A system comprising at least one item carrier and at least one data medium, a method for providing the system, and a method for identifying a characteristic dataset recorded on the data medium of the system.

Abstract

A system (1000) comprising at least one article carrier (1) and at least one data medium (3) wherein a plurality of identical electronic components (2) are arranged on at least one article carrier (1), each electronic component (2) occupies a unique position (20) on at least one article carrier (1), each electronic component (2) is removable by a user from at least one article carrier (1) manually or mechanically, at least one article carrier (1) has a disposable identifier (10), and at least one data medium (3) stores a characteristic data set (30) individually assigned to each electronic component (2), and the individually assigned characteristic data set (30) recorded on the data medium (3) can be retrieved for each electronic component (2) using the disposable identifier (10) of the article carrier (1) and the unique position (20) on the article carrier (1). Furthermore, a method for providing the system and a method for identifying the characteristic data set recorded on the data medium of the system are also described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] A system comprising at least one article carrier and at least one data medium, a method for providing a system, and a method for identifying a characteristic data set or characteristic data set (Kenndatensatzes) recorded on the data medium of the system are described.

Background Art

[0002] For electronic components such as passive electronic components, usually, a data sheet is provided by the manufacturer, and the user, that is, the customer who acquires and uses such components, can confirm the specifications, that is, the characteristic data and the related tolerances, from the data sheet. For specific components, usually a data sheet is provided, so the characteristic data and tolerances are calculated in relation to the entire component series from the variation range in manufacturing and measurement. When using the specifications including the tolerances for the entire component described in the data sheet, the performance of the product, especially the accuracy, may be limited for individual components. As a result, for example, in the case of an NTC thermistor (NTC: negative temperature coefficient), the temperature accuracy in measurement applications depends on the tolerance range specified in the data sheet for each component, and therefore the temperature determined by measurement may be different for each component.

[0003] In principle, by means of the intended sorting, it is possible to reduce the wide variations, and thus the tolerances, of the product characteristic data obtained during manufacturing, such as the R value and / or B value of NTC components. In applications such as temperature measurement where high requirements are placed on measurement accuracy, it is necessary to pre-sort NTC components in order to achieve narrow resistance tolerances and / or B value tolerances. As a result, not all components of the production lot can be used, the number of non-conforming products increases, and the cost rises. For example, the nominal resistance R of an NTC component RWhen desired tolerances such as ±5% are reduced to ±1%, the number of nonconforming parts increases significantly. Further restricting resistance tolerances from ±1% to ±0.5% or ±0.1% results in a disproportionate increase in nonconforming parts, as only a small fraction of the ultimately manufactured parts meet the specifications.

[0004] Alternatively, one could attempt to reduce variations in the manufacturing process to narrow tolerances and minimize the occurrence of defective products. However, this is not always feasible and would only be possible at the expense of a significant increase in costs.

[0005] Therefore, the achievable precision in the performance of electronic components is limited by the tolerances associated with the manufacturing series, and it is economically impossible to improve performance by further, especially significantly, limiting the tolerances. Consequently, when high performance is required, it is often unavoidable that the customer must calibrate the components. Taking the manufacture of a temperature measuring device using NTC thermistors as an example, this means that each thermistor must be individually calibrated by measuring the NTC thermistor, which places a considerable burden on the customer. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0006] At least one object of a particular embodiment is to provide a system comprising at least one article carrier and at least one data medium. At least another object of a particular embodiment is to demonstrate a method for providing the system. At least another object of a particular embodiment is to demonstrate a method for identifying a characteristic dataset recorded on the data medium of the system.

[0007] These problems are solved by the subject matter and method described in the independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments and improvements of the subject matter and method are described in the dependent claims and are also evident from the following description and drawings.

[0008] According to at least one embodiment, the system comprises at least one goods carrier. On at least one goods carrier are multiple identical electronic components. The goods carrier having the electronic components can represent a sales unit in which the electronic components are delivered. In other words, the goods carrier on which the electronic components are placed can be the minimum delivery quantity (Auslieferungsmenge) for which a user wants to purchase electronic components. The goods carrier has a specific number of positions on which electronic components are placed, at least in the delivery state of the goods carrier.

[0009] In particular, electronic components, sometimes abbreviated as "components" below, can be passive electronic components selected from thermistors such as PTC thermistors (PTC: positive temperature coefficient) and NTC thermistors, varistors, resistors, capacitors, and inductors. While the descriptions here and below primarily refer to electronic components, other components shipped in multiples on an goods carrier are also possible. Furthermore, the term "components" may also include devices composed of multiple components, i.e., multi-component systems and assemblies shipped on an goods carrier.

