Cpu testing apparatus for cable modems

Abstract

This utility model discloses a CPU testing device for a cable modem, including a main control module, a connecting circuit board, and a hardware interface board. The main control module is housed in a base box and communicates with the connecting circuit board. The hardware interface board includes a board body, a mounting bracket, and a probe module. The board body is fixedly connected to the top of the base box, and the connecting circuit board is clamped between the board body and the base box. The mounting bracket includes a cover and a base, and the base, probe module, and board body are detachably and fixedly connected. The probe module includes a drilling plate, a probe plate, a floating plate, and a limiting frame. This utility model provides a hardware testing interface specifically for testing the CPU of a cable modem. After connecting the CPU under test to the connecting circuit board through the hardware testing interface, the test software can be run through communication between the connecting circuit board and the main control module to perform the test, simplifying the CPU testing process. Furthermore, the probe module adopts a modular design, making it easy to replace and adapt to the testing of CPUs of different specifications, thus exhibiting good versatility.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of communication equipment testing technology, specifically to a CPU testing device for a cable modem. Background Technology

[0002] A cable modem is a device that provides high-speed internet access over a cable television network. The CPU is the core component on the cable modem's circuit board.

[0003] Cable modem manufacturers often purchase and store CPUs in bulk as production stock. Occasionally, a few CPUs in these bulk purchases may have quality issues. If all are accepted into inventory and payment is made without testing, unnecessary financial losses can occur. Furthermore, inventory CPUs may be damaged due to improper storage (such as moisture). Therefore, performing performance testing on CPUs before purchasing and before using them for surface mount technology (SMT) production is of practical importance.

[0004] However, due to the lack of a dedicated hardware testing interface for cable modem CPUs, testing the CPU in current technology is very inconvenient. Communication with the CPU and the running of testing software can only be achieved after the CPU has been mounted on the cable modem's circuit board. If a malfunction is detected, the CPU must be removed from the circuit board and replaced. Furthermore, pre-purchase inspection of CPUs is impossible, leading to increased procurement costs if defective CPUs are mixed in with the purchased CPUs. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a CPU testing device for a cable modem.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A CPU testing device for a cable modem includes a main control module, a connecting circuit board, and a hardware interface board. The main control module is installed in a base box and is communicatively connected to the connecting circuit board.

[0008] The hardware interface board includes a board body, a card slot, and a probe module. The board body is connected and fixed to the top of the base box, and the connecting circuit board is clamped between the board body and the base box.

[0009] The card holder includes a cover and a base, the cover and the base are openable and lockable, and the base, probe module and plate are detachably fixedly connected;

[0010] The probe module includes a drilling plate, a probe plate, a floating plate, and a limiting frame. The floating plate, probe plate, and drilling plate are stacked sequentially from top to bottom. The probe plate has a number of probes arranged according to the number and position of the first contact of the CPU to be tested. The floating plate has a first pin hole for the tip of the probe to extend out and contact the first contact of the CPU. The drilling plate has a second pin hole for the bottom of the probe to extend out and contact the second contact on the connecting circuit board. The limiting frame is connected to the drilling plate through a connector. The floating plate and probe plate are movably arranged between the limiting frame and the drilling plate. The inner ring of the limiting frame has a platform for limiting the upward movement distance of the floating plate. A number of first springs are inserted through the probe plate. The bottom of the first spring is in abutting contact with the drilling plate, and the top of the first spring is in abutting contact with the floating plate, so that the floating plate moves upward to block the tip of the probe when not under pressure.

[0011] As a further improvement of the present invention, the probe includes a hollow needle body and needle tips located at both ends of the needle body. A second spring is provided inside the needle body, and the needle tips are in contact with both ends of the second spring.

[0012] As a further improvement of the present invention, the cover and the base are connected by a hinge so that the cover can be opened and closed relative to the base. A third spring is also provided on one side of the hinge to support the cover in the open state. A locking mechanism is also provided between the cover and the base to keep the cover in the closed and locked state.

