Packaged Integrated Circuits Patents (Class 324/762.02)
  • Publication number: 20130193996
    Abstract: An exemplary implementation of the present disclosure includes a testable semiconductor package that includes an active die having interface contacts and dedicated testing contacts. An interposer is situated adjacent a bottom surface of the active die, the interposer providing electrical connections between the interface contacts and a bottom surface of the testable semiconductor package. At least one conductive medium provides electrical connection between at least one of the dedicated testing contacts and a top surface of the testable semiconductor package. The at least one conductive medium can be coupled to a package-top testing connection, which may include a solder ball.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: BROADCOM CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sam Ziqun Zhao, Kevin Kunzhong Hu, Sampath K.V. Karikalan, Rezaur Rahman Khan, Pieter Vorenkamp, Xiangdong Chen
  • Publication number: 20130187677
    Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for adaptively adjusting a driving strength of a signal between a first and second chip in a 3D architecture/stack. This may be used to adaptively calibrate a chip in a 3D architecture/stack. The system may include a transmission circuit on one chip and a receiver circuit on another chip. Alternatively, the system may include a transmission and receiver circuit on just one chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ying-Yu Hsu, Ruey-Bin Sheen, Chih-Hsien Chang
  • Patent number: 8487645
    Abstract: A through-silicon via (TSV) testing structure is disclosed herein and includes a plurality of controllers, a plurality of transmitters and a plurality of receivers. The controllers are configured to output a first controlling signal and a second controlling signal. The transmitters are respectively connected to the output end of the through-silicon via and one of the controllers, and output a testing output signal in accordance with the first controlling signal and the second controlling signal. The receivers are respectively connected to the input end of the through-silicon via and another one of the controllers, and input a testing input signal in accordance with the first controlling signal and the second controlling signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Global Unichip Corporation
    Inventors: Ming-Tung Chang, Min-Hsiu Tsai, Chih-Mou Tseng
  • Patent number: 8476917
    Abstract: An embodiment of an electronic device includes a logic circuit, a switching element, and a quiescent current (IDDQ) evaluation circuit. The logic circuit is coupled to a first ground node. The switching element is coupled between the first ground node and a second ground node. The switching element is configurable in an electrically non-conductive state when the electronic device is in an IDDQ evaluation state, and in an electrically conductive state when the electronic device is not in the IDDQ evaluation state. When the electronic device is in the IDDQ evaluation state, the IDDQ evaluation circuit is configured to provide a first output signal when an IDDQ indicating voltage across the first and second ground nodes exceeds a reference voltage. Other embodiments include methods for producing an indication of IDDQ in an electronic device and methods for fabricating an electronic device with the capability of producing an IDDQ indication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicolas A. Jarrige, Ibrahim Shihadeh Kandah
  • Patent number: 8476918
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor test system. The semiconductor test system includes a wafer stage to hold a wafer having a plurality of light emitting devices (LEDs); a probe test card operable to test each test field of the wafer; and a light detector integrated with the probe test card to collect light from a LED of the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: TSMC Solid State Lighting Ltd.
