Abstract: An innovative chip testing system and method includes controlling temperature and condensation during testing. Coarse temperature is controlled by providing a desired fluid flow rate and fluid temperature to a cold plate. Fine temperature control is provided by a feedback loop which controls the power dissipation of cartridge heaters installed within the cold plate. Condensation control is provided by insulating various components of the system, manipulation of dry compressed air in enclosures to reduce surface dew point temperatures, usage of cartridge heaters in a card backside stiffener plate, and by providing a heatsink assembly which prevents condensation on the insulation.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for controlling temperature of an integrated circuit in a chip tester is disclosed. Embodiments include supplying a chilled fluid to a cold plate at a first flowrate, where the first flowrate is associated with a first valve setting based on at least a desired temperature setpoint and an applied power. Embodiments may determine a change in applied power and modify the chilled fluid flowrate in response to a change in testing conditions to a second flowrate associated with a second valve setting associated with at least the desired temperature setpoint and the changed testing conditions. This feed forward loop may be supplemented by a feedback loop that includes modifying the energy supplied to a cold plate heater in response to a comparison of a current temperature and the temperature setpoint. The valve may be a proportional control valve or the like.

Abstract: An innovative chip testing system and method includes controlling temperature and condensation during testing. Coarse temperature is controlled by providing a desired fluid flow rate and fluid temperature to a cold plate. Fine temperature control is provided by a feedback loop which controls the power dissipation of cartridge heaters installed within the cold plate. Condensation control is provided by insulating various components of the system, manipulation of dry compressed air in enclosures to reduce surface dew point temperatures, usage of cartridge heaters in a card backside stiffener plate, and by providing a heatsink assembly which prevents condensation on the insulation.

Abstract: A computer system including a computer chassis that includes a rear panel is provided. The rear panel defines a set of expansion card slots. A printed circuit board is received within the chassis includes a set of expansion card connectors aligned to the set of expansion card slots. A card retention bracket of the system includes first and second plates joined at a common end. The second plate extends substantially perpendicularly from the first plate. The first plate is adapted for being removably attached to an interior surface of the rear panel of the chassis such that the second plate extends exterior to the chassis. The second plate includes a set of card retention tabs including at least one retention tab corresponding to each expansion card slot.

Abstract: A computer chassis for covering and protecting the components of a data processing system. In a preferred embodiment, the computer chassis includes a chassis bezel. The chassis bezel has a slotted opening there through for allowing a user to access a user changeable component in the data processing system. The chassis bezel is configured to accept a cover plate that will cover the slotted opening thus preventing access to the user changeable component.

Abstract: A method and implementing computer system enclosure is provided which includes a selectively removable base support unit which is designed to stabilize vertical mounting capabilities when the base unit is attached to the enclosure and to allow horizontal mounting of the electronics enclosure when the base unit is detached. The electronics enclosure includes a locking edge on one of its sides. The locking edge is selectively engageable with a base support unit to provide a wide footprint for stable mounting of the electronics enclosure on the side of the enclosure which has the base unit attached. In an exemplary embodiment, the locking edge is tapered to force a tight fit between the enclosure and the support base unit. A locking mechanism is also operable at one end of the support base unit-electronics enclosure interface to provide a positive stop to lock the enclosure in place relative to the support base unit.

Abstract: A computer has an internal chassis with four wall-like frame members located at its rectangular perimeter. A variety of electronic components are mounted to the chassis within the rectangular perimeter. A bezel is mounted to an outer portion of one of the frame members and forms an exterior rear panel of the computer. The chassis is sidably mounted within an integral, five-sided enclosure having a rectangular opening at its rearward end. The enclosure closely receives the chassis to eliminate relative movement therebetween. The bezel has an integral handle with a pair of tabs which engage recesses in the enclosure when the chassis is in the enclosure. The chassis is removed from the enclosure by lifting the handle on the bezel such that the tabs disengage the recesses in the enclosure to allow the chassis to slide out of the enclosure.

Abstract: A computer has a chassis with a variety of electronic components mounted to it. The chassis is generally rectangular and slidably mounted within a sheet metal enclosure. The enclosure closely receives the chassis to eliminate excessive movement therebetween. The enclosure is essentially a four-sided box with an opening at either end. A front panel is attached to one of the openings. The front panel and the enclosure each contain half of a labyrinth seal which seals one end of the enclosure when the front panel is assembled to the enclosure. A similar seal is formed at the other end of the enclosure when the chassis is mounted in the enclosure. The labyrinth seals have a folded configuration which forms an interleaving arrangement.

Abstract: A data processing system is disclosed which includes a first processor having an m-byte data width, an n-byte data bus, where n is less than m, and a second processor electrically coupled to the bus which performs bus transactions utilizing n-byte packets of data. An adaptor is electrically coupled between the first processor and the bus which converts n-byte packets of data input from the bus to m-byte packets of data, and converts m-byte packets of data input from the first processor to n-byte packets of data, thereby enabling the first processor to transmit data to and receive data from the bus utilizing m-byte packets of data. In a second aspect of the present invention, a method and system are provided for arbitrating between two bus masters having disparate bus acquisition protocols. In response to a second bus master asserting a bus request when a first bus master controls the bus, control of the bus is removed from the first bus master.

Abstract: A bracket for mounting a printed circuit card into the frame of a personal computer or work station is provided with supporting and locating arms which are attached to the printed circuit card and a plurality of grounding contacts disposed along the walls of a channel-shaped bracket to engage a mating surface within the computer frame. The grounding contacts are supplemented both with a spring finger which is deformed upon assembly of the bracket with the computer frame and also with projecting legs which define a gap through which a fastener may be inserted and tightened in order to rigidly attach the bracket to the computer frame. The bracket is provided with an opening or aperture to permit access therethrough for interface plugs necessary to interface the printed circuit card electrical outputs with other devices which need to be connected to the computer such as telephone lines, printer cables, and networking connections.

Abstract: A data processing system is disclosed which includes a first processor having an m-byte data width, an n-byte data bus, where n is less than m, and a second processor electrically coupled to the bus which performs bus transactions utilizing n-byte packets of data. An adaptor is electrically coupled between the first processor and the bus which converts n-byte packets of data input from the bus to m-byte packets of data, and converts m-byte packets of data input from the first processor to n-byte packets of data, thereby enabling the first processor to transmit data to and receive data from the bus utilizing m-byte packets of data. In a second aspect of the present invention, a method and system are provided for arbitrating between two bus masters having disparate bus acquisition protocols. In response to a second bus master asserting a bus request when a first bus master controls the bus, control of the bus is removed from the first bus master.

Abstract: A self-aligning low profile socket for connecting a ball grid array type device through a dendritic interposer to a printed circuit board, the socket providing resources for attaching a heat sink to the electronic device with minimum thermal impedance. Compressive forces are evenly distributed over the pattern of the interposer array, and thermal conductivity is provided between the top of the electronic device and a heat sink, through the use of complementary concave and convex surfaces engaged by a flat screw mechanism. The socket exhibits a low profile while providing the flexibility of a dendritic interposer and effective heat sink attachment.