ATE Energy Source Unit Inductance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic Test Equipment (ATE) faces challenges in maintaining low signal path inductance, which can lead to inductive kicks that damage or destroy devices under test, especially during high-speed AC testing with currents exceeding several hundred amperes.
Innovation Solution
The ATE system incorporates an energy source unit (ESU) with interleaved conductive planes and solid state switches to minimize inductance, utilizing field cancellation techniques and a quick disconnect mechanism to maintain low inductance while allowing for high current transmission, thereby reducing the risk of inductive damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high current paths are used to transmit several hundred amperes for high-speed AC testing, then testing capability and power delivery are improved, but signal path inductance increases causing inductive kicks that can damage devices under test
Solution Approach 1:
The current path is segmented into multiple parallel conductive planes instead of using a single thick conductor. This segmentation allows the magnetic fields from adjacent planes to cancel each other out while maintaining high current transmission capability, reducing inductance to below 100 nH
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful magnetic fields generated by high current into a beneficial cancellation effect. By arranging conductive planes in an interleaved configuration with alternating current directions, the magnetic fields that would normally cause inductive kicks are made to oppose and cancel each other, transforming the harmful effect into a solution
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the energy source unit is positioned close to the device interface board to reduce inductance, then signal path inductance is reduced, but accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The energy source unit is positioned in a vertical dimension below the device interface board rather than horizontally adjacent to it. This three-dimensional arrangement reduces the magnetic path length and inductance while maintaining operational accessibility through the quick disconnect mechanism
3Reliability
If a fixed electrical connection is used between energy source unit and device interface board, then electrical connectivity is ensured, but adaptability and ease of repair deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connection is made dynamic through a quick disconnect mechanism that allows the energy source unit to be rapidly engaged and disengaged from the device interface board. This dynamic connection maintains reliable electrical connectivity during operation while enabling quick changes and repairs without permanent attachment
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 configuration effectively reduces signal path inductance to below 100 nH, ensuring safe and reliable testing of high-power devices without adverse impacts on testing performance.
Implementation Method 1
the second circuit path may be for passing second current resulting in a second magnetic field that at least partially cancels the first magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
Example automatic test equipment (ATE) may include: a device interface board (DIB) on which the DUT is mounted; a system for sending signals to, and receiving signals from, the DUT; and an energy source unit (ESU) to provide current to the DUT via the DIB, where the ESU includes current paths to provide the current, and where the current paths are configured to limit a combined inductance of the current paths.