Method and apparatus for determining an internal state of an electronic component

Claim 2

Apparatus for determining a sequence of internal states representing a response of a first electronic component in an electronic system comprising one or more electronic components, said first electronic component having one or more first input terminals for communication of signals with said electronic system, the apparatus comprising: electronic switch means for controllably switching between a first mode and a second mode, said electronic switch means comprising first and second sets of switchable terminals, said first set of switchable terminals being connected to said first input terminals, said electronic switch means being adapted to permit communication of signals between said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said first mode and further being adapted to prevent communication of signals between said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said second mode; a second electronic component having one or more second input terminals connected to said second set of switchable terminals, said second electronic component operating in parallel with and having a response that is representative of the response of said first electronic component when said electronic switch means is in said first mode, said second electronic component further maintaining its internal state at the time the electronic switch means is switched from said first mode to said second mode; and control circuit means for switching said electronic switch means between said first mode and said second mode.

Claim 3

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said control circuit means is a computer operating according to a predetermined program.

Claim 4

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said second electronic component is identical to said first electronic component.

Claim 5

The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said electronic switch means further comprises a third set of switchable terminals, said third set of switchable terminals being connected to said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in a third mode, whereby signals representing said response of said second component can be communicated between said second signal input terminals and said third set of switchable terminals.

Claim 6

The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said control circuit means is connected to said third set of switchable terminals and is further for producing analysis signals on said third set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said third mode, said analysis signals controlling the response of said second component.

Claim 7

The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said control circuit means receives signals from said second component, said apparatus further comprising a digital memory connected to said control circuit means for storing the signals representing said response of said second component.

Claim 8

The apparatus of claim 1, said apparatus further comprising signal generation means for generating predetermined signals, said signal generation means being connected to said control circuit, said electronic switch means further comprising a third set of switchable terminals, said third set of switchable terminals being connected to said first and second sets of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in a fourth mode, said control circuit means being connected to said third set of switchable terminals, whereby said predetermined signals are imposed on selected members of said first and second sets of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said fourth mode.

Claim 9

The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said predetermined signals are functions of said signals from said electronic system.

Claim 10

The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said signal generation means comprises a host computer and a digital memory, said host computer generating said predetermined signals, causing said predetermined signals to be stored in said digital memory, and causing said predetermined signals to be imposed on said selected members of said first and second sets of switchable terminals.

Claim 11

Apparatus for determining a sequence of internal states representing a response of a first electronic component in an electronic system comprising one or more electronic components, said first electronic component having one or more first input terminals for communication of signals with said electronic system, the apparatus comprising: electronic switch means for controllably switching between a first mode and a second mode, said electronic switch means comprising first and second sets of switchable terminals, said first set of switchable terminals being connected to said first input terminals, said electronic switch means being adapted to permit communication of signals between said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said first mode and further being adapted to prevent communication of signals between said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said second mode; a second electronic component having one or more second input terminals connected to said second set of switchable terminals, said second electronic component operating concurrently with and having a response that is representative of the response of said first electronic component when said electronic switch means is in said first mode, said second electronic component further maintaining its internal state at the time the electronic switch means is switched from said first mode to said second mode; and control circuit means for switching said electronic switch means between said first mode and said second mode.

Claim 12

Apparatus for determining a sequence of internal states representing a response of a first electronic component in an electronic system comprising one or more electronic components, said first electronic component having one or more first input terminals for communication of signals with said electronic system, the apparatus comprising: electronic switch means for controllably switching between a first mode and a second mode, said electronic switch means comprising first and second sets of switchable terminals, said first set of switchable terminals being connected to said first input terminals, said electronic switch means being adapted to permit communication of signals between said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said first mode and further being adapted to prevent communication of signals between said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said second mode; a second electronic component having one or more second input terminals connected to said second set of switchable terminals, said second electronic component operating concurrently with and having a response that is representative of the response of said first electronic component when said electronic switch means is in said first mode, said second electronic component further maintaining its internal state at the time the electronic switch means is switched from said first mode to said second mode; and control circuit means for switching said electronic switch means between said first mode and said second mode.

Claim 13

The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said control circuit means is a computer operating according to a predetermined program.

Claim 14

The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said second electronic component is identical to said first electronic component.

