Electronically Resettable Current Breaker for Semiconductor Die Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
During semiconductor die testing, short circuits caused by flaws in devices can lead to inefficiencies and delays due to blown fuses or tripped breakers, as existing test apparatuses lack efficient current protection mechanisms to automatically detect and reset faults.
Innovation Solution
A test apparatus with a test jig, current sensor, and electronically operable current breaker connected to a computer, which selectively breaks and re-establishes the circuit based on fault detection, using an interface to communicate with the computer and control the current breaker, allowing for automatic fault handling and reduced downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual fuse replacement or breaker reset is used for short circuit protection, then equipment is protected from damage, but testing efficiency decreases due to halts and delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects short circuits through current sensors and resets breakers without human intervention, allowing the testing equipment to service itself during fault conditions, thereby maintaining productivity while ensuring equipment protection
Solution Approach 2:
Current sensors continuously monitor the circuit and provide feedback to the control system, which automatically triggers breaker resetting when normal current flow is detected, creating a closed-loop protection system that eliminates manual intervention
2Productivity
If electronically operable breakers with automatic reset are implemented, then testing efficiency improves through continuous operation, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A microcontroller unit acts as an intermediary between simple current sensors and electronically operable breakers, managing the complexity of automatic detection and reset operations while maintaining relatively simple sensor and actuator components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical breaker operation with electronically controlled breakers that can be automatically reset through electrical signals, eliminating the need for physical intervention while managing complexity through electronic control systems
3Loss of time
If continuous current monitoring is implemented, then fault detection speed improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Current sensors continuously monitor the circuit during testing operations to enable immediate fault detection, while the system only consumes additional energy during active fault conditions when breaker resetting is required, balancing continuous monitoring with energy efficiency
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 efficient and automated protection of test equipment by detecting faults and resetting the power supply, minimizing delays and costs associated with manual intervention and equipment downtime.
Implementation Method 1
A current sensor is connected to the test jig. The current sensor is configured to sense current passing through the semiconductor die.
Implementation Method 2
An electronically operable current breaker is connected to the test jig. The electronically operable current breaker configured to selectively complete and break a circuit that includes the power source.
Data Source
AI summary
Electronically reset table test apparatus. The test apparatus includes an electronically operable current breaker connected to a test jig for testing semiconductor die. The electronically operable current breaker is connected through an interface that converts signals to signals appropriate for use on a computer bus to a computer system. The test apparatus can detect faults in the semiconductor die and open the electronically operable current breaker in response to detecting the fault. The electronically operable current breaker can be closed when the fault is removed.