Dynamic Test Apparatus Controller Assignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional test apparatuses struggle to allow multiple users to flexibly conduct tests on multiple integrated circuits simultaneously due to limitations in device configuration management, where a common device configuration management device is required for all users.
Innovation Solution
A test apparatus comprising multiple test modules, site controllers, and system controllers that allow for dynamic assignment and connection of site controllers and test modules, enabling multiple users to test devices under test simultaneously by setting connection modes and managing resource allocation among system controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a common device configuration management device is used to manage multiple checking program controllers, then the device structure is simplified, but multiple users cannot flexibly conduct tests simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into multiple independent system controllers (first system controller, second system controller, etc.), each capable of independently managing checking program controllers. This segmentation allows multiple users to conduct tests simultaneously without interfering with each other, while each system controller maintains a simplified management structure for its assigned controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a dimensional change by organizing system controllers in a hierarchical structure where multiple system controllers operate at the same level, each managing its own subset of checking program controllers. This multi-level hierarchical arrangement enables simultaneous independent operations while maintaining overall system coordination.
2Productivity
If one inspection device is used for multiple users, then resource utilization is improved, but test flexibility for different integrated circuits is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Each system controller is designed with universal functionality to manage checking program controllers and conduct tests for various types of integrated circuits. The system controllers can be dynamically assigned to different users and test requirements, making the inspection device adaptable to multiple test scenarios while maintaining high resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic assignment where system controllers can be allocated to different users and test tasks based on demand. The connection relationships between system controllers and checking program controllers are dynamically configurable, allowing the system to adapt to different test requirements while efficiently utilizing available resources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple system controllers are introduced to enable simultaneous testing by multiple users, then test flexibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the control function into multiple independent system controllers, each managing a specific subset of checking program controllers. This segmentation isolates the complexity within each system controller, making individual controllers simpler while enabling the overall system to handle multiple users simultaneously through parallel operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a test apparatus 10, which includes: a plurality of test modules 150, each of which is connected to any of the plurality of devices under test 100 to supply a test signal to the connected device under test 100; a plurality of site controllers 130 that control the plurality of test modules 150 to test the respective plurality of devices under test 100 simultaneously; a connection setting device 140 that sets a connection mode between the plurality of site controllers 130 and the plurality of test modules 150 so that each of the test modules 150 is connected to any of the plurality of site controllers 130; and a plurality of system controllers 110, each of which controls any of the plurality of site controllers 130, in which a predetermined system controller of the plurality of system controllers 110 assigns, in response to a request from another system controller of the system controllers, a site controller of the site controllers, which is to be controlled by the another system controller.