Semiconductor Test Device Pulse Width Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

The increasing complexity and integration of semiconductor devices lead to longer test times and higher costs in quality assurance processes, as conventional test methods struggle to precisely detect defects and efficiently analyze signal distortions in semiconductor test devices.

Innovation Solution

A semiconductor test device comprising a pulse signal generator, sampler, width analyzer, and calculator that generates and transmits pulse signals through channels, samples the signals, measures signal widths, and calculates weighted averages to detect defects and output test results, reducing the need for separate measurement devices and enhancing precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional test methods are used for highly integrated semiconductor devices, then test coverage can be achieved, but test time and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest coverageVSAvoidtest time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate measurement functions (pulse width measurement, signal level detection, distortion analysis) into a single integrated test device. The device integrates a pulse signal generator, sampler, width analyzer, and calculator into one unified system that can perform comprehensive semiconductor testing without requiring multiple separate instruments, thereby reducing test time while maintaining complete test coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The test device is designed with multi-functional capabilities to handle various testing requirements simultaneously. It can generate test signals, sample received signals, measure pulse widths, detect signal levels, analyze distortions, and calculate weighted averages all within a single device, eliminating the need for multiple specialized test equipment and reducing overall test time.

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

2Reliability

If conventional test methods are used for highly integrated semiconductor devices, then test coverage can be achieved, but testing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest coverageVSAvoidtesting costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent consolidates multiple expensive separate measurement instruments into a single integrated test device. By combining pulse width measurement, signal level detection, and distortion analysis capabilities into one system, the patent reduces equipment costs while maintaining comprehensive test coverage for semiconductor devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate measurement devices are used for signal analysis, then measurement functions are comprehensive, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement functionsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple measurement functions that would traditionally require separate devices into a single integrated system. The device includes a pulse signal generator, sampler, width analyzer, and calculator all working together in one unit, providing comprehensive measurement capabilities while simplifying the overall test setup and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If traditional test methods are used, then testing can be performed, but defect detection precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoiddefect detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual measurement methods with electronic signal processing techniques. By using digital sampling, electronic pulse width measurement, and computational weighted average calculations, the system achieves higher defect detection precision while maintaining efficient testing throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs precise electronic parameter measurements including pulse width at specific voltage thresholds, signal level detection, and temporal analysis of sampled signals. These parameter-based measurements provide superior defect detection precision compared to traditional methods while maintaining high testing efficiency through automated calculations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20240319265A1Semiconductor test devices, systems including the same, and methods for testing the same
Publication Date: 2024.09.26 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • US20240319265A1 patent drawing
  • US20240319265A1 patent drawing
  • US20240319265A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A test device for testing a semiconductor, the test device comprising: a pulse signal generator that is configured to generate a first pulse signal and transmit the first pulse signal through channels; a sampler that is configured to receive the first pulse signal through the channels and conduct a sampling process on the first pulse signal, based on a second pulse signal; a width analyzer that is configured to measure a first width of the first pulse signal and generate a first measurement value, based on a result of the sampling process; and a calculator that is configured to output a test result corresponding to each of the channels of the test device, based on the first measurement value.