Claim 15

The apparatus of claim 10 wherein said electronic switch means further comprises a third set of switchable terminals, said third set of switchable terminals being connected to said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in a third mode, whereby signals representing said response of said second component can be communicated between said second signal input terminals and said third set of switchable terminals.

Claim 16

The apparatus of claim 13 wherein said control circuit means is connected to said third set of switchable terminals and is further for producing analysis signals on said third set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said third mode, said analysis signals controlling the response of said second component.

Claim 17

The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said control circuit means receives signals from said second component, said apparatus further comprising a digital memory connected to said control circuit means for storing the signals representing said response of said second component.

Claim 18

The apparatus of claim 10, said apparatus further comprising signal generation means for generating predetermined signals, said signal generation means being connected to said control circuit, said electronic switch means further comprising a third set of switchable terminals, said third set of switchable terminals being connected to said first and second sets of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in a fourth mode, said control circuit means being connected to said third set of switchable terminals, whereby said predetermined signals are imposed on selected members of said first and second sets of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said fourth mode.

Claim 19

The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said predetermined signals are functions of said signals from said electronic system.

Claim 20

The apparatus of claim 16 wherein said signal generation means comprises a host computer and a digital memory, said host computer generating said predetermined signals, causing said predetermined signals to be stored in said digital memory, and causing said predetermined signals to be imposed on said selected members of said first and second sets of switchable terminals.

Claim 21

Apparatus for determining a sequence of internal states representing a response of a first electronic component in an electronic system comprising one or more electronic components, said first electronic component having one or more first input terminals for communication of signals with said electronic system, the apparatus comprising: electronic switch means for controllably switching between a first mode and a second mode, said electronic switch means comprising first and second sets of switchable terminals, said first set of switchable terminals being connected to said first input terminals, said electronic switch means being adapted to permit communication of signals between said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said first mode and further being adapted to prevent communication of signals between said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said second mode; a second electronic component having one or more second input terminals connected to said second set of switchable terminals, said second electronic component operating concurrently with and having a response that is representative of the response of said first electronic component when said electronic switch means is in said first mode, said second electronic component further maintaining its internal state at the time the electronic switch means is switched from said first mode to said second mode; and control circuit means for switching said electronic switch means between said first mode and said second mode.

Claim 22

Apparatus for determining a sequence of internal states representing a response of a first electronic component in an electronic system comprising one or more electronic components, said first electronic component having one or more first input terminals for communication of signals with said electronic system, the apparatus comprising: electronic switch means for controllably switching between a first mode and a second mode, said electronic switch means comprising first and second sets of switchable terminals, said first set of switchable terminals being connected to said first input terminals, said electronic switch means being adapted to permit communication of signals between said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said first mode and further being adapted to prevent communication of signals between said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said second mode; a second electronic component having one or more second input terminals connected to said second set of switchable terminals, said second electronic component operating concurrently with and having a response that is representative of the response of said first electronic component when said electronic switch means is in said first mode, said second electronic component further maintaining its internal state at the time the electronic switch means is switched from said first mode to said second mode; and control circuit means for switching said electronic switch means between said first mode and said second mode.

Claim 23

The apparatus of claim 19 wherein said electronic switch means further comprises a third set of switchable terminals, said third set of switchable terminals being connected to said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in a third mode, whereby signals representing said response of said second component can be communicated between said second signal input terminals and said third set of switchable terminals.

Claim 24

The apparatus of claim 20 wherein said control circuit means is connected to said third set of switchable terminals and is further for producing analysis signals on said third set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said third mode, said analysis signals controlling the response of said second component.

Claim 25

Apparatus for determining an internal state of a first electronic component at a time known relative to the time of occurrence of a predetermined event, said first electronic component forming part of an electronic system comprising one or more electronic components and having one or more signal input terminals for communication of signals with said electronic system, the apparatus comprising: electronic switch means for controllably switching between a first mode and a second mode, said electronic switch means comprising first and second sets of switchable terminals, said first set of switchable terminals being connected to said first input terminals, said electronic switch means being adapted to permit communication of signals between said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said first mode and further being adapted to prevent communication of signals between said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals from said signals when said electronic switch means is in said second mode; a second electronic component having internal states and one or more second input terminals connected to said second set of switchable terminals, said second electronic component changing states in parallel with said first electronic component when said electronic switch means is in said first mode, said internal states of said second component being thereby representative of said states of said first component, and said second component maintaining its internal state at the time the electronic switch means is switched from said first mode to said second mode; and control circuit means for switching said electronic switch means to switch from said first mode to said second mode at the time of occurrence of said predetermined event, thereby causing the current state of said second electronic component to be representative of the current state of the first electronic component at the time of occurrence of said predetermined event.

