Modular Multiplexing Interface Assembly for Semiconductor Test Index Time Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automatic test equipment (ATE) and robotic handlers face significant downtime due to index time, which is the delay between testing cycles, leading to inefficient use of resources and increased operational costs.

Innovation Solution

A modular multiplexing interface assembly is introduced, featuring a detachable multiplexing motherboard and load boards connected via trace-length matched electrical cable bundles, along with safety and prevention circuits to prevent accidental disconnections and overlapping handler connections, allowing for quick replacement and efficient resource utilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional ATE and robotic handlers are used with sequential testing operations, then each device can be tested individually, but index time delays occur between testing cycles reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting throughputVSAvoidindex time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into multiple independent test sites (Site A, Site B, etc.) that can operate simultaneously. Each test site has its own load board and can test different devices in parallel, eliminating the sequential index time between testing cycles and significantly improving overall productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple test sites are prepared in advance and can be pre-configured with different test programs. When a device is tested at one site, another site is already ready to immediately begin testing the next device, eliminating idle time and maintaining continuous operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If multiple test sites are implemented to reduce index time, then productivity increases, but device complexity and system cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting throughputVSAvoidmultiplexing interface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multiplexing interface assembly is designed as a universal module that can be configured for different numbers of test sites (2-site, 3-site, 4-site configurations). The same basic interface architecture and cable bundle design can accommodate various scaling requirements, reducing overall system complexity through standardization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A multiplexing interface assembly acts as an intermediary between the ATE and multiple load boards. This single interface module manages the complexity of multiple connections through trace-length matched electrical cable bundles, simplifying the system architecture while enabling multiple test sites to operate in parallel

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of repair

If load boards are detachably connected to allow quick replacement, then ease of repair improves, but connection reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload board replaceabilityVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The load board is designed as a separate, detachable module that can be independently replaced without affecting other system components. This segmentation enables quick repair and maintenance while maintaining reliable connections through standardized interface designs with proper trace-length matched cable bundles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system includes prevention circuits that detect and prevent accidental disconnections before they can cause system failures. These protective measures are built in advance to ensure connection reliability while maintaining the benefits of detachable load boards for ease of repair

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If prevention circuits are added to prevent accidental disconnections, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidcircuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The prevention circuit functionality is merged into the existing multiplexing interface assembly rather than being implemented as separate additional components. This integration approach provides connection protection while minimizing increases in overall device complexity by utilizing the existing interface architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10197622B2Modular multiplexing interface assembly for reducing semiconductor testing index time

Publication Date: 2019.02.05 CELERINT LLC

AI summary

A modular multiplexing interface assembly and corresponding methodology are provided for reducing semiconductor testing index time in automated semiconductor test equipment using robotic handlers. The modular multiplexing interface assembly includes a modular printed circuit multiplexing motherboard that attaches to the automated semiconductor test equipment, and a plurality of modular load boards, each modular load board being detachably connected, electrically and mechanically, to a robotic handler. The modular multiplexing interface assembly also includes a plurality of electrical cable bundles, each electrical cable bundle electrically connecting the printed circuit motherboard with one of the plurality of modular load boards, wherein the plurality of electrical cable bundles are trace-length matched for a designated digital signal.