tester

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of testing machines, testing machine includes signal conversion module and test module, signal conversion module and test module communication connection;Test module includes at least one first communication port with signal conversion module communication connection and at least one fourth communication port for being connected with sorting machine communication;Signal conversion module includes at least one second communication port connected with test module and at least one third communication port for being connected with sorting machine, signal conversion module is used to export to sorting machine after the test signal returned by test module is unified to level.Unify the test signal level of different test module, sorting machine only needs to be set according to one kind of level, and each time change machine does not need to change again, solve the problem that setting error cannot test, improve test convenience and accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to the field of testing technology, and more particularly to a testing machine. Background Technology

[0002] With the increasing adoption of new products, some product testing schemes are specified by customers and do not require Automated Test Equipment (ATE), such as microcontroller programmers. Due to differing design philosophies, different manufacturers use diverse TTL level signals. For the microcontroller programmer's signal output to be recognized by the sorting machine, special settings are required for the sorting machine, making it difficult to maintain consistency with the ATE. This necessitates changing the sorting machine settings during device connection and communication, potentially leading to errors and product quality risks. Utility Model Content

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a testing machine that addresses the issue of varying signal levels in testing machines from different manufacturers due to differing design philosophies, thereby improving testing convenience and avoiding errors when modifying sorting machine configurations.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, a first aspect of this disclosure provides a testing machine, the testing machine comprising:

[0005] A signal conversion module and a test module are communicatively connected;

[0006] The test module includes at least one first communication port that is communicatively connected to the signal conversion module and at least one fourth communication port that is communicatively connected to the sorting machine.

[0007] The signal conversion module includes at least one second communication port connected to the test module and at least one third communication port for connecting to the sorting machine. The signal conversion module is used to unify the level of the test signal returned by the test module and output it to the sorting machine.

[0008] In one possible implementation, the first communication port includes a first backhaul communication port, the second communication port includes a first receive communication port, and the third communication port includes a first transmit communication port.

[0009] The first return communication port is connected to the first receiving communication port;

[0010] The first feedback communication port is used by the test module to transmit test result signals, and the test signals include the test result signals;

[0011] The signal conversion module is used to unify the level of the test result signal received by the first receiving communication port and then output it to the sorting machine through the first transmitting communication port.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the first communication port further includes a second return communication port, the second communication port further includes a second receiving communication port, and the third communication port further includes a second transmitting communication port;

[0013] The second return communication port is connected to the second receiving communication port;

[0014] The second feedback communication port is used by the test module to send back a test end signal, the test signal including the test end signal;

[0015] The signal conversion module is used to unify the level of the test end signal received by the second receiving communication port and then output it to the sorting machine through the second transmitting communication port.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the fourth communication port is used to receive a start signal sent by the sorting machine to the test module; the start signal is used to instruct the test module to perform a target action.

[0017] In one possible implementation, the test module includes a programmer; the test signal is a programming result judgment signal.

[0018] In one possible implementation, the programmer includes a test port for connecting to target hardware to program the target hardware upon receiving the start signal.

[0019] In one possible implementation, the signal conversion module and the communication port of the sorter are detachably connected via a TTL cable.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the communication ports of the signal conversion module and the test module are connected by a non-detachable TTL cable.

[0021] In one possible implementation, the communication port of the sorting machine and the communication port of the test module are detachably connected by a TTL cable.

[0022] In one possible implementation, the signal conversion module includes N inverting Schmitt triggers; N is greater than or equal to 2.

[0023] This invention provides a testing machine. Compared with the prior art, it has the following advantages:

[0024] The testing machine includes a signal conversion module and a testing module, which are communicatively connected. The testing module includes at least one first communication port connected to the signal conversion module and at least one fourth communication port connected to the sorting machine. The signal conversion module includes at least one second communication port connected to the testing module and at least one third communication port connected to the sorting machine. The signal conversion module unifies the level of the test signals returned by the testing module before outputting them to the sorting machine. By unifying the test signal levels of different testing modules, the sorting machine only needs to be set to one level, eliminating the need for changes during each machine transition. This solves the problem of testing failure due to incorrect settings and improves testing convenience and accuracy.

