MULTIPLATE BID-LAYER MAIN PLATE TESTER

Abstract

A component testing system comprising a frame onto which a variety of motherboard assemblies can be mounted for BI and other types of component testing. Each motherboard assembly has memory channels arranged on an upper motherboard, capable of accommodating a variety of memory components for testing, and these memory channels are connected to a CPU. The CPU is located on a lower motherboard, and the memory channels are connected to the CPU via communication connectors routed through a connecting column between the upper and lower motherboards.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The field of the invention is memory test systems. background

[0002] The background description contains information that may be useful for understanding the present invention. It does not constitute an admission that the information contained herein is prior art or relevant to the present invention, or that any publication expressly or implicitly incorporated by reference is prior art.

[0003] DRAM and flash memory technologies have been around for many years. Over time, the underlying technology has remained essentially the same, although interfaces have changed over time, such as Fast Page Mode (FPM), Extended Data Out (EDO), Synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), Double Data Rate 1-4 (DDR1, DDR2, DDR3, DDR4), and so on. In some applications, the DRAM components are soldered onto printed circuit board substrates to form a module, such as a DIMM module that plugs into the motherboard of computer systems.

[0004] Testing of packaged memory components is traditionally performed in multiple steps and with multiple slots. Typically, packaged DRAM components first undergo a burn-in (BI) test. This test is performed with high parallelism in expensive BI systems. Current BI systems, for example, can cost $500,000 to $1,000,000 per test system. Due to the high number of parts tested and contacted, such systems run at low frequencies of approximately 5–20 MHz, which is far from the normal operating frequency of such semiconductors of 1 GHz. To reduce the need for signaling, most approaches use internal on-chip test circuitry to compress all data signals onto a single external data pin (e.g., reducing 16 DQs to a single DQ) and other test modes to modify internal voltages for more effective stress on the memory components.The purpose of BI testing is to age semiconductors under stress for several hours to prevent teething issues at the customer level. Such stress tests are typically conducted at elevated voltages and temperatures of up to 125 degrees Celsius. Typically, thousands of components are tested in parallel in a single BI test system.

[0005] After a successful BI test, the components undergo weak cell or core testing. These tests are designed to identify weak DRAM memory cells that could fail at the customer's site due to poor memory cell retention or other weaknesses. The tests are performed on expensive automated test equipment, typically costing between one and three million US dollars, operating at frequencies of 200–500 MHz and testing 200–1,000 components in parallel. Due to the large number of signals delivered, some signals, such as address / command, are shared across multiple components and chip supplier-provided test modes for data compression, allowing a smaller number of DQs to be contacted (e.g., only four data signals are contacted instead of the full 16 signals through data compression (read) and replication (write) methods). These tests can be performed at varying temperatures.For example, a group of components can be tested at high temperatures (e.g., 95 degrees Celsius), removed from the system, and later tested on another test system at very low temperatures (e.g., -40 degrees Celsius). This removal is necessary because a test handler cannot change the temperature so quickly without causing other adverse effects. A handler is attached to the test system, which inserts the DRAM components under test into the test head and maintains the specified test temperature.

[0006] After a successful test of the weak cells, the components undergo a speed test, which is performed using a DRAM speed tester, as it is known in the industry. During this test, all electrical signals of the components must be connected to the speed tester to ensure that all signals and circuits are fully functional. A DRAM with 16 DQs must be connected to 16 individual DQ signals without compression modes. Therefore, the parallelism of such test systems, with 50-200 components, is relatively low. In addition, parts must operate at full system speed in the 1 GHz range. Therefore, such systems are very expensive, typically costing between $3 million and $5 million. Tests at different temperatures may also be required (e.g., 95°C and later again at -40°C) to ensure that customer specifications for fully functional parts are met.

[0007] As mentioned above, the packaged DRAM components are submitted to a group of at least three different test systems for BI, weak cell, and speed tests. Some test steps may need to be performed at different temperatures, so they must be submitted for testing up to five times. This means that the components are handled up to five times or more if retesting is required. This leads to damage to the contacts (e.g., to the contact balls of FBGA components), which is undesirable but unavoidable with today's test techniques. In addition, very expensive tools are required to feed and handle DRAM components in a test handler and to electrically connect them to the test head. For example, a Hifix electrically connects the component to the tester's signal channels.Such tools are product-specific and must be provided for each individual DRAM. A 9x11mm FPGA 78 package requires completely different tools and hardware than, for example, a 7x10mm FBGA 96 package. A single set of tools for a product can easily cost more than $250,000.

