Radio frequency testing machine

Abstract

The utility model provides a radio frequency testing machine. The testing machine comprises an upper computer; the communication module is in communication connection with the upper computer, and the communication module further comprises a first TTL (transistor-transistor logic) communication interface, a GPIB (general purpose interface bus) communication interface and an Ethernet port which are in communication connection with an external sorting machine / probe station. The test machine communication module adapts to three common communication methods of the Ethernet, the GPIB and the TTL, and the universality of the test machine communication module is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of radio frequency testing technology, and in particular to a radio frequency testing machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of semiconductor technology, semiconductor chip testing, as a crucial process step in the research and development and production of semiconductor devices, has received widespread attention from the industry. Traditional manual testing is inefficient, error-prone, and unable to meet the demands of large-scale production and complex testing tasks. To achieve automated testing of semiconductor chips, close cooperation between the testing machine and the sorting machine / probe station is required. Currently, there are various communication methods between the testing machine and the sorting machine, probe station, and other equipment, but the overall trend is towards higher data transmission speeds, mutual recognition of results, and automatic identification.

[0003] In reality, the same chip manufacturer may purchase testers, sorters, and probe stations from different manufacturers. The communication interfaces used by each manufacturer are not the same. This means that when developing and producing semiconductor automatic test equipment, it is necessary to customize the communication interface according to the customer's sorter / probe station equipment. It is also necessary to conduct joint debugging with sorters / probe stations from different manufacturers and adopt the method of physical machine interconnection verification and calibration. This method requires actual operation of two testers and sorters, which consumes a lot of manpower and resources. It is not conducive to the pre-shipment inspection of testers and sorters or the inspection of the interconnection status of testers and sorters.

[0004] The information disclosed in this background section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the general background of this utility model and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides an radio frequency tester.

[0006] The present invention provides an RF tester, which includes: a host computer; a communication module, the communication module being connected to the host computer, and the communication module further including a first TTL communication interface, a GPIB communication interface and an Ethernet port for communicating with an external sorter / probe station.

[0007] Optionally, the first TTL communication interface includes two types: DB37 male connector and CN57-50 female connector.

[0008] Optionally, the communication module includes a PCB control board, which is equipped with: a network port for communication with a host computer; a main control chip for communication with the network port; and a first TTL communication interface for communication with the main control chip.

[0009] Optionally, the PCB control board is equipped with a level converter, which is connected in series between the main control chip and the first TTL communication interface to convert the voltage of the main control chip into the voltage required by the first TTL communication interface.

[0010] Optionally, the PCB control board is equipped with a connector that connects to the main control chip and is used to program the main control chip.

[0011] Optionally, the PCB control board is equipped with a triangular power socket and a transformer, which are used to convert external 220V AC power into 5V DC power to power the PCB control board.

[0012] Optionally, the host computer includes a test module, which can call the communication module and select the communication protocol type.

[0013] Optionally, the host computer includes a debugging module, which includes a display unit. When a test start signal is received, the display unit displays preset information so that the debugger can know the test station corresponding to the test start signal.

[0014] Optionally, the debugging module includes a return unit, which generates a classification signal and a test end signal, and calls the communication module to transmit them to the sorter / probe station.

[0015] Optionally, the host computer includes: a simulation module, which can send a test start signal to the communication module and receive a classification signal from the communication module.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this utility model are: it is compatible with three common communication methods, namely Ethernet, GPIB and TTL, which improves the versatility of the test machine's communication module. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a design diagram of the overall structure of a communication module provided in this embodiment;

[0020] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of a PCB control board disclosed in this embodiment;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a debugging software process disclosed in this embodiment;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a simulation software process disclosed in this embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The advantages of this utility model are further illustrated below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0024] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings denote the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this disclosure.

[0025] The terminology used in this disclosure is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” as used herein are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0026] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this disclosure to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this disclosure, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination."

[0027] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "longitudinal", "lateral", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise specified and limited, it should be noted that the terms "installation", "connection" and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, or internal connections between two components. They can be direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances.

[0029] In the following description, the use of suffixes such as "module," "part," or "unit" to denote elements is solely for the purpose of illustrating this invention and has no specific meaning in itself. Therefore, "module" and "part" can be used interchangeably.

[0030] It should be noted that in the field of radio frequency testing, the test start signal described in this utility model is the SOT (Start of Test) signal, the test end signal is the EOT (End of Test) signal, the classification signal is the BIN signal, and the test site is the test site, or simply site.

[0031] The technical solution of the present invention provides an RF tester, which includes: a host computer; a communication module, the communication module being connected to the host computer, and the communication module further including a first TTL (Transistor-Transistor Logic) communication interface, a GPIB (General-Purpose Interface Bus) communication interface, and an Ethernet port for communicating with an external sorter / probe station.

