ATE Channel Current Combining via Load Sharing Resistors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) often has limited current sourcing capability, which can be insufficient for testing devices requiring higher current, necessitating a method to combine currents from multiple channels to deliver a combined current to the device under test.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a master-slave channel configuration with load sharing resistors and impedance circuits to detect voltage drops and introduce corresponding voltages into slave channels, allowing for the combination of currents from multiple channels to produce a balanced and increased current output on a single channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If multiple channels are combined to source current, then the current sourcing capability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for master-slave channel configuration and impedance matching circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the current sourcing function into multiple independent channels (master and slave channels), where each channel can operate autonomously but contributes to a combined current output. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher current capability while maintaining modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
Impedance matching circuits are introduced as intermediary components between the master and slave channels to ensure proper current combining. These circuits facilitate seamless integration of multiple current sources while maintaining system stability and preventing interference.
2Manufacturing precision
If load sharing resistors are used to control current contribution, then the current distribution precision is improved, but the energy loss increases due to resistive dissipation
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses load sharing resistors with specifically optimized resistance values to control the current contribution of each channel. By carefully selecting and adjusting these resistance parameters, the system achieves precise current distribution while minimizing unnecessary energy dissipation.
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
This approach enables ATE to source more current than individual channels can alone, ensuring that the required current is delivered to the device under test, effectively addressing the limitations of single-channel current sourcing.
Implementation Method 1
a detector circuit to detect the voltage drop
Implementation Method 2
an impedance circuit that is configurable to introduce a voltage based on the detected voltage drop into the slave channel
Data Source
AI summary
An example test system includes: multiple channels, where each of the multiple channels is configured to force voltage and to source current; and circuitry to combine current sourced by the multiple channels to produce a combined current for output on a single channel to a device under test (DUT), where each of the multiple channels includes a load sharing resistor to control a contribution of the channel to the combined current.