[0008] Considering the above, the reader can easily see that existing test methods for modern semiconductors are costly and complicated. Furthermore, the nature of the testing carries the risk of damaging the components themselves. Therefore, there is still a need for a simpler and more secure method for testing DRAM components. Summary of the invention

[0009] The subject invention provides devices, systems, and methods in which a test board comprises a frame made of a stable material (e.g., a metal such as aluminum, carbon composites, etc.). The frame includes at least two motherboards mounted thereon, each motherboard including at least one central processing unit (CPU) and a memory channel with a module slot or memory component socket.

[0010] In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the test board comprises up to 10 motherboards mounted on the frame. In variations of these embodiments, the number of motherboards can be between 4 and 10, inclusive.

[0011] In embodiments of the subject matter of the invention, the motherboards mounted on the tester may be identical. In other embodiments of the subject matter of the invention, the motherboards do not need to be identical.

[0012] In embodiments of the subject matter of the invention, the main boards on the test board are aligned along a single horizontal plane. In some of these embodiments, the horizontal plane is a horizontal rectangular plane. In a further variation of these embodiments, the horizontal rectangular plane has dimensions between 30 cm x 30 cm and 2 m x 2 m, inclusive.

[0013] In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the at least one module slot and / or memory component socket is located on a first side of a motherboard, and the at least one CPU is located on a second side of the motherboard. The at least one CPU is electrically connected to the at least one module slot / the at least one memory component via a connection that can traverse the width of the motherboard to electrically couple these components.

[0014] In embodiments of the subject matter according to the invention, the at least one memory module slot is arranged on the motherboard such that when a memory module is inserted into a corresponding memory module slot, the memory module(s) are aligned vertically relative to the motherboard.

[0015] In embodiments of the subject matter according to the invention, the at least one memory component socket is arranged on the motherboard such that when a memory component is inserted into a corresponding memory component socket, the memory component(s) are aligned horizontally relative to the motherboard.

[0016] In embodiments of the subject matter according to the invention, the assembly test system comprises an electrical connection between the frame component and the at least one main board, so that an electrical signal and / or an electrical charge can be transmitted between the frame and the at least one main board.

[0017] In embodiments of the subject matter of the invention, the assembly testing system uses a motherboard assembly, wherein the memory channels are arranged on an upper motherboard and the CPU is arranged on a lower motherboard separated from the upper motherboard by a gap.

[0018] The gap serves to further isolate the CPU from the test environment. In embodiments of the subject matter according to the invention, the gap can be filled with an insulating layer to increase protection of the CPU and other sensitive electronic components.

[0019] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the subject invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments together with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent like components.

[0020] All publications cited herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were expressly and individually indicated as being incorporated by reference. If any definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent with or inconsistent with the definition of that term contained herein, the definition of that term contained herein shall apply, and the definition of that term in the reference shall not apply.

[0021] The following description contains information that may be useful for understanding the present invention. It does not constitute an admission that the information contained herein is prior art or relevant to the present invention, or that any publication expressly or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0022] In some embodiments, the numbers expressing amounts of ingredients, properties such as concentration, reaction conditions, etc., used to describe and claim particular embodiments of the invention should be understood to be modified in some cases by the term "about." Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters recited in the written description and appended claims are approximate values ​​that may vary depending on the desired properties to be achieved with a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be interpreted with due consideration of the number of significant figures reported and applying standard rounding techniques.While the numerical ranges and parameters representing the broad scope of application of some embodiments of the invention are approximate, the numerical values ​​presented in the specific examples are presented as accurately as possible. The numerical values ​​presented in some embodiments of the invention may contain certain errors that inevitably result from the standard deviation in the respective test measurements.

