Parallel DUT Testing via Capacitance-Based Load Balancing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current testing methods for devices under test (DUT) are inefficient, resulting in prolonged testing periods that hinder production efficiency in the electronics industry.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize multiple test cores in parallel, with a computer device allocating test quantities and capacitance values to evenly distribute the testing load, employing allocation strategies such as to-and-fro, odd-even, and random average methods to optimize testing time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional single-core testing method is used, then testing can be completed with simple equipment, but testing period is prolonged and production efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidtesting period
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the testing function into multiple independent test cores (first test core, second test core, third test core, etc.), each capable of independently testing different test parameters. This segmentation allows parallel testing to occur, significantly reducing the overall testing period while maintaining comprehensive test coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from sequential single-core testing to parallel multi-core testing by adding the dimension of concurrency. Multiple test cores operate simultaneously on different test parameters, transforming the testing process from a one-dimensional sequential operation to a multi-dimensional parallel operation, thereby dramatically improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of time

If multiple test cores are used in parallel, then testing time is reduced, but workload distribution imbalance may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting timeVSAvoidworkload distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary classification and ranking of test parameters based on their capacitance values before distributing them to test cores. By pre-sorting test parameters and allocating them in advance, the system ensures balanced workload distribution across all test cores, preventing any single core from being overloaded or underutilized during parallel testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the computer device calculates total capacitance values for different test parameters, classifies and ranks them, and then distributes them to achieve equalization of workload across test cores. This feedback-based allocation ensures that each test core receives a balanced amount of work, optimizing parallel testing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If test parameters are not classified by capacitance value, then allocation is simpler, but workload imbalance occurs across test cores

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveallocation complexityVSAvoidtesting efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary classification and ranking of test parameters based on their capacitance values before distributing them to test cores. By pre-sorting test parameters and allocating them in advance, the system ensures balanced workload distribution across all test cores, preventing any single core from being overloaded or underutilized during parallel testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the allocation strategy from random or simple sequential distribution to capacitance-based classified allocation. By using capacitance values as the basis for classification and ranking, the system transforms the allocation process into a parameter-driven approach that automatically balances workload, improving testing efficiency without significantly increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11686768B2System and method of testing single DUT through multiple cores in parallel
Publication Date: 2023.06.27 TEST RES INC
  • US11686768B2 patent drawing
  • US11686768B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a method of testing a single device under test (DUT) through multiple cores in parallel, which includes steps as follows. The test quantity of the DUT is calculated; the test quantity of the DUT is evenly allocated to to a plurality of test cores, so as to control a period of testing the DUT through the test cores in parallel.