Personality Module for Universal Test Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting electronic devices to test stations for verification is complex due to varying connection terminals and environmental factors, leading to inconsistent test results and physical interference during vibration and environmental testing.
Innovation Solution
A tray system with a universal test station connector and a personality module that bridges physical and electrical differences, allowing sealed environmental testing and vibration without interfering with connections, using a tray that positions the device within a controlled chamber and an externally applied vibration mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cords and connectors are used to connect DUTs to test stations, then electrical connections can be established, but the connections are exposed to environmental factors causing variations in test results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary connection system consisting of a test station connector that interfaces with the DUT through a controlled environment chamber. This intermediary structure isolates the electrical connections from external environmental factors while maintaining electrical continuity, thereby ensuring consistent test results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a controlled environment chamber that acts as an inert barrier between the electrical connections and the external environment. This protected environment prevents environmental factors such as temperature fluctuations, humidity, and physical disturbances from affecting the electrical connections, thereby maintaining test reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different connection terminals are used for different devices, then each device can be connected to the test station, but the complexity of connecting and configuring tests increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal test station connector that can interface with multiple different device types through a standardized interface. This universal connector works with various DUTs by accommodating different connection requirements through a single unified interface, thereby reducing connection complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses configuration files or software profiles that store connection parameters and test settings for different devices. Instead of physically reconfiguring connections for each device type, the system copies and applies pre-configured connection parameters, thereby maintaining adaptability while reducing operational complexity.
3Reliability
If manual connection of cords at both ends is required, then electrical connections can be established, but the time required for setup and configuration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-assembled connection modules or pre-configured test fixtures where the connection components are prepared in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for manual connection at both ends during testing, as the connections are pre-established, thereby reducing setup time while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates automatic connection mechanisms such as snap-fit connectors, magnetic connections, or robotic positioning systems that self-align and self-connect the test station to the DUT. This self-service capability eliminates manual connection operations, thereby reducing setup time while ensuring reliable electrical connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A module is used for interfacing between a particular device to be tested (DUT) and a test station having a universal set of connections. The module is adapted for bridging both the physical and electrical differences between connection points available on the DUT and the universal test connections. The module contains information (personality data) unique to the particular DUT and is designed to mount in a tray in which the DUT is positioned. The personality module resides partially within an environmentally controlled area and an area outside of the environmentally controlled area and is adapted to seal the environmentally controlled area so as to maintain testing integrity therein. In one embodiment, the connections between the module and the test station occur outside of the environmentally controlled area.