[0025] Other features and advantages of this disclosure will be described in detail in the following detailed description section. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present disclosure and form part of the specification. They are used together with the following detailed description to explain the present disclosure, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the structure of a testing machine according to an embodiment of the specification.

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an application test machine scenario according to an embodiment of the specification. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0030] The specific embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are for illustration and explanation only and are not intended to limit this disclosure.

[0031] In view of this, this disclosure provides a testing machine, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 1-2 As shown, the testing machine includes:

[0032] The signal conversion module 110 and the test module 120 are communicatively connected.

[0033] The test module 120 includes at least one first communication port that is communicatively connected to the signal conversion module 110 and at least one fourth communication port that is communicatively connected to the sorting machine.

[0034] The test module 120 has at least one first communication port that is connected to the signal conversion module. This first communication port is the interface on the test module used for communication with the signal conversion module, allowing data transmission between them. The test module also has a fourth communication port that directly communicates with the sorting machine. This port allows it to directly receive data from the sorting machine and send data to it. In particular, it enables the transmission of signals between the test module and the sorting machine that do not require level conversion (e.g., the SOT signal mentioned later).

[0035] The signal conversion module 110 includes at least one second communication port connected to the test module 120 and at least one third communication port for connecting to the sorting machine. The signal conversion module 110 is used to output the test signal returned by the test module 120 to the sorting machine after level unification.

[0036] The second communication port is an interface on the signal conversion module 110 used to connect with the test module. It corresponds to the first communication port of the test module 120, realizing signal transmission between the signal conversion module 110 and the test module 120, and ensuring accurate and stable signal transmission between the two.

[0037] The third communication port is the interface on the signal conversion module 110 used to connect with the sorter. The signal conversion module 110 outputs the test signal after level unification processing to the sorter through these ports, so that the sorter can correctly receive, identify and use these signals to perform corresponding operations.

[0038] A sorting machine is a device used to sort products. It communicates with a testing module through a signal conversion module, receives test signals from the signal conversion module, and performs operations such as classification and screening of products based on these signals.

[0039] Level unification is the process of converting signals with different level standards into a unified level standard during signal processing. Since different devices may use different level standards, level unification is necessary to ensure that signals can be correctly identified and processed across different devices, making the signals conform to the level requirements of the receiving equipment.

[0040] The test module 120 has at least one fourth communication port, through which it can directly transmit data to the sorting machine. This allows the test module 120 to directly connect to the sorting machine and send or receive test signals directly without needing the signal conversion module 110 to unify the signal levels. If the sorting machine can directly recognize the test signal returned from the fourth communication port, it can successfully obtain the test signal from the test module 120 and correctly receive, recognize, and utilize these signals for corresponding operations. If the sorting machine cannot directly recognize the test signal returned from the fourth communication port, the test module 120 can send a test signal to the signal conversion module 110 through the first communication port. The sorting machine can then recognize the unified test signal sent by the signal conversion module 110, obtain the test signal from the test module, and correctly receive, recognize, and utilize these signals for corresponding operations.

[0041] The aforementioned technical solution's testing machine includes a signal conversion module and a testing module, which are communicatively connected. The testing module includes at least one first communication port connected to the signal conversion module and at least one fourth communication port connected to the sorting machine. The signal conversion module includes at least one second communication port connected to the testing module and at least one third communication port connected to the sorting machine. The signal conversion module unifies the level of the test signals returned by the testing module before outputting them to the sorting machine. By unifying the test signal levels of different testing modules, the sorting machine only needs to be set to one level, eliminating the need for changes during each machine transition. This solves the problem of testing failure due to incorrect settings and improves testing convenience and accuracy.

[0042] In one possible implementation, the first communication port includes a first backhaul communication port, the second communication port includes a first receive communication port, and the third communication port includes a first transmit communication port.

[0043] The first return communication port is connected to the first receiving communication port;

[0044] In this embodiment, the first return communication port of the test module is physically connected to the first receiving communication port of the signal conversion module. This connection is typically implemented using hardware wiring, such as directly connecting the two ports via data cables (e.g., network cables, serial cables). From a circuit principle perspective, this connection establishes a stable signal transmission channel, ensuring signal transmission between the two ports and achieving unidirectional return from the test module to the signal conversion module. During the connection process, factors such as impedance matching and signal attenuation need to be considered to ensure the quality of signal transmission.

