Bidirectional Real-Time Interface for Thermal Control in Automated Test Equipment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic device testing methods face challenges in achieving a balance between temperature control efficiency, testing precision, and equipment complexity, particularly when testing complex digital devices that require precise temperature control to prevent overheating and ensure accurate results.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bidirectional dedicated real-time handler interface that provides synchronization, thermal control, and trigger signals between automated test equipment and a handler, allowing for real-time temperature regulation and data exchange to manage temperature profiles and prevent overheating during testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional testing methods are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a handler as an intermediary component between the automated test equipment and the device under test. The handler receives trigger signals from the ATE and executes temperature control functions, acting as a mediator that separates the testing control logic from the temperature regulation execution. This allows precise temperature control through dedicated thermal control circuits in the handler while keeping the ATE focused on test sequence management, thus achieving temperature precision without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional modules: the automated test equipment (ATE) for test sequence control, the handler for temperature control execution, and the device under test (DUT). The temperature control function is further segmented into trigger signal generation (ATE), signal transmission (real-time interface), and thermal regulation execution (handler with thermal control circuits). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, achieving precise temperature control while distributing complexity across modular components.
2Reliability
If real-time temperature control is implemented, then testing reliability is improved, but equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the handler monitors temperature conditions during testing and can send status information back to the ATE through the real-time interface. The ATE can adjust test sequences based on temperature feedback, and the handler can modify temperature control parameters in response to test requirements. This closed-loop feedback ensures reliable temperature control while using standardized bidirectional communication protocols that minimize interface complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary temperature control setup before testing begins, with the ATE configuring temperature profiles and control parameters in advance. The handler pre-configures its thermal control circuits and receives pre-defined temperature control strategies. During testing, these pre-configured systems work together with minimal real-time adjustment, ensuring reliable temperature control while reducing the complexity of real-time decision-making logic.
3Productivity
If multiple signals are transmitted via bidirectional interface, then temperature control efficiency is improved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional real-time interface is designed as a universal communication channel that handles multiple types of signals: trigger signals from ATE to handler, temperature status feedback from handler to ATE, control parameter updates, and alarm notifications. This multi-functional interface uses a standardized protocol that can encode different signal types efficiently, improving temperature control efficiency by enabling comprehensive communication while avoiding the need for separate dedicated lines for each signal type, thus limiting the increase in signal processing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide an automated test equipment (a “tester”) for testing a device under test, including a bidirectional dedicated real-time handler interface. Some embodiments include an interface having a trigger function, a fixed endpoint interface, an interface arranged on a test head, and/or a number of lines/communication channels adapted to a specific communication task, without separate signal lines, for example. The bidirectional dedicated real-time handler interface can be used to transmit a multiple signals, such as a thermal control signal, synchronization signal, and/or other information to the handler in real-time, and the transmitted signals can be test site specific. The real-time signaling advantageously improves testing accuracy and efficiency.