Self-monitoring switch
AssigneeFormFactor, Inc.
InventorsRodney Ivan Martens, Jun Jason Yao
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus for switching electrical signals are provided herein. In some embodiments a smart switch is provided, the smart switch may include a switch having a wipe capability; a monitor coupled to the switch for monitoring a performance characteristic thereof; and a controller configured to provide a stepped change in wipe applied by the switch between closing cycles thereof in response to the monitored performance characteristic. In some embodiments, an electronic device may be provided having a smart switch disposed therein.
Claims20
A smart switch, comprising:
- a switch having a wipe capability;
- a monitor coupled to the switch for monitoring a performance characteristic thereof;
- and
- a controller configured to provide a stepped change in wipe applied by the switch between closing cycles thereof in response to the monitored performance characteristic.
An electronic device, comprising:
- an input circuit for providing a signal;
- an output circuit for receiving the signal from the input circuit;
- and
- a smart switch for selectively coupling the input circuit to the output circuit, the smart switch comprising:
- a switch having a wipe capability;
- a monitor coupled to the switch for monitoring a performance characteristic thereof;
- and
- a controller configured to provide a stepped change in wipe applied by the switch between closing cycles thereof in response to the monitored performance characteristic.
A method of switching a signal in a microelectronic device, comprising:
- monitoring one or more characteristics of operation of a switch;
- comparing the monitored characteristics to a metric;
- and
- changing a quantity of wipe applied by the switch in response to the comparison.
20-38. (canceled)
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.