OTA Testing Apparatus for Wireless DUTs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic component testing apparatuses require a drastic design change and increased costs to test devices with antennas due to the space occupied by contact arms, making it challenging to perform Over The Air (OTA) tests effectively.

Innovation Solution

An electronic component pressing apparatus that connects to the existing handling apparatus and test head, allowing the device under test (DUT) to be moved to a socket while maintaining the existing handling apparatus design, using a transport unit and antenna unit to perform OTA tests without altering the handler's design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a contact arm is used to press the DUT against the socket, then the DUT can be tested electrically, but the space above the DUT is occupied preventing OTA testing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoidOTA testing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The testing system is divided into two independent parts: the contact arm for electrical connection and the measurement antenna for OTA testing. The contact arm pressurizes the DUT against the socket from above, while the measurement antenna is positioned at the side of the DUT, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously without interfering with each other's spatial requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement antenna is repositioned from the vertical dimension (above the DUT) to the horizontal dimension (side of the DUT). This dimensional change allows the antenna to operate in the far-field region without being blocked by the contact arm, enabling OTA testing to proceed concurrently with electrical connection testing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If the existing handling apparatus design is maintained, then cost is reduced, but OTA testing cannot be performed due to space occupation by contact arm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost reductionVSAvoidOTA testing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The existing handling apparatus with contact arm is designed to serve dual purposes: electrical connection testing and enabling OTA testing. By positioning the measurement antenna at the side of the DUT rather than above it, the same handling apparatus structure supports both traditional electrical testing and OTA testing without requiring design modifications or additional components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement antenna acts as an intermediary element that enables OTA testing capability without requiring changes to the existing handling apparatus. The antenna is positioned in the far-field region where it can receive radio waves from the DUT antenna without being blocked by the contact arm, thus mediating between the existing mechanical structure and the required wireless testing function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If measurement antenna is positioned above the DUT, then OTA testing can be performed, but contact arm cannot access the DUT

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOTA testing capabilityVSAvoidcontact arm accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning the measurement antenna above the DUT (conventional approach) and having the contact arm access from the side, the invention inverts the spatial arrangement by placing the measurement antenna at the side of the DUT in the far-field region. This inversion allows the contact arm to pressurize the DUT from above while the antenna receives radio waves from the side, resolving the spatial conflict between these two components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS11300609B2Electronic component pressing apparatus and electronic component testing apparatus

Publication Date: 2022.04.12 ADVANTEST CORP

AI summary

An electronic component presser is included in an electronic component testing apparatus used to test a device under test (DUT). The electronic component testing apparatus includes an electronic component handler, an electronic component tester, and a first socket. The electronic component presser connects to the electronic component handler and to the electronic component tester. The electronic component presser includes: a holding plate that holds the DUT that has been carried to the holding plate by a contact arm of the electronic component handler; a transport unit that moves the DUT between the holding plate and the first socket; a pusher that presses the DUT that has been disposed on the first socket; and an antenna unit comprising a measurement antenna that faces a device antenna of the DUT disposed on the first socket.