    Inventor: Hsin-Chieh Huang
  • Patent number: 8451014
    Abstract: A method to test and package dies so as to increase overall yield is provided. The method includes performing a wafer test on a first die and mounting the first die on a package substrate to form a partial package, if the wafer test of the first die is successful. The method further includes performing a system test on the partial package including the first die and stacking a second die on the first die if the system test on the partial package and the first die is successful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan Black, Joseph Siegel
  • Patent number: 8446163
    Abstract: A test circuit includes a signal level modifying circuit. The signal level modifying circuit modifies at least one of signal levels of an inverting input signal and a noninverting input signal supplied to a differential input circuit in response to a test signal outputted from a signal output circuit to make a difference between signal levels of the inverting input signal and the noninverting input signal smaller than that in a normal operation. Here, the test signal indicates a test mode in which input/output characteristics of the differential input circuit is tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kobatake
  • Publication number: 20130120019
    Abstract: A method of testing a packaged semiconductor device under test (DUT) including a leadframe having a plurality of pins and at least one thermal pad with a semiconductor die having topside bond pads wire-bonded by bond wires to the plurality of pins and secured to the thermal pad. A leadframe sheet is provided including a plurality of packaged DUTs including support members that connect to the packaged DUTs. The thermal pads are shorted to one another, and the leadframe sheet is trimmed for electrically isolating the pins from one another. A first electrical contact is provided to the thermal pad. Active pins of the plurality of pins are electrically contacted with a contactor. Automatic testing identifies shorts between the active pins and the thermal pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2011
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: BYRON HARRY GIBBS, BRUCE RANDALL SULT
  • Patent number: 8441278
    Abstract: A stacked semiconductor device includes a first semiconductor device equipped with a first semiconductor chip 14 having a transistor circuit and protection diodes, and a second semiconductor device equipped with a second semiconductor chip 24 having a transistor circuit and protection diodes, and stacked on the first semiconductor device via a connection portion, wherein a power supply line connected to the first and second semiconductor chips is used in common, and a forward ON voltage of the protection diodes of the first semiconductor chip is set higher than a forward ON voltage of the protection diodes of the second semiconductor chip 24. When a connection test is executed, the forward ON voltage of the protection diodes of the first semiconductor chip or the second semiconductor chip is detected and then normal/open is judged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Norio Yamanishi, Shinobu Kurosaka
  • Patent number: 8443246
    Abstract: A system and method for detecting transition delay faults decouples the test enable pins of the clock gating cells from other elements in the circuitry. The test enable pins are controlled during test mode by a unique signal, allowing the tester to independently control the clock gating logic of the circuitry. By being able to ungate the clock, the tester can ensure that the two clock pulses needed to check for transition delay faults will always be present.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Marvell International Ltd.
    Inventor: Darren Bertanzetti
  • Patent number: 8441275
    Abstract: An electronic device test fixture deploys a plurality of contact elements in a dielectric housing. The plumb arrangement of contact elements each include an armature or transversal configured to first depress and then slide laterally when urged downward by the external contacts of a device under test. The rotary movement of the transversal is optimized via the configuration of a surrounding forked regulator such that surface oxide deposition on the external device under test terminal is disrupted to reliably minimize contact resistance without damaging or unduly stressing the electrical junction of the device under test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Assignee: Tapt Interconnect, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick J Alladio
  • Patent number: 8432008
    Abstract: Package (BT) for vacuum encapsulation of a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) provided with an electrically conductive element intended to be soldered to said package (BT), said package (BT) comprising a metallized base (FM), designed to be soldered to said microelectromechanical system (MEMS), and output electrical contacts (CES), electrically connected to electrical-contact elements of said microelectromechanical system. Said metallized base (FM) comprises a plurality of metallized surface portions (PSM), respectively bounded by an unmetallized solder stop region, and respectively connected to the rest of the metallized base (FM) by a metallized track (PTEM), having a small width relative to the corresponding width of said portion (PSM), said metallized surface portions (PSM) being designed to be soldered to said microelectromechanical system (MEMS).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Thales
    Inventors: Bertrand Leverrier, Dominique Leduc
  • Patent number: 8427182
    Abstract: Provided is a test apparatus that tests a device under test, comprising a plurality of capacitors that are each charged to a predetermined voltage; a switching section that switches which of the capacitors charged to a predetermined voltage supplies power to the device under test; and a judging section that judges acceptability of the device under test based on an operational result of the device under test. Also provided is a test apparatus that selects one of a plurality of capacitors and a corresponding one of a plurality of power supply units, according to content of a test performed after a test that uses another of the capacitors to supply power to the device under test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventor: Seiji Amanuma
  • Patent number: 8421494
    Abstract: Methods and systems for semiconductor testing are disclosed. In one embodiment, devices which are testing too slowly are prevented from completing testing, thereby allowing untested devices to begin testing sooner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: OptimalTest Ltd.
    Inventors: Gil Balog, Reed Linde, Avi Golan
  • Patent number: 8421206
    Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor device in which a connection between connection terminals and land of the semiconductor device can be checked with the semiconductor device kept in a sound condition, the connection not being allowed to be checked with a semiconductor chip. The semiconductor device of the present invention includes: a package substrate; a semiconductor chip mounted on the package substrate; a first land formed in a first principal surface of the package substrate; a second land formed in a second principal surface of the package substrate; first connection terminals connected to the second land and having the connection thereto not allowed to be checked with the semiconductor chip; a connection interconnection for connecting the first land and the second land; a second connection terminal formed in the second principal surface of the package substrate; and a branch interconnection for connecting the connection interconnection and the second connection terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Naoto Akiyama, Toshiaki Umeshima
  • Patent number: 8421488
    Abstract: A locater tool for positioning a support device for supporting a test probe head or a test probe tip, the locater tool including a template, means for indicating a support device position associated with the template, and means for indicating an achievable probing zone on a surface having connection points when the support device is in the support device position. The locater tool may be a device-attachable locater tool or a pre-positioning locater tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Teledyne LeCroy, Inc.
