Michael Harms

Title: Michael Harms: Innovator in Signal Testing Technologies

Introduction

Michael Harms is a distinguished inventor based in Pleasanton, CA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of signal testing technologies, holding a total of 6 patents. His innovative work has advanced the capabilities of testing interfaces in reconfigurable devices.

Latest Patents

One of Michael's latest patents is titled "Testing hard-wired IP interface signals using a soft scan chain." This invention involves implementing a set of boundary scan registers by reconfiguring the functional blocks of a reconfigurable device. The 'soft-wired' boundary scan registers are utilized to test the interface connections between the IP core and the functional blocks. Importantly, this set of registers only exists when a testing configuration is loaded, ensuring that no additional chip area is consumed. Once testing is complete, the configuration is erased, allowing the functional blocks to perform other operations without the need for manually created functional test data.

Another notable patent is the "Method of maintaining signal integrity across a capacitive coupled solder bump." This invention introduces a novel method and computer program product that utilizes an interface capacitor formed by the probe tip's metal, a dielectric layer from a contaminant on a solder bump, and the solder bump's metal. The interface capacitor forms a capacitive divider with the inherent capacitances of the automatic test equipment and the device under test (DUT). This method allows for valid testing of the DUT, even when all I/O bumps have an oxide layer.

Career Highlights

Michael Harms is currently employed at Altera Corporation, where he continues to innovate and develop new technologies. His work has been instrumental in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of signal testing processes.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Michael has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Jayabrata Ghosh Dastidar and Paul J Tracy. These collaborations have contributed to the advancement of technologies in the field.

Conclusion

Michael Harms is a prominent inventor whose work in signal testing technologies has led to significant advancements in the industry. His innovative patents reflect his commitment to improving testing methodologies and ensuring the integrity of signal transmission.