[0045] The first feedback communication port is used by the test module 120 to transmit test result signals, and the test signals include the test result signals.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first feedback communication port is dedicated to transmitting test result signals from the test module. This functional division gives the signal transmission a clear purpose and focus. In complex systems, different ports undertake different signal transmission tasks, which can avoid interference and confusion between signals and improve the reliability and stability of the system. Similarly, the first receiving communication port is dedicated to receiving feedback signals from the test module, which facilitates the signal conversion module to process specific signals and simplifies the signal processing flow.

[0047] The signal conversion module 110 is used to unify the level of the test result signal received by the first receiving communication port and then output it to the sorting machine through the first transmitting communication port.

[0048] In this embodiment, after receiving the test result signal, the signal conversion module performs level unification processing. Because the sorting machine and the testing machine need to interact, if the testing machine outputs a low level (0~0.5V) while the sorting machine normally operates at a high level (4.5V~5V), the low level of the testing machine will pull down the corresponding level of the sorting machine, indicating that the sorting machine has received a signal and communication is normal; otherwise, communication fails. In chip testing equipment, conventional ATE testing machines primarily output low-level signals (indicating normal execution of the target action), while some testing machines (e.g., programmers) do not have fixed high or low levels, requiring resetting each time the machine switches, thus extending switchover time and significantly reducing production efficiency. To change this situation and improve switchover efficiency, it is necessary to adjust the output signals of these testing machines to a uniform low level. In this application, level unification processing is achieved by setting a signal conversion module, for example, using a level conversion chip. The level conversion chip converts the input signal level into the level required for the output signal. For example, taking an inverter as a signal conversion device, assuming that the default output of the test machine should be low, but a certain test machine is configured by the manufacturer to output a high level, then a signal conversion module is configured for it, and the output of the test machine is connected to the signal conversion module. If the input is high, the output will be low.

[0049] See Figure 2As shown, the sorting machine defaults to BIN=1, indicating abnormality; BIN=0 indicates normality. If a test module outputs BIN=1 for normal and BIN=0 for abnormality, and the tester's BIN signal is directly sent back to the sorting machine, an error will occur because the sorting machine can only recognize low-level test result signals as normal. Therefore, the sorting machine must be reconfigured. However, by adding a signal conversion module, the high-level test result signal can be converted to a low-level signal before being transmitted to the sorting machine, facilitating sorting and other operations.

[0050] After undergoing level unification processing, the test result signal is output to the sorting machine through the first transmitting communication port of the signal conversion module. The first transmitting communication port sends the processed signal according to the signal format and communication protocol required by the sorting machine. For example, if the sorting machine uses a specific serial communication protocol, the first transmitting communication port will organize the signal according to the protocol's format, including setting the correct baud rate, data bits, stop bits, and other parameters to ensure the sorting machine can correctly receive and parse the signal. After receiving the signal, the sorting machine will perform corresponding sorting operations on the products based on the classification information in the signal, such as transporting qualified and unqualified products to different areas.

[0051] Through the coordinated operation of the first return communication port, the first receiving communication port, and the first transmitting communication port, and the unified processing of the test result signal level by the signal conversion module, accurate transmission and effective utilization of signals between the test module and the sorting machine are achieved, ensuring the normal operation of the entire testing and sorting system. By converting different TTL signal levels into a unified level, the sorting machine only needs to be set to one level, eliminating the need for changes during each machine transition and resolving the problem of production failure due to incorrect settings.

[0052] In one possible implementation, the first communication port further includes a second return communication port, the second communication port further includes a second receive communication port, and the third communication port further includes a second transmit communication port;

[0053] The second return communication port is connected to the second receiving communication port;

[0054] In this embodiment, the second backhaul communication port of the test module and the second receiving communication port of the signal conversion module are connected by a physical line. This connection method is similar to the previous connection between the first backhaul and first receiving communication ports, and may use data lines (such as twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, etc.) for direct connection. From a circuit principle perspective, the electrical characteristics of the line must meet the requirements during connection, such as the resistance, capacitance, and inductance of the line being within a certain range, in order to reduce signal loss and distortion during transmission.

[0055] The second feedback communication port is used by the test module 120 to feedback a test end signal, the test signal including the test end signal;

[0056] The signal conversion module 110 is used to unify the level of the test end signal received by the second receiving communication port and then output it to the sorting machine through the second sending communication port.