[0023] Unless the context indicates otherwise, all ranges mentioned here should be interpreted to include their endpoints, and open ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially reasonable values. Likewise, all lists of values ​​should be interpreted to include intermediate values, unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0024] As used in this specification and the following claims, the meaning of "a" and "the" includes the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification, the meaning of "in" also includes "in" and "am" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0025] The listing of ranges of values ​​is merely a shorthand for each individual value that falls within the range. Unless otherwise noted herein, each individual value is included in the specification as if individually recited herein. All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order, unless otherwise noted herein or the context clearly contradicts it. The use of examples or exemplary phrases (e.g., "such as") with reference to particular embodiments is merely to better illustrate the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the otherwise claimed invention. No language in the specification should be construed as pointing out any unclaimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0026] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not intended to be limitations. Each group member may be referenced and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements contained herein. One or more members of a group may be included in or deleted from a group for convenience and / or patentability. If such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification will be deemed to include the group as amended, thus satisfying the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims. Short description of the drawing The Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B show plan views of an assembled assembly tester system comprising a frame and a plurality of motherboards arranged thereon, according to two embodiments of the subject matter of the invention. Fig. Figure 1C shows a bottom view of the multiple motherboards from the Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B, which are attached to the frame. Fig. 2 shows an isolated view of the frame. The Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B show isolated front views of a motherboard made of Fig. 1A (in Fig. 3A) and Fig. 1B (in Fig. 3B) according to embodiments of the subject matter of the invention. Fig. Figure 3C shows a bottom view of the motherboard and its components, according to embodiments of the subject invention. Fig. 3D shows a cross-sectional view of the motherboard according to the embodiments of Fig. 3B. The Fig. 4A-4B show front and perspective views, respectively, of a motherboard according to another embodiment of the subject invention. The Fig. 5A-5B show the embodiments of the Fig. 4A-4B with a memory module inserted into the memory module slot. Fig. Figure 6 shows an assembled tester system with a microclimate chamber on top. The Fig. 7A-7B show side and top views of a multi-layer motherboard assembly according to embodiments of the subject invention. Fig. 8 shows a top view and a side view of a plurality of motherboard assemblies inserted into a frame to form an assembled test system with memory component sockets, according to embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Fig. 9 shows a top view and a side view of a plurality of motherboard assemblies inserted into a frame to form an assembled test system with memory module slots according to embodiments of the subject invention. Detailed description

[0027] In the following, numerous references are made to servers, services, interfaces, machines, modules, clients, peers, portals, platforms, or other systems consisting of computing devices. It should be understood that the use of such terms refers to one or more computing devices with at least one processor (e.g., ASIC, FPGA, DSP, x86, ARM, ColdFire, GPU, multi-core processors, etc.) programmed to execute software instructions stored on a computer-readable, tangible, non-transitory medium (e.g., hard disk, solid state drive, RAM, flash, ROM, etc.). For example, a server may include one or more computers operating as a web server, database server, or other type of computer server in a manner that fulfills the described roles, responsibilities, or functions.It should further be understood that the disclosed computer-based algorithms, processes, methods, or other types of instruction sets may be embodied as a computer program product comprising a non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable medium storing the instructions that cause a processor to perform the disclosed steps. The various servers, systems, databases, or interfaces may exchange data using standardized protocols or algorithms, possibly based on HTTP, HTTPS, AES, public-private key exchange, web service APIs, well-known financial transaction protocols, or other electronic information exchange methods. The data exchange may occur over a packet-switched network, the Internet, LAN, WAN, VPN, or other types of packet-switched networks.

[0028] The following discussion contemplates many embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is contemplated as encompassing all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment includes elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment includes elements B and D, the inventive subject matter is contemplated as encompassing other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if they are not expressly disclosed.

[0029] As used herein, the term "coupled to" encompasses both direct coupling (where two coupled elements touch each other) and indirect coupling (where at least one other element is located between the two elements), unless the context dictates otherwise. Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously.

[0030] The Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B show top views (also referred to as front views) of an assembled assembly tester system 100 comprising a frame 110 and a plurality of motherboards 120 of embodiments of the subject invention arranged thereon. The embodiment of Fig. 1A shows memory channels 123 in the form of memory component sockets 123A configured to receive memory modules for testing. The embodiment of Fig. Figure 1B shows memory channels 123 in the form of memory module slots 123B that accommodate memory modules for testing. Each of the embodiments of the Fig. 1A, Fig. 1B is discussed in more detail below. In each of the Fig. 1A-1B, the CPU 121, which is arranged on the underside of a motherboard 120, is shown by dashed lines.

