Modular Test System Multi-User Concurrent Execution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automated test equipment (ATE) systems are inflexible, leading to idle test circuitry and reduced throughput due to limitations such as only being able to operate with a single test plan at a time, supporting a single user, and not allowing multiple users to share the testing environment effectively.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of modular tester slices and a control server that communicates via a standard IP network, allowing multiple test plans to be executed concurrently by different users, enabling each DUT to run independent test flows and allowing direct user manipulation within the testing environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single controller computer system controls all slices of the test head, then centralized control is achieved, but the system cannot support multiple users concurrently
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into multiple independent controller computer systems, each assigned to control a specific subset of slices. This allows different users to concurrently operate different controllers with different test plans on different slices, eliminating the single-point control bottleneck while distributing system complexity across multiple manageable units.
Solution Approach 2:
Each controller computer system is designed with universal functionality to manage its assigned slices independently. Controllers can execute different test plans, support different users, and operate autonomously while following a common system architecture, enabling the overall system to serve multiple users concurrently without requiring entirely separate control infrastructures.
2Productivity
If all slices operate on a single test plan, then system simplicity is maintained, but test throughput is reduced due to idle slices
Solution Approach 1:
The test head is divided into multiple slices, each capable of operating on its own test plan under the control of its assigned controller. This segmentation allows different subsets of slices to execute different test plans simultaneously, ensuring that all slices remain productive regardless of test plan duration or complexity variations, thereby maximizing overall test throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically assigns different test plans to different slices based on user requirements and test priorities. Controllers can independently load, execute, and switch between test plans on their assigned slices without affecting other slices, enabling flexible resource utilization and preventing idle time caused by sequential test plan execution.
3Reliability
If the chamber environment is controlled and enclosed, then testing accuracy is improved, but user accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber is divided into multiple enclosed environments, each associated with a specific subset of slices and controlled by its own controller. Users can access and manipulate devices under test in their assigned chamber sections without disrupting the controlled environment or other users' work, maintaining testing accuracy while improving accessibility through localized interaction points.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for performing an automated test is disclosed. The system comprises a first user computer operable to load a first test plan from a first user to a control server and a second user computer operable to load a second test plan from a second user to the control server. The system further comprises a tester comprising at least one rack for deploying a plurality of primitives. The control server is communicatively coupled to the first user computer, the second user computer and to the tester, wherein the control server is operable to allocate a first subset of primitives to the first test plan and manage execution of the first test plan on the first subset of primitives, and also operable to concurrently allocate a second subset of primitives to the second test plan and manage execution of the second test plan on the second subset of primitives.