Adaptive Testing Engine for Integrated Circuit Test Cell Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated circuit testers face limitations in optimizing the testing process due to the lack of adaptive control over test cell behaviors beyond direct testing aspects, hindering efficient quality assurance of increasingly complex integrated circuits.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an adaptive testing engine that determines adaptation commands based on test data, sends these commands to a tool control application, and alters test cell parameters to control the testing process, enabling dynamic adjustments and optimizations beyond traditional testing functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional integrated circuit testers are used to test increasingly complex circuits, then testing coverage is maintained, but testing efficiency and adaptability deteriorate due to lack of dynamic control capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system is segmented into distinct functional modules: an adaptive test engine that analyzes test data and determines adaptation actions, a device test program that executes testing, and a tool control application that implements control adjustments. This segmentation allows each module to specialize in specific functions, improving adaptability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool control application serves as an intermediary between the adaptive test engine and the physical test cell. It receives adaptation commands from the test engine and translates them into specific control actions on test parameters, providing a buffer that manages complexity while enabling flexible adaptation.
2Productivity
If adaptive test engine is added to control test cell behaviors, then testing efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tool control application is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a controller for the test cell and as an interface for the adaptive test engine. It can handle various adaptation commands and adjust multiple test parameters, reducing the need for separate dedicated components and thereby improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where test data from the device test program is continuously analyzed by the adaptive test engine, which generates adaptation commands that are fed back to the tool control application. This feedback mechanism enables real-time optimization of testing efficiency without requiring complete system redesign.
3Adaptability or versatility
If real-time adaptation commands are implemented, then testing flexibility is enhanced, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptive test engine automatically analyzes test data and generates appropriate adaptation commands without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by making real-time decisions about test parameter adjustments, enhancing flexibility while reducing the operational burden on users.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool control application is pre-configured with the capability to receive and process various types of adaptation commands. By preparing the control structure in advance to handle diverse adaptation scenarios, the system achieves high flexibility while maintaining ease of operation during actual testing.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of testing a device is disclosed. Test data is obtained for a device testing program that tests the device. An adaptation command for testing the device is determined at an adaptive testing engine using obtained test data. The adaptation command is sent from the adaptive testing engine to a tool control application. The tool control application uses the adaptation command to control an operation related to the testing of the device.