Multi-domain execution of tests on electronic devices
AssigneeCredence Systems Corporation
InventorLionel Gilet
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A device under test is divided into multiple test domains, and test conditions for each of the multiple test domains are defined separately, so that each test domain has its own test pattern, timing data, and other test conditions. Each test domain can start and stop independently, and run at different speeds. Further, triggers are used to specify how the tests executed in the different test domains interact and communicate with one another. Any test domain can generate or wait for a trigger from any other test domain (including the CPU).
Claims21
A method of testing an electronic device, comprising the steps of:
- (a) designating multiple test domains for the electronic device;
- (b) defining a test for each of the multiple test domains separately, each such definition specifying a test pattern and timing data to be used with the test;
- (c) defining triggers for initiating each test defined in step (b);
- and
- (d) executing the tests and triggers defined in step (b) and (c),
- wherein the electronic device is a mixed signal device and one of the test domains is an analog test domain and another of the test domains is a digital test domain.
(canceled)
A method of testing an electronic device, comprising the steps of:
- (a) designating multiple test domains for the electronic device;
- (b) defining a test for each of the multiple test domains separately, each such definition specifying a test pattern and timing data to be used with the test;
- (c) defining triggers for initiating each test defined in step (b);
- and
- (d) executing the tests and triggers defined in step (b) and (c),
- wherein the test and the triggers are defined as XML blocks and passed as objects during step (d).
A method of testing an electronic device using multiple test instruments and multiple test domains, comprising the steps of:
- (a) initiating a test for a first test domain at a first instrument;
- (b) generating a trigger at the first instrument in response to an event associated with the first test domain;
- and
- (c) initiating a test for a second test domain at a second instrument in response to a receipt of the trigger at the second instrument.
A computer-readable medium having stored therein program instructions to be executed in an apparatus for testing an electronic device to carry out the steps of:
- (a) initiating a test for a first test region of the electronic device at a first test instrument of said apparatus;
- (b) generating a trigger at the first test instrument in response to an event associated with the first test region of the electronic device;
- and
- (c) initiating a test for a second test region of the electronic device at a second test instrument of said apparatus in response to a receipt of the trigger at the second test instrument.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.