[0010] Each electronic component is removable by the user from at least one article carrier, and therefore the components are detachably mounted to at least one article carrier. “User” can refer to a human user, a machine directly or indirectly controlled, or a programmed machine. Therefore, the removal of components can be done manually or mechanically. The advantage of the system described herein lies in the purely mechanical handling of the article carrier and, as a result, the avoidance of human errors such as incorrect component placement during assembly. “Detachably mounted” means, in particular, that under normal use, the electronic components remain on the article carrier until the user removes them from the article carrier for further use, and each electronic component can be removed individually from the article carrier without damaging the component. The article carrier may, for example, be a plastic carrier with multiple components detachably mounted by the user. For example, electronic components can be detachably mounted to the article carrier within an insertion space in the article carrier into which the component's contact wires, etc., are inserted, and / or by adhesive and / or clamp connections. Furthermore, the article carrier may include or be a composite package, such as packaging, particularly plastic packaging, or blister packaging or so-called "tape and reel" packaging, where each package has a film-sealed chamber from which the corresponding part can be extruded.

[0011] In a further embodiment, at least one article carrier has a disposable or one-time identifier. This disposable identifier makes at least one article carrier uniquely identifiable and distinguishable from other article carriers. For example, the system comprises a plurality of article carriers, each having a plurality of identical electronic components, and each article carrier has a disposable identifier different from all other article carriers in the plurality of article carriers, so that each article carrier in the system can be uniquely identified by the user and distinguishable from all other article carriers in the system. For example, the system comprises a series of electronic components divided into groups of multiple components, also referred to as batches or lots, and each group is located on one of the plurality of article carriers. The following description basically concerns one article carrier, but the described features and embodiments apply equally to all article carriers in the system.

[0012] In further embodiments, the electronic components are not assigned individual identifiers. This means, in particular, that the components themselves have no identifiers at all, or that all components are assigned the same identifier, such as a product identifier like a product number. Therefore, it is desirable that the electronic components, once removed from the goods carrier, become essentially indistinguishable to the user.

[0013] In further embodiments, each electronic component occupies a unique or specific position on at least one article carrier. The electronic components can be arranged on at least one article carrier, for example, in a linear arrangement, i.e., in a row, or in a matrix arrangement, i.e., in orthogonal rows and columns, or in a hexagon. As long as the electronic components are arranged on at least one article carrier, they can be distinguished from all other components on the article carrier by their specific position, since the other components occupy other specific positions on the article carrier.

[0014] For example, the specific location of an electronic component on an article carrier can be defined by numbering. That is, on at least one article carrier, each location where an electronic component is placed at the time of shipment of the article carrier can be numbered. The numbering may preferably begin with "1" at a given first location and indicate the other locations in ascending order. Instead of numbering, letters, other symbols, color coding, or other location identification symbols combining the above location identification symbols can be used. Alternatively, only the first or primary location may be assigned "1" or one of the above location identification symbols, and the other locations may be determined by their geometric arrangement relative to the first location.

[0015] Furthermore, unique positions can be defined by the geometric arrangement of disposable identifiers and / or structural identifiers. For example, disposable identifiers can be placed on the front of a product carrier, making it possible to uniquely identify the position of electronic components in relation to the disposable identifiers when viewing the front, for example, if electronic components are arranged linearly or in a matrix, i.e., in rows and columns, on the product carrier, the unique position of a first electronic component is defined in relation to the position of the disposable identifier, from which the unique positions of other electronic components can be derived. Furthermore, structural identifiers can also be provided, for example, to identify the unique position of a first electronic component, which determines the unique positions of all other electronic components. Structural identifiers can be geometric shapes on the product carrier, for example, such as slopes, protrusions or noses, or recesses or grooves. Furthermore, structural identifiers can also be colored marks for identification, for example, colored dots.

[0016] According to a further embodiment, a disposable identifier for at least one article carrier is a disposable permitted combination symbol consisting of numbers and / or letters, applied to at least one article carrier, either uncoded or preferably coded. For example, the disposable identifier may be a one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcode. A one-dimensional barcode is, for example, a barcode or includes a barcode. A two-dimensional barcode is, for example, a data matrix code or a QR code (QR: Quick Response), or includes them. The disposable identifier may include or consist of a plurality of combination symbols and / or barcodes.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the system comprises at least one data medium in which characteristic datasets are stored, each individually assigned to an electronic component. Each characteristic dataset may include one or more characteristic data parameters, selected from, for example, one or more individual measurement data, manufacturing lot characteristic data, correction factors, and tolerances. The characteristic data parameters may relate, for example, to electrical quantities or dependency coefficients typical of the electronic component. For example, in the case of an NTC thermistor as an electronic component, for each component, individually measured nominal resistance and / or B value and / or correction factors for parameters from the assigned datasheet, and / or one or more tolerance values ​​for one or more parameters may be stored. For example, by using individually assigned characteristic datasets that include individually measured nominal resistance, the user can perform more accurate temperature measurements than when measuring using a general, broad-tolerance average nominal resistance specified in the series-wide datasheet.

