Systems and methods consistent with principles of the present invention allow
contactless measurements of voltage characteristics of dynamic electrical signals
in integrated circuits. The invention utilizes a signal analysis circuit, such
as a voltage comparator, disposed with the circuit under test, which is optically
coupled with the external timing measurement equipment. The signal analysis circuit
changes its state depending on the characteristics of the measured electrical signal
applied thereto. The changes in the condition of the signal analysis circuit are
sensed by the external timing measurement equipment provided outside the circuit
under test. To this end, the signal analysis circuit is optically coupled with
the external measurement equipment registering specific changes in the condition
of the signal analysis circuit. The information on the condition of the signal
analysis circuit registered by the external measurement equipment is used to study
the characteristics of the dynamic electrical signals within the circuit.