Parallel DC-DC Limiting Circuitry for High-Current Probe Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional current limitation circuits for testing semiconductor devices suffer from high power loss, limited accuracy, and inability to handle high current direct current (DC) tests, as well as being inappropriate for balancing multiple probes or contacts.
Innovation Solution
A limiting circuitry comprising a parallel arrangement of direct current-direct current-converters (DC-DC-converters) with a control mechanism to manage the output current and voltage, ensuring efficient power supply, flexibility, and scalability for testing semiconductor devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional current limitation circuits are used, then current limiting function is provided, but power loss is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/electronic current limitation circuits with a DC-DC converter system that uses controlled electrical conversion to achieve current limiting. The DC-DC converters provide precise current control through electrical parameter conversion rather than dissipative limiting, significantly reducing power loss while maintaining reliable current limitation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters by using DC-DC conversion technology to dynamically adjust output current and voltage parameters. The control mechanism modifies electrical parameters (current, voltage) through the DC-DC converters, enabling efficient current limiting with adjustable parameters rather than fixed dissipation-based limiting.
2Measurement precision
If conventional current limitation circuits are used, then current limiting is provided, but accuracy is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control mechanism that receives feedback signals from the DC-DC converters and adjusts their operation accordingly. This feedback loop enables precise monitoring and adjustment of output current and voltage, significantly improving measurement accuracy and control precision while maintaining reliable current limiting through continuous regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The replacement of conventional limiting circuits with controlled DC-DC converters introduces precise electrical control and measurement capabilities. The DC-DC conversion system provides accurate current and voltage regulation through controlled electrical parameters, enabling high-precision measurement and control that conventional circuits cannot achieve.
3Power
If conventional current limitation circuits are used, then current limiting is provided, but high current DC tests cannot be handled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the current limitation function into multiple parallel DC-DC converters, each handling a portion of the total current. This segmentation allows the system to handle high current DC tests by distributing the power handling across multiple units, reducing the power loss burden on each individual converter while maintaining high current capability through parallel operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power handling parameters by using DC-DC conversion technology that can dynamically adjust to high current requirements. The converters operate at optimized electrical parameters for high current DC tests, enabling the system to handle high power applications with reduced energy loss compared to conventional limiting circuits.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional current limitation circuits are used, then current limiting is provided, but probe balancing is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns individual DC-DC converters to different probes or contacts, enabling independent control and balancing of each probe. This segmentation allows the system to adjust current and voltage parameters for each probe individually, achieving probe balancing while maintaining reliable current limiting through the coordinated operation of multiple converters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control capabilities through the DC-DC converters, allowing real-time adjustment of current and voltage parameters for each probe. This dynamic adaptability enables probe balancing by continuously adjusting individual probe parameters based on measured conditions, while the control mechanism ensures reliable current limiting is maintained across all probes.
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
The proposed limiting circuitry achieves high efficiency in power supply, flexibility in handling high currents and balanced outputs, and improved accuracy, while preventing damage to devices under test by reliably limiting current and voltage.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of direct current-direct current-converters being connected in parallel to each other, each being provided with an electric input direct voltage and each being configured for providing a converted electric output current
Data Source
AI summary
Limiting circuitry is disclosed. In one example, the limiting circuitry provides limited electric current and/or limited electric voltage for electrically testing at least one device under test. The limiting circuitry comprises a plurality of DC-DC-converters being connected in parallel to each other, each being provided with an electric input DC voltage and each being configured for providing a converted electric output current to be forwarded to an assigned one of electric contacts for contacting the at least one device under test. A control mechanism is configured for controlling the DC-DC-converters for limiting the electric output current and/or an electric output voltage which relates to said electric output current.