Electronics Tester Dynamic Mode Switching Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing device testers lack the ability to accurately and efficiently switch between power and driver modes, and provide precise voltage control and current compensation, which is crucial for early-stage defect identification in microelectronic circuits during manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A tester with a switching circuit that can operate in both power and driver modes, utilizing multiple output circuits with amplifiers and a device connection resource such as a probe card or burn-in board, along with current compensation circuits to adjust power based on detected measurements, ensuring accurate power delivery to microelectronic devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a tester uses separate power supply and driver circuit configurations, then power delivery and signal driving functions are provided, but the tester cannot accurately switch between power mode and driver mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of circuit connections through a switching circuit that can dynamically change the operational mode between power mode and driver mode. The switching circuit dynamically connects or disconnects the second line between the power terminal and the feedback terminal, enabling accurate mode transitions without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The first output circuit is designed to serve multiple functions: it can operate as a power circuit providing power through the first line to the power terminal, or as a driver circuit providing driver signals through the first line to signal terminals. This multi-functionality is achieved through the switching circuit that routes the second line appropriately based on the required mode.
2Measurement precision
If the second line is connected to the feedback terminal for voltage sensing in power mode, then voltage control accuracy is improved, but the output of the second output circuit cannot be connected to the second line for driver mode operation
Solution Approach 1:
The switching circuit provides dynamic connection control for the second line. In power mode, the switching circuit connects the second line to the feedback terminal of the first output circuit, enabling accurate voltage sensing. In driver mode, the switching circuit disconnects the second line from the feedback terminal and connects it to the output of the second output circuit, enabling driver signal transmission. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between voltage sensing accuracy and circuit flexibility.
3Power
If the first output circuit provides power through the first line to the power terminal, then power delivery function is achieved, but the first output circuit cannot simultaneously provide driver signals to signal terminals
Solution Approach 1:
The switching circuit enables the first output circuit to dynamically switch between providing power and providing driver signals. When in power mode, the switching circuit connects the first output circuit to the power terminal through the first line. When in driver mode, the switching circuit reconfigures the connections to allow the first output circuit to provide driver signals to signal terminals. This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction between power delivery capability and circuit function versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A tester is described having output circuits that are operable in either power mode or driver mode. A switching circuit connects force and sense lines to one of the output circuits when in power mode, or connects the same lines separately to the output circuits when in driver mode. A further configuration allows for power to be provided through the lines separately while detecting a measure of power through each line and correcting for unknown resistances of leads connected to the lines.