[0032] Optionally, the first TTL communication interface includes two types: DB37 male connector and CN57-50 female connector.

[0033] Optionally, the communication module includes a PCB control board, which is equipped with: a network port for communication with a host computer; a main control chip for communication with the network port; and a first TTL communication interface for communication with the main control chip.

[0034] Optionally, the PCB control board is equipped with a level converter, which is connected in series between the main control chip and the first TTL communication interface to convert the voltage of the main control chip into the voltage required by the first TTL communication interface.

[0035] Optionally, the PCB control board is equipped with a connector that connects to the main control chip and is used to program the main control chip.

[0036] Optionally, the PCB control board is equipped with a triangular power socket and a transformer, which are used to convert external 220V AC power into 5V DC power to power the PCB control board.

[0037] Optionally, the host computer includes a test module, which can call the communication module and select the communication protocol type.

[0038] Optionally, the host computer includes a debugging module, which includes a display unit. When a test start signal is received, the display unit displays preset information so that the debugger can know the test station corresponding to the test start signal.

[0039] Optionally, the debugging module includes a return unit, which generates a classification signal and a test end signal, and calls the communication module to transmit them to the sorter / probe station.

[0040] Optionally, the host computer includes: a simulation module, which can send a test start signal to the communication module and receive a classification signal from the communication module.

[0041] This embodiment is compatible with three common communication methods: Ethernet, GPIB, and TTL, which improves the versatility of the test machine's communication module.

[0042] Furthermore, in another embodiment, taking a sorting machine as an example (also applicable to probe stations), the improvement lies in the smaller size of the communication module, which is compatible with three communication methods: TTL, GPIB, and Ethernet. It replaces the original test machine communication component digital board with HD box design, freeing up PXIe resources and saving costs.

[0043] Figure 1 This embodiment provides an overall structural design diagram of a communication module, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the communication module includes a chassis housing 24, a front panel 23, an Ethernet port 21, a GPIB communication interface 22, a TTL communication interface 15, a TTL communication interface 16, and a TTL communication interface 17.

[0044] Before using the Ethernet port for communication, firstly, ensure that the network interfaces of the testing machine and the sorting machine are correctly connected, and that network settings such as IP address, subnet mask, and gateway are configured correctly. Secondly, instrument identification and connection are required. The testing machine sends an identification signal to the sorting machine, and the sorting machine, upon receiving the signal, returns its identity and status information. Thirdly, the testing machine identifies and connects to the sorting machine based on the returned information. Fourthly, the testing machine sends communication commands to the sorting machine according to a preset communication protocol, encapsulates the commands into data packets, and sends them to the sorting machine over the network. After receiving the communication commands from the testing machine, the sorting machine receives and processes the signals and sends a feedback signal back to the testing machine.

[0045] The GPIB bus can transmit information managed by the GPIB bus system itself, as well as information used by devices interconnected through the GPIB bus interface. Each instrument connected to the GPIB bus has an independent address. Before using GPIB communication, firstly, the device's address and configuration interface parameters must be initialized; secondly, the test machine and sorting machine must be connected via the GPIB bus, ensuring unobstructed communication between them; and thirdly, commands and data, including signals for test start, sorting, and test end, must be transmitted.

[0046] TTL communication design offers two interface types: TTL communication interfaces 15 and 16 use DB37 male connectors, while TTL communication interface 17 uses a CN57-50 female connector. TTL communication is a digital logic-based communication method that uses high and low voltage levels to represent binary data. Signal conversion and processing are required to adapt to different circuits and systems. Using TTL communication necessitates ensuring electrical compatibility between the communication interfaces of the tester and the sorting machine; that is, their TTL voltage levels should be identical.

[0047] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a PCB control board disclosed in this embodiment, as shown below. Figure 2As shown, the control board is equipped with a network port 11 for communication with the host computer and receiving commands from the host computer. The control board also has a main control chip 12, which is connected to three TTL communication interfaces. The control board also has a level converter 31, which converts the voltage of the main control chip 12 into the voltage required for TTL signals. The pins of the main control chip 12 connected to the TTL communication interface 15 are used for transmitting test start, test end, and classification information for the first and second test stations, respectively. The pins of the main control chip 12 connected to the TTL communication interface 16 are used for transmitting test start, test end, and classification information for the third and fourth test stations, respectively. The pins of the main control chip 12 connected to the TTL communication interface 17 are used for transmitting test start, test end, and classification information for the fifth to eighth test stations, respectively. The host computer communicates with the sorting machine according to the defined pin definitions of the main control chip 12. The control board also includes a connector 13, whose main function is to burn executable firmware onto the main control chip 12. The control board also includes a triangular power socket and a transformer 14, which converts external 220V AC power into 5V DC power to power the TTL board. Its workflow is as follows: the TTL communication interface controlled by the main control chip 12 is initially at a high level. When a low-level signal (test start signal) is received, a falling edge is generated. The main control chip 12 identifies the low-level signal (test start signal) on a specific pin and uploads it to the host computer, thus determining the test site where the chip under test is located and starting the test. After the test is completed, the host computer controls the main control chip 12 to send a classification signal and a test end signal to the corresponding test site's TTL communication interface, completing the communication.

