors.
4Reliability
If repeated synchronization protocols are used to reestablish synchronization, then synchronization reliability is improved, but communication overhead and time loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of performing repeated full synchronization protocols, the system uses periodic synchronization pulses embedded within the normal data stream. These pulses provide continuous minor corrections to timing drift, maintaining synchronization reliability without requiring lengthy periodic renegotiation protocols that would cause significant time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization function operates continuously through embedded pulses within the data stream, rather than interrupting communication for periodic resynchronization protocols. This continuous subtle adjustment maintains timing accuracy without stopping or significantly delaying the useful data transmission action.
Data Source
AI summary
A device of a data testing environment including a node configured to connect the device to a tester; one or more processors configured to receive from the node an electrical signal alternating between at least a first state and a second state, the first state representing a data transmission trigger and the second state representing a data transmission opportunity; determine a timing of the data transmission opportunity based on the received electrical signal; and send data to the node during the data transmission opportunity in response to receiving the data transmission trigger.