[0057] In this embodiment, after receiving the test end signal, the signal conversion module also performs level unification processing on it. Since the test module and the sorting machine may use different level standards, without level unification, the sorting machine may not be able to correctly identify the test end signal. Level unification processing typically uses a level conversion circuit similar to that used for processing test result signals, such as a level conversion chip. The chip converts the input signal level to the level required for the output signal, while ensuring that the signal's logic state remains unchanged; that is, the "test end" information represented by the signal is not lost or altered during the level conversion process.

[0058] After undergoing level unification processing, the test completion signal is output to the sorting machine through the second transmission communication port of the signal conversion module. The second transmission communication port transmits the processed signal according to the signal format and communication protocol required by the sorting machine. For example, if the sorting machine uses a communication protocol based on a specific timing sequence, the second transmission communication port will organize the signal according to that timing requirement to ensure that the sorting machine receives the test completion signal at the correct time. Upon receiving the signal, the sorting machine will end the current sorting process or perform corresponding subsequent operations, such as compiling test results or preparing for the next test, based on the signal's indication.

[0059] Through the coordinated operation of the second return communication port, the second receiving communication port, and the second transmitting communication port, as well as the unified processing of the test end signal level by the signal conversion module, accurate transmission and effective utilization of test end information between the test module and the sorting machine are achieved.

[0060] In one possible implementation, the test end signal (EOT) does not need to be processed by the signal conversion module. Optionally, the test module transmits the EOT directly to the sorting machine through a fourth communication port; alternatively, the test module transmits the EOT to the signal transmission device, but the signal transmission device does not perform any conversion processing and instead transmits it directly to the sorting machine without any processing.

[0061] See Figure 2As shown, since the sorting machine defaults to EOT=0 as the signal to indicate the end of the test, if a test module is also configured to output EOT=0 to indicate the end of the test, then no processing of this signal is required. However, if a test module is configured to output EOT=1 to indicate the end of the test, a signal conversion module should be added to unify the high-level test end signal EOT to a low-level test end signal before transmitting it to the sorting machine, facilitating the sorting machine's completion of the test operation.

[0062] In one possible implementation, the fourth communication port is used to receive a start signal (SOT) sent by the sorter to the test module 120; the start signal instructs the test module to perform a target action. The target action refers to performing an action that matches the test module; for example, for a programmer, the target action indicates the start of programming.

[0063] In this embodiment, after completing relevant preparatory work (such as product positioning and equipment initialization), the sorting machine generates a start signal and sends it to the fourth communication port of the test module 120. The signal may indicate the start of the test through a specific level change, a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal, or an encoding format following a specific communication protocol. The circuitry within the fourth communication port detects and analyzes the received signal to determine whether it is a valid start signal. For example, it checks whether the signal level is within a predetermined range and whether the signal timing meets requirements.

[0064] In this embodiment, the communication sequence of the overall mechanism is as follows: the sorting machine sends a start signal (SOT), the test module receives the command and begins to execute the target action, the result is judged after the target action is completed, and the judgment result signal (BIN) is sent back to the test machine as a test signal. Finally, after the test is completed, an end signal (EOT) is generated and transmitted to the test machine as a test signal. The signal conversion module unifies the level of the judgment result signal (BIN) and / or the end signal (EOT) before transmitting them to the sorting machine.

[0065] In one possible implementation, the test module 120 includes a programmer; the test signal is a programming result judgment signal. In this case, the start signal sent by the sorter indicates the start of programming.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the programmer includes a test port for connecting to the target hardware to program the target hardware upon receiving the start signal.

[0067] In this embodiment, the programmer has a test port for connecting to the target hardware. The programmer is responsible for programming the target hardware and generating a test result signal based on the programming result. This test result signal can indicate whether programming is complete or incomplete, or whether programming is finished, i.e., a test completion signal indicating whether the test is complete. The test port is a dedicated interface on the programmer for connecting to the target hardware. It can be used to program the target hardware and receive signals such as errors and completion from the target hardware during the testing process. The target hardware can be the object that the test module programs, i.e., the programmer programs data and programs onto the target hardware. The target hardware can be a programmable integrated circuit, such as a chip.