[0018] In a further embodiment, for each electronic component on at least one article carrier, an individually assigned characteristic dataset recorded on a data medium can be obtained using the article carrier's disposable identifier and its unique location on the article carrier. The disposable identification information of the article carrier and its unique location information on the article carrier make it possible to identify and obtain the corresponding individually assigned characteristic dataset for each electronic component.

[0019] For example, the data medium may be data storage accessible to the user via a local or network connection. For example, the data medium may be accessible to the user via a local or global network connection. In this case, there exists a central data carrier where characteristic datasets individually assigned to electronic components are stored. For example, this may be a data carrier provided by the electronic component manufacturer, accessible via the internet, particularly a suitable website, a suitable computer program, or a script provided for integration into a computer program, and the characteristic dataset individually assigned to each electronic component can be retrieved using at least a disposable identifier of the item carrier, or the disposable identifier of the item carrier and a unique location on the item carrier.

[0020] Furthermore, the data medium may be a data carrier that is available locally to the user. Locally available data carriers may be provided, for example, by the manufacturer of the electronic components. Examples of locally available data carriers include CD-ROMs and memory sticks. By using a suitable local or web-based computer program, a uniquely assigned characteristic dataset can be retrieved from the local data carrier of each electrical component by entering the disposable identifier of the item carrier and its specific location on the item carrier.

[0021] Furthermore, the data medium can also be placed on, for example, an article carrier. In this case, the data medium may be inseparably connected to the article carrier under normal conditions. For example, the data medium may include an NFC chip or a 2D barcode, or it may be itself. Such a data medium may, in particular, include a characteristic dataset of all parts placed on the article carrier.

[0022] According to a further embodiment, a plurality of identical electronic components are manufactured by the method of providing the system described above. A characteristic dataset can be identified for each of the electronic components. Furthermore, each electronic component can be placed at a unique location on the article carrier, along with a disposable identifier. Furthermore, for each electronic component, the characteristic dataset, associated disposable identifier, and unique location can be recorded on a data medium. The determination of the characteristic dataset for a component can be performed before or after placing the component on the article carrier.

[0023] In a further embodiment, in a method for determining a characteristic dataset recorded on a data medium associated with an electronic component on an article carrier of a given system, a disposable identifier of the article carrier is identified. Furthermore, the unique location of the electronic component on the article carrier is identified. Furthermore, the characteristic dataset can be retrieved from the data medium using the identified disposable identifier and the identified unique location. This means that for each component, a individually assigned characteristic dataset can be retrieved individually. Furthermore, it is also possible to use the disposable identifier to retrieve, for example, the characteristic datasets of all components on the article carrier from the data medium as a collection of characteristic datasets, and then use the unique location of a particular component to retrieve a individually assigned characteristic dataset from the collection of characteristic datasets. The collection of characteristic datasets may be, for example, a suitable file containing characteristic datasets that include at least the assigned unique location and the assigned unique identifier of the associated article carrier.

[0024] The features and embodiments described in relation to this system also apply to the method of providing the system and the method of identifying the characteristic dataset. Furthermore, the features and embodiments described in relation to the method of providing the system, and the features and embodiments described in relation to the method of identifying the characteristic dataset, also apply to this system.

[0025] In the systems and methods described herein, as described above, characteristic data such as measurement data specifically identified for each electronic component can be associated with the electronic components physically present on at least one article carrier. By calling and using the characteristic data, the user can utilize the individual characteristics of each component within the electronic device, thereby improving the overall performance of the system.