[0013] As a further improvement of this utility model, the probe plate is provided with a plurality of positioning holes, and the drilling plate is provided with a plurality of positioning posts that cooperate with the positioning holes, so that the bottom end of the probe on the probe plate is aligned with the second pin hole on the drilling plate.

[0014] As a further improvement of this utility model, it also includes a current or voltage acquisition circuit installed on the base box. The current or voltage acquisition circuit is electrically connected to the main control module and the connecting circuit board. The current acquisition circuit includes an ammeter, and the voltage acquisition circuit includes a voltmeter.

[0015] As a further improvement of this utility model, it also includes a temperature sensor attached to the bottom surface of the connecting circuit board, wherein the temperature sensor is aligned with the distribution area of ​​the second contact point, and the temperature sensor is communicatively connected to the main control module.

[0016] As a further improvement of this utility model, the cover is provided with a flexible heat sink, and when the cover is in a closed and locked state, the flexible heat sink is in contact with the top of the CPU under test.

[0017] As a further improvement of this utility model, the connecting circuit board is provided with an LED light group and / or a buzzer, and the LED light group and the buzzer are both communicatively connected to the main control module.

[0018] As a further improvement of this utility model, the main control module is connected to the connecting circuit board via a UART interface.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the technical advantages of this utility model are as follows:

[0020] This invention provides a hardware testing interface specifically for testing the CPU of a cable modem. After connecting the CPU under test to the connecting circuit board through the hardware testing interface, the testing software can be run through communication between the connecting circuit board and the main control module, thus simplifying the CPU testing process.

[0021] The probe module adopts a modular design, which is easy to replace and can be adapted to the testing of CPUs of different specifications, thus having good versatility.

[0022] The probe module's floating plate can move up and down, and a first spring is provided between the floating plate and the drilling plate. When the cover is opened, the first spring lifts the floating plate, and the tip of the probe is hidden in the first pinhole. This prevents the CPU under test from being bent by the probe tip due to improper placement angle (not perpendicular) when the worker places it on the floating plate. At the same time, after the first spring lifts the floating plate, the floating plate will not press down on the probe plate and apply downward pressure to the probe. The probe is subjected to less force, which helps to protect the bottom of the probe.

[0023] The probe has a second spring inside its hollow needle body. The needle tip cooperates with the second spring to have elastic movement space, which can prevent the probe from making a loose connection when it comes into contact with the first and second contact points, thus avoiding thermal stress damage to the CPU under test / connected circuit board. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the CPU testing device for a cable modem in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0025] Figure 2 This is an exploded structural diagram of the CPU testing device for a cable modem in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0026] Figure 3 This is an exploded structural diagram of the card holder in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0027] Figure 4 This is an exploded view of the probe module in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 5This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the float plate in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the probe plate in a specific embodiment of this utility model;

[0030] Figure 7 This is a side view of the probe plate in a specific embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 8 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the probe in a specific embodiment of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. However, these embodiments do not limit the present invention, and any structural, methodological, or functional modifications made by those skilled in the art based on these embodiments are included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0033] Please see Figures 1 to 8 A CPU testing device for a cable modem includes a main control module, a connecting circuit board 2, and a hardware interface board 1. The main control module is installed in a base box 3 and is communicatively connected to the connecting circuit board 2.

[0034] It should be noted that the main control module stores test software used to control the test process. Those skilled in the art can make simple adjustments to existing test software to obtain the test software stored in the main control module; this invention does not claim protection for the test software stored in the main control module.

[0035] Connecting circuit board 2 is used to provide the basic operating environment for the CPU. Essentially, connecting circuit board 2 is the circuit board of the cable modem that will be subsequently surface-mounted to the CPU under test. This invention does not claim protection for the circuit structure of connecting circuit board 2.

[0036] The key feature of this invention is that it provides a hardware testing interface specifically for testing the CPU of a cable modem.

[0037] The hardware interface board 1 includes a board body 11, a card holder 12, and a probe module 16. The board body 11 is fixedly connected to the top of the base box 3, and the connecting circuit board 2 is clamped between the board body 11 and the base box 3. Specifically, the board body 11 is connected to the base box 3 by bolts passing through the connecting circuit board 2. After the board body 11 and the base box 3 are connected, the relative positions of the board body 11, the connecting circuit board 2, and the base box 3 are fixed.

