DUT Power Supply Auto-Tuning for Tester Rail Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of tuning Device Under Test (DUT) Power Supply (DPS) for High Density Modular Tester (HDMT) instruments is exacerbated by multiple paths to the DUT, varying load and decoupling conditions, and different voltage and current ranges, requiring nearly 100 unique tuning combinations and being highly iterative.
Innovation Solution
An auto-tuning method using an optimization objective function based on weighted time-based parameters (Rise time, Overshoot/Undershoot, Settling time, and DC error/accuracy) is implemented, with ADCs measuring these parameters and a DPS controller adjusting loop compensation parameters to meet the objective function.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual tuning methodology is used to adjust compensator settings, then human operators can make adjustments, but the process becomes extremely time-consuming and complex due to 6 degrees of freedom in type-3 compensators and nearly 100 combinations to tune and validate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-tuning by automatically adjusting compensator settings without human intervention. The tuning engine executes algorithms that independently modify the 6 degrees of freedom in type-3 compensators, eliminating the need for manual operator adjustments across nearly 100 combinations of paths, resource types, and load board variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes multiple parameters simultaneously to optimize performance. The tuning engine varies compensator parameters (6 degrees of freedom) and power supply settings across different operating conditions, using algorithms to systematically explore the parameter space and identify optimal configurations for each path and resource type combination.
2Reliability
If multiple discrete settings are varied to find optimal tuning for each path, then comprehensive coverage of operating conditions is achieved, but the complexity increases making intuitive/manual tuning nearly impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from performance measurements to guide the tuning process. The tuning engine monitors power supply performance across different paths, resource types, and load conditions, using this feedback to iteratively adjust compensator settings and converge on optimal configurations, ensuring reliable tuning despite the complexity of 100+ combinations.
Solution Approach 2:
The tuning system is segmented into modular components: the tuning engine, objective function evaluator, and parameter adjustment modules. This segmentation allows the complex task of tuning 100+ combinations to be broken down into manageable iterations, with each module handling specific aspects of the tuning process for different path and resource type configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If iterative tuning process is repeated for new silicon versions and instrument variations, then performance is maintained, but the time and effort required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary tuning actions by establishing baseline compensator settings that are pre-optimized for different path types and resource configurations. When new silicon versions or instrument variations are introduced, these preliminary settings serve as starting points, reducing the iterative tuning required and maintaining high productivity across compatibility requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for auto tuning for tester DUT Power Supply (DPS). The DPS includes one or more voltage rail blocks that employ DUT voltage feedback and output a voltage rail that is supplied to a DUT on a load board. The voltage rail block includes an amplifier coupled to compensator circuitry, which in turn is coupled to an output control and driver block that outputs a voltage rail. I/O interfaces are provided to receive a voltage signal corresponding to the voltage rail at the DUT input, where the analog voltage signal is used as a DUT voltage feedback and a digitized voltage signal is used by a DPS controller that provides loop compensation parameters to adjust capacitor and resistors and gain in the compensator circuitry to tune the voltage rail to meet signal characteristics defined by an objective function such as voltage rise time, voltage overshoot, voltage undershoots, and settling time.