ELECTRICAL CONNECTIVITY TEST APPARATUS AND METHODS
First Claim
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
- a plurality of drivers each configured to transmit data by way of a low-voltage differential signal;
a plurality of receivers each configured to receive a respective one of the low-voltage differential signals and to provide a corresponding single-ended output signal, the plurality of receivers coupled to the plurality of drivers by way of an electrical connector;
circuitry configured to provide a feedback signal by way of an electrical pathway, the feedback signal corresponding to a test function of the plurality of single-ended output signals; and
a controller configured to issue a connectivity test result message in accordance with the feedback signal.
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Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided related to testing electrical connectivity. A sequence of distinct test data signal patterns is issued. The test data signals are propagated by way of respective pathways and electrical connectors. A feedback signal is generated in accordance with a test function for each of the test data signal patterns. A test results message is generated in accordance with the feedback signals, which can include specific diagnostic or identifying information.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
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a plurality of drivers each configured to transmit data by way of a low-voltage differential signal; a plurality of receivers each configured to receive a respective one of the low-voltage differential signals and to provide a corresponding single-ended output signal, the plurality of receivers coupled to the plurality of drivers by way of an electrical connector; circuitry configured to provide a feedback signal by way of an electrical pathway, the feedback signal corresponding to a test function of the plurality of single-ended output signals; and a controller configured to issue a connectivity test result message in accordance with the feedback signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An electronic circuit configured to:
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respectively assert a plurality of test data signals so as to define a unique pattern for each step of a test sequence; receive a respective feedback signal for each step in the test sequence; and provide a connectivity test result message in accordance with the feedback signals, the electronic circuit configured to evaluate the feedback signals in accordance with a tolerance. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method, comprising:
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issuing a sequence of unique test patterns within an electronic circuit, each test pattern defined by a plurality of test data signals simultaneously asserted at respective logic levels; propagating the test patterns through a plurality of drivers to a plurality of receivers by way of at least one electrical connector; generating a serial data feedback signal for each of the test patterns in accordance with a test function; evaluating each of the feedback signals; and providing a test results message in accordance with the evaluating, - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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Specification