    Inventors: Julie A. Campbell, Bruce Clinton Tollbom
  • Patent number: 8405513
    Abstract: An electrical connection confirmation system includes a cartridge type HDD 200 and a storage device main body 100 into which the cartridge type HDD 200 is inserted. The cartridge type HDD 200 includes a HDD connector 230 configured to comply with SATA standard, and having pins 210a to 210j and 210l to 210o that are internally shorted. The storage device main body 100 includes a main body connector 130 configured to comply with SATA standard, and having pins 110a to 110j and 110l to 110o provided in positions respectively opposite to the pins 210a to 210j and 210l to 210o. The electrical connection of the cartridge type HDD 200 to the storage device main body 100 is detected based on voltage states or electric current states of the specified pins 110d, 110g, and 110m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Buffalo Inc.
    Inventors: Tomoaki Kouyama, Yasunori Hashizume, Satoru Goto
  • Patent number: 8396682
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided. The semiconductor device applies data applied through a bump pad on which a bump is mounted through a test pad to a test apparatus such that the reliability of the test can be improved. The amount of test pads is significantly reduced by allowing data output through bump pads to be selectively applied to a test pad. Data and signals applied from test pads are synchronized with each other and applied to bump pads during a test operation such that the reliability of the test can be improved without the need of an additional test chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chi-Sung Oh, Dong-Hyuk Lee, Ho-Cheol Lee, Jang-Woo Ryu, Jung-Bae Lee
  • Patent number: 8384410
    Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a system is provided that comprises a first terminal for receiving an input testing signal during operation; a plurality of input/output terminals coupled with the first terminal; wherein the input/output terminals are configured to parallel output respective output testing signals during parallel output operation; wherein the input/output terminals are configured to parallel input testing response signals during parallel input operation from devices under test; and wherein each of the input/output terminals is electrically isolated during operation from the remaining plurality of input/output terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Advantest (Singapore) Pte Ltd
    Inventors: Edmundo De La Puente, David Eskeldson
  • Patent number: 8384411
    Abstract: A method and device for measuring a signal of a die to be placed within a package is disclosed. At least one die as a Device Under Test (DUT) is mounted on a substrate and a chip-type measurement instrument is mounted on the substrate, or embedded into the substrate, wherein the instrument analyzes and/or processes the signal of the DUT and may provide stimulus signal to the DUT. The substrate having the DUT and the measurement instrument is mounted on a circuit board that has plural electrodes to be connected to the signal paths of the DUT and the instrument. An electrode is coupled to a standard interface port to provide the signal of the chip-type instrument to an external instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventors: Bart A. Mooyman-Beck, Robert J. Woolhiser, Kevin E. Cosgrove, Daniel G. Knierim
  • Patent number: 8379403
    Abstract: A spacer-connector and connection arrangements between daughter boards and motherboards are disclosed. Assemblies may include a daughter board one or more spacer-connectors spacing the daughter board above a motherboard and conductive elastomers providing electrical connections between the daughter board and spacer-connector and between the spacer-connector and the motherboard. The spacer-connector may include ground, power, digital and/or controlled impedance RF pathways to conduct signals between the daughter board to the mother board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: QUALCOMM, Incorporated
    Inventors: David W. Waite, James L. Blair, Ashish Lohiya, Arvid G. Sammuli, Jeffrey T. Smith, Saritha Narra
  • Patent number: 8365611
    Abstract: A bend test method includes bending a flip chip device into a bent configuration, heating the flip chip device, and inspecting the flip chip device for failure. The bend test method is completed in a relatively short amount of time, e.g., within one to three days. Thus, appropriate failure modes in flip chip devices are created in an accelerated manner so that reliability assessment of various flip chip device designs, materials, and process options can be completed in a few days instead of a few months. This greatly reduced development cycle time typically results in a larger market share for new flip chip device products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Amkor Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Darveaux, Christopher J. Berry
  • Patent number: 8362796
    Abstract: A method of testing integrated circuits, including: establishing at least a first physical communication channel between a test equipment and an integrated circuit under test by having at least a first probe of the test equipment contacting a corresponding physical contact terminal of the integrated circuit under test; having the test equipment and the integrated circuit under test exchange, over said first physical communication channel, at least two signals selected from the group including at least two test stimuli and at least two test response signals, wherein said at least two signals are exchanged by means of at least one modulated carrier wave modulated by the at least two signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventor: Alberto Pagani