[0048] The test machine disclosed in this embodiment is compatible with the test software developed by our company. In addition, in order to facilitate the testing and debugging of the communication module, our company has also developed the test machine communication module debugging software and the sorting machine simulation software.

[0049] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a debugging software process disclosed in this embodiment, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the debugging software can test the signal transmission and reception status of the communication module without connecting the device under test (DUT). The software interface allows for direct observation of the signals transmitted by the sorter, and it can also transmit specified signals to the sorter. The debugging software is compatible with various sorter communication types. After the sorter and test machine are connected, open the debugging software and first configure the parameters, including selecting the required sorter communication type and resources, setting the timeout for waiting for the test start signal, the classification information returned by each test station, and the time interval for sending the test end signal after receiving the test start signal. After completing the settings, click the run button to begin communication with the sorter.

[0050] In the development and production of the test machine communication module, if a corresponding sorting machine is required for real-time communication debugging, it will occupy a large amount of material resources and production space. Therefore, this utility model proposes a sorting machine simulation software, whose main function is to send a test start signal to the test machine and receive the classification signal transmitted from the test machine communication module. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a simulated software process disclosed in this embodiment, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the simulation software is compatible with multiple communication types. First, select the resource and set the test start signal time, send the test start signal to the corresponding test station, and the timeout waiting time if the classification signal is not received. Then, initialize the resource, send the test start signal to the test station again, and receive the classification information.

[0051] When debugging software and simulation software are used together, the simulation software must be run first to initialize resources and set them to a high level before running the debugging software. The combined usage process is as follows: S1 Open the simulation software, click the start button to run the software, and initialize resources; S2 Configure the simulation software; S3 Run the test software, configure the test software parameters, and click the run button to start communication; S4 Click the "Send Test Start Signal" button in the simulation software to send a test start signal to the test station; S5 The test machine receives the test start signal, and the corresponding test station indicator on the software interface lights up, indicating that the communication module has successfully received the test start signal. After waiting for the set interval time, it sends a classification signal; S6 The simulation software receives the classification signal and displays the classification information, indicating that the communication module has successfully transmitted the classification signal.

[0052] The testing software, debugging software, and simulation software disclosed in this embodiment make testing and debugging of the communication module of the test machine more convenient and reduce resource waste.

[0053] This invention is compatible with three common communication methods: Ethernet, GPIB, and TTL, improving the versatility of the test machine's communication module. Furthermore, this invention replaces the communication mode of digital boards with HD boxes, freeing up PXIe chassis slot resources, saving development costs, and making the installation of the communication module more flexible and convenient.

[0054] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. An RF tester, characterized in that, The testing machine includes: Host computer; The communication module is connected to the host computer and further includes a first TTL communication interface, a GPIB communication interface, and an Ethernet port for communicating with external sorting machines / probe stations.

2. The radio frequency tester according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first TTL communication interface includes two types: DB37 male connector and CN57-50 female connector.

3. The radio frequency tester according to claim 2, characterized in that, The communication module includes a PCB control board, and the PCB control board is equipped with: The network port is connected to the host computer for communication. The main control chip is connected to the network port for communication. The first TTL communication interface is connected to the main control chip.

4. The radio frequency tester according to claim 3, characterized in that, The PCB control board is equipped with: A level converter is connected in series between the main control chip and the first TTL communication interface to convert the voltage of the main control chip into the voltage required by the first TTL communication interface.

5. The radio frequency tester according to claim 3, characterized in that, The PCB control board is equipped with: A connector, which is connected to the main control chip, is used to program the main control chip.

6. The radio frequency tester according to claim 3, characterized in that, The PCB control board is equipped with: The triangular power socket and transformer are used to convert external 220V AC power into 5V DC power to power the PCB control board.

7. The radio frequency tester according to claim 1, characterized in that, The host computer includes a testing module, which can call the communication module and select the communication protocol type.

8. The radio frequency tester according to claim 7, characterized in that, The host computer includes a debugging module, which includes a display unit. When a test start signal is received, the display unit displays preset information so that the debugger can know the test station corresponding to the test start signal.

9. The radio frequency tester according to claim 8, characterized in that, The debugging module includes a return unit, which generates a classification signal and a test end signal, and calls the communication module to transmit them to the sorting machine / probe station.

10. The radio frequency tester according to claim 7, characterized in that, The host computer includes a simulation module, which is capable of sending a test start signal to the communication module and receiving a classification signal from the communication module.

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