[0031] Fig. Figure 1C shows a bottom view (also referred to as a rear view) of the multiple motherboards 120 of the Fig. 1A or Fig. 1B, which are attached to the frame 110. For clarity and simplicity of illustration, the memory channels 123 (memory component sockets 123A in Fig. 1A, memory module slots 123B in Fig. 1B) are not shown by dashed lines. The memory component sockets 123A of Fig. 1A and the memory module slots 123B of Fig. 1B can be soldered to the main boards 120.

[0032] The main boards 120 can be attached to and removed from the frame 110. In preferred embodiments, the main boards 120 can be attached to the frame 110 with plastic screws that minimize heat transfer between the top and bottom of the main board 120. Screws made of other materials with low heat transfer are also suitable. Other types of suitable attachment methods are also conceivable.

[0033] Without limiting the general applicability of our approach, we describe the invention using the example of a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) test sequence.

[0034] Fig. Figure 2 shows the frame 110 in detail. The frame 110 is made of a sturdy material. Suitable materials include metals such as aluminum or other materials such as carbon fiber composites, glass fiber composites, or other rigid non-metallic materials. The frame 110 contains gaps or cavities 111. When the motherboards 120 are arranged (e.g., mounted) on the frame, the cavities 111 allow access to the components on the underside of the motherboards 120. When the motherboards 120 are mounted on the frame 110, components on the underside of the motherboards 120, such as the CPU 121, protrude into the cavity 111.

[0035] The frame 110 of the Fig. 1A-2 is shown with six motherboards 120 mounted thereon, but it is conceivable that more or fewer motherboards 120 can be mounted on a frame 110. For example, other configurations are conceivable that can accommodate four to ten motherboards 120.

[0036] The Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 1A-2 is sized to the size of a standard BI board. The reader will understand that the systems and methods of the inventive subject matter negate the need for large, expensive BI test systems. However, the use of the standard BI size allows for the use of other aspects of the standard BI process, such as automatic loaders and unloaders that load / unload memory components. Furthermore, the software and socket performance analysis can be performed in a manner similar to existing BI systems.

[0037] In the Fig. 1A and Fig. In the example shown in Figure 1B, the top surfaces of the motherboards 120 are aligned on the frame 110 so that they touch, and the frame 110 is not visible between the boards. Aligning the motherboards 120 so that their edges touch creates a continuous surface that serves to separate and thermally insulate the top surfaces of the boards 120 containing the memory channels 123 from the bottom surfaces of the boards containing the CPU 121 and other sensitive electronic components.

[0038] The frame 110 includes an electrical connector 124A that is oriented to connect to an electrical connector 124B of a motherboard 120 to supply power to the CPU 121 and other components of the motherboard 120. As shown in Fig. 1A, the frame 110 may include connectors 124A that connect to the connectors 124B of all installed motherboards 120.

[0039] The Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B show isolated front views of a motherboard 120 of Fig. 1A (in Fig. 3A) and Fig. 1B (in Fig. 3B) according to embodiments of the subject matter of the invention. Fig. 3C shows the rear view (bottom side) of the main board 120 of the Fig. 3A, Fig. 3B.

[0040] The Fig. 3A and Fig. The main board 120 shown in Figure 3B contains a CPU 121 (shown in dashed lines) which is connected via connections 122 to module slots 123A (in Fig. 3A) and memory component sockets 123B (in Fig. 3B). The memory component sockets 123A are configured to receive corresponding memory components for testing, and the memory module slots 123B are configured to receive corresponding memory modules, which in turn contain one or more memory components for testing. Fig. the CPU 121 is shown by dashed lines to indicate that it is located on the opposite side of the main board 120.

[0041] As in the Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, the CPU 121 is located on the bottom (also referred to as the back) of the motherboard 120 (shown in phantom), while the memory channels 123 (the memory component sockets 123A and / or the module slots 123B) are located on or near the top (also referred to as the front) of the motherboard 120.

[0042] This arrangement allows the CPU 121 to be protected from the temperature fluctuations of a microclimate chamber when test memory units or memory components are inserted into the memory component sockets 123A and / or the module slots 123B. During testing, for example, the temperature around the CPU 121 may differ by at least 5 degrees Celsius from the temperature around the memory channels 123 (and the memory module or component connected to them).

