Patent ID: 7734976
Filing Date: 2010-06-08
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. A method for synchronizing a plurality of test devices coupled to a host, comprising: initializing a counter of each of the plurality of test devices substantially simultaneously; transmitting a plurality of data frames to each of the plurality of test devices, each data frame having a same time period and starting with an increment message; incrementing each of the counters substantially simultaneously in response to the increment message at a start of each data frame while the plurality of data frames is received by respective ones of the plurality of test devices; triggering an action by at least one of the plurality of test devices when a respective counter of the at least one of the plurality of test devices reaches a programmed counter value; and triggering a second action by the at least one of the plurality of test devices when the respective counter of the at least one of the plurality of test devices reaches a second programmed counter value subsequent to reaching the first programmed counter value; wherein the first action is an application of a test stimulus to a plurality of test components coupled to respective ones of the plurality of test devices; and wherein the second action is measurement of an output value of each of the plurality of test components responsive to the test stimulus.