[0038] The card holder 12 includes a cover 121 and a base 122. The cover 121 and the base 122 are openable, closable, and lockable. The base 122, the probe module 16, and the board 11 are detachably and fixedly connected. When the cover 121 is open, the CPU under test can be placed or removed from the floating plate 163 of the probe module 16. When the cover 121 is closed and locked, it applies a certain downward pressure to the CPU under test, causing the CPU under test to be electrically connected to the connecting circuit board 2 through the probe module 16. The card holder 12 and the probe module 16 are connected and fixed to the board 11 by bolts (the screw holes on the base 122 are not shown) passing through the four corners of the base 122 and the drill plate 161. When the probe module 16 needs to be replaced, the bolts at the four corners can be removed.

[0039] The probe module 16 includes a drilling plate 161, a probe plate 162, a floating plate 163, and a limiting frame 164. The floating plate 163, probe plate 162, and drilling plate 161 are stacked sequentially from top to bottom. The probe plate 162 has a plurality of probes 165 arranged according to the number and position of the first contact point of the CPU to be tested. The floating plate 163 has a first pinhole 166 for the top end of the probe 165 to extend and contact the first contact point of the CPU. The drilling plate 161 has a second pinhole 167 for the bottom end of the probe 165 to extend and contact the second contact point 21 on the connecting circuit board 2. The limiting frame 164... The frame 164 is connected to the drilling plate 161 by bolts passing through its four corners. The float plate 163 and the probe plate 162 are movably disposed between the limiting frame 164 and the drilling plate 161. The inner ring of the limiting frame 164 is provided with a platform for limiting the upward movement distance of the float plate 163. Several first springs 168 are provided through the probe plate 162. The bottom end of the first spring 168 is in abutting contact with the drilling plate 161, and the top end of the first spring 168 is in abutting contact with the float plate 163, so that the float plate 163 moves upward to block the top end of the probe 165 when it is not under pressure.

[0040] After the limiting frame 164 and the drilling plate 161 are connected, the floating plate 163 and the probe plate 162 are framed in the middle to form an independent probe module 16, which is convenient for replacement. The floating plate 163, together with the first spring 168, conceals the top of the probe 165 when not under pressure, which can protect the top of the probe 165. The probe plate 162 can move up and down. When the cover 121 is closed, the probe plate 162 is pressed down, so that the bottom of the probe 165 makes solid contact with the second contact 21 on the connecting circuit board 2. When the cover is opened, the probe plate 162 can move up under the action of the second spring 1653 inside the probe 165. At this time, the bottom of the probe 165 makes slight contact with the second contact 21, preventing the second spring 1653 from being in a tight compressed state for a long time, which would affect the service life of the probe 165.

[0041] Furthermore, the probe 165 includes a hollow needle body 1651 and needle tips 1652 located at both ends of the needle body 1651. A second spring 1653 is provided inside the needle body 1651, and the needle tips 1652 are in contact with both ends of the second spring 1653 respectively.

[0042] If probe 165 is a solid structure, then probe 165 will make hard contact with the first and second contacts. Since there are many probes 165, the top and bottom ends of all probes 165 cannot be completely on the same plane. The ends of probes 165 closer to the first / second contacts will have good contact, while the ends of probes 165 farther from the first / second contacts will have intermittent contact. This intermittent contact may generate additional heat, causing deformation and damage to the CPU / connector circuit board 2 under test. The needle body 1651 is tightly fitted and fixed to the probe plate 162. By setting a second spring 1653 to provide elastic movement space for the two ends of the needle 1652, intermittent contact between probe 165 and the first and second contacts can be effectively prevented, eliminating the potential for thermal stress damage caused by intermittent contact.

[0043] Furthermore, the cover 121 and the base 122 are connected by a hinge (not shown) so that the cover 121 can be opened and closed relative to the base 122. A third spring (not shown, preferably a torsion spring) is also provided on one side of the hinge to support the cover 121 to maintain the open state. A locking mechanism is also provided between the cover 121 and the base 122 to keep the cover 121 in a closed and locked state.

