Multi-Device USB Testing System for PCIe and DP Specifications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current testing devices are unable to efficiently test multiple transmission specifications, such as PCIe and DP, through a single program, resulting in low test efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A testing system comprising a first and second testing device connected in series to the device under test, where the controller transmits a testing signal to the device under test through a first stream facing-port, and the device under test outputs a data signal to the second testing device through a second stream facing-port, allowing status information and testing results to be obtained.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single testing device is used to test multiple transmission specifications, then device complexity is reduced, but test efficiency deteriorates due to inability to test PCIe and DP specifications simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting device configurationVSAvoidtest efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system is segmented into multiple specialized testing devices, each dedicated to testing specific transmission specifications (USB, PCIe, DP). This segmentation allows each device to be optimized for its specific function while collectively covering all required test specifications, thereby improving test efficiency without requiring each individual device to handle all specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple testing devices are merged into a single integrated testing system that operates concurrently. The controller coordinates multiple testing devices to perform different transmission specification tests simultaneously on the same device under test, combining their capabilities to achieve high-efficiency multi-specification testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If multiple testing devices are used to test different transmission specifications, then test efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest efficiencyVSAvoidtesting system configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each testing device in the system is designed with multi-functionality to handle multiple transmission specifications (USB, PCIe, DP) through a unified interface. The devices can adapt to different test modes and specifications, reducing the need for entirely separate specialized devices for each specification and thereby controlling system complexity while maintaining high test efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A controller acts as an intermediary between multiple testing devices and the device under test. The controller coordinates test signal generation, routing, and data collection across all testing devices, simplifying the overall system architecture by providing centralized control and reducing the complexity of inter-device communication and coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If sequential testing of different transmission specifications is performed, then testing thoroughness is ensured, but testing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting thoroughnessVSAvoidtesting time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system employs periodic action by cycling through different transmission specification tests in a coordinated manner. The controller manages periodic test sequences where USB, PCIe, and DP specifications are tested in alternating intervals, ensuring each specification receives thorough testing attention while maintaining continuous test operations that reduce overall testing time compared to purely sequential approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The testing system maintains continuity of useful action by eliminating idle time between different transmission specification tests. While one testing device completes its measurement, another device simultaneously performs its test, ensuring that the testing process continues without interruption. This continuous operation preserves testing thoroughness while significantly reducing total testing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentUS12276698B2Testing system and testing method
Publication Date: 2025.04.15 ASMEDIA TECHNOLOGY INC
  • US12276698B2 patent drawing
  • US12276698B2 patent drawing
  • US12276698B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A testing system and a testing method are provided. The testing system includes a first testing device and a second testing device. The first testing device is coupled to a first stream facing-port of a device under test (DUT). The first testing device includes a controller. The second testing device is coupled to a second stream facing-port of the DUT. The controller transmits a testing signal to the DUT through the first stream facing-port to test a universal serial bus (USB) of the DUT. The DUT is operated based on the testing signal to generate a data signal. The DUT outputs the data signal to the second testing device through the second stream facing-port. The second testing device obtains status information of the DUT which is operated based on the testing signal to generate a testing result. The controller determines whether the DUT is normal according to the testing result.