Modular Electronic Device Characterization System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic device characterization systems are limited by low throughput, lack of configurability, and inability to test multiple devices or sensors simultaneously, especially in varying environmental conditions, and often require cumbersome manual operation and expensive, bulky equipment.
Innovation Solution
A portable electronic device characterization system featuring a circuit board with programmable analog circuitry, modular design, and interchangeable environmental modules that allow for rapid switching between testing environments and simultaneous testing of multiple devices, enabling high-resolution electrical measurements and data communication with external devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large benchtop stations are used for device characterization, then measurement precision can be maintained, but device portability and ease of operation deteriorate due to bulky size and cumbersome configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the characterization platform into modular components including a circuit board with measurement circuitry, a chip adapter for device mounting, and interchangeable environmental modules. This segmentation allows the system to maintain precision while improving portability and ease of operation through modular assembly and disassembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board is designed with universal interfaces and programmable analog circuitry that can accommodate multiple device types and testing configurations. The environmental modules provide multi-functional capabilities (vacuum, liquid, gas environments) that can be interchanged on the same platform, reducing the need for multiple specialized benchtop stations.
2Measurement precision
If manual probe manipulation is used for each measurement, then measurement precision can be maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming operations
Solution Approach 1:
Devices are pre-mounted on the chip adapter in a fixed position before testing begins. The circuit board is pre-configured with measurement circuitry and connections, eliminating the need for manual probe manipulation during actual measurements. This preliminary setup enables high-throughput automated testing while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated measurement capabilities where the programmable analog circuitry and integrated connections perform measurements without requiring manual probe manipulation. The chip adapter automatically positions devices, and the system can cycle through multiple devices sequentially, enabling self-service operation that improves productivity.
3Ease of operation
If limited measurement capabilities are used in portable devices, then portability is improved, but measurement precision and configurability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses programmable analog circuitry that can be configured through software to change measurement parameters, ranges, and modes. This allows a single portable device to adapt its measurement capabilities to match different device types and testing requirements, maintaining precision without requiring multiple specialized instruments.
4Adaptability or versatility
If environmental control modules are made interchangeable, then adaptability improves for different testing environments, but device complexity increases due to module integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
Environmental control capabilities are divided into separate, self-contained modules (vacuum module, liquid module, gas module) that can be independently developed, tested, and interchangeably mounted on the circuit board. This segmentation reduces the perceived complexity by allowing users to only integrate the modules they need for specific applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board incorporates universal mounting interfaces and control architecture that can accommodate different environmental modules. A single control system manages multiple module types, reducing the operational complexity despite the versatility provided by interchangeable environmental control capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Electronic device characterization platforms, systems, devices, and methods for use in testing instruments, devices, and sensors that is portable, modular, multiplexed, and automated are disclosed. The system includes a substrate, a chip adapter, such as a chip socket, and an optional housing. Chip samples to be tested can be disposed in the chip adapter and various environmental modules designed to supply different environmental conditions to the chip sample can be disposed over the chip adapter, enabling testing of the chip samples to be performed in the different environment conditions. The system can further include various connectors that allow for add-on modules to be included as part of the system. Methods of characterizing electronic devices and sensors are also disclosed.