Abstract: A module is used for interfacing between a particular device to be tested (DUT) and a test station having a universal set of connections. The module is adapted for bridging both the physical and electrical differences between connection points available on the DUT and the universal test connections. The module contains information (personality data) unique to the particular DUT and is designed to mount in a tray in which the DUT is positioned. The personality module resides partially within an environmentally controlled area and an area outside of the environmentally controlled area and is adapted to seal the environmentally controlled area so as to maintain testing integrity therein. In one embodiment, the connections between the module and the test station occur outside of the environmentally controlled area.

Abstract: A mounting pedestal is designed to hold a DUT in position for both electrical testing and vibration testing. The design is such that the pedestal can remain thermally sealed from an environment created within a confined area so as to impart vibration to a DUT positioned within the environmentally protected area, the vibration coming from a vibrator outside the environmentally sealed area. The pedestal, in one embodiment, extends through the base of a DUT holding tray while still preserving the environment within the sealed area. In one embodiment, the pedestal can position the DUT in any of several selected orientations.

Abstract: The problems inherent with connecting a DUT to a test station have been solved by the use of a tray designed to allow a wide variety of different DUTs to be physically connected individually to a test station using a universal test station connector. The tray allows for the association therewith of a personality module which serves to provide the proper physical connections and to electrically condition the test station to the electrical characteristics of the DUT. The tray allows for sealed environmental testing of the DUT without impacting any physical connections between the DUT and the test station. The tray also allows for the DUT to be vibrated from externally applied motion without interfering with either the sealed environment around the DUT and without imparting motion to the physical connection between the DUT and the test station.

Abstract: A two-part connector can be achieved for high performance situations using blind-mate insertion by using power activation. In one embodiment, the male and female portions of a standard RF connector can be securely mated so as to achieve high performance without the need for a screw type locking mechanism. Power activation is achieved, in one embodiment, by pneumatic actuation of a piston having fingers which engage an outer edge of a housing formed around the female portion of the connector so as to pull the female portion into a tight mating relationship with the male portion.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method to seal a device under test (DUT) into a portable chamber wherein the magnitude of the temperature, either up or down, is maintained by continuously providing a control signal applied to heating or cooling elements. In one embodiment, voltage polarity is used to select between heat and cold and voltage magnitude is used to control temperature. In one embodiment, several parameters within the chamber are monitored and the resultant signals are then used to define the magnitude and polarity of the control voltage. In one embodiment, a controller is used to receive information pertaining to the DUT. This information, for example, includes the identity of the DUT as well as its stabilization time and set temperature. The set temperature may be adjusted according to historical data pertaining to the DUT to compensate for differences over other test methods.

Abstract: The problems inherent with connecting a DUT to a test station have been solved by the use of a tray designed to allow a wide variety of different DUTs to be physically connected individually to a test station using a universal test station connector. The tray allows for the association therewith of a personality module which serves to provide the proper physical connections and to electrically condition the test station to the electrical characteristics of the DUT. The tray allows for sealed environmental testing of the DUT without impacting any physical connections between the DUT and the test station. The tray also allows for the DUT to be vibrated from externally applied motion without interfering with either the sealed environment around the DUT and without imparting motion to the physical connection between the DUT and the test station.

Abstract: A module is used for interfacing between a particular device to be tested (DUT) and a test station having a universal set of connections. The module is adapted for bridging both the physical and electrical differences between connection points available on the DUT and the universal test connections. The module contains information (personality data) unique to the particular DUT and is designed to mount in a tray in which the DUT is positioned. The personality module resides partially within an environmentally controlled area and an area outside of the environmentally controlled area and is adapted to seal the environmentally controlled area so as to maintain testing integrity therein. In one embodiment, the connections between the module and the test station occur outside of the environmentally controlled area.

Abstract: A mounting pedestal is designed to hold a DUT in position for both electrical testing and vibration testing. The design is such that the pedestal can remain thermally sealed from an environment created within a confined area so as to impart vibration to a DUT positioned within the environmentally protected area, the vibration coming from a vibrator outside the environmentally sealed area. The pedestal, in one embodiment, extends through the base of a DUT holding tray while still preserving the environment within the sealed area. In one embodiment, the pedestal can position the DUT in any of several selected orientations.