Universal Testing Device for SAS SATA Connector Soldering Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current in-circuit testers and automatic test equipment are not applicable for testing dual in-line package devices like SAS and SATA connectors, leading to unverified interface signals of hard disks, resulting in a loophole in main board testing.

Innovation Solution

A testing device comprising a connector, control unit, detecting circuit, and memory controller that tests the soldering of SAS or SATA connectors and related wirings on a main board by generating control signals, conducting transmission lines to ground, and detecting signal states to determine abnormal conditions, with indication lights for results.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ICT or ATE is used for testing main boards, then testing of pin structures can be performed, but testing of DIP devices such as SAS connectors and SATA connectors cannot be performed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting coverageVSAvoidconnector type compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The testing device is designed with universal adaptability to test multiple connector types including DIP devices (SAS, SATA) and pin structures. The device incorporates different connector interfaces and testing circuits that can be selectively activated based on the connector type being tested, making a single device capable of performing both ICT and ATE functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The testing device is divided into separate functional modules: a connector interface module for different connector types, a signal generation module, a testing circuit module with switches for conducting transmission lines to ground, and a detection module. This segmentation allows each module to be optimized for its specific function while working together to provide comprehensive testing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If traditional testing methods are used, then existing testing capabilities are maintained, but interface signals of hard disks cannot be verified

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidinterface signal verification
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The testing device performs preliminary testing of connector soldering and wiring conduction before final assembly. By conducting ground conduction tests and signal verification in advance, potential defects are identified early in the manufacturing process, preventing defective products from reaching the final assembly stage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The testing device acts as an intermediary between the main board and the hard disk interface. It includes a bridge circuit that can couple or decouple the testing device from the bus, allowing it to mediate the connection and perform testing without interfering with normal operation. The bridge detects signal states and determines abnormal conditions, providing verified interface signal testing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If multiple testing devices are used for different connector standards, then each connector type can be tested specifically, but production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnector testing accuracyVSAvoidnumber of testing devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The testing device integrates multiple connector interfaces (SAS, SATA, and other DIP devices) into a single unified platform. The device includes a selector switch or programmable configuration that allows the user to choose which connector type to test, eliminating the need for multiple separate testing devices while maintaining testing accuracy for each connector standard.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The testing device combines the functions of multiple specialized testing devices into one integrated system. It merges the testing circuits, signal generation capabilities, and detection mechanisms for different connector types into a single device, reducing device complexity and production costs while preserving measurement precision through dedicated testing circuits for each connector type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9123442B2Testing device
Publication Date: 2015.09.01 WISTRON CORP
  • US9123442B2 patent drawing
  • US9123442B2 patent drawing
  • US9123442B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A testing device including a first connector, a control unit, a first detecting circuit and a memory controller is provided. The first connector is electrically connected to a first bus. The control unit generates a plurality of first control signals according to a first enable signal from the first connector. The first detecting circuit is electrically connected to a plurality of first transmission lines in the first bus, and sequentially conducts the first transmission lines to a ground according to the first control signals. The memory controller detects states of the signals transmitted by the first transmission lines and determines whether to generate a first abnormal indication signal according to a detecting result. The control unit controls a plurality of indication lights according to the first abnormal indication signal.