[0026] At least the acquired characteristic data set of the electronic component, such as individual measurement data during manufacturing, can be made available to the user, i.e., the customer of the electronic component manufacturer, in a data file on a data medium or the like. Particularly preferably, such a data file can be made available, in addition to at least one article carrier equipped with the electronic component, for example, via a global network connection, i.e., an Internet connection, and thus particularly preferably via an online platform. The data file can store the characteristic data set, i.e., individual parameters with part numbers and the like. Furthermore, it also includes an assignment to the article carrier, i.e., the disposable identifier of the article carrier, which can include, for example, information regarding the article carrier and the manufacturing batch. The article carrier has this disposable identifier as a label, i.e., a code, which can be used for data retrieval. Thus, for each electronic component, a unique assignment of the characteristic data set to the component is made. The component itself is not identifiable and cannot be distinguished by individual identifiers. Therefore, the assignment of the characteristic data set to the component is achieved by an identifiable article carrier and a defined arrangement, for example, the defined order of the components on the article carrier.

[0027] Using the individual characteristic data of components can, as a result, improve the accuracy with a significantly narrow tolerance in the applications where the components are used, such as electronic devices in which one or more components are used. For example, in the case of a temperature sensor, smaller variations or smaller errors between components can be obtained in temperature measurement, and the measurement accuracy can be improved without performing additional temperature calibration in the application. Therefore, when high measurement accuracy is required, especially temperature calibration on the customer side becomes unnecessary. Using the characteristic data can also, in particular, make it possible to supply all or at least almost all of the manufactured components. Therefore, the percentage of non-conformities can be significantly reduced. Therefore, even when the variations in the manufacturing process increase, using the individual characteristic data will not cause the performance of a device having one or more electronic components to deteriorate.

[0028] Instead of individual characteristic data, i.e., individual measured values, the lot manufacturing characteristic data can be used as an identification parameter in a set of characteristic data specified by sample measurement. For example, in the case of an NTC thermistor, this can be applied to the nominal resistance and the B value. To specify the B value, it is necessary to measure the resistance of the component at at least two temperatures. The B value is calculated from these values. Therefore, the use of lot manufacturing characteristic data can be a cost-effective compromise between providing and measuring the individual values of components and using the tolerance values according to the general data sheet specifications. This is because one data sheet needs to be valid for all manufacturing lots, and thus the overall variations are considered in one data sheet.

[0029] Other advantages, advantageous embodiments, and further improvements will become apparent from the examples described below in conjunction with the drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0030] [Figure 1A] Figures 1A and 1B are diagrams schematically showing a system according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B]Figures 1A and 1B schematically illustrate the system according to the embodiment. [Figure 2A] Figures 2A and 2B schematically illustrate a method for providing a system according to further embodiments. [Figure 2B] Figures 2A and 2B schematically illustrate a method for providing a system according to further embodiments. [Figure 3] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a method for identifying characteristic datasets recorded on the system's data medium, according to a further embodiment. [Figure 4A] Figures 4A to 4G schematically show article carriers according to further embodiments. [Figure 4B] Figures 4A to 4G schematically show article carriers according to further embodiments. [Figure 4C] Figures 4A to 4G schematically show article carriers according to further embodiments. [Figure 4D] Figures 4A to 4G schematically show article carriers according to further embodiments. [Figure 4E] Figures 4A to 4G schematically show article carriers according to further embodiments. [Figure 4F] Figures 4A to 4G schematically show article carriers according to further embodiments. [Figure 4G] Figures 4A to 4G schematically show article carriers according to further embodiments. [Figure 5A] Figures 5A and 5B schematically illustrate a system according to a further embodiment. [Figure 5B] Figures 5A and 5B schematically illustrate a system according to a further embodiment. [Figure 6] Figure 6 schematically shows an article carrier according to a further embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0031] In the examples and drawings, elements of the same, similar, or equivalent function may be given the same reference numeral. The illustrated elements and their size ratios are not to scale, and individual elements, such as layers, parts, components, and areas, may be shown larger than they actually are for better representation and / or better understanding.

[0032] For better understanding in relation to the drawings described below, several embodiments are described. In these embodiments, the electronic component is configured as an NTC thermistor, provided that the NTC element is soldered to the wiring and molded in a plastic such as epoxy. Alternatively, the electronic component may be configured in other ways, as described in the general section above.

[0033] NTC thermistors are ideal for use in the automotive industry, medical technology, factory automation, and field devices due to their extremely small size, fast response time, and availability of various sensor housings and application-specific designs. While NTC thermistors can be manufactured with individual resistance tolerances of, for example, ±0.3%, manufacturing variations mean that the manufacturing tolerance typically listed in the datasheet for the entire manufacturing series can be several times, for example, 10 times greater. Until now, circuit designers have had to deal with this manufacturing tolerance because individual calibration requires expertise, is time-consuming in manufacturing, and is not always possible.

[0034] Figures 1A and 1B illustrate an example of System 1000 that avoids manufacturing tolerance defects without requiring the user to perform individual calibrations for each electronic component.