[0044] The locking mechanism adopts a conventional rotary locking structure or a snap-lock structure, which can lock the cover 121 onto the base 122.

[0045] Furthermore, the probe plate 162 is provided with a plurality of positioning holes 169, and the drilling plate 161 is provided with a plurality of positioning posts 1610 that cooperate with the positioning holes 169, so that the bottom end of the probe 165 on the probe plate 162 is aligned with the second pinhole 167 on the drilling plate 161.

[0046] The positioning hole 169 and positioning post 1610 work together to position the relative positions of the probe plate 162 and the drilling plate 161, so that when the probe plate 162 is installed, the bottom end of the probe 165 is aligned with the second pin hole 167, which facilitates the installation of the probe plate 162. At the same time, the positioning hole 169 and positioning post 1610 can also guide the probe plate 162 when it moves up and down.

[0047] Furthermore, it also includes a current or voltage acquisition circuit installed on the base box 3. The current or voltage acquisition circuit is electrically connected to the main control module and the connecting circuit board 2. The current acquisition circuit includes an ammeter, and the voltage acquisition circuit includes a voltmeter.

[0048] The current and voltage acquisition circuits are all conventional circuits. One end is connected to the connecting circuit board 2 to acquire the current and voltage values ​​during the CPU test in real time. The other end is connected to the main control module to feed back the acquired current and voltage values ​​to the main control module for the main control module to judge the stability of the CPU power supply.

[0049] Furthermore, it also includes a temperature sensor attached to the bottom surface of the connecting circuit board 2, the temperature sensor being aligned with the distribution area of ​​the second contact 21 (i.e., aligned with the CPU), and the temperature sensor being communicatively connected to the main control module.

[0050] The temperature sensor is used to collect the temperature in real time during the CPU test, so that the main control module can determine whether the CPU operating temperature is normal.

[0051] Furthermore, the cover 121 is provided with a flexible heat sink 17, and when the cover 121 is in the closed and locked state, the flexible heat sink 17 is in contact with the top of the CPU under test.

[0052] The flexible heat sink 17 is made of existing materials. It is a composite of an elastic foam layer and a thermally conductive layer. The thermally conductive layer is in contact with the top of the CPU under test for heat dissipation. The elastic foam layer is soft and can prevent the cover 121 from making hard contact with the CPU under test when it is closed, thus preventing damage to the CPU under test.

[0053] Furthermore, the connecting circuit board 2 is equipped with an LED light group 18 and / or a buzzer, both of which are communicatively connected to the main control module. The LED light group 18 and the buzzer are used to visually display test results, such as over-temperature alarms and calculation timeouts.

[0054] Furthermore, the main control module is communicatively connected to the connecting circuit board 2 via the UART interface 19. UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver / Transmitter) is a widely used asynchronous serial communication interface. After the main control module is communicatively connected to the connecting circuit board 2 via the UART interface 19, it can establish a physical connection with the CPU under test through the hardware test interface provided by the hardware interface board 1, directly communicate to issue test commands and collect test result data, avoiding software layer interference.

[0055] When using this utility model, the CPU under test is placed on the floating plate 163, and then the cover 121 is closed and locked. At this time, the probe 165 contacts the first and second contacts to establish an electrical connection between the CPU under test and the connecting circuit board 2. Through the communication between the connecting circuit board 2 and the main control module, the main control module can run the test software to perform the test. The main control module can also record the test data in the external USB flash drive for subsequent analysis and verification.

[0056] Compared with the prior art, the technical advantages of this utility model are as follows:

[0057] This utility model provides a hardware test interface specifically for testing the CPU of a cable modem. After connecting the CPU under test to the connecting circuit board 2 through the hardware test interface, the test software can be run through the communication between the connecting circuit board 2 and the main control module, thus simplifying the CPU testing process.

[0058] The probe module 16 adopts a modular design, which is easy to replace and can be adapted to the testing of CPUs of different specifications, thus having good versatility.