  • Publication number: 20130021055
    Abstract: Test circuits located on semiconductor die enable a tester to test a plurality of die/ICs in parallel by inputting both stimulus and response patterns to the plurality of die/ICs. The response patterns from the tester are input to the test circuits along with the output response of the die/IC to be compared. Also disclosed is the use of a response signal encoding scheme whereby the tester transmits response test commands to the test circuits, using a single signal per test circuit, to perform: (1) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic high, (2) a compare die/IC output against an expected logic low, and (3) a mask compare operation. The use of the signal encoding scheme allows functional testing of die and ICs since all response test commands (i.e. 1-3 above) required at each die/IC output can be transmitted to each die/IC output using only a single tester signal connection per die/IC output. In addition to functional testing, scan testing of die and ICs is also possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventor: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
  • Patent number: 8358145
    Abstract: Self-heating integrated circuits are provided. In one embodiment, a self-heating integrated circuit comprises a drive circuit configured to drive a device and a controller configured to selectively operate the drive circuit in a first mode or a second mode. In the first mode, the controller is configured to operate the drive circuit to drive the device and, in the second mode, the controller is configured to operate the drive circuit to heat the integrated circuit to a target temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: Western Digital Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy A. Ferris, John R. Agness
  • Patent number: 8358147
    Abstract: A method of testing integrated circuits is provided. The method includes establishing at least one first physical communication channel between a test equipment and a respective group of integrated circuits under test by having probes of the test equipment contacting at least one corresponding physical contact terminal of each integrated circuit of the respective group. The method further includes having the test equipment exchanging, over the at least one first physical communication channel, the same test stimuli with each integrated circuit of the group. The method still further includes having each integrated circuit of the group establishing a corresponding second physical communication channel with the test equipment by having at least one physical contact terminal of the integrated circuit contacted by a corresponding probe of the test equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.
    Inventor: Alberto Pagani
  • Patent number: 8344749
    Abstract: A method of testing electronic assemblies including singulated TSV die attached to a ML package substrate, on a substrate carrier. The substrate carrier includes through-holes for allowing probe contact to the BGA substrate pads on a bottomside of the package substrate that are coupled to the frontside of the TSVs. Contactable TSV tips on the bottomside of the TSV die are contacted with a topside coupler that includes a pattern of coupling terminals that matches a layout of at least a portion of the TSV tips or pads coupled to the TSV tips. The topside coupler electrically connects pairs of coupling terminals to provide a plurality of TSV loop back paths. The BGA substrate pads are contacted with a plurality of probes tips that extend through the through-holes to couple to the frontside of the TSVs. Electrical testing is performed across the electronic assembly to obtain at least one test parameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel Joseph Stillman, James L. Oborny, William John Antheunisse, Norman J. Armendariz, Ramyanshu Datta, Kenneth M. Butler, Margaret Simmons-Matthews
  • Patent number: 8339150
    Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a bump pad through which data is outputted, a probe test pad having a larger size than the bump pad, a first output drive unit configured to drive the bump pad at a first drivability in response to output data, a second output drive unit configured to drive the probe test pad at a second drivability higher than the first drivability in response to the output data, and a multiplexing unit configured to transfer the output data to the first output drive unit or the second output drive unit in response to a test mode signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Hynix Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Byung-Deuk Jeon, Dong-Geum Kang, Young-Jun Yoon
  • Patent number: 8310264
    Abstract: A method for configuring a combinational switching matrix comprises the steps of setting a first switching module and a second switching module, coupling at least one of the output ports of the first switching module with at least one of the input ports of the second switching module to form the combinational switching matrix, building a connection mapping table based on the coupling relationship between the output port of the first switching module and the input port of the second switching module, and displaying a channel switching interface showing the input terminals, the output terminals, and the on/off states of the virtual switching devices of the combinational switching matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: Star Technologies Inc.
