MEM Relay Matrix for ATE Calibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional calibration procedures for automated test equipment (ATE) are time-consuming due to serial, single-channel-at-a-time robotic probing, which will become even more significant with future generations of ATE having increased numbers of test channels.
Innovation Solution
A microelectromechanical (MEM)-based relay matrix assembly that eliminates the need for robotic probing by connecting multiple test channels simultaneously to a calibration instrument, allowing for high-density contact and mathematical correction of signal distortions introduced by the relay matrix.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If robotic probing is used for calibration, then measurement precision is maintained, but calibration time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical robotic probing system with an electronic MEMS relay matrix system. Instead of physically moving a probe to each channel, the MEMS relays electronically switch connections between channels and the calibration instrument, eliminating mechanical motion while maintaining measurement capability through electrical switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamically controllable MEMS relay switches that can rapidly change connection states between channels and the calibration instrument. This dynamic switching capability allows the system to quickly reconfigure which channel is being measured without physical movement, enabling fast sequential calibration of multiple channels.
2Productivity
If multiple channels are connected simultaneously, then calibration speed increases, but contact density requirements become more difficult to meet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear arrangement of contacts to a two-dimensional array configuration. The MEMS relay matrix is organized with multiple rows and columns of contacts, allowing many channels to be connected simultaneously within a compact footprint by utilizing spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions rather than a single linear sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the large number of channel connections into multiple smaller contact arrays organized in a matrix structure. Instead of requiring one long linear sequence of contacts, the connection space is segmented into rows and columns, with each segment handling a subset of channels, thereby reducing the complexity any single contact region must manage.
3Loss of time
If relay matrix is used to increase channel connectivity, then calibration time decreases, but signal distortion is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the calibration instrument measures the actual signal characteristics through the MEMS relay matrix, detects any distortion or deviation from expected values, and uses this information to compute correction factors that are applied to subsequent measurements, thereby compensating for the relay matrix's signal effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary characterization of the MEMS relay matrix's signal properties during the calibration setup phase. By measuring and storing the relay matrix's transfer characteristics beforehand, the system can pre-compute correction algorithms that are then applied during actual channel calibration to remove the relay matrix's distorting effects from the measurements.
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
This approach significantly reduces calibration and verification times while maintaining accuracy, enabling faster calibration of ATE systems with increased channel counts.
Implementation Method 1
a first plurality of microelectromechanical (MEM) relay switches configured to connect or disconnect a first set of electrical paths between a selected one of the plurality of tester channels and the calibration instrument
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods for calibrating tester channels of an automated test system. A relay matrix assembly including a plurality of microelectromechanical (MEM) switches may be used to connect a plurality of tester channels to an analyzer calibration instrument rapidly without requiring serial, robotic probing of the test channels. The relay matrix assembly may be constructed on a printed circuit board that can be attached to an interface on the tester. Calibration parameters for the test channels may be calculated from waveforms received through the relay matrix assembly and that have been corrected to remove waveform distortion introduced by the relay matrix assembly. Parameters to correct for distortion in the relay matrix assembly may be measured in advance and stored for use when calibration is to be performed.