Universal Socket Test Card With Programmable CPU/GPU Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for testing CPU and GPU sockets require the use of real CPUs or GPUs, leading to increased costs, test time, and instability, particularly with UPI BSI tests, which can result in false failures and delays in development cycles.
Innovation Solution
A universal test card with a programmable logic IC and customizable adaptor component that simulates test functions for various socket types, eliminating the need for real CPUs or GPUs by interfacing directly with the socket through a customized adaptor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real processing units are used for socket testing, then test accuracy is improved, but test cost and test time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the processing unit using a virtual device model that replicates the electrical and logical characteristics of the real CPU/GPU. This virtual model can be instantiated multiple times for parallel testing without additional hardware costs, thereby maintaining test accuracy while significantly reducing test time and resource consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the physical mechanical system of real processing units with a software-based virtual device model. The virtual model uses programmed logic to simulate the electrical signals and communication protocols that would otherwise require actual hardware, eliminating the need for physical processing units while maintaining testing effectiveness.
2Reliability
If real processing units are used for socket testing, then test reliability is improved, but test cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual device model creates a software replica of the processing unit that can be copied and instantiated multiple times across different test scenarios and parallel test streams. This eliminates the need to purchase multiple expensive real processing units while maintaining test reliability through accurate simulation of hardware behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual device model is designed to be universal and configurable, capable of simulating different types of processing units through configuration changes rather than requiring different physical hardware. This multi-functionality allows a single virtualization platform to handle diverse socket testing requirements, reducing overall test cost while maintaining reliability.
3Measurement precision
If conventional testing methods are used, then test completeness is improved, but test stability deteriorates due to false failures
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual device model incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor test execution and provide real-time information about test status and results. This feedback loop allows for dynamic adjustment of test parameters and immediate identification of actual failures versus false failures, improving test stability while maintaining comprehensive coverage through iterative refinement.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for testing sockets, such as but not limited to CPU and GPU sockets. Systems and methods disclosed herein utilize a test card that has a test component and an adaptor Printed Circuit Board. The adaptor Printed Circuit Board (PCB) is configured to connect with a corresponding socket type on a motherboard and serves as an interface between the test component and a socket of the corresponding socket type. The test component includes logic that simulates a test function to test the socket. By connecting the test card to a socket using the adaptor PCB, the socket can be tested by simulating the test function on the test card.