[0035] System 1000 comprises at least one item carrier 1. In particular, system 1000 may comprise multiple item carriers 1. Figure 1 shows three item carriers 1 as an example, but this is not limiting. Each item carrier 1 contains multiple identical electronic components 2. Therefore, all components 2 in system 1000 are structurally identical and are manufactured in particular by continuous production. Each item carrier 1 carrying electronic components 2 constitutes a unit. In particular, each item carrier 1 carrying electronic components 2 constitutes a sales unit from which electronic components 2 can be delivered and acquired. Therefore, if a user wants to purchase electronic components 2, the minimum delivery quantity is an item carrier 1 containing the electronic components 2. Each item carrier 1 has a specific number of positions where electronic components 2 are each placed, at least in the delivery state of the item carrier 1. For example, system 1000 comprises at least one series of electronic components 2, each of which is divided into groups of multiple components 2, and each group is placed on one of multiple article carriers 1. The following description applies to system 1000 having any number of article carriers 1. Therefore, the expression "at least one article carrier" can be used to represent each article carrier 1, in particular the entire article carrier 1 of system 1000. Furthermore, each article carrier 1 comprises, for example, 35 electronic components 2. However, any number of electronic components 2, two or more, can be placed on a single article carrier 1.

[0036] Each of the electronic components 2 is detachably mounted on at least one article carrier 1. Thus, as shown in Figure 1B of the portion of the article carrier 1 in Figure 1A, each electronic component 2 can be individually and non-destructively separated from the article carrier 1 by the user, i.e., manually or mechanically. The at least one article carrier may comprise, for example, a rod-shaped carrier body in which the electronic components 2 are arranged linearly, i.e., in a single row, as shown in Figure 1A. In particular, in the embodiment shown, the carrier body comprises an insertion space in the form of an opening into which the electronic components 2 are inserted and held. The article carrier may comprise, for example, a plastic carrier, on which multiple electronic components 2 can be detachably mounted by the user. For example, the electronic components 2 can be detachably mounted by adhesive or clamp connections into the insertion space of the article carrier 1 into which the contact wires of the components 2 are inserted.

[0037] The illustrated design of the article carrier 1 is illustrative and not limiting. For example, the article carrier 1 may have a different shape or employ a different method for securing the electronic components 2. Furthermore, the article carrier 1 may include or be a composite packaging, such as packaging material, particularly plastic packaging material, or blister packaging or "tape and reel" packaging.

[0038] At least one article carrier 1 has a disposable identifier 10. In the case of the illustrated multiple article carriers 1, each article carrier 1 has a disposable identifier 10 that is different from all other article carriers 1 in system 1000. The disposable identifier 10 makes each article carrier 1 uniquely identifiable and distinguishable from all other article carriers 1 in system 1000. The features and characteristics of the disposable identifier 10 will be described in more detail below in conjunction with the diagrams.

[0039] Electronic component 2 is not assigned a unique identifier. This may mean, in particular, that component 2 itself has no identifier at all, as shown in Figures 1A and 1B. Furthermore, all components have the same identifier, which is a general product identifier such as a product number or type number, but is the same for all components 2. Therefore, once electronic component 2 is removed from the goods carrier 1, it is practically indistinguishable to the user.

[0040] Each electronic component 2 has a unique position 20 on at least one article carrier 1, which, as an example, is highlighted with a dashed frame in Figure 1. As long as an electronic component 2 is located on at least one article carrier 1, it can be distinguished from all other components 2 on the article carrier by its unique position 20, since other components 2 occupy other unique positions 20 on the article carrier 1. The characteristics and properties of unique positions and their determination will be described in more detail below in conjunction with the drawings.

[0041] Furthermore, the system 1000 includes at least one data medium 3, which stores a characteristic dataset 30 individually assigned to each of the electronic components 2. For example, the characteristic dataset 30 can be stored in one or more tables or database entries, as shown in Figure 1A. Each characteristic dataset 30 illustrated in Figure 1A may include one or more characteristic data parameters, selected from, for example, one or more individual measurement data, manufacturing lot characteristic data, correction coefficients, and tolerances. For example, in the case of an NTC thermistor as an electronic component, individually measured nominal resistance and / or correction coefficients can be recorded for each component 2. By using individually assigned characteristic datasets 30, users can perform more accurate temperature measurements than when measuring using a general average nominal resistance value with a large tolerance specified in the datasheet for the entire series. To uniquely assign a characteristic dataset 30 to an electronic component 2, a disposable identifier 10 of the article carrier 1 on which the relevant electronic component 2 is located and the position 20 of the relevant electronic component 2 on the article carrier 1 are provided, as shown by the dashed arrow in Figure 1. Therefore, for each electronic component, the individually assigned characteristic dataset 30 recorded on the data medium 3 can be obtained using the disposable identifier 10 of the item carrier 1 and the unique location 20 on the item carrier 1. The disposable identifier 10 of the item carrier 1 and the unique location 20 on the item carrier 1 enable the user to identify and obtain the corresponding individually assigned characteristic dataset 30 for each electronic component 2.