    Inventors: Choon Leong Lou, Hsiao Hui Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8310269
    Abstract: A test system for determining leakage of an integrated circuit (IC) under test includes a test circuit formed on a same chip as the IC, the test circuit further having pulse generator configured to generate a high-speed input signal to the IC at a plurality of selectively programmable duty cycles and frequencies, the IC powered from a first power source independent from a second power source that powers the pulse generator; and a current measuring device configured to measure leakage current through the IC in a quiescent state, and current through the IC in an active switching state, responsive to the high-speed input signal at a plurality of the programmable duty cycles and frequencies, and wherein the test circuit utilizes only external low-speed input and output signals with respect to the chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Manjul Bhushan, Mark B. Ketchen
  • Patent number: 8305106
    Abstract: Systems and methods for providing self-healing integrated circuits. The method is characterized in that the behavior of a circuit or a device in response to an input signal is observed. One or more operational parameters or characteristics of the circuit or the device are derived. A corrective action to bring the operational parameters or characteristics of the circuit or device within a desired range is deduced, if needed. The corrective action can be the application of a correction signal or a modification of one or more parameters or characteristics of an element in the circuit. The calculated corrective action, if needed, is applied to bring the operational parameters or characteristics of the circuit or device within the desired range. Optionally, the operational parameters or characteristics of the circuit or the device after the correction is effectuated can be checked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Florian Bohn, Seyed Ali Hajimiri, Hua Wang, Yu-Jiu Wang
  • Patent number: 8294483
    Abstract: A testing system includes a tester probe and a plurality of integrated circuits. Tests are broadcast to the plurality of integrated circuits using carrierless ultra wideband (UWB) radio frequency (RF). All of the plurality of integrated circuits receive, at the same time, test input signals by way of carrierless UWB RF and all of the plurality of integrated circuits run tests and provide results based on the test input signals. Thus, the plurality of integrated circuits are tested simultaneously which significantly reduces test time. Also the tests are not inhibited by physical contact with the integrated circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Lucio F. C. Pessoa, Perry H. Pelley, III
  • Patent number: 8288177
    Abstract: A method for detecting soft errors in an integrated circuit (IC) due to transient-particle emission, the IC comprising at least one chip and a substrate includes mixing an epoxy with a radioactive source to form a hot underfill (HUF); underfilling the chip with the HUF; sealing the underfilled chip; measuring a radioactivity of the HUF at an edge of the chip; measuring the radioactivity of the HUF on a test coupon; testing the IC for soft errors by determining a current radioactivity of the HUF at the time of testing based on the measured radioactivity; and after the expiration of a radioactive decay period of the radioactive source, using the IC in a computing device by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Gaynes, Michael S. Gordon, Nancy C. LaBianca, Kenneth F. Latzko, Aparna Prabhakar
  • Patent number: 8289040
    Abstract: A wafer unit for testing is electrically connected to a plurality of chips to be tested formed on a wafer to be tested, the wafer unit for testing including: a connecting wafer provided to face the wafer to be tested, and to be electrically connected to each of the plurality of chips to be tested; and a temperature distribution adjusting section provided on the connecting wafer, and to adjust a temperature distribution of the wafer to be tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshio Komoto, Yoshiharu Umemura, Shinichi Hamaguchi, Yasushi Kawaguchi
  • Patent number: 8286043
    Abstract: A system for testing a logic circuit which has two or more test routine modules. Each module contains a set of instructions which is executable by (a part of) the logic circuit. The set forms a test routine for performing a self-test by the part of the logic circuit. The self-test includes the part of the logic circuit testing itself for faulty behavior, and the part of the logic circuit determining a self-test result of the testing. The system includes a test module which can execute a test application which subjects the logic circuit to a test by performing the self-test on at least a part of the logic circuit by causes the part of the logic circuit to execute a selected test routine, and determining, by the test module, an overall test result at least based on a performed self-tests. The test module includes a control output interface for activates the execution of the a selected test routine. A second test module input interface can receive the self-test result from a selected test routine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventors: Oleksandr Sakada, Florian Bogenberger
  • Patent number: 8278961
    Abstract: Provided is a test apparatus for testing a device under test, including: a level comparing section that receives a signal under test output from the device under test and outputs a logical value, the logical value indicating a comparison result obtained by comparing a signal level of the signal under test with preset first threshold and second threshold; an acquiring section that acquires the logical value output from the level comparing section, according to a strobe signal supplied thereto; an expected value comparing circuit that determines whether the logical value acquired by the acquiring section corresponds to a preset expected value; and a threshold control section that sets an upper limit and a lower limit of a voltage of the eye mask to the level comparing section as the first threshold and the second threshold, when an eye mask test is performed for determining whether an eye opening of the signal under test is larger than a predefined eye mask.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Daisuke Watanabe, Toshiyuki Okayasu
  • Patent number: 8269520
    Abstract: A semiconductor device tester includes programmable hardware configured to test a semiconductor device under test. The programmable hardware is programmed with two or more pattern generators to control a flow of data to and from the semiconductor device under test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Teradyne, Inc.
