Timing skew measurement system

A method for performing timing skew measurement, comprising the steps of:

• a. selecting one of a plurality of input signals having relative skew to be measured;
• b. applying the selected input signal to a first input of a sequential logic element;
• c. applying an adjustable clock signal to a second input of said sequential logic element to maintain defined timing relative to said first input for a first operation of said sequential logic element;
• d. analyzing an output of said sequential logic element for correctness;
• e. adjusting a clock edge position of said controllable clock signal until a behavior of said sequential logic element changes from the first operation to a second operation and recording the clock edge position for such transition;
• f. selecting each of the input signals in turn and repeating the sequence of steps b) to e) until all of the input signals have been processed, and
• g. determining timing skew between said input signals by comparing values obtained in step e) for each input signal.

A timing skew measurement system, comprising:

• a selector receiving first and second input signals having a relative skew to be measured;
• a selection controller connected to the selector for sequentially selecting the input signals;
• a sequential logic element having a first input, connected to an output of the selector;
• a second input;
• and an output, the first and second inputs being associated with each other by a defined timing relationship for correct operation of the sequential logic element;
• a controllable clock generator structured to provide an adjustable clock signal connected to the second input of the sequential logic element;
• and
• an output analyzer having an input connected to the output of said sequential logic element and structured to determine a first delay of the first input signal compared to the adjustable clock signal, a second delay of the second input signal compared to the adjustable clock signal, and the relative skew based on the first and second delays.

An automatic test system device for use with a sequential logic element having a first input, sequentially receiving first and second input signals having a relative skew to be measured;

• a second input;
• and an output, the first and second inputs being associated with each other by a defined timing relationship for correct operation of the sequential logic element, the automatic test system device comprising:
• a controllable clock generator structured to provide an adjustable clock signal connected to the second input of the sequential logic element;
• and
• an output analyzer having an input for connection to the output of said sequential logic element and structured to determine a first delay of the first input signal compared to the adjustable clock signal, a second delay of the second input signal compared to the adjustable clock signal, and the relative skew based on the first and second delays.