Semiconductor Test Adapter Board Real-Time Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Defective adapter boards in semiconductor chip test apparatuses reduce productivity and reliability, as they are difficult to access and monitor during testing.
Innovation Solution
A test apparatus with a motherboard, handler, and adapter boards equipped with sensors and a wireless transceiver that transmits real-time data about the adapter boards' conditions, allowing for timely detection of defects and environmental abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adapter boards are used in semiconductor chip testing, then testing capability is provided, but productivity and reliability are reduced when adapter boards become defective
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by monitoring adapter board conditions (temperature, humidity, bending, vibration) before defects occur. Sensors continuously collect data during storage and handling phases, allowing proactive identification of deteriorating conditions that could lead to defects, enabling preventive maintenance before testing productivity is impacted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback through real-time data collection from sensors on adapter boards, transmission via wireless communicators to centralized systems, and automated alerting when thresholds are exceeded. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables continuous monitoring and rapid response to potential failures, maintaining both reliability and productivity.
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring of adapter boards is implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional monitoring system where a single integrated platform handles multiple functions: temperature sensing, humidity sensing, bending detection, vibration monitoring, data wireless transmission, and centralized data analysis. This consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into one unified solution, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling adapter boards to autonomously monitor their own conditions through onboard sensors and communicators without requiring external intervention. The adapter boards self-diagnose and transmit their status automatically, reducing the need for complex external monitoring infrastructure and manual inspection processes.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Improves productivity and reliability by enabling real-time monitoring and detection of adapter board defects and environmental conditions, ensuring accurate testing of semiconductor chips.
Implementation Method 1
a first sensor mounted on the adapter board and senses data about temperature of the adapter board
Implementation Method 2
a wireless transceiver mounted on the adapter board and transmits, in real time, the sensed data
Data Source
AI summary
A test apparatus includes a motherboard including a first surface. The test apparatus further includes a handler including a second surface facing the first surface of the motherboard. The test apparatus additionally includes an adapter board disposed between the first surface of the motherboard and the second surface of the handler. The test apparatus further includes a first sensor mounted on the adapter board and senses data about temperature of the adapter board. The test apparatus additionally includes a wireless transceiver mounted on the adapter board and transmits, in real time, the sensed data.