Arbitrary Waveform Sequencer with Dynamic Dead Time Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arbitrary waveform sequencers lack flexibility and cost-efficiency due to limitations in controlling dead time and waveform memory, which restricts their ability to handle complex signals and adapt to various testing scenarios.
Innovation Solution
An arbitrary waveform sequencer device and method that includes a list increment condition control unit and transition control unit to manage the transition between arbitrary waveform files based on predefined conditions, such as play time, repeat cycles, and event detection, allowing for flexible and efficient adaptation of sampling rates and timing, including the use of IQ data for communication standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a waveform generator stores waveform data with dead time periods in a waveform memory, then the waveform signal can be generated continuously, but the device complexity increases and flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dead time period handling from the waveform memory by generating dead time periods without storing data during these intervals. The waveform memory only stores active signal portions, while dead time is handled separately through control logic that generates appropriate idle states, thereby reducing memory complexity and improving flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The waveform generation is segmented into active signal portions and dead time periods. The waveform memory stores only the active portions, while dead time periods are generated separately through control logic. This segmentation allows independent optimization of memory usage and dead time handling, reducing overall device complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a sequencer uses a sampling clock to control dead time timing and waveform memory addressing, then synchronization is maintained, but the adaptability to different waveform formats is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic control of the sampling clock through a wait time counter that can be programmed with different wait time values. This allows the sampling clock to adapt its timing characteristics dynamically based on the specific waveform format requirements, maintaining synchronization while providing flexibility for different waveform configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the timing parameters of the sampling clock by allowing programmable wait time values in the wait time counter. This enables adjustment of the sampling clock characteristics to match different waveform formats and dead time requirements, providing adaptability while maintaining synchronized operation.
3Reliability
If the waveform memory stores digital data for all time periods including dead time, then complete waveform coverage is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the dead time period data from the waveform memory storage requirements. Instead of storing digital data for dead time periods, the system generates these periods through control logic that creates appropriate idle or zero-state outputs. This reduces waveform memory size and manufacturing cost while maintaining complete waveform coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by storing only the necessary active waveform portions in memory rather than storing complete time-period data including dead time. The control logic supplements this partial storage by generating the missing dead time portions, achieving complete waveform coverage with reduced memory requirements and lower manufacturing cost.
Data Source
AI summary
An arbitrary waveform sequencer device for playing a list of at least a first and a second arbitrary waveform file in a sequence is provided. The arbitrary waveform sequencer device comprises a list increment condition control unit configured to control an increment from the first to the second arbitrary waveform file as a function of an increment condition, and a transition control unit configured to control a timing of the increment.