[0042] Figures 2A and 2B show two embodiments of providing system 1000. For this purpose, a plurality of identical electronic components are manufactured, as shown in step 201. For each electronic component, a characteristic dataset is identified, containing one or more characteristic data parameters, as shown in step 202. Furthermore, as shown in step 203, at least one article carrier having a disposable identifier is provided, which may in particular mean providing multiple article carriers, each having a disposable identifier different from all other article carriers in the system. In a further step 204, each electronic component is placed in a unique location on the article carrier. In the next step 205, for each electronic component, the characteristic dataset, the unique identification information of the article carrier on which the component is placed, and the unique location are recorded on a data medium. The identification of the characteristic dataset for the electronic component in step 202 can be performed before the placement of the electronic component on the article carrier in step 204, as shown in Figure 2A. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 2B, the identification of the characteristic dataset for the electronic component in step 202 can be performed after the placement of the electronic component on the article carrier in step 204.

[0043] Figure 3 schematically illustrates, in relation to Figures 1A and 1B, a method for identifying characteristic datasets recorded on a data medium associated with electronic components on the article carrier of system 1000. For this purpose, in the first step 301, a disposable identifier of the article carrier is identified. Furthermore, in step 302, the unique location of the electronic component on the article carrier is identified. In step 303, the characteristic dataset is retrieved from the data medium using the identified disposable identifier and unique location.

[0044] Other features and characteristics of the system and method are described in relation to the following drawings.

[0045] Figures 4A to 4G show various embodiments of the article carrier 1 of system 1000, on which the electronic components 2 are located.

[0046] As shown in Figure 4A, the disposable identifier 10 of at least one item carrier 1 may be a disposable authorized combination symbol consisting of numbers and / or letters, applied to at least one item carrier, and either uncoded or coded, particularly coded in the form of a barcode. In the embodiment shown in Figure 4A, the disposable identifier 10 comprises, as an example, two sets of user-readable character combinations and a two-dimensional barcode in barcode format. Each barcode may be, for example, a coded form of one of the two sets of user-readable character combinations, and as a result, the disposable identifier 10 is easily readable by the user and can also be read by a data processing device such as a computer using a barcode scanner. For example, in the diagram shown in Figure 4A, the barcode on the left and the character combination at the top are the disposable item carrier number, and the barcode on the right and the character combination at the bottom are the production order number, and together these can constitute the disposable identifier 10.

[0047] The unique position 20 of electronic component 2 is defined by its geometric arrangement relative to the disposable identifier. In particular, in the diagram shown in Figure 4A, the highlighted unique position 20 of electronic component 2 located at the left end on the front of the illustrated article carrier 1, which has a disposable identifier 10, may be position "1". To identify the unique positions 20 of further components 2, one can count from this position from left to right. In the subsequent Figures 4B to 4F, the unique position 20 of electronic component 2 located at the left end is also highlighted, and this may be position "1".

[0048] In the article carrier 1 shown in Figure 4B, the unique positions 20 of the electronic components on the article carrier 1 are defined by numbering, and as shown in the figure, each position 20 can be identified by a unique number. Furthermore, it is also possible to assign numbers to only some of the unique positions 20, such as positions "1", "10", "20", and "30".

[0049] In the article carrier 1 shown in Figure 4C, only the unique position 20 of the electronic component 2 located at the leftmost end in the illustrated view is identified by the number "1" and a further symbol. Furthermore, in the article carrier 1 shown in Figure 4D, only a symbol for counting the unique position from that point is indicated on the side of the article carrier 1. Other position identification symbols may be used instead of the number and / or symbol, such as letters, other symbols, color coding, or a combination of the position identification symbols described above.

[0050] In the article carrier 1 shown in Figure 4E, the article carrier is provided with a geometrically shaped structural identifier 11, which indicates the side of the article carrier from which a unique position 20 is counted. The structural identifier 11 can be formed as an inclined shape on the carrier body of the article carrier 1, as shown in the figure. Additionally or alternatively, for example, protrusions such as ridges or projections, or recesses such as indentations or grooves can be provided. Furthermore, the structural identifier 11 can also be a color-coded identifier, for example, a colored dot.