[0043] As in the Fig. 1A-1B is in the Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, the CPU 121 is shown by dashed lines to show that it is located on the opposite side of the motherboard 120 from the memory component sockets 123A (in Fig. 3A) and the memory module slots 123B (in Fig. 3B). These memory channels 123 are in Fig. 3C not shown by dashed lines to keep the figure clear.

[0044] In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the motherboard 120 also includes components for wireless communication, including a wireless antenna communicatively coupled to the CPU 121, which enables the CPU 121 to send and receive data to and from an external computing device. The wireless antenna may be integrated into the CPU 121, as in the embodiments shown here, or it may be a separate antenna component. To protect the antenna and other communication components from the temperatures prevailing in the test environment, the antenna and other communication components (when separate from the CPU 121) are also located on the underside of the motherboard 120, opposite the memory channels 123. Examples of possible wireless data transmission modalities include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, some or all of the communication functions and / or command functions may be performed by a separate board, such as a Raspberry Pi board, which may issue commands to the components on the main board 120.

[0045] Fig. Figure 3D shows a cross-section of the motherboard 120, showing the connectors 122 that traverse the width of the motherboard 120 to connect the CPU 121 on the bottom of the board to the memory channels 123 (in this example, the module slots 123B) on the top of the motherboard 120. While only the Fig. 3D shows only the module slots 123B, the embodiment with the memory component sockets 123A would be the same, except that the component sockets 123A are arranged in place of the module slots 123B.

[0046] In each of the Fig. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1A-1B, the motherboards 120 mounted on each frame 110 are shown to be identical. In other embodiments, the motherboards 120 may be different to accommodate a different number of memory units to be tested or to enable simultaneous testing of different types of memory units.

[0047] The assembly tester system 100 of the Fig. 1A-1C, the main boards 120 are arranged in a single horizontal plane. In these embodiments, the assembly tester system 100 (with the main boards 120) has dimensions between 30 cm x 30 cm and 2 m x 2 m (including the frame 110). In preferred embodiments, the dimensions are 40 cm x 60 cm, including the frame.

[0048] The Fig. 4A-4B show a top view and a perspective view, respectively, of an embodiment of the inventive subject matter in which the memory channels 123 (module slots 123B in this example) are arranged such that a memory module is vertically aligned with the motherboard 120 when inserted (e.g., perpendicular to the motherboard 120).

[0049] The Fig. 5A-5B show the embodiment of the Fig. 4A-4B with 510 memory modules inserted into module slots 123B. As shown in the Fig. 4A-4B, the memory modules 510 extend vertically (e.g., no more than 15 degrees from vertical) from the motherboard 120. Each module 510 may include one or more memory component sockets that can receive a memory component for testing (represented by the Fig. 5B visible squares on each module 510).

[0050] Fig. 6 shows the system 100 from Fig. 1A with a microclimate chamber 200 arranged on top of the assembled system 100. The microclimate chamber 200 can provide a heated and / or cooled environment for testing memory components attached to the motherboards 120. The microclimate chamber 200 can have a heat source and / or a cooling source (not shown for clarity) that provides a heated environment and / or a cooled environment for testing the components.

[0051] As previously mentioned, the edges of the main boards 120 touch each other when attached to the frame 110, creating a continuous or nearly continuous surface with no gaps between the main boards 120. This helps to isolate the underside of the main boards 120 from the environmental conditions created in the microclimate chamber 200.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the microclimate chamber 200 is sized to fit over all of the motherboards 120 mounted on the frame 110. In other embodiments, the microclimate chamber 200 may be smaller, fitting over some, but not all, of the motherboards 120. The attentive reader will readily appreciate that the microclimate chamber 200 eliminates the need for large, traditional, and expensive BI testing equipment.

[0053] The above statements serve to determine a temperature difference between the memory components under test on a motherboard and a CPU on the same board. However, printed circuit boards can be relatively thin and contain layers of metal traces. Therefore, if memory components on the front side are exposed to very high or low temperatures for extended periods, this temperature will eventually transfer to the back side, resulting in damage or significant thermal mechanical stress or water condensation. Therefore, it may be desirable to further isolate the CPU and other sensitive electronic components from the high temperatures required for testing semiconductor memory components. In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the motherboard therefore further separates the CPU from the memory components under test by vertically spacing the components from the CPU.