[0068] Furthermore, upon receiving the start signal, the test module will program the target hardware according to a preset program and parameters. The specific process of the programming test includes writing specific program code, data, or configuration information into the target hardware, and may also verify the written data to ensure its accuracy and integrity. During the programming test, the test module will frequently interact with the target hardware, such as sending write commands and receiving feedback signals from the target hardware. The entire programming test process will proceed according to a predetermined flow and timing until the test is completed or an anomaly occurs.

[0069] In one possible implementation, the signal conversion module 110 and the communication port of the sorter are detachably connected via a TTL cable.

[0070] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the signal conversion module 110 can be a TTL converter, and the TTL converter is connected to the sorting machine's TTL communication interface through a TTL communication line via the standard interface OUT terminal, and can be detached.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the communication ports of the signal conversion module 110 and the test module 120 are connected by a non-detachable TTL cable.

[0072] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the signal conversion module 110 can be a TTL converter, and the TTL converter is connected to the TTL communication interface of the test module through the standard interface IN terminal, which can be directly soldered or locked and cannot be disassembled.

[0073] In one possible implementation, the communication port of the sorter and the communication port of the test module 120 are detachably connected by a TTL cable.

[0074] In one possible implementation, the signal conversion module 110 includes N inverting Schmitt triggers; N is greater than or equal to 2. Here, N must be an integer.

[0075] In one embodiment of this disclosure, the signal conversion module 110 employs a six-channel inverting Schmitt trigger, which can transmit six signals simultaneously. Since the inverting Schmitt trigger can convert slowly changing input signals into clear, jitter-free output signals, it ensures signal stability when used in high-noise environments.

[0076] The preferred embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific details of the above embodiments. Within the scope of the technical concept of the present disclosure, various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments, and all such changes, modifications, substitutions and variations fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure.

[0077] It should also be noted that the various specific technical features described in the above embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without contradiction, and such combinations should also be considered as part of this disclosure. To avoid unnecessary repetition, this disclosure will not further describe the various possible combinations. The technical scope of this application is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A testing machine, characterized in that, The testing machine includes: A signal conversion module (110) and a test module (120) are communicatively connected; The test module (120) includes at least one first communication port that is communicatively connected to the signal conversion module (110) and at least one fourth communication port that is communicatively connected to the sorting machine; The signal conversion module (110) includes at least one second communication port connected to the test module (120) and at least one third communication port for connecting to the sorting machine. The signal conversion module (110) is used to unify the level of the test signal returned by the test module (120) and output it to the sorting machine.

2. The testing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first communication port includes a first backhaul communication port, the second communication port includes a first receive communication port, and the third communication port includes a first transmit communication port; The first return communication port is connected to the first receiving communication port; The first feedback communication port is used by the test module (120) to transmit test result signals, and the test signals include the test result signals; The signal conversion module (110) is used to unify the level of the test result signal received by the first receiving communication port and then output it to the sorting machine through the first sending communication port.

3. The testing machine as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first communication port further includes a second return communication port, the second communication port further includes a second receiving communication port, and the third communication port further includes a second transmitting communication port; The second return communication port is connected to the second receiving communication port; The second feedback communication port is used by the test module (120) to feedback a test end signal, the test signal including the test end signal; The signal conversion module (110) is used to unify the level of the test end signal received by the second receiving communication port and then output it to the sorting machine through the second sending communication port.

4. The testing machine as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The fourth communication port is used to receive the start signal sent by the sorting machine to the test module (120); the start signal is used to instruct the test module (120) to perform the target action.

5. The testing machine as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The test module (120) includes a programmer; the test signal is a programming result judgment signal.

6. The testing machine as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The programmer includes a test port for connecting to the target hardware to program the target hardware upon receiving the start signal.

7. The testing machine as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The signal conversion module (110) and the communication port of the sorting machine are detachably connected by a TTL cable.

8. The testing machine as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The communication ports of the signal conversion module (110) and the test module (120) are connected by a non-detachable TTL cable.

9. The testing machine as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The communication port of the sorting machine and the communication port of the test module (120) are detachably connected by a TTL cable.

10. The testing machine as described in any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The signal conversion module (110) includes N inverting Schmitt triggers; N is greater than or equal to 2.

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