Rapid detection system and method for cable of test machine
By generating detection signals using the built-in controller of the testing machine and utilizing the hardware foundation of the ATE equipment for cable quality testing, the problem of requiring additional equipment for cable testing is solved, the efficiency of anomaly troubleshooting is improved, and the cost is reduced.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510968293.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-14
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing cable testing equipment requires additional testing facilities, leading to increased production costs.
A rapid testing system is provided, which uses the built-in controller of the test machine to generate detection signals for interruption, internal resistance consistency and signal transmission, and performs the detection through the hardware foundation of ATE equipment, including interruption detection, internal resistance consistency detection and signal transmission detection, and directly outputs the detection results.
It improves the efficiency of troubleshooting IC tests, reduces production costs, and eliminates the need for additional testing equipment. The test results are intuitive and easy to operate.
Smart Images

Figure CN120993304A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of chip testing technology, and more specifically to a rapid testing system and method for cables used in testing machines. Background Technology
[0002] In IC (integrated circuit) testing, cable mounts are used to connect the Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) and the probe card. The ATE sends electrical signals through the cable for transmission. The signals are transmitted in the form of electromagnetic waves in the line, and the cable is the critical signal transmission medium. A high-quality cable is a prerequisite for complete signal transmission, transmitting the test signals generated by the ATE to the probe card and the Device Under Test (DUT), and transmitting the signals returned by the DUT back to the ATE for evaluation.
[0003] Due to high-frequency plugging, bending, and other factors during actual testing, cable can suffer losses. There may be open circuits in the line that prevent signal transmission, or impedance discontinuities in the line that cause signal reflection and distortion, affecting signal integrity and the accuracy of data transmission.
[0004] Existing testing machines require additional testing equipment for cable testing, which increases production costs. Summary of the Invention
[0005] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, a rapid testing system and method for cables in testing machines are provided to solve the problem that existing testing machines require additional testing equipment, leading to increased production costs.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, a rapid testing system for cables used in testing machines is provided, comprising: Test machine; The cable under test has one end connected to the signal transmitting slot of the tester and the other end connected to the signal receiving slot of the tester. The controller is connected to and built into the test machine. The controller generates an open / close detection signal, an internal resistance consistency detection signal, and a signal transmission detection signal and sends them out. The test machine receives the open / close detection signal, the internal resistance consistency detection signal, and the signal transmission detection signal, performs corresponding tests based on the acquired signals, and sends the test results out. The controller acquires the test results and outputs them.
[0007] Furthermore, the controller generates the on / off detection signal, the internal resistance consistency detection signal, and the signal transmission detection signal, and sends them out sequentially.
[0008] This invention provides a detection method using a rapid detection system for cables in a testing machine, comprising the following steps: Connect one end of the cable under test to the signal output slot of the tester, and connect the other end of the cable under test to the signal receiving slot of the tester. The controller generates an on / off detection signal, an internal resistance consistency detection signal, and a signal transmission detection signal, and sends them out externally. The test machine receives the interruption detection signal, the internal resistance consistency detection signal, and the signal transmission detection signal; performs corresponding tests based on the acquired signals; and sends the test results to the outside. The controller acquires the detection results and outputs them.
[0009] The beneficial effects of this invention are that the rapid testing system for cables used in testing machines can complete the quality testing of the cables under test using the existing testing hardware and measurement units of ATE equipment, thereby improving the efficiency of troubleshooting test anomalies during subsequent IC testing. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for additional testing equipment, reducing production costs. The method of this invention is simple and easy to operate, and the test results are output intuitively, greatly aiding test production. Attached Figure Description
[0010] Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become more apparent from the following detailed description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a rapid testing system for cables used in a testing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a rapid testing method for cables used in a testing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation
[0012] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.
[0013] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this application can be combined with each other. This application will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0014] Reference Figure 1As shown, the present invention provides a rapid testing system for cables of a testing machine, comprising: a testing machine 1, a cable to be tested 3, and a controller 2.
[0015] In this embodiment, the tester is a 3380P tester, but the tester can also be other testers that use a cable mount.
[0016] Before testing the cable, connect the cable under test to the tester to complete the test circuit configuration. Specifically, connect one end of the cable under test to the signal transmitting slot of the tester, and connect the other end of the cable under test to the signal receiving slot of the tester.
[0017] The controller signal is connected to the testing machine. The controller is built into the testing machine.
[0018] During testing, the controller generates and transmits opening / closing detection signals, internal resistance consistency detection signals, and signal transmission detection signals. The testing machine receives these signals, performs corresponding tests based on the acquired signals, and transmits the test results. The controller acquires the test results and outputs them.
[0019] In a preferred implementation, the controller generates an on / off detection signal, an internal resistance consistency detection signal, and a signal transmission detection signal, and sends them out sequentially.
[0020] The tester receives an interruption detection signal to perform interruption detection and generate a first detection result (pass or fail); the tester receives an internal resistance consistency detection signal to perform internal resistance consistency detection and generate a second detection result (pass or fail); the tester receives a signal transmission detection signal to perform transmission detection and generate a third detection result (pass or fail).
