Power Supply Assembly Voltage Converter for Semiconductor Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power supply assemblies for semiconductor testing systems face challenges in miniaturization due to heat release issues when outputting low voltage at high amperage, leading to increased size and cost, especially with multiple assemblies required for semiconductor testing systems.
Innovation Solution
A power supply assembly that includes a voltage converter with a level-shift circuit and a DC-DC converter, such as a step-down converter, to maintain a constant power supply voltage level aligned with the set voltage, reducing heat release and enabling miniaturization by stabilizing power consumption regardless of output voltage levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional power supply assembly outputs low voltage at high amperage, then the testing precision is improved, but heat release increases causing the assembly size to increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power supply voltage level parameter to follow the set voltage dynamically. By using a voltage converter (including level-shift circuit and DC-DC converter), the power supply voltage is adjusted to match the output voltage level, which reduces the voltage difference across the output amplifier and thereby reduces heat generation, allowing for compact design while maintaining high amperage output capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional fixed voltage power supply system with a voltage converter system that dynamically adjusts voltage levels. This substitution enables efficient power delivery at low voltage/high amperage without excessive heat generation, avoiding the need for large heat dissipation structures
2Device complexity
If a conventional power supply assembly uses fixed power supply voltage, then the circuit is simple, but heat release increases when outputting low voltage at high amperage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically changes the power supply voltage parameter from a fixed value to a variable value that follows the set voltage. The voltage converter adjusts the power supply voltage in real-time based on the output requirements, reducing the voltage drop across the output stage and minimizing energy loss as heat
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voltage converter as an intermediary component between the power supply and the output amplifier. This intermediary device efficiently transforms the voltage levels, reducing the power dissipation in the output stage while maintaining circuit functionality
3Device complexity
If the power supply voltage level is fixed, then the power supply unit is simple, but the assembly cannot be miniaturized due to heat management requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the power supply voltage from a fixed parameter to a dynamic parameter that adapts to the output voltage level. This parameter change reduces heat generation, eliminating the need for large heat dissipation structures and enabling miniaturization of the overall assembly
4Volume of moving object
If a voltage converter is added to follow the set voltage, then heat release is reduced and miniaturization is enabled, but the circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage converter performs multiple functions: it converts voltage levels, follows the set voltage dynamically, and reduces heat generation. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated component, the patent achieves miniaturization without excessive complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage converter acts as an intermediary that simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the voltage adjustment function, reducing the need for complex voltage regulation circuits distributed throughout the system
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
This solution effectively reduces heat release and dependency on heat management design, facilitating miniaturization and cost reduction in both the power supply assembly and the semiconductor testing system, while maintaining efficient power utilization across varying output voltages.
Implementation Method 1
a DC-DC converter for outputting a power supply voltage to the output amplifier on the basis of a voltage level from the level-shift circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply assembly that can be miniaturized even though an applied voltage to a load is rendered variable, and a semiconductor testing system using the same are put into practice. With an improvement of the power supply assembly for finding an error against a set voltage by feeding back an applied voltage applied to a load, and applying a predetermined voltage to the load by causing an output amplifier to increase and decrease amperage to be fed to the load on the basis of the error, it is characterized in provided a voltage converter causing a voltage level of a power supply voltage of the output amplifier to follow up a voltage level of the set voltage.