Testing Board Flatness Sensing Before IC Chamber Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual visual inspection methods for testing boards during the burn-in process fail to detect minor abnormalities, leading to inclined and collided boards, causing damage and inaccurate test results.
Innovation Solution
A testing system with sensors to detect the flatness of testing boards, using infrared sensors to measure levels at opposite ends and a processor to determine flatness, and a method to halt or display warnings for unacceptable boards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual visual inspection is used to check testing boards, then the inspection process is simple and low-cost, but minor abnormalities are missed and transporting abnormal boards occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical sensing system. Sensors detect the flatness of testing boards by measuring light reflection or position, automatically determining whether boards are transporting normal or abnormal without human intervention, thereby improving detection accuracy while maintaining system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The testing board itself provides detection information through its physical state (flatness level). The sensor system passively detects board characteristics without requiring active cooperation from the board, allowing the board to 'self-report' its condition through measurable physical properties
2Reliability
If sensors are added to detect flatness automatically, then detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the testing board inspection into discrete detectable parameters (flatness level at specific locations). Sensors are positioned at key locations to measure board state at critical points, breaking down the complex inspection task into simple, localized measurements that can be processed independently
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system serves multiple functions: detecting board flatness, determining transporting normality, and triggering appropriate handling actions. The same sensing infrastructure supports both detection and classification functions, reducing overall system complexity despite improved reliability
3Measurement precision
If all testing boards are inspected thoroughly, then abnormal boards are caught, but inspection time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial inspection by measuring only the critical flatness parameter at specific board locations rather than conducting a complete comprehensive inspection. This selective measurement approach detects transporting abnormal boards sufficient for process needs while maintaining high inspection throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The automated sensor system rapidly captures board flatness data and immediately determines transporting normality, allowing boards to move quickly through the inspection process. The system skips lengthy manual examination steps by using fast optical detection that provides immediate results, maintaining productivity while ensuring quality
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
Ensures accurate flatness detection, preventing damaged boards from entering the IC test chamber, reducing damage and improving test reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the first sensor may be configured to generate a radiation downward to the testing board... the first sensor may be an infrared sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A testing system includes a board conveying device for holding a testing board, a board transfer chamber connecting with the board conveying device, and an IC test chamber connecting with the board transfer chamber. The board transfer chamber includes a first sensor configured to detect a flatness of the testing board.