[0021] First, when the controller obtains the first detection result and the first detection result is "fail", the controller completes the detection process and directly outputs the detection result (fail). Otherwise, the controller generates an internal resistance consistency detection signal and sends it out. Next, when the controller obtains the second detection result and the second detection result is "fail", the controller completes the detection process and directly outputs the detection result (fail). Otherwise, the controller generates a signal transmission detection signal and sends it out. Finally, when the controller obtains the third detection result, the controller completes the detection process and outputs the detection result (pass or fail).
[0022] Reference Figure 2 As shown, the present invention provides a testing method using a rapid testing system for cables in a testing machine, comprising the following steps: S1. Connect one end of the cable under test to the signal output slot of the tester, and connect the other end of the cable under test to the signal receiving slot of the tester.
[0023] When configuring the test circuit, connect one end of the cable under test to the signal output slot of the 3380P CMLB, and connect the other end of the cable under test to the signal receiving slot of the 3380P CMLB.
[0024] When connecting the cable under test to the slot selected by the CMLB, it is necessary to select a digital channel slot with signal transmission and reception capabilities. Then, in the testing program, define the signal transmission and reception channel resources according to the selected digital channel slot.
[0025] S2. The controller generates an on / off detection signal, an internal resistance consistency detection signal, and a signal transmission detection signal, and sends them out.
[0026] S3. The tester receives the interruption detection signal, the internal resistance consistency detection signal, and the signal transmission detection signal. Based on the acquired signals, it performs the corresponding tests and sends the test results to the outside world.
[0027] When performing step S3, the following steps are included: Step 31: The tester first performs an open / close test on the cable connection. If the cable test shows an open circuit, it jumps to Step 4; otherwise, it executes Step 32.
[0028] Step 32: The tester then performs a test on the internal resistance consistency of the cable under test. If there is an abnormal internal resistance, it will proceed to Step 4; otherwise, it will proceed to Step 33.
[0029] Step 33: The tester will then perform a signal transmission test on the cable under test. If any abnormal signal transmission is detected, the test will proceed to Step 4.
[0030] In Step 31, during the cable connection open / close detection, the program controls the ATE signal transmitter to send a small voltage and sets a reasonable current clamp to prevent excessive instantaneous current upon connection. The program uses the ATE signal receiver to compare the received voltage value with expectations. If no voltage value exceeding expectations is received, it indicates an internal open circuit in the cable under test, rendering it unusable for subsequent IC testing. The program then jumps to Step 4, outputting the cable's detection result. Otherwise, it proceeds to Step 32.
[0031] In Step 32, during the internal resistance consistency test of the cable under test, the program controls the ATE measurement unit to send a small current signal at one end of the cable connection. At the other end of the cable connection, the program uses the ATE measurement unit to detect the voltage signal to see if it meets expectations. Based on Ohm's law U=I×R, when the internal resistance of the cable under test tends to be consistent, the detected voltage signals should also be basically consistent. If the detected voltage signals are inconsistent in some channels, proceed to Step 4; otherwise, proceed to Step 33.
[0032] In Step 33, the program sets the Level, timing period, and detection vector. The Level should be set to a low level, such as around 1V for VIH. High levels should not be too high. The timing period should be set to a rate frequency > 50MHz, and should be as short and high-frequency as possible to simulate high-frequency signal transmission during IC testing. The detection vector should have different high-low flips to detect whether there are bit errors / missed bits during IC testing. After signal transmission detection, the program proceeds to the next module for detection and judgment, executing Step 4.
[0033] S4. The controller acquires the detection results and outputs them.
[0034] The controller acquires the test results from the tester and outputs the test results for the cable under test. If the test result of any step 31, 32, or 33 is Fail, the test result is Fail. If the test results of steps 31, 32, and 33 are all Pass, the test result output is Pass.
[0035] The rapid cable testing system for testing machines of this invention utilizes the existing testing hardware and measurement units of ATE equipment to complete the quality testing of the cable under test, thereby improving the efficiency of troubleshooting test anomalies during subsequent IC testing. Furthermore, it eliminates the need for additional testing equipment, reducing production costs. The method of this invention is simple and easy to operate, and the test results are output intuitively, greatly benefiting test production.
[0036] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention involved in this application is not limited to technical solutions formed by specific combinations of the above-described technical features, but should also cover other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the inventive concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in this application.
Claims
1. A rapid testing system for cables used in a testing machine, characterized in that, include: Test machine; The cable under test has one end connected to the signal transmitting slot of the tester and the other end connected to the signal receiving slot of the tester. The controller is connected to and built into the test machine. The controller generates an open / close detection signal, an internal resistance consistency detection signal, and a signal transmission detection signal and sends them out. The test machine receives the open / close detection signal, the internal resistance consistency detection signal, and the signal transmission detection signal, performs corresponding tests based on the acquired signals, and sends the test results out. The controller acquires the test results and outputs them.
2. The rapid testing system for cables used in a testing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that, The controller generates the interruption detection signal, the internal resistance consistency detection signal, and the signal transmission detection signal, and sends them out sequentially.
3. A detection method using a rapid detection system for cables in a testing machine as described in any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Connect one end of the cable under test to the signal output slot of the tester, and connect the other end of the cable under test to the signal receiving slot of the tester. The controller generates an on / off detection signal, an internal resistance consistency detection signal, and a signal transmission detection signal, and sends them out externally. The test machine receives the interruption detection signal, the internal resistance consistency detection signal, and the signal transmission detection signal; performs corresponding tests based on the acquired signals; and sends the test results to the outside. The controller acquires the detection results and outputs them.