Integrated Chip Programming and Inspection for Multi-Format Input
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing programming machines for devices like microchips or integrated circuits are limited in their ability to handle a wide range of input means and lack integrated functionality for delivering programmed devices with desired characteristics and quality control checks, requiring costly add-ons or manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A single integrated multi-function apparatus that includes input means, moving means along a first axis for programming, and placement means along a second axis for checking and repackaging, coordinated by software control means to program and check devices efficiently, allowing for various input types and quality control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate machines are used for programming, quality control, and repackaging, then each function can be performed with specialized equipment, but the overall system complexity increases and requires costly add-ons and manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines programming means, checking means, and placement means into a single integrated apparatus. The programming means programs devices, the checking means automatically checks predefined characteristics, and the placement means handles device transfer and repackaging. This integration eliminates the need for multiple separate machines and costly add-ons while maintaining reliable quality control through automated checking.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated apparatus performs multiple functions within a single system: programming un-programmed devices, checking predefined characteristics of programmed devices, conveying devices through the process, and repackaging finished devices. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity while maintaining comprehensive quality control capabilities.
2Device complexity
If a single integrated apparatus is used for programming and repackaging, then system complexity and cost are reduced, but the throughput capacity may be limited by the compact footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs moving means that operates along a first axis to convey devices, while the placement means operates along a second axis perpendicular to the first. This two-axis arrangement allows multiple programming sockets to be utilized simultaneously without increasing the apparatus footprint, thereby maintaining high throughput in a compact integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving means continuously conveys devices through the programming and checking processes along the first axis, while the placement means continuously transfers devices between input, programming, checking, and output positions along the second axis. This continuous operation maximizes throughput within the integrated apparatus.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual intervention is used for quality control and repackaging, then flexibility is maintained, but labor costs increase and automation level decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The checking means automatically checks predefined characteristics of programmed devices without manual intervention. The placement means automatically transfers devices between positions and handles repackaging operations. This self-service automation maintains operational flexibility through programmable control while eliminating manual labor costs and increasing the extent of automation.
4Adaptability or versatility
If expensive add-ons are added to existing programming machines to achieve wide input means compatibility, then functionality is expanded, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated apparatus is designed from the outset to accept various input means including tapes, tubes, and trays through the placement means, which can retrieve devices from different input configurations. This universal design provides wide input means compatibility without requiring expensive add-ons to existing programming machines, as the entire system is optimized for multi-format input handling.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a single integrated multi-function apparatus for programming and repackaging programmable devices comprising: input means operable to provide a plurality of un-programmed devices; programming means operable to program the un-programmed devices; checking means operable to inspect predefined characteristics of devices programmed by the programming means; moving means operable to convey programmed devices to the checking means in a path of movement defining a first (X) axis of the apparatus, and placement means operable to move devices to and from the programming means in a path of defining a second (Y) axis of the apparatus. The moving means further conveys programmed devices along the first (X) axis to checking means operable to inspect predefined characteristics of devices programmed by the programming means, and operation of the input means, programming means, moving means, placement means and checking means are coordinated and controlled by software control means.