Claim 26

Apparatus for determining an internal state of a first electronic component at a time known relative to the time of occurrence of a predetermined event, said first electronic component forming part of an electronic system comprising one or more electronic components and having one or more signal input terminals for communication of signals with said electronic system, the apparatus comprising: electronic switch means for controllably switching between a first mode and a second mode, said electronic switch means comprising first and second sets of switchable terminals, said first set of switchable terminals being connected to said first input terminals, said electronic switch means being adapted to permit communication of signals between said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said first mode and further being adapted to prevent communication of signals between said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals from said signals when said electronic switch means is in said second mode; a second electronic component having internal states and one or more second input terminals connected to said second set of switchable terminals, said second electronic component changing states in parallel with said first electronic component when said electronic switch means is in said first mode, said internal states of said second component being thereby representative of said states of said first component, and said second component maintaining its internal state at the time the electronic switch means is switched from said first mode to said second mode; and control circuit means for switching said electronic switch means to switch from said first mode to said second mode at the time of occurrence of said predetermined event, thereby causing the current state of said second electronic component to be representative of the current state of the first electronic component at the time of occurrence of said predetermined event.

Claim 27

The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said control circuit means is further for receiving said input signals and controlling said electronic switch means to switch to said second mode when said input signals include a predetermined signal.

Claim 28

The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said electronic switch means further comprises a third set of switchable terminals, said third set of switchable terminals being connected to said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in a third mode, whereby signals representing said internal state of said second component can be transmitted from said second signal input terminals to said third set of switchable terminals.

Claim 29

The apparatus of claim 22, further comprising a digital memory connected to said control circuit means for storing the signals representing said internal state of said second component.

Claim 30

The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said control circuit means is a computer operating according to a predetermined program.

Claim 31

The apparatus of claim 22 wherein said second electronic component is identical to said first electronic component.

Claim 32

Apparatus for determining an internal state of a first electronic component at the time of occurrence of a predetermined event, said first electronic component forming part of an electronic system comprising one or more electronic components and having one or more first input terminals for communication of signals with said electronic system, the apparatus comprising: electronic switch means for controllably switching between a first mode and a second mode, said electronic switch means comprising first and second sets of switchable terminals, said first set of switchable terminals being connected to said first input terminals, said electronic switch means being adapted to permit communication of signals between said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said first mode and further being adapted to prevent communication of signals between said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals from said signals when said electronic switch means is in said second mode; a second electronic component having internal states and one or more second input terminals connected to said second set of switchable terminals, said second electronic component changing states concurrently with said first electronic component when said electronic switch means is in said first mode, said internal states of said second component being thereby representative of said states of said first component, and said second component maintaining its internal state at the time the electronic switch means is switched from said first mode to said second mode; and control circuit means for switching said electronic switch means to switch from said first mode to said second mode at the time of occurrence of said predetermined event, thereby causing the current state of said second electronic component to be representative of the current state of the first electronic component at the time of occurrence of said predetermined event.

Claim 33

Apparatus for determining an internal state of a first electronic component at the time of occurrence of a predetermined event, said first electronic component forming part of an electronic system comprising one or more electronic components and having one or more first input terminals for communication of signals with said electronic system, the apparatus comprising: electronic switch means for controllably switching between a first mode and a second mode, said electronic switch means comprising first and second sets of switchable terminals, said first set of switchable terminals being connected to said first input terminals, said electronic switch means being adapted to permit communication of signals between said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said first mode and further being adapted to prevent communication of signals between said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals from said signals when said electronic switch means is in said second mode; a second electronic component having internal states and one or more second input terminals connected to said second set of switchable terminals, said second electronic component changing states concurrently with said first electronic component when said electronic switch means is in said first mode, said internal states of said second component being thereby representative of said states of said first component, and said second component maintaining its internal state at the time the electronic switch means is switched from said first mode to said second mode; and control circuit means for switching said electronic switch means to switch from said first mode to said second mode at the time of occurrence of said predetermined event, thereby causing the current state of said second electronic component to be representative of the current state of the first electronic component at the time of occurrence of said predetermined event.

