ESD Sensitivity Product Model for Automated Electronics Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for testing electronics devices for electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitivity are labor-intensive and inefficient, often requiring manual determination of sensitive components and multiple rounds of testing to find a voltage threshold, which can lead to failures and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for building a product model that identifies sensitive components, obtains ESD metadata, determines ESD voltage thresholds, and generates a model indicating sensitivity levels, which can be used for automated testing and compliance, utilizing machine learning models to predict test points and thresholds based on regulatory specifications and historical data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual testing methods are used to determine ESD sensitivity, then testing can be performed, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual 3D copy of the electronic device that can be interacted with and tested through simulation, eliminating the need for repeated physical manual testing. The virtual model allows automated ESD sensitivity assessment without requiring physical handling and retesting of the actual device multiple times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing procedures with automated computer-based simulation and analysis. The system automatically identifies sensitive components, determines ESD voltage thresholds, and generates compliance reports through computational algorithms rather than manual operator intervention.
2Measurement precision
If multiple rounds of testing are performed to find voltage threshold, then accurate ESD sensitivity can be determined, but the process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary identification of sensitive components and determination of ESD voltage thresholds through automated analysis of the 3D model before actual testing occurs. The system pre-determines which components are most vulnerable to ESD and what voltage thresholds should be tested, eliminating the need for multiple iterative testing rounds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically serves its own needs by using the 3D model data to self-determine ESD sensitivity characteristics without requiring external manual testing. The automated algorithm analyzes the virtual model and independently identifies voltage thresholds and sensitive components, reducing the need for complex multi-round testing procedures.
3Ease of operation
If manual determination of sensitive components is used, then testing can be guided, but labor costs and time investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital 3D copy of the device that contains embedded information about component locations and characteristics. This virtual model allows the system to automatically identify and map sensitive components without requiring manual inspection or operator judgment, significantly reducing the time and labor needed for component identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The 3D model serves as an intermediary between the physical device and the testing process. It contains structured data about component locations and characteristics that the automated system can process to identify sensitive components, eliminating the need for manual determination while maintaining accurate testing guidance.
4Productivity
If automated model-based testing is implemented, then testing efficiency improves, but initial system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal 3D modeling system that serves multiple functions: it represents the physical device geometry, stores component location data, enables automated ESD sensitivity analysis, and generates compliance reports. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate systems into a single integrated platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs all necessary analysis, modeling, and preparation work in advance through automated processing of the 3D model. By pre-determining sensitive components, mapping them to physical locations, and calculating ESD voltage thresholds before actual testing, the system reduces the complexity of the testing process itself while maintaining high productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method, a computer system and a computer program product build a product model that indicates an electrostatic discharge (ESD) sensitivity level. The method includes identifying a sensitive component in a model of an electronics device and mapping the sensitive component to a location in the electronics device. The method also includes obtaining ESD metadata for the sensitive component. In addition, the method includes determining an ESD voltage threshold for the sensitive component based on the ESD metadata for the sensitive component. Lastly, the method includes generating the product model of the electronics device, wherein the product model includes a plurality of sensitive components mapped to a plurality of locations in the electronics device and an indication of the ESD voltage threshold for each sensitive component at a respective mapped location in the electronic device.