[0059] The floating plate 163 of the probe module 16 can move up and down, and a first spring 168 is provided between the floating plate 163 and the drilling plate 161. When the cover 121 is opened, the first spring 168 lifts the floating plate 163, and the top of the probe 165 is hidden in the first pinhole 166. This is to prevent the CPU under test from being placed on the floating plate 163 due to improper placement angle (not vertical), which would cause the CPU under test to exert oblique force on the top of the probe 165 and bend the top of the probe 165. At the same time, after the first spring 168 lifts the floating plate 163, the floating plate 163 will not press on the probe plate 162 and apply downward pressure to the probe 165. The probe 165 is subjected to less force, which helps to protect the bottom of the probe 165.

[0060] The probe 165 has a second spring 1653 inside the hollow needle body 1651. The needle tip 1652 cooperates with the second spring 1653 to have elastic movement space, which can prevent the probe 165 from making a poor contact with the first and second contacts, thus avoiding thermal stress damage to the CPU / connected circuit board 2 under test.

[0061] 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; and these 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 various embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A CPU testing apparatus for a cable modem, characterized by comprising: It includes a main control module, a connecting circuit board, and a hardware interface board. The main control module is located in the bottom box and is communicatively connected to the connecting circuit board. The hardware interface board includes a board body, a card slot, and a probe module. The board body is connected and fixed to the top of the base box, and the connecting circuit board is clamped between the board body and the base box. The card holder includes a cover and a base, the cover and the base are openable and lockable, and the base, probe module and plate are detachably fixedly connected; The probe module includes a drilling plate, a probe plate, a floating plate, and a limiting frame. The floating plate, probe plate, and drilling plate are stacked sequentially from top to bottom. The probe plate has a number of probes arranged according to the number and position of the first contact of the CPU to be tested. The floating plate has a first pin hole for the tip of the probe to extend out and contact the first contact of the CPU. The drilling plate has a second pin hole for the bottom of the probe to extend out and contact the second contact on the connecting circuit board. The limiting frame is connected to the drilling plate through a connector. The floating plate and probe plate are movably arranged between the limiting frame and the drilling plate. The inner ring of the limiting frame has a platform for limiting the upward movement distance of the floating plate. A number of first springs are inserted through the probe plate. The bottom of the first spring is in abutting contact with the drilling plate, and the top of the first spring is in abutting contact with the floating plate, so that the floating plate moves upward to block the tip of the probe when not under pressure.

2. The CPU testing device for a cable modem according to claim 1, characterized in that, The probe includes a hollow needle body and needle tips located at both ends of the needle body. A second spring is provided inside the needle body, and the needle tips are in contact with both ends of the second spring.

3. The CPU testing device for a cable modem according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover and the base are connected by a hinge so that the cover can be opened and closed relative to the base. A third spring is also provided on one side of the hinge to support the cover in the open state. A locking mechanism is also provided between the cover and the base to keep the cover in the closed and locked state.

4. The CPU testing device for a cable modem according to claim 1, characterized in that, The probe plate is provided with a number of positioning holes, and the drilling plate is provided with a number of positioning pins that cooperate with the positioning holes, so that the bottom end of the probe on the probe plate is aligned with the second pin hole on the drilling plate.

5. The CPU testing device for a cable modem according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a current or voltage acquisition circuit installed on the base box. The current or voltage acquisition circuit is electrically connected to the main control module and the connecting circuit board. The current acquisition circuit includes an ammeter, and the voltage acquisition circuit includes a voltmeter.

6. The CPU testing device for a cable modem according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature sensor attached to the bottom surface of the connecting circuit board, the temperature sensor being aligned with the distribution area of ​​the second contact point, and the temperature sensor being communicatively connected to the main control module.

7. The CPU testing device for a cable modem according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cover is provided with a flexible heat sink, and when the cover is in the closed and locked state, the flexible heat sink is in contact with the top of the CPU under test.

8. The CPU testing device for a cable modem according to claim 1, characterized in that, The connection circuit board is equipped with an LED light group and / or a buzzer, and the LED light group and the buzzer are both communicatively connected to the main control module.

9. The CPU testing device for a cable modem according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main control module communicates with the connection circuit board via a UART interface.

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