Signature Analysis

Abstract

A signature analyser is a specialised item of test equipment that converts a complex sequential bit pattern at a circuit node into a hexadecimal ‘signature’ that is displayed on a segment display unit. This signature can be compared with a reference signature for the circuit node in order to help to identify circuit faults. The signature analyser is particularly useful for computer circuit testing. If a specific test program is run for a specific computer hardware configuration, then a repeatable set of signatures will be produced at different points in the circuit.