Test System Power Management via Dynamic Current Thresholds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test systems with multiple test units face challenges in managing power consumption efficiently, leading to potential surplus power usage and increased energy costs.
Innovation Solution
A test method that detects total current or power across multiple test units and employs threshold-based determination processes to adjust the operation of unoperated and operating units, including waiting or starting tests based on current/power thresholds, and switching between low-power/low-speed and high-power/high-speed processing modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple test units operate simultaneously at maximum power capacity, then testing productivity is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power management by continuously monitoring total power consumption and adjusting test unit operations in real-time. The control unit dynamically determines whether to start, stop, or switch processing content of test units based on current power levels, transforming the static maximum-power operation into a flexible dynamic system that adapts to power supply conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes operational parameters of test units based on power consumption levels. When power consumption exceeds thresholds, the system switches from high-speed processing content to low-speed processing content, or adjusts the number of operating test units. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain productivity within acceptable ranges while reducing power consumption to match supply capacity.
2Speed
If power supply capacity is increased to support simultaneous maximum operation of all test units, then testing speed is improved, but power supply infrastructure cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary monitoring of power consumption levels before initiating test operations. The control unit continuously detects total power consumption and uses this information to make advance decisions about starting or stopping test units, preventing power overload before it occurs and enabling efficient utilization of available power supply capacity without requiring excessive infrastructure.
3Use of energy by moving object
If test units are operated sequentially to reduce power consumption, then power usage is optimized, but testing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by operating only the necessary number of test units based on current power consumption levels rather than all units simultaneously. The control unit determines the optimal number of test units to operate by comparing total power consumption against thresholds, enabling partial utilization of test units that balances power savings with acceptable testing speed, avoiding complete sequential operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A test system includes a plurality of test units, each of which is configured to perform an electrical test of an object to be tested. In the test method, at least one of the following determination processes (a) to (c) is performed based on a detected total current. (a) compare the total current with a start current threshold value at a timing when an unoperated unit starts testing, and wait for a start of the testing of the unoperated unit when the total current is greater than or equal to the start current threshold value, (b) compare the total current with an in-operation current threshold value during testing of an operating unit, cause the operating unit to wait when the total current is greater than or equal to the in-operation current threshold value, and (c) compare the total current with a processing speed current threshold value at a timing when the unoperated unit starts testing, set a low-power and low-speed processing content to start the testing of the unoperated unit when the total current is greater than or equal to the processing speed current threshold value.