Claim 34

The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said control circuit means is further for receiving said input signals and controlling said electronic switch means to switch to said second mode when said input signals include a predetermined signal.

Claim 35

The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said electronic switch means further comprises a third set of switchable terminals, said third set of switchable terminals being connected to said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in a third mode, whereby signals representing said internal state of said second component can be transmitted from said second signal input terminals to said third set of switchable terminals.

Claim 36

The apparatus of claim 28, further comprising a digital memory connected to said control circuit means for storing the signals representing said internal state of said second component.

Claim 37

The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said control circuit means is a computer operating according to a predetermined program.

Claim 38

The apparatus of claim 28 wherein said second electronic component is identical to said first electronic component.

Claim 39

Apparatus for determining an internal state of a first electronic component at a time known relative to the time of occurrence of a predetermined event, said first electronic component forming part of an electronic system comprising one or more electronic components and having one or more first input terminals for communication of signals with said electronic system, the apparatus comprising: electronic switch means for controllably switching among a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, said electronic switch means comprising first, second, and third sets of switchable terminals, said first switchable terminals being connected to said first input terminals, said electronic switch means being adapted to permit communication of said signals to said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said first mode and to disconnect said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said second mode, said third set of switchable terminals being connected to said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said third mode; a second electronic component having internal states and one or more second input terminals connected to said second set of switchable terminals, said second electronic component changing states in parallel with said first electronic component when said electronic switch means is in said first mode, said internal states of said second component being thereby representative of said states of said first component, said second component maintaining its internal state at the time when the predetermined event caused the electronic switch means to switch from said first mode to said second mode, signals representing said internal state of said second component being transmitted from said second signal input terminals to said third set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said second mode; control circuit means for controlling said electronic switch means to switch from said first mode to said second mode at the time of occurrence of said predetermined event, thereby causing the current state of said second electronic component to be representative of the current state of the first electronic component at the time of occurrence of said predetermined event, said control circuit means further receiving said signal representing said internal state of said second component when said electronic switch means is in said second mode; and a host computer operating according to a predetermined simulation program and connected to said control circuit for receiving said signals representing said state of said second component and using said signals in said simulation program.

Claim 40

Apparatus for determining an internal state of a first electronic component at a time known relative to the time of occurrence of a predetermined event, said first electronic component forming part of an electronic system comprising one or more electronic components and having one or more first input terminals for communication of signals with said electronic system, the apparatus comprising: electronic switch means for controllably switching among a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, said electronic switch means comprising first, second, and third sets of switchable terminals, said first switchable terminals being connected to said first input terminals, said electronic switch means being adapted to permit communication of said signals to said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said first mode and to disconnect said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said second mode, said third set of switchable terminals being connected to said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said third mode; a second electronic component having internal states and one or more second input terminals connected to said second set of switchable terminals, said second electronic component changing states in parallel with said first electronic component when said electronic switch means is in said first mode, said internal states of said second component being thereby representative of said states of said first component, said second component maintaining its internal state at the time when the predetermined event caused the electronic switch means to switch from said first mode to said second mode, signals representing said internal state of said second component being transmitted from said second signal input terminals to said third set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said second mode; control circuit means for controlling said electronic switch means to switch from said first mode to said second mode at the time of occurrence of said predetermined event, thereby causing the current state of said second electronic component to be representative of the current state of the first electronic component at the time of occurrence of said predetermined event, said control circuit means further receiving said signal representing said internal state of said second component when said electronic switch means is in said second mode; and a host computer operating according to a predetermined simulation program and connected to said control circuit for receiving said signals representing said state of said second component and using said signals in said simulation program.

Claim 41

The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said first and second electronic components comprise digital memories and said host computer further produces signals representing initial state information, said signals representing initial state information being loaded into said digital memories of said first and second electronic components.

