Rechargeable Power Module for Semiconductor Memory Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing capacity and number of pins in semiconductor memory devices lead to higher costs and longer test times in electrical testing, necessitating more efficient testing methods to improve throughput.
Innovation Solution
A rechargeable power module (RPM) that adaptively configures the test environment by using a rechargeable energy storage device, charging circuit, DC to DC converter, LDO voltage regulator, and controller to manage power distribution based on test sequence and state of charge, allowing for efficient power storage and supply to multiple devices under test.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If parallel testing method is adopted to increase throughput, then testing efficiency is improved, but power supply complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into multiple independent power modules, each capable of providing power to separate device groups. This segmentation allows parallel testing while distributing power supply complexity across modular units rather than requiring a single complex centralized power system.
Solution Approach 2:
The power module is designed with multi-functionality to serve multiple purposes: it can provide power during active testing, store surplus power in rechargeable batteries, and supply stored power during idle periods or to additional device groups. This universality simplifies the overall power supply architecture by consolidating multiple functions into a single modular unit.
2Speed
If more devices are tested simultaneously to reduce test time, then testing speed is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system recovers and stores surplus power generated during active testing phases in rechargeable batteries. This recovered power is then utilized during idle periods or to support additional simultaneous tests, effectively recycling energy that would otherwise be wasted and enabling higher testing throughput without proportional increases in power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The power module serves itself by generating, storing, and recycling its own power requirements. The rechargeable batteries within the module automatically charge from surplus power and discharge to meet demand, creating a self-regulating power system that adapts to testing requirements without external intervention.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If power is continuously supplied to multiple devices, then testing continuity is improved, but energy waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power module operates in periodic cycles, alternating between charging phase (storing surplus power in batteries during active testing) and discharging phase (supplying stored power during idle periods or to additional devices). This periodic operation ensures continuous testing capability while minimizing energy waste by actively managing power supply timing and quantity.
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 RPM enhances testing efficiency by storing surplus power and providing it to devices as needed, reducing test costs and improving power integrity by enabling more simultaneous parallel testing without delays in power supply.
Implementation Method 1
a rechargeable energy storage device; a charging circuit configured to provide the rechargeable energy storage device with a charging current from a power resource
Implementation Method 2
an inductor that stores the charging current
Data Source
AI summary
A rechargeable power module (RPM) may include a rechargeable energy storage device such as a battery or capacitor, a charging circuit, a direct-current (DC) to DC converter, a low drop-out (LDO) voltage regulator and a controller. The charging circuit provides the rechargeable energy storage device with a charging current based on power requirements of device under test and the state of charge, or storage, of the energy storage device.