Virtualizable Automated Test Equipment Architecture for Multi-UUT Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated test equipment (ATE) systems, particularly those using a common core approach, face challenges such as high costs, complexity, and inefficiency due to the need for large, expensive instruments and custom-designed Test Unit Adapters (TUA). These systems often require significant non-recurring engineering costs and can only test one type of Unit Under Test (UUT) at a time, leading to bottlenecks and difficulties in scaling for smaller test coverage situations.
Innovation Solution
The development of a virtualizable automated test equipment architecture that includes a circuit assembly with a front plane, backplane, and continuous, isolated signal paths. This architecture features a software-configurable physical disconnect and impedance network that can be configured based on predetermined test requirements, eliminating the need for custom TUA designs and allowing for the creation of multiple virtualized test systems from a single hardware setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a common core approach is used with standard instruments and Test Unit Adapters, then test system reusability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to the need for large, expensive instruments and custom adapters
Solution Approach 1:
The test system is divided into independent functional modules (signal sources, measurement instruments, switching elements, loads) that can be independently configured and combined. Each module operates autonomously with standardized interfaces, allowing the system to be segmented into smaller functional units that can be reconfigured for different test requirements without requiring custom adapters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal test system architecture where a single hardware platform can perform multiple test functions through software configuration. The system uses programmable switching elements and virtualized test points that can be dynamically assigned to different Units Under Test (UUTs), eliminating the need for dedicated custom adapters for each test scenario while maintaining full functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom Test Unit Adapters are designed for each UUT type, then adaptability to specific test requirements is improved, but manufacturing cost and non-recurring engineering costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of building physical custom adapters for each UUT type, the system creates virtual representations of test points and signal paths through software. The Test Point Simulator and virtual instrumentation layers replicate the functionality of physical adapters in a software-based manner, eliminating the need for expensive custom hardware designs while maintaining full adaptability to different UUT requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves adaptability by dynamically changing software parameters and configuration settings rather than modifying physical hardware. The test system can be reconfigured for different UUTs by adjusting virtual test point parameters, signal characteristics, and switching configurations, eliminating the need for costly custom adapter manufacturing while maintaining full adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single massive test system is designed to test multiple UUT types, then system versatility is improved, but device complexity and difficulty of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test system employs dynamic reconfiguration capabilities where switching elements and test points can be programmatically reassigned during operation. The system transitions from static physical connections to dynamic virtual connections, allowing the same hardware to be seamlessly reconfigured for different UUT types through software control, maintaining versatility while simplifying operation through automated configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces virtualized test points and a Test Point Simulator as intermediary layers between the physical hardware and the test requirements. This intermediary software layer abstracts the complexity of the physical system, providing a simplified interface for configuring and operating the test system. The mediator translates high-level test requirements into appropriate hardware configurations automatically, maintaining versatility while improving ease of operation.
4Productivity
If standard instruments are used with custom adapters, then test coverage is improved, but loss of time occurs due to bottlenecks from custom adapter design and system configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration of virtual test points and signal paths before actual testing begins. The Test Point Simulator pre-establishes the virtual instrumentation layers and switching configurations needed for different UUT types, so that when testing starts, the system is already configured and ready. This eliminates time-consuming on-site adapter design and configuration, maintaining full test coverage while reducing setup time.
Data Source
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AI summary
A virtualizable automated test equipment architecture includes a circuit assembly including signal paths extending between a front plane and a backplane. The signal paths can be continuous and isolated from other signal paths of the plurality of signal paths. The circuit assembly also includes an impedance disposed along a signal path. Multiple software-configurable physical disconnects may be arranged within the circuit assembly to form a switching matrix. The software-configurable physical disconnects can be configured to open and close signal paths of the plurality of signal paths based on the predetermined test requirements. The circuit assembly also includes a plurality of external device connections, at least one of which may be configured to interface with a unit under test (UUT). These features can be used to make the system is virtualizable, thereby permitting multiplied UUTs to be tested simultaneously according to different requirements on shared hardware.