Burn-In Board Power Regulator for Multiple Test Power Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional semiconductor burn-in machines are limited by the complexity and cost of adding more voltage control circuits for additional power modes, restricting the number of available power modes due to limited circuit space and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
A power regulator for a semiconductor burn-in board that includes a plurality of power supplies and a controller, where each power supply has a pulse width modulator controller, a pulse width modulator, a power control circuit, and an error signal selector. The controller issues control select signals to the power supplies based on a power mode, allowing for the operation of multiple power modes with reduced circuitry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distinct voltage control circuits are added to support additional power modes, then the number of available power modes increases, but the device complexity and circuit space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single voltage control circuit is designed to control multiple power supplies across different power modes. The circuit receives mode-specific control signals and adjusts its operation accordingly, enabling one circuit to perform the function of multiple dedicated circuits. This universal approach reduces circuit complexity while maintaining support for multiple power modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage control circuit dynamically adapts its behavior based on the received control signals that indicate different power modes. By changing its control parameters and output characteristics in response to mode signals, the circuit can efficiently manage different combinations of power supplies without requiring separate hardwired circuits for each mode.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple distinct voltage control circuits are added to support additional power modes, then the number of available power modes increases, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a single reusable voltage control circuit design that can be manufactured once and deployed across all power modes. This eliminates the need to manufacture and stock multiple different circuit variants, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while still providing support for multiple power modes through software or signal-based configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage control circuit changes its operational parameters based on control signals rather than requiring different physical circuit implementations. This parameter-based adaptability allows the same manufactured circuit to serve multiple power modes, reducing manufacturing costs associated with producing multiple circuit types.
3Power
If more power supplies are combined in parallel to meet higher test power demands, then the available test power increases, but the current demand on individual power supplies increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power supplies that can be selectively activated. Instead of relying on individual power supplies to handle high current demands alone, the system divides the total power requirement across multiple units operating in parallel, with each unit handling a portion of the total current load.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple power supplies are combined in parallel to collectively meet high test power demands. By merging the output capabilities of several power supplies, the system achieves higher total power output while distributing the current burden across multiple sources, preventing any single supply from being overloaded.
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
The solution enables semiconductor burn-in machines to operate in multiple power modes without the need for multiple distinct voltage control circuits, reducing circuit complexity and cost while increasing flexibility in meeting test power demands.
Implementation Method 1
a pulse width modulator controller configured to produce a pulse width modulator control signal based on a current error input
Implementation Method 2
a pulse width modulator configured to produce a power output based on the pulse width modulator control signal
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor burn-in board configured for insertion into a chamber of a semiconductor burn-in machine includes a power regulator board and a testing board. The power regulator board includes a main power connector configured to receive main power from a semiconductor burn-in machine, a plurality of power supplies each configured to receive the main power from the main power connector and convert the main power to test power, and a pair of test power connectors for each power supply. The testing board is attached to the power regulator board and includes a plurality of device testing units. Each device testing unit is configured to receive the test power from at least one of the power supplies through at least one pair of the test power connectors and apply test signals to a semiconductor device received in the device testing unit.