    Inventor: George W. Conner
  • Patent number: 8258806
    Abstract: Assessing open circuit and short circuit defect levels in circuits implemented in state of the art ICs is difficult when using conventional test circuits, which are designed to assess continuity and isolation performance of simple structures based on individual design rules. Including circuit blocks from ICs in test circuits provides a more accurate assessment of defect levels expected in ICs using the circuit blocks. Open circuit defect levels may be assessed using continuity chains formed by serially linking continuity paths in the circuit blocks. Short circuit defect levels may be assessed by using parallel isolation test structures formed by linking isolated conductive elements in parallel to buses. Forming isolation connections on a high metal level enables location of shorted elements using voltage contrast on partially deprocessed or partially fabricated test circuits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Jin Liu
  • Patent number: 8258804
    Abstract: A test tray for a test handler is disclosed that is loaded with semiconductor devices and then carries them along a predetermined circulation route. The test tray allows one fixing unit to fix a plurality of adjacent insert modules to the receiving spaces of the frame, thereby efficiently using the space of the frame and allowing a relatively large number of insert modules to be installed in the same area, in comparison to the conventional test tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: TechWing., Co. Ltd
    Inventors: Jae-Gyun Shim, Yun-Sung Na, In-Gu Jeon, Tae-Hung Ku, Jung-Woo Hwang
  • Patent number: 8253433
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing an integrated circuit comprises: a chip unit with a plurality of electronic parts such as chip units arranged on the upside of a chip support; a probe unit having a plurality of contacts arranged on the underside of a probe support and spaced downward from the chip unit; a connection unit supporting the probe unit spaced downward from the chip unit on a pin support so as to penetrate the pin support in an up-down direction; and a coupling unit which couples separably the chip unit, the probe unit and the connection unit and displaces one of the chip support and the probe support and the pin support in a direction to approach each other and to be away from each other relative to the connection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Nihon Micronics
    Inventors: Kenichi Washio, Masashi Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 8253430
    Abstract: A test point of a circuit board is probed using an edge probe provided in a fixed orientation when the edge of the probe contacts a solder mound of the test point. The solder mound has an elongated shape. A length of the edge is substantially perpendicular to a length of the solder mound when the edge contacts the solder mound and is maintained in the fixed orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company
    Inventor: Alexander Leon
  • Patent number: 8253420
    Abstract: A detection circuit and one or more wires or circuit traces are included in a die. The combination is used to detect mechanical failure of the substrate, e.g. silicon after singulation of the dice from the wafer. Failures may be detected at different regions or planes within the die, and the tests may be performed during operation of the packaged die and integrated circuit, even after installation and during operation of a larger electronic device in which it is incorporated. This is especially useful for chip scale packages, but may be utilized in any type of IC package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Volterra Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventors: Charles Nickel, Katherine Nickel, legal representative, David Lidsky, Seth Kahn
  • Patent number: 8248098
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the characteristics of a semiconductor device is disclosed. The measuring apparatus may include first to M-th (wherein M is a positive integer not less than 1) starved devices each being biased in response to a bias voltage varying in accordance with a variable first supply voltage, thereby varying an amount of current flowing through a semiconductor device included in the starved device. Interconnect lines may interconnect the first to M-th starved devices. A measuring unit measures at least one of a delay time caused by the semiconductor devices of the starved devices themselves, and a compound delay time caused by the semiconductor devices of the starved devices themselves plus a delay time caused by the interconnect lines. The measured results can be analyzed under conditions more approximate to diverse situations exhibited in practical chips in accordance with development of manufacturing processes and techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Dongbu HiTek Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chan-Ho Park, Won-Young Jung
  • Patent number: 8242794
