Transceiver Loopback Path Including ESD Protection Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional loopback data paths in transceiver circuits exclude important transmitter circuitry, particularly for RF or high-speed signal transmission, leading to incomplete functionality testing.
Innovation Solution
The loopback data path is electrically connected to a termination and electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit between a driver circuit and an output node, allowing for comprehensive testing of transmitter circuitry without the need for signal path replicas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional loopback data paths are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of transmitter circuitry testing deteriorate because important transmitter circuitry is excluded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the transmitter signal path within the loopback data path, including replica driver circuits and transmission lines that mimic the actual transmitter circuitry. This copying approach allows comprehensive testing of transmitter functionality while keeping the loopback path integrated and manageable, rather than requiring external test equipment or overly complex additional circuitry
Solution Approach 2:
The loopback data path is nested within the transceiver circuit itself, with the replica transmitter circuitry integrated into the same device. This nesting allows the loopback functionality to be embedded without requiring separate external testing systems, achieving comprehensive testing capability while maintaining device integration and avoiding excessive complexity
2Reliability
If ESD protection circuitry is included in the test path, then reliability of testing improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the ESD protection circuitry from the general transmitter path and places it specifically within the loopback data path test configuration. This extraction allows ESD protection to be tested independently as part of the loopback functionality, ensuring reliable testing of protection mechanisms without requiring complete redesign of the entire transmitter system
Solution Approach 2:
The ESD protection circuitry serves dual purposes: it protects the transmitter during normal operation and provides a testable component within the loopback data path. This multi-functionality allows the same circuit elements to fulfill both protection and testing roles, improving testing reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration enables thorough testing of transmitter circuit functionality, including ESD protection, by mimicking the transmitter signal path and providing accurate representation of transmitter circuit behavior.
Implementation Method 1
The loopback data path is electrically connected to a termination and electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection circuit between a driver circuit and an output node
Data Source
AI summary
A transceiver circuit is disclosed. The transceiver circuit includes a transmitter driver circuit configured to drive a transmit antenna. The transceiver circuit also includes a receiver circuit configured to generate digital signals based on received signals. The transceiver circuit also includes a loopback data path circuit electrically connected to the transmitter driver circuit and to the receiver circuit, where the loopback data path circuit is configured to conditionally provide signals from the transmitter driver circuit to the receiver circuit according to one or more control signals. The transceiver circuit also includes a controller configured to generate the control signals.