Patents by Inventor William A. Fritzsche
William A. Fritzsche has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
-
Patent number: 9459978Abstract: A segmented subsystem, for use within an automated test platform, includes a first subsystem segment including a first data sequencer configured to coordinate the execution of one or more instructions within the first subsystem segment. A second subsystem segment includes a second data sequencer configured to coordinate the execution of one or more instructions within the second subsystem segment.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignee: Xcerra CorporationInventors: William A. Fritzsche, James Michael Jula, Timothy Alton, Russell Elliott Poffenberger, Michael E. Amy
-
Patent number: 9430349Abstract: A scalable test platform includes a PCIe-based event fabric. One or more instrument subsystems are coupled to the PCIe-based event fabric and configured to interface one or more devices under test and generate captured test data. One or more digital signal processing subsystems are coupled to the PCIe-based event fabric and configured to process the captured test data.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Xcerra CorporationInventors: William A. Fritzsche, Jeffery D. Currin, Russell Elliott Poffenberger, Timothy Alton, Michael Gordon Davis
-
Patent number: 9430348Abstract: A scalable test platform includes a PCIe-based event fabric. One or more CPU subsystems are coupled to the PCIe-based event fabric and configured to execute an automated test process. One or more instrument subsystems are coupled to the PCIe-based event fabric and configured to interface one or more devices under test.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Xcerra CorporationInventors: William A. Fritzsche, Jeffery D. Currin, Russell Elliott Poffenberger, Timothy Alton, Michael Gordon Davis
-
Patent number: 9336108Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for, upon the occurrence of a computer-related event, comparing code utilized by one or more subsystems included within a scalable test platform to code available from a remote location. If the code available from the remote location is newer than the code utilized by one or more subsystems, the code available from the remote location is obtained, thus defining newer code. The code utilized by one or more subsystems is updated with the newer code.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: Xcerra CorporationInventors: William A. Fritzsche, Jeffery D. Currin, Russell Elliott Poffenberger, Timothy Alton, Michael Gordon Davis
-
Patent number: 9213616Abstract: A segmented subsystem, for use within an automated test platform, includes a first subsystem segment configured to execute one or more instructions within the first subsystem segment. A second subsystem segment is configured to execute one or more instructions within the second subsystem segment. The first subsystem segment includes: a first functionality, a second functionality, and a status polling engine. The status polling engine is configured to: determine a first status for the first functionality and a second status for the second functionality, and generate a consolidated status indicator for the first subsystem segment based, at least in part, upon the first status for the first functionality and the second status for the second functionality.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2013Date of Patent: December 15, 2015Assignee: XCerra CorporationInventors: William A. Fritzsche, Russell Elliott Poffenberger, Todor K. Petrov, Michael E. Amy
-
Publication number: 20140208082Abstract: A segmented subsystem, for use within an automated test platform, includes a first subsystem segment configured to execute one or more instructions within the first subsystem segment. A second subsystem segment is configured to execute one or more instructions within the second subsystem segment. The first subsystem segment includes: a first functionality, a second functionality, and a status polling engine. The status polling engine is configured to: determine a first status for the first functionality and a second status for the second functionality, and generate a consolidated status indicator for the first subsystem segment based, at least in part, upon the first status for the first functionality and the second status for the second functionality.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: LTX-Credence CorporationInventors: William A. Fritzsche, Russell Elliott Poffenberger, Todor K. Petrov, Michael E. Amy
-
Publication number: 20140208164Abstract: A scalable test platform includes a PCIe-based event fabric. One or more instrument subsystems are coupled to the PCIe-based event fabric and configured to interface one or more devices under test and generate captured test data.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: LTX-Credence CorporationInventors: William A. Fritzsche, Jeffery D. Currin, Russell Elliott Poffenberger, Timothy Alton, Michael Gordon Davis
-
Publication number: 20140207404Abstract: A method, computer program product, and computing system for, upon the occurrence of a computer-related event, comparing code utilized by one or more subsystems included within a scalable test platform to code available from a remote location. If the code available from the remote location is newer than the code utilized by one or more subsystems, the code available from the remote location is obtained, thus defining newer code. The code utilized by one or more subsystems is updated with the newer code.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: LTX-Credence CorporationInventors: William A. Fritzsche, Jeffery D. Currin, Russell Elliott Poffenberger, Timothy Alton, Michael Gordon Davis
-
Publication number: 20140208160Abstract: A segmented subsystem, for use within an automated test platform, includes a first subsystem segment including a first data sequencer configured to coordinate the execution of one or more instructions within the first subsystem segment. A second subsystem segment includes a second data sequencer configured to coordinate the execution of one or more instructions within the second subsystem segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: LTX-Credence CorporationInventors: WILLIAM A. FRITZSCHE, James Michael Jula, Timothy Alton, Russell Elliott Poffenberger, Michael E. Amy
-
Publication number: 20140208161Abstract: A scalable test platform includes a PCIe-based event fabric. One or more CPU subsystems are coupled to the PCIe-based event fabric and configured to execute an automated test process. One or more instrument subsystems are coupled to the PCIe-based event fabric and configured to interface one or more devices under test.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 24, 2013Publication date: July 24, 2014Applicant: LTX-Credence CorporationInventors: William A. Fritzsche, Jeffery D. Currin, Russell Elliott Poffenberger, Timothy Alton, Michael Gordon Davis
-
Patent number: 7496467Abstract: An integrated circuit testing device, such as an ATE, configured with an architecture comprising a distinct software layer and a distinct hardware layer with an interface for tester abstraction providing a communication conduit between the software layer and the hardware layer. The software layer communicates in device under test terms whereas the hardware layer communicates in the terms of the testing apparatus. Various communication interface points are provided to the software and hardware layers, as well as the interface for tester abstraction.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2006Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Credence Systems CorporationInventor: William A. Fritzsche
