Test Apparatus Packet List Storage and Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional test apparatuses face difficulties in handling large, non-deterministic devices due to increased test vector sizes and the inability to store and process variable output signals effectively, especially when using transaction-based logic design models.
Innovation Solution
A test apparatus with a packet list storing section, flow control section, and packet communicating section that communicates packets between the test apparatus and the device under test, utilizing a packet communication program generated from a simulation environment to handle the increased complexity and variability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional test apparatus uses deterministic test vectors to test devices, then the testing process is simple and straightforward, but it cannot effectively test non-deterministic devices with variable output signals
Solution Approach 1:
The test apparatus dynamically adapts its test vectors based on actual device behavior. Instead of using fixed deterministic vectors, the system generates test vectors that respond to variable output signals and non-deterministic device states, allowing the testing process to flexibly accommodate different device behaviors while maintaining manageable complexity through automated dynamic adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where test results from non-deterministic device outputs are fed back into the test vector generation process. This allows the apparatus to learn from actual device behavior and adjust subsequent test vectors accordingly, enabling effective testing of variable output signals while the feedback loop automates the complexity management
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device size increases, then the device functionality and capacity improve, but the test vector size increases significantly making it difficult to store and process
Solution Approach 1:
The test vector data is segmented into manageable units or packets that can be stored and processed separately. This segmentation allows the system to handle large-scale device testing by breaking down the overwhelming test vector data into smaller, more manageable segments that fit within available storage and processing capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis and compression of test vectors before actual testing. By pre-processing the test data to identify patterns, redundancies, and essential information, the apparatus reduces the overall data volume required for testing large devices while maintaining test effectiveness
3Reliability
If a conventional test apparatus stores all test vectors in memory, then complete test coverage is achieved, but the storage requirements become prohibitively large for modern devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and stores only the essential and representative test vectors rather than keeping all possible test data in memory. By identifying and retaining only the critical test cases that provide complete test coverage, the apparatus achieves reliable testing while dramatically reducing storage requirements by leaving out redundant or non-essential test data
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of storing complete test vectors, the system uses compact representations or models that can generate test data on-demand. These simplified copies or models allow the apparatus to reproduce necessary test patterns without requiring large amounts of physical storage, maintaining test coverage while reducing memory capacity needs
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a test apparatus for testing at least one device under test, including a packet list storing section that stores a plurality of packet lists each of which includes a series of packets communicated between the test apparatus and the at least one device under test, a flow control section that designates an order of executing the plurality of packet lists in accordance with an execution flow of a test program that is designed to test the at least one device under test, and a packet communicating section that sequentially communicates the series of packets included in packet lists sequentially designated by the flow control section between the test apparatus and the at least one device under test, to test the at least one device under test.