[0051] Instead of, or in addition to, the unique identifier 10 in the form of a combination of a barcode and user-readable characters, as shown in Figures 4A to 4E, the disposable identifier 10 may, for example, comprise a two-dimensional barcode or be formed by a two-dimensional barcode. The two-dimensional barcode may be, for example, a data matrix code, a QR code as shown in Figure 4F, or a code containing these.

[0052] The electronic components 2 can be arranged in a matrix, i.e., in rows and columns, on at least one article carrier 1, for example, as shown in Figure 4G, instead of the linear arrangement shown so far, i.e., in a single row. In this case, the article carrier 1 can be formed as, for example, a plate or as packaging such as blister packaging. The unique position 20 of the electronic components 2 can be defined by a geometric relationship with respect to the disposable identifier 10. For example, in the diagram shown in Figure 4G, with respect to the disposable identifier 10 on the front of the product carrier 1, the electronic component 2 positioned in the upper left can have a unique position 20 of position "1". From there, for example, by counting row by row from left to right and top to bottom, the leftmost column can be considered to have components 2 positioned at positions "1", "9", "17", and "25". Furthermore, one or more of the aforementioned position identifiers can be provided.

[0053] For example, as suggested in system 1000 shown in Figure 5A, the aforementioned data medium 3 may be data storage accessible globally or locally via a network connection 4. In particular, the data medium 3 may be accessible to users via a local or global network connection 4. In this case, for example, a central data carrier on which characteristic datasets 30 individually assigned to electronic components 2 are recorded may be provided as the data medium 3. For example, this may be a data carrier provided by the manufacturer of the electronic components and accessible via the Internet by a suitable data processing device 4, such as a computer. For this purpose, as shown in Figure 5A, a suitable website or other suitable computer program may be provided on which a desired characteristic dataset 30 can be retrieved from the data medium 3.

[0054] If a characteristic dataset 30 is required for a specific electronic component 2 located at a specific unique position 20 on a particular item carrier 1, the user can obtain the dataset by entering and / or scanning the disposable identifier 10 and unique position 20 of the electronic component 2 in question on a website or computer program. The electronic component 2 in question can then be removed from the item carrier 1 and processed by the user, for example, during the manufacturing process of the device. The associated characteristic dataset 30 can be loaded into the device's memory in an appropriate format, such as an application program or firmware, and made available for use in the device's applications.

[0055] For example, a characteristics dataset 30 for all electronic components 2 on at least one item carrier 1 can be transmitted by inputting or scanning disposable identifiers 10 in table format, database format, or other suitable file format, so that a user can then retrieve a characteristics dataset 30 for a specific electronic component 2 from such file by inputting a unique location 20.

[0056] In relation to Figure 5B, and purely as an example and without any limiting implications, we show an example of how to advantageously use the characteristic dataset 30 obtained in combination with the electronic component 2 designed as an NTC thermistor element. Figure 5B shows a typical datasheet entry for an NTC thermistor element, purely as an example. This datasheet shows that the resistance R depends on the temperature Temp. NOM , minimum resistance R MIN , maximum resistance R MAXThe relative resistance tolerance ΔR / R and temperature tolerance ΔT are listed. As highlighted in Figure 5B, this data yields a resistance value of 185.55 Ω and a relative tolerance of 3% at a temperature of 100°C. These values ​​are the result of calculating measurements for all components in the entire series, taking into account the above-mentioned variability in the manufacturing process and measurement method. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figure 5A, the characteristic data set 30 shows a resistance value of 184.96 Ω at a temperature of 100°C, with a correction factor of 0.99682 compared to the datasheet value of 185.55 Ω. This characteristic data was measured in a single measurement using each electronic component 2 belonging to this characteristic data set 30, with a relative tolerance of 0.3% in such a single measurement. Therefore, the user can use the characteristic dataset 30 to match the table values ​​from the datasheet to the relevant electronic component 2 when using the relevant electronic component 2, and thus, the system 1000 described herein allows the user to perform more accurate temperature measurements with the relevant electronic component 2 without having to perform temperature calibration themselves.

