Test Apparatus Group Read Instruction Parallel Data Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional test apparatuses require significant time to read data from multiple test modules due to the sequential issuance of read instructions, leading to inefficiencies in data retrieval and processing.
Innovation Solution
A test apparatus and method that includes a test control section capable of issuing a group read instruction to multiple test modules, allowing for simultaneous data collection and processing through a control interface section, which collectively reads and sends data from multiple test modules to the test control section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If sequential read instructions are issued to each test module individually, then the test control section can maintain simple control logic, but the time required to read data from multiple test modules increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple individual read instructions are merged into a single group read instruction that can simultaneously access multiple test modules. The control interface section receives this group read instruction and generates multiple individual read requests to different test modules in parallel, then aggregates the responses. This combining approach reduces the total number of instruction cycles and significantly decreases data reading time while the control interface section handles the coordination complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface section acts as an intermediary between the test control section and multiple test modules. It receives the group read instruction from the test control section, translates it into multiple individual read operations to different test modules, collects the responses, and aggregates them into a unified response for the test control section. This intermediary approach allows the test control section to maintain simple control logic while enabling efficient parallel data retrieval.
2Productivity
If data is read from multiple test modules simultaneously, then data retrieval efficiency improves, but the control interface complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface section merges multiple individual read operations into a coordinated parallel execution scheme. It receives a single group read instruction and simultaneously initiates multiple read operations to different test modules, then merges the multiple responses into a single aggregated response. This merging strategy enables efficient parallel data retrieval while consolidating the control interface's workload into a manageable process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface section segments the group read instruction into multiple individual read operations targeting specific test modules, executes them in parallel, then segments the responses for individual processing before aggregation. This segmentation approach allows the control interface to manage complex parallel operations by breaking them down into manageable discrete steps, improving data retrieval efficiency without overwhelming the control interface.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a test apparatus and a test method related to the test apparatus for testing a device under test, including: a plurality of test modules that exchange a signal with the device under test; a test control section that outputs a group read instruction for collectively reading data stored in two or more of the test modules; and a control interface section that reads the data from the two or more test modules according to the group read instruction, and collectively sends the read data to the test control section.