DUT Temperature Control Using Calibrated Internal Digital Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing temperature adjusting systems for electronic devices under test (DUTs) face accuracy issues due to uncalibrated analog signals from thermal diodes, and the manual correction process is time-consuming, especially when testing multiple DUTs simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A temperature adjusting system that includes a first acquirer to convert the internal temperature digital signal from a calibrated temperature detecting circuit within the DUT into a second digital signal, which is used by a controller to set and adjust the target temperature, thereby improving accuracy and reducing manual correction time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an uncalibrated analog signal from a thermal diode is used to detect DUT temperature, then the temperature detection system is simple, but the measurement precision is low and manual correction is required
Solution Approach 1:
The DUT's own temperature detecting circuit performs self-measurement and outputs a digital signal that directly represents the internal temperature, eliminating the need for external uncalibrated sensors and manual correction processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the analog signal-based temperature detection system with a digital signal-based system, where the DUT's internal temperature detecting circuit directly outputs calibrated digital temperature data, substituting manual correction processes with automated digital signal processing
2Measurement precision
If manual preset correction values are used to adjust temperature calculation results, then measurement precision can be improved, but the productivity decreases due to time-consuming adjusting work
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detecting circuit within the DUT is pre-calibrated during manufacturing to output accurate digital temperature signals, so that when the DUT is tested, the temperature data is already corrected and ready for immediate use without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The DUT provides its own calibrated temperature measurements through its internal temperature detecting circuit, eliminating the need for external systems to perform manual correction operations on each device
3Measurement precision
If the thermal diode forming position is far from the main circuit, then the temperature detecting circuit is simple to manufacture, but the measurement precision of the main circuit temperature is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places the temperature detecting circuit at the same location as the main circuit on the semiconductor substrate, ensuring that the temperature measurement is taken from the actual location of interest (the main circuit), thereby improving measurement precision without requiring separate distant sensing elements
4Productivity
If a calibrated temperature detecting circuit outputting digital signals is used, then measurement precision and productivity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detecting circuit is merged with the main circuit on the same semiconductor substrate, sharing the same manufacturing process and physical space, which reduces overall system complexity while providing calibrated digital temperature output
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature adjusting system includes a temperature adjuster that adjusts a temperature of a device under test (DUT) and a first acquirer that acquires a first digital signal and outputs a second digital signal. The first digital signal is output from a first temperature detecting circuit in the DUT and indicates an internal temperature of the DUT. The temperature adjusting system includes a controller that controls the temperature adjuster using the second digital signal.