-
Patent number: 7370255Abstract: Method and apparatus for circuit testing with ring-connected test instrument modules. A system for controlling one or more test instruments to test one or more integrated circuits includes a master clock and a controller. The test instruments are connected to form a communication ring. The master clock is connected to each test instrument and provides a clock signal to the one or more test instruments. The controller is connected to the communication ring and is configured to align counters of test instruments to derive a common clock time value from the clock signal. The controller is further configured to generate and send data words into the communication ring to carry the data words to each test instrument. The data words includes at least one data word specifying a test event to be performed, a common clock time value, and at least one of the test instruments.Type: GrantFiled: February 1, 2005Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Assignee: Credence Systems CorporationInventors: Michael F. Jones, Frederick Giral, William A. Fritzsche
-
Patent number: 7302358Abstract: An integrated circuit testing device, such as an ATE, configured with an architecture comprising a distinct software layer and a distinct hardware layer with an interface for tester abstraction providing a communication conduit between the software layer and the hardware layer. The software layer communicates in device under test terms whereas the hardware layer communicates in the terms of the testing apparatus. Various communication interface points are provided to the software and hardware layers, as well as the interface for tester abstraction.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: Credence Systems SolutionsInventor: William A. Fritzsche
-
Publication number: 20060218456Abstract: An integrated circuit testing device, such as an ATE, configured with an architecture comprising a distinct software layer and a distinct hardware layer with an interface for tester abstraction providing a communication conduit between the software layer and the hardware layer. The software layer communicates in device under test terms whereas the hardware layer communicates in the terms of the testing apparatus. Various communication interface points are provided to the software and hardware layers, as well as the interface for tester abstraction.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2006Publication date: September 28, 2006Applicant: Credence Systems CorporationInventor: William Fritzsche
-
Publication number: 20060212254Abstract: An integrated circuit testing device, such as an ATE, configured with an architecture comprising a distinct software layer and a distinct hardware layer with an interface for tester abstraction providing a communication conduit between the software layer and the hardware layer. The software layer communicates in device under test terms whereas the hardware layer communicates in the terms of the testing apparatus. Various communication interface points are provided to the software and hardware layers, as well as the interface for tester abstraction.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2006Publication date: September 21, 2006Applicant: Credence Systems CorporationInventor: William Fritzsche
-
Patent number: 7107173Abstract: An integrated circuit testing device, such as an ATE, configured with an architecture comprising a distinct software layer and a distinct hardware layer with an interface for tester abstraction providing a communication conduit between the software layer and the hardware layer. The software layer communicates in device under test terms whereas the hardware layer communicates in the terms of the testing apparatus. Various communication interface points are provided to the software and hardware layers, as well as the interface for tester abstraction.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: September 12, 2006Assignee: Credence Systems CorporationInventor: William A. Fritzsche
-
Patent number: 7099791Abstract: A method for linking compiled pattern data and loading the data into tester hardware includes the steps of generating a composite object that includes a shared resource, determining a local shared resource specific to a test instrument that is associated with the shared resource in the composite object, assigning a local reconciled value or address to the local shared resource, and loading the local shared resource into the test instrument.Type: GrantFiled: October 7, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: Credence Systems CorporationInventor: William A. Fritzsche
-
Patent number: 7043390Abstract: Method and apparatus for circuit testing with ring-connected test instrument modules. A system for controlling one or more test instruments to test one or more integrated circuits includes a master clock and a controller. The test instruments are connected to form a communication ring. The master clock is connected to each test instrument and provides a clock signal to the one or more test instruments. The controller is connected to the communication ring and is configured to align counters of test instruments to derive a common clock time value from the clock signal. The controller is further configured to generate and send data words into the communication ring to carry the data words to each test instrument. The data words includes at least one data word specifying a test event to be performed, a common clock time value, and at least one of the test instruments.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2004Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: Credence Systems CorporationInventors: Michael F. Jones, Frederic Giral, William A. Fritzsche
-
Patent number: 7035755Abstract: Method and apparatus for circuit testing with ring-connected test instrument modules. A system for controlling one or more test instruments to test one or more integrated circuits includes a master clock and a controller. The test instruments are connected to form a communication ring. The master clock is connected to each test instrument and provides a clock signal to the one or more test instruments. The controller is connected to the communication ring and is configured to align counters of test instruments to derive a common clock time value from the clock signal. The controller is further configured to generate and send data words into the communication ring to carry the data words to each test instrument. The data words includes at least one data word specifying a test event to be performed, a common clock time value, and at least one of the test instruments.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2002Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Credence Systems CorporationInventors: Michael F. Jones, Robert Whyte, Jamie S. Cullen, Naveed Zaman, Yann Gazounaud, Burnell G. West, William Fritzsche
-
Publication number: 20050261857Abstract: A system and method for linking and loading compiled pattern data is described. In one embodiment, the method includes stepping through a pattern object to identify a shared resource and a compiled value or address for the shared resource and determining a reconciled value or address for the shared resource. The method also includes the steps of generating a composite load image containing a representation of the shared resource and the reconciled value or address and generating a remap table containing a mapping of the compiled value or address to the reconciled value or address.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2004Publication date: November 24, 2005Inventors: Clark Jones, Stephen Roehling, Carroll Carruth, Oliver Knight, William Fritzsche