Transceiver Circuit Test Module for Early Fault Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for testing transmitter-receiver circuits are costly and time-consuming due to the need for complex and expensive external test devices, which are not suitable for early detection of faulty circuits during the manufacturing process.

Innovation Solution

An independent test module integrated into the transmitter-receiver circuit allows for testing of transmission and reception modes without external devices, enabling simple and direct verification of functionality by electrically connecting and disconnecting the test module from the processing unit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If external test devices are used to verify circuit characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit characteristic verificationVSAvoidtest device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The test function is extracted from the main transceiver circuit by implementing a separate test module that can be independently activated. This allows the testing capability to be removed from the production circuit without affecting normal operation, resolving the contradiction by separating measurement functions from operational functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

A test module acts as an intermediary between external test equipment and the transceiver circuit under test. This intermediary provides standardized test interfaces and signal routing, enabling precise measurements without requiring complex direct connections to the circuit internals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If complete circuit testing is performed at each manufacturing stage, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecircuit functionality verificationVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The test module is integrated into the circuit during manufacturing but remains dormant until needed. This preliminary preparation allows rapid activation of testing capabilities at any manufacturing stage without requiring setup time, enabling quick functionality verification that doesn't slow down production.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The test module can perform selective testing of specific circuit functions rather than requiring complete comprehensive testing at each stage. This partial action approach verifies critical functionalities quickly while deferring less critical tests, reducing overall testing time while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Adaptability or versatility

If versatile test devices are used to test all characteristics, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting capability coverageVSAvoidtest device versatility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing capability is segmented into a separate test module rather than being integrated into the main transceiver circuit. This segmentation allows the test functions to be independently designed and activated only when needed, providing versatility without adding complexity to the production circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The test module can be electrically disconnected after manufacturing testing is complete, effectively discarding the temporary testing infrastructure. This allows the circuit to be delivered in its clean production state without permanent test equipment attachments, maintaining simplicity while providing temporary versatility during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Ease of operation

If test module is permanently integrated into the circuit, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting accessibilityVSAvoidcircuit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The test module connection is made dynamic rather than static - it can be electrically connected when testing is needed and disconnected when not needed. This dynamic configuration provides ease of operation during testing while maintaining circuit simplicity for production, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The test module is temporarily integrated during manufacturing and then discarded (electrically disconnected) before product delivery. This temporary integration provides ease of operation for testing purposes without permanently increasing the complexity of the final product circuit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP2273704B1Method for testing the operation of a circuit transmitting and receiving signals
Publication Date: 2019.05.08 EM MICROELECTRONIC-MARIN
  • EP2273704B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3

AI summary

The method involves electrically connecting a test module (2) to the processing unit (7) of the transmitter-receiver circuit (1), testing the operation of the transmitter-receiver circuit in a first operating mode, which can be either a data transmission mode or a data reception mode, using the test module, testing the operation of the transmitter-receiver circuit in a second operating mode, which can be either a data reception mode or a data transmission mode, using the test module, and electrically disconnecting the test module from the processing unit. An independent claim is also included for a test module for a transmitter-receiver circuit.