Claim 42

Apparatus for determining an internal state of a first electronic component at the time of occurrence of a predetermined event, said first electronic component forming part of an electronic system comprising one or more electronic components and having one or more first input terminals for communication of signals with said electronic system, the apparatus comprising: electronic switch means for controllably switching among a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, said electronic switch means comprising first, second, and third sets of switchable terminals, said first switchable terminals being connected to said first input terminals, said electronic switch means being adapted to permit communication of said signals to said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said first mode and to disconnect said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said second mode, said third set of switchable terminals being connected to said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said third mode; a second electronic component having internal states and one or more second input terminals connected to said second set of switchable terminals, said second electronic component changing states concurrently with said first electronic component when said electronic switch means is in said first mode, said internal states of said second component being thereby representative of said states of said first component, said second component maintaining its internal state at the time when the predetermined event caused the electronic switch means to switch from said first mode to said second mode, signals representing said internal state of said second component being transmitted from said second signal input terminals to said third set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said second mode; control circuit means for controlling said electronic switch means to switch from said first mode to said second mode at the time of occurrence of said predetermined event, thereby causing the current state of said second electronic component to be representative of the current state of the first electronic component at the time of occurrence of said predetermined event, said control circuit means further receiving said signals representing said internal state of said second component when said electronic switch means is in said second mode; and a host computer operating according to a predetermined simulation program and connected to said control circuit for receiving said signals representing said state of said second component and using said signals in said simulation program.

Claim 43

Apparatus for determining an internal state of a first electronic component at the time of occurrence of a predetermined event, said first electronic component forming part of an electronic system comprising one or more electronic components and having one or more first input terminals for communication of signals with said electronic system, the apparatus comprising: electronic switch means for controllably switching among a first mode, a second mode, and a third mode, said electronic switch means comprising first, second, and third sets of switchable terminals, said first switchable terminals being connected to said first input terminals, said electronic switch means being adapted to permit communication of said signals to said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said first mode and to disconnect said first set of switchable terminals and said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said second mode, said third set of switchable terminals being connected to said second set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said third mode; a second electronic component having internal states and one or more second input terminals connected to said second set of switchable terminals, said second electronic component changing states concurrently with said first electronic component when said electronic switch means is in said first mode, said internal states of said second component being thereby representative of said states of said first component, said second component maintaining its internal state at the time when the predetermined event caused the electronic switch means to switch from said first mode to said second mode, signals representing said internal state of said second component being transmitted from said second signal input terminals to said third set of switchable terminals when said electronic switch means is in said second mode; control circuit means for controlling said electronic switch means to switch from said first mode to said second mode at the time of occurrence of said predetermined event, thereby causing the current state of said second electronic component to be representative of the current state of the first electronic component at the time of occurrence of said predetermined event, said control circuit means further receiving said signals representing said internal state of said second component when said electronic switch means is in said second mode; and a host computer operating according to a predetermined simulation program and connected to said control circuit for receiving said signals representing said state of said second component and using said signals in said simulation program.

Claim 44

The apparatus of claim 36 wherein said first and second electronic components comprise digital memories and said host computer further produces signals representing initial state information, said signals representing initial state information being loaded into said digital memories of said first and second electronic components.

Claim 47

The method of claim 38, further comprising the steps of: (g) causing the second component to change to a second internal state from said first internal state; and (h) reading said signals representing said second internal state of said second component from said second component to said electronic switch means.

Claim 48

The method of claim 38, further comprising the step of causing said first and second electronic components to be in the same initial internal states.

Claim 49

The method of claim 38, further comprising the steps of (g) connecting a control circuit to a third set of switchable terminals in said electronic switch means, (h) connecting a digital memory to said control circuit and (i) reading said signals representing said first internal state of said second component from said electronic switch means into said digital memory.

Claim 50

The method of claim 41, further comprising the steps of producing analysis signals when said switch is in said second mode, and applying said analysis signals to said second component to determine the state of said second component.

Claim 55

The method of claim 44, further comprising the steps of: (g) causing the second component to change to a second internal state from said first internal state; and (h) reading said signals representing said second internal state of said second component from said second component to said electronic switch means.

Claim 56

The method of claim 44, further comprising the step of causing said first and second electronic components to be in the same initial internal states.

Claim 57

The method of claim 44, further comprising the steps of (g) connecting a control circuit to a third set of switchable terminals in said electronic switch means, (h) connecting a digital memory to said control circuit and (i) reading said signals representing said internal state of said second component from said electronic switch means into said digital memory.

Claim 60

The method of claim 48, further comprising the steps of producing analysis signals when said switch is in said second mode, and applying said analysis signals to said second component to determine the state of said second component.