Automated Loader for SOC Tester Memory Card Parallel Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current SOC testers require lengthy test program download times, which are costly and critical, especially when the operating system or test software crashes, necessitating reloading of programs, and this time will increase with more complex devices and test programs.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an automatic loader system that uses removable memory cards, such as memory sticks or EEPROMs, to load test programs onto test cards in parallel, reducing the need for traditional downloading from disk or network storage and allowing simultaneous testing and program updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If test programs are downloaded from disk or network storage to test cards sequentially, then the test program loading process is simple and reliable, but the download time becomes excessively long (several hours)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the test program storage into multiple removable memory cards, each capable of storing a portion of test programs. The loading system segments the loading process by inserting multiple memory cards into card cages simultaneously and loading test programs in parallel across multiple cards, thereby reducing total download time from hours to minutes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces removable memory cards as intermediary storage devices between the network/disk storage and the test cards. These memory cards act as buffers that can be quickly exchanged and loaded in parallel, serving as an intermediate layer that accelerates the data transfer process without requiring direct sequential access from the original storage medium.
2Productivity
If traditional sequential downloading method is used, then the system structure remains simple, but productivity decreases due to lengthy download times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic loading system where removable memory cards can be automatically inserted, exchanged, and removed by a loading mechanism. The system dynamically manages multiple memory cards in card cages, automatically selecting and loading appropriate test programs based on testing requirements, thereby increasing productivity through automated parallel operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent prepares multiple removable memory cards with test programs pre-loaded before the actual testing begins. The automatic loading system has these cards ready in advance and can quickly exchange them during testing operations, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-demand downloads and enabling rapid program switching.
3Speed
If test programs are stored centrally on disk or network, then storage management is simplified, but access time increases due to sequential loading requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized storage into multiple distributed removable memory cards that can be physically distributed across multiple card cages. This segmentation enables parallel access to multiple test programs simultaneously, increasing access speed from sequential to parallel operations while managing storage across multiple small devices rather than one large centralized storage system.
Data Source
AI summary
An SOC tester having test cards with memory cards is presented. The SOC tester may automatically swap memory cards between a memory card rack and a test head between tests on devices under test. Test programs and data on the memory cards may be down loaded onto memory cards in the memory test rack during testing or down times.