    Abstract: An apparatus for testing electric characteristics of a test object including first connection terminals on a bottom surface and second connection terminals on a top surface, the apparatus comprises a test board comprising first pads on a predetermined surface; a socket configured to electrically connect the test object to the test board; and a handler configured to transport the test object to the socket. The socket comprises a first connection unit configured to be electrically connected to the first connection terminals of the test object and a second connection unit configured to be electrically connected to the second connection terminals of the test object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Byeong-Hwan Cho
  • Patent number: 8232815
    Abstract: A plunger for holding and moving electrical components in particular IC's to and from a contacting device connected to a test bed, comprises a head piece with a fluid distribution chamber through which temperature-controlled fluid flows. A suction head is arranged such that the temperature-controlled fluid flows around the suction head and is diverted along the suction head to the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Multitest Elektronische Systeme GmbH
    Inventors: Max Schaule, Stefan Thiel, Franz Pichl, Günther Jeserer, Andreas Wiesböck, Alexander Bauer
  • Publication number: 20120187977
    Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor device capable of effectively testing whether memory cells and a memory cell array are defective. The semiconductor device may include a memory cell array having a plurality of memory cells and an external test pad connected to an internal test pad. A test voltage may be applied to the plurality of word lines connected to the plurality of memory cells via the external test pad and the internal test pad in a test mode, wherein the test voltage disables the plurality of word lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Inventors: Hee-Il Hong, Kang-Young Cho
  • Patent number: 8228269
    Abstract: An inspection method includes an array process of forming a TFT array on a substrate to fabricate an active matrix panel, an inspection process of carrying out a performance test on the fabricated active matrix panel, and a cell process of mounting an OLED on the active matrix panel after the inspection process. In the inspection process, variation in parasitic capacitance through a pixel electrode is measured when driving TFTs constituting the active matrix fabricated in the array process are turned on and when the driving TFTs are turned off, and open/short defects in the driving TFTs are thereby inspected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Daiju Nakano, Yoshitami Sakaguchi
  • Patent number: 8222912
    Abstract: A probe head assembly for testing a device under test includes a plurality of test probes and a probe head structure. The probe head structure includes a guide plate and a template and supports a plurality of test probes that each includes a tip portion with a tip end for making electrical contact with a device under test, a curved compliant body portion and a tail portion with a tail end for making electrical contact with the space transformer. Embodiments of the invention include offsetting the position of the tail portions of the test probes with respect to the tip portions of the test probes so that the tip portions of the test probes are biased within the apertures of the guide plate, using hard stop features to help maintain the position of the test probes with respect to the guide plate and probe ramp features to improve scrubbing behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: SV Probe Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Son N. Dang, Gerald W. Back, Rehan Kazmi
  • Patent number: 8217673
    Abstract: A test controller switches the operation of output stages in an integrated circuit between a normal operation mode and a test mode. The output stages are respectively connected to switch elements. A level shifter generates a switch signal for controlling activation and deactivation of the switch elements in accordance with the normal operation mode and the test mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Freescale Semiconductor, Inc.
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Kimura
  • Patent number: RE43607
    Abstract: Wire bond pad and solder ball or controlled collapse chip connections C4 are combined on a planar surface of a an integrated circuit device to provide a die. Known good die (KGD) testing is optionally performed using wire bond connections or stress tolerant solder ball connections. The KGD testing is conducted after the integrated circuit dies are diced from a wafer. Solder ball or C4 array connections which withstand thermal stress are used to KGD test the die prior to final use of the wire bond pad connections to an end use device. Alternatively, wire bond pads are used to test the die while maintaining the solder ball or C4 array in a pristine condition for bonding to a final end product device. Both testing with the solder ball C4 array contacts and with the wire bond connections provides metallurgical connections for the KGD test. The solder ball or C4 array is connected to the wire bond pads and either connection can be used to burn-in test the die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Jones Farm Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Steve M. Danziger, Tushar Shah