[0054] The Fig. 7A-7B show a side and top view, respectively, of a motherboard assembly 710 according to these embodiments of the subject invention.

[0055] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7A, the main board assembly 710 includes an upper main board 711 and a lower main board 712.

[0056] The upper main board 711 contains one or more memory channels 723. The embodiment of the Fig. 7A-7B include memory component slots 723A (configured to receive a memory component for testing). However, the general structure of assembly 710 also applies to embodiments having memory module slots 723B (configured to receive a memory module for testing) shown in Fig. 9 as part of an assembled system. For embodiments with module slots 723B, the structure is therefore the same as in the Fig. 7A-7B, except that assembly 710 has module slots 723B instead of memory component sockets 723A.

[0057] The memory component sockets 723A of the Fig. 7A-7B may be the same as the memory component sockets 123A of the Fig. 1A and Fig. 3A and the memory module slots 723B of the Fig. 9 may be the same as the memory module slots 123B of the Fig. 1B and Fig. 3B.

[0058] The lower motherboard 712 contains a CPU 721 on its underside. The lower motherboard 712 can be connected to the upper motherboard 711 via support connectors 713. The upper motherboard 711 and the lower motherboard 712 are arranged so that the two boards are parallel. In certain embodiments, the angle between the upper motherboard 711 and the lower motherboard 712 differs by no more than 15 degrees.

[0059] In the embodiments of the inventive subject matter shown here, a gap 715 is located between the upper and lower motherboards 711, 712. The gap 715 between the upper motherboard 711 and the lower motherboard 712 helps isolate the CPU 721 from the temperatures affecting the memory modules and / or memory components under test. In some embodiments, the gap 715 can be between 1 mm and 100 mm wide.

[0060] The CPU 721 is connected via connectors 722 to the memory component sockets 723A and the memory module slots 723B (in the embodiment of Fig. 9) communicatively connected. As in Fig. 7A, the connectors 722 connect the components of the upper and lower main boards 711, 712 via the connection column 714. Thus, the connectors traverse the lower main board 712, the connection column 714, and the upper main board 711 to connect the CPU 721 to the memory component sockets 723A.

[0061] In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the motherboard assembly 710 includes more than one interconnect column 714. For example, a motherboard assembly 710 may include 2-4 interconnect columns 714.

[0062] Each of the connection columns 714 can carry a plurality of signals via the connectors 722. It is contemplated that each connection column 714 can carry between 100 and 1000 signals via the connectors 722.

[0063] In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the upper mainboard 711 and the lower mainboard 712 may be connected only via the column 714, without the support connectors 713. In other embodiments, the upper mainboard 711 and the lower mainboard 712 are connected via the support connectors 713, without the column 714. In these embodiments, the connectors 722 are routed via one or more of the support connectors 713.

[0064] In the embodiments of the inventive subject matter shown here, the gap 715 includes an insulating layer 716 between the upper main board 711 and the lower main board 712.

[0065] The insulating layer 716 can be air (e.g., ambient air or an enclosure containing air), a vacuum (e.g., an enclosure containing a vacuum), Styrofoam, rubber, etc. The insulating layer can be a layer of material (e.g., Styrofoam) with air or vacuum bubbles. In embodiments such as the one shown here, the insulating layer 716 fills at least 70% of the gap 715.

[0066] The main board assembly 710 can be connected to the frame 110 of Fig. 2 can be used in a similar way to the main board 120 of the Fig. 1A-6. Multiple motherboard assemblies 710 may be attached to the frame 110 to test memory modules or memory components.

[0067] When installed on a frame such as frame 110, the lower main board 712 can be mounted directly on the frame 110. The insulating layer 716 can be a rigid material with air pockets and plastic spacers. This can then be screwed to the upper main board 711 on top.

[0068] Fig. Figure 8 shows a top view and a side view of a plurality of motherboard assemblies 710 inserted into a frame 110 to form an assembled tester system 700. In this example, the illustrated motherboard assemblies 710 include only the memory component sockets 723A. As described above, Fig. 9 a top view and a side view of several motherboard assemblies 710 inserted into the frame 110, wherein only the motherboard assemblies of Fig. 9 memory module slots 723B instead of the memory component sockets 723A of Fig. 8.

