The term “automated test equipment” (ATE) describes computer-controlled testing apparatus used in a variety of industries, such as semiconductors, electronics, automobiles, aerospace, and telecommunications, to automate the testing process. Functional tests, parametric tests, reliability tests, and production tests are just a few of the many tests that ATE systems are made to do.
What is Automated Test Equipment?
ATE is an integrated system that automates the process of testing electronic devices, from simple components like resistors and capacitors to complex systems like integrated circuits (ICs), printed circuit boards (PCBs), and completely assembled electronic systems. ATE systems are designed to reduce the amount of test time needed to verify that a particular device works or to quickly find defective devices, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and improving yield.
Components of ATE Systems
ATE systems consist of several components, including a master controller, a device under test (DUT), a handler or prober, and various computer-controlled instruments.
- Master Controller: The master controller is usually a computer that synchronizes one or more source and capture instruments, such as an industrial PC or mass interconnect. It runs a test script that controls the operation of the various slave instruments to which it is linked via a high-speed LAN-based trigger synchronization and inter-unit communication bus.
- Device Under Test (DUT): The DUT is physically connected to the ATE by a handler or prober and a customized Interface Test Adapter (ITA) that adapts the ATE’s resources to the DUT.Handler or Prober: The handler or prober is a robotic machine that establishes a connection between the test instrument and the DUT.
- Computer-Controlled Instruments: These instruments may include device power supplies (DPS), parametric measurement units (PMU), arbitrary waveform generators (AWG), digitizers, digital IOs, and utility supplies. They perform different measurements on the DUT and are synchronized so that they source and measure waveforms at the proper times.
Recent Technical Developments in ATE Systems
Recent technical developments in ATE systems include the use of onboard test script processors, which enable one “master” instrument to run a test script that controls the operation of the various “slave” instruments. This approach is optimized for small message transfers that are characteristic of test and measurement applications, making it significantly faster than GPIB and 100BaseT Ethernet in real applications.
Electronics Used in ATE Systems
ATE systems use various electronic components, including programmable logic devices (PLDs), microcontrollers, digital signal processors (DSPs), and application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). These components enable ATE systems to perform complex testing tasks quickly and accurately.
- Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs): PLDs are integrated circuits that can be programmed to perform a specific function. They are used in ATE systems to perform logic operations, data processing, and signal routing.
- Microcontrollers: Microcontrollers are integrated circuits that contain a microprocessor, memory, and input/output (I/O) peripherals. They are used in ATE systems to control and monitor the operation of various instruments and systems.
- Digital Signal Processors (DSPs): DSPs are specialized microprocessors designed to perform mathematical operations on digital signals. They are used in ATE systems to process and analyze signals from various instruments and systems.
- Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs): ASICs are custom-designed integrated circuits that perform a specific function. They are used in ATE systems to perform complex testing tasks quickly and accurately.
Service Providers for ATE Systems
Several service providers offer ATE systems and related services. Mango Semiconductors, also known as Mangofy.in , is one such provider that offers customized ATE solutions for various applications. They design and develop ATE for application-specific product testing and validation, providing a range of services, including test automation and ATE offerings.