[0057] As an alternative to the data medium 3 described above, which can be accessed via a network connection 4, the data medium may also be a data carrier that can be used locally by the user. A locally usable data carrier may be provided, for example, by the manufacturer of electronic components. A locally usable data carrier may be, for example, a CD-ROM or a memory stick. An integrated computer program can retrieve a characteristic dataset 30 individually assigned to each electrical component 2 by inputting a disposable identifier 10 of at least one item carrier 1 and a unique location 20 on the item carrier 1.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the data medium 3 can also be placed on, for example, the goods carrier 1. In this case, the data medium 3 can be inseparably connected to the goods carrier 1 under normal conditions. For example, the data medium 3 may have an NFC chip or a two-dimensional barcode, or it may be the data medium itself. By reading the chip or barcode, for example, a characteristic dataset of all electronic components 2 on the goods carrier 1 can be obtained. Moreover, advantageously for data security, the characteristic dataset can be encrypted. The data can be decrypted by a corresponding code that can be provided to the customer. This ensures that access to the data can only be performed by authorized persons.

[0059] Features and embodiments described in relation to the drawings may be used in combination with other embodiments, even if not all combinations are explicitly described. Furthermore, embodiments described in relation to the drawings may have other features, either alternatively or additionally, as described in the general part of the description.

[0060] The present invention is not limited by the description based on the examples. Rather, the present invention includes all new features and all combinations of features, in particular all combinations of features described in the claims, even if the feature or combination itself is not explicitly described in the claims or examples. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 1. Goods carrier (Warentraeger) 2 parts (Bauelement) 3. Data medium (Datenmedium) 4. Network Connection (Netzwerkverbindung) 5. Data Processing Equipment (Datenverarbeitungsgeraet) 10. Disposable identifier (einmalige Kennzeichnung) 11 Structural identification 20 Position 30 Characteristics dataset (Kenndatensatz) 201, 202, 203, 204, 205 Method Steps (Verfahrensschritt) 301, 302, 303 Method Steps (Verfahrensschritt) 1000 Systems

Claims

1. A system (1000) comprising at least one article carrier (1) and at least one data medium (3), Multiple identical electronic components (2) are arranged on the aforementioned at least one article carrier (1). Each of the electronic components (2) occupies a specific position (20) on the at least one article carrier (1), Each of the electronic components (2) can be removed by the user, either manually or mechanically, from the at least one article carrier (1). The at least one article carrier (1) has a disposable identifier (10), The at least one data medium (3) stores characteristic data sets (30) that are individually assigned to each of the electronic components (2). A system that allows for the acquisition of individually assigned characteristic datasets (30) recorded on the data medium (3) for each of the electronic components (2), using the disposable identifier (10) of the item carrier (1) and its unique position (20) on the item carrier (1).

2. The system (1000) comprises a plurality of article carriers (1), each having a plurality of identical electronic components (2), and each of the article carriers (1) has a disposable identifier (10) that is different from all the other article carriers (1) among the plurality of article carriers (1), according to claim 1.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of electronic components (2) are detachably attached to the at least one article carrier (1).

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the electronic component (2) is not assigned an individual identifier.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein each of the characteristic datasets (30) includes one or more characteristic data parameters.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the one or more characteristic data parameters are selected from one or more individual measurement data, manufacturing lot characteristic data, correction coefficients, and tolerances.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the disposable identifier (10) includes at least one-dimensional or two-dimensional barcodes.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the electronic components (2) are arranged linearly or in a matrix on the article carrier (1).

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the specific position (20) of the electronic component (2) is defined by assigning a number to it.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the specific position (20) of the electronic component (2) is defined by a geometric arrangement of the disposable identifier (10) or structural identifier (11).

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the data medium (3) is accessible to the user via a network connection (4).

12. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the data medium (3) is a data carrier that can be used locally by the user.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the data medium (3) is placed on the article carrier (1).

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein the data medium (3) comprises an NFC chip or a two-dimensional barcode.

15. A method for providing the system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, We manufacture multiple electronic components (2) of the same type, A characteristic data set (30) is identified for each of the aforementioned electronic components (2). The invention provides at least one article carrier (1) having a disposable identifier (10), Each of the electronic components (2) is placed in a specific position (20) on the at least one article carrier (1), A method for recording, for each of the electronic components (2), the characteristic dataset (30), the disposable identifier (10) associated with the article carrier (1) on which the electronic component (2) is located, and the unique position (20) on the article carrier (1) on a data medium (3).

16. A method for determining a characteristic data set (30) recorded on a data medium (3) and assigned to an electronic component (2) on an article carrier of a system (1000) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, Identify the disposable identifier (10) of the article carrier (1), The specific position (20) of the electronic component (2) on the article carrier (1) is identified, A method for obtaining a characteristic dataset (30) from the data medium (3) using the identified disposable identifier (10) and the identified unique location (20).

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