[0069] The assembled tester system 800 from Fig. 8 comprises six main board assemblies 710 inserted into the frame 110.

[0070] In the Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, each motherboard assembly 710 has a CPU 721 connected to two rows of memory component sockets 723A via an interconnect column 714. In other embodiments, each motherboard assembly 710 may have more than two rows of memory component sockets 723A for each CPU and multiple interconnect columns 714.

[0071] For the sake of simplicity, the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, the insulating layer 716 is not shown, but it is contemplated that this assembly may include embodiments incorporating the insulating layer 716 described herein.

[0072] In the same way as the embodiments of the Fig. 1A-6, the embodiments of the Fig. 7-9 may include communication hardware, which may include an antenna and other communication components that enable the CPU 721 to exchange data with an external computing device. The antenna may be integrated into the CPU 721 or separate from the CPU 721. In embodiments where the antenna is separate from the CPU 721, the antenna is also disposed on the lower motherboard 712 to protect it from the test environment.

[0073] As with the embodiments of the Fig. 1A-6, the main board assembly 710 may include a connector arranged to be connected to a corresponding connector of the frame 110 so that the main board assembly 710 may be supplied with power.

[0074] In embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the upper main board 711 and the lower main board 712 are of equal or substantially equal area (within 10% of the area). In other embodiments of the inventive subject matter, the upper main board 711 is smaller in area than the lower main board 712, with the difference being more than 10% of the area. In these embodiments, the difference area is protected by an insulating material, as described herein. Protected by an insulating material means that at least 80% of the difference area is protected by the insulating material.

[0075] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many further modifications are possible besides those already described without departing from the inventive concepts contained herein. The subject matter of the invention is therefore not intended to be limited except as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, in interpreting the specification and claims, all terms should be interpreted as far as possible in accordance with the context. In particular, the terms "comprises / includes" and "having / comprising" are to be construed to refer to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, meaning that the recited elements, components, or steps may be present or used or combined with other elements, components, or steps not expressly recited. If the claims of the specification refer to at least one element from the group consisting of A, B, C...and N, the text should be understood to mean that only one element from the group is required, not A plus N or B plus N, etc.

Claims

[1] A mainboard assembly for component testing, comprising: an upper motherboard; at least one memory channel arranged on the upper motherboard; a lower motherboard separated vertically from the upper motherboard by a gap; at least one CPU located on the lower motherboard; at least one support connector connecting the upper main board and the lower main board; and at least one electronic connector communicatively connecting the at least one CPU to the at least one memory channel. [2] The motherboard assembly of claim 1 further comprising a connecting column connected to the upper motherboard and the lower motherboard. [3] The motherboard assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one electronic connector is routed through the connection column. [4] The motherboard assembly according to claim 2 or 3 comprising two to four connecting columns. [5] The motherboard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an insulating layer disposed in the gap. [6] The motherboard assembly of claim 5, wherein the insulating layer occupies at least 70% of the volume of the gap. [7] The motherboard assembly according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the insulating layer comprises at least one of the following materials: air, vacuum, Styrofoam, rubber, or a material containing air or vacuum bubbles. [8] The motherboard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper motherboard and the lower motherboard are parallel to each other. [9] The motherboard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper motherboard and the lower motherboard are separated by a distance between 1 mm and 100 mm. [10] The motherboard assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an area of the upper motherboard and an area of the lower motherboard differ from each other by no more than 10%. [11] The motherboard assembly of any preceding claim, wherein the motherboard assembly is sized to fit within a space on a frame, the frame being sized to accommodate at least two motherboard assemblies. [12] An assembly tester system comprising: a frame dimensioned to accommodate at least two motherboard assemblies; and wherein each of the at least two main board assemblies comprises: an upper motherboard; at least one memory channel arranged on the upper motherboard; a lower motherboard separated vertically from the upper motherboard by a gap; at least one CPU located on the lower motherboard; at least one support connector connecting the upper main board and the lower main board; and at least one electronic connector communicatively connecting the at least one CPU to the at least one memory channel.

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