Universal burn-in driver system and method therefor

• US 5,390,129 A
• Filed: 07/06/1992
• Issued: 02/14/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 07/06/1992
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Delta Design Incorporated (COHU Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Motay Electronics, Inc. (Unisys Corporation)
• Inventors: Rhodes, James V.
• Primary Examiner(s): Voeltz, Emanuel T.
• Assistant Examiner(s): CHOI, KYLE JAEHUN
• Application Number:
  US07/908,968
• Time in Patent Office: 953 Days
• Field of Search: 324/158 F, 324/158 R, 324/158 T, 324/158 P, 364/488, 364/489, 364/490, 364/491, 364/578, 364/579, 364/580, 364/480, 371/23
• US Class Current: 702/118
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/31719 Security aspects, e.g. preventing unauthorised access during test
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/31908 Tester set-up, e.g. configuring the tester to the device under test [DUT], down loading test patterns

Abstract

An improved driver system and method therefor for the accelerated life testing of semiconductor devices is described in which a universal burn-in driver system which can be reconfigured by computer control is used to accomplish the efficient signal conditioning, testing and data collection for a wide variety of semiconductor devices with a minimum of system setups and change-overs. The ability of the driver system to be reconfigured by computer control allows at least one group of electronic devices of the same type and at least another group of electronic devices of a different type to be tested by the same burn-in driver without the necessity for mechanical change-over or the use of separate different driver board designs.

Claims

1. A burn-in system comprising, in combination:

control means electrically connected to a plurality of different electronic devices undergoing burn-in comprising at least one group of electronic devices of the same type undergoing burn-in and at least another group of electronic devices of a different type undergoing burn-in for providing at least one of an electrical current and voltage of the same characteristics for burning in to said one group of electronic devices of the same type undergoing burn-in and for simultaneously providing at least one of an electrical current and voltage of different characteristics for burning in to said another group of electronic devices of a different type undergoing burn-in;

burn-in driver means for both applying for an extended period of time the same electrical currents and voltages to said one group of electronic devices of the same type undergoing burn-in and for applying different electrical currents and voltages to said another group of electronic devices of a different type undergoing burn-in to test and burn-in all of the groups of electronic devices; and

identification means coupled to said control means for identifying the devices of said one group of electronic devices of the same type undergoing burn-in and identifying the devices of said another group of electronic devices of a different type undergoing burn-in;

said control means responding to said identification means for controlling a sequence of tests to said one group of electronic devices and a different sequence of tests to said another group of electronic devices and for changing said sequence of tests as required by either said one group of electronic devices or said another group of electronic devices.

2. A burn-in system according to claim 1 further comprising:

heating means for applying temperature stress for said test and burn-in of said groups of electronic devices.

3. A burn-in system according to claim 2, said electronic devices further comprising semiconductor devices.

4. A burn-in system according to claim 3, said semiconductor devices further comprising at least one of analog and linear devices.

5. A burn-in system according to claim 3, said semiconductor devices further comprising at least one of digital logic, memory and microprocessor devices.

6. A burn-in system according to claim 3, said burn-in driver means further comprising storage means for storing information defining the magnitude and duration of said electrical currents and voltages.

7. A burn-in system according to claim 6, said storage means comprising test vector storage means.

8. A burn-in system according to claim 7, said information comprising data patterns defining the sequence of electrical signals to be applied to devices under test.

9. A burn-in system according to claim 8 further comprising computer means for controlling said burn-in driver means.

10. A burn-in system according to claim 9, said burn-in driver means further comprising computer interface module means coupled to said computer means via a bi-directional computer bus and coupled to a system bus for providing transceiver and select logic functions for data being transferred to and from said computer means via said system bus.

11. A burn-in system according to claim 10, said burn-in driver means further comprising power management module means coupled to said system bus and coupled to a power bus, a DUT Vcc bus and an on-board power bus for measuring and regulating voltages required by said system.

12. A burn-in system according to claim 11, said burn-in driver means further comprising system timing generation module means coupled to said system bus and coupled to a system timing bus and to a hold bus for providing programmable master and data clock signals required by said system.

13. A burn-in system according to claim 12, said burn-in driver means further comprising vector hold module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to said hold bus for altering said programmable master and data clock signals required by said system to extend the time interval of stored data patterns.

14. A burn-in system according to claim 13, said burn-in driver means further comprising analog generation module means coupled to said system timing bus and to said system bus and to an analog bus for generating analog signals based on stored patterns.

15. A burn-in system according to claim 14, said burn-in driver means further comprising analog driver module means coupled to said analog bus and to a driven analog bus for providing higher current drive capability to channels of said driven analog bus.

16. A burn-in system according to claim 15, said burn-in driver means further comprising vector storage module means coupled to said system timing bus and to said system bus and to a vectors bus for retaining test vectors to be applied to devices under test.

17. A burn-in system according to claim 16, said burn-in driver means further comprising tri-state control module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus, to said DUT Vcc bus and to a tri-state bus and to a tri-state vectors bus for causing an output driver to be switched to a high impedance or disconnected state.

18. A burn-in system according to claim 17, said burn-in driver means further comprising output driver module means coupled to said vectors bus, to said tri-state vectors bus and to a driven vectors bus for providing current amplification of test vectors transmitted on said vectors bus.

19. A burn-in system according to claim 18, said burn-in driver means further comprising on-board status monitoring module means coupled to said vectors bus, to said tri-state bus, to said system bus and to said driven vectors bus for monitoring for faults in the various modules of said system.

20. A burn-in system according to claim 19, said burn-in driver means further comprising DUT monitoring module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to a DUT monitors bus for monitoring for operating failures in the devices being tested by said system.

21. A burn-in system according to claim 20, said burn-in driver means further comprising burn-in board means coupled to said driven analog bus, to said driven vectors bus, to said power bus, to said DUT monitors bus and to said automatic programming bus for housing devices to be tested.

22. A burn-in system according to claim 21, said burn-in driver means further comprising automatic programming module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to an automatic programming bus for translating a unique code identifying said burn-in board means.

23. A burn-in system according to claim 1, said means electrically connected to a plurality of different electronic devices further comprising memory means for storing information describing test results for said first and said second groups of electronic devices.

24. A burn-in system according to claim 23, said memory means further comprising an electronically erasable programmable memory (EEPROM).

25. A burn-in system according to claim 23, said memory means further comprising a pass-fail map for DUT'"'"'s housed in a burn-in board.

26. A burn-in driver system comprising:

test vector storage means for storing data patterns defining the sequence of electrical signals for a burn-in operation to be applied to devices under test;

burn-in driver means for controlling the magnitude and frequency content of said electrical signal for burn-in of said devices under test, said burn-in driver means further comprising means for identifying said devices under test; and

computer means coupled to said test vector storage means and coupled to said burn-in driver means for changing said sequence, said magnitude and said frequency under program control in response to said means for identifying said devices under test to dynamically modify said sequence of electrical signals for burn-in of said devices under test.

27. A burn-in system according to claim 26 further comprising monitor means coupled to said devices under test for determining a change in the response of said devices under test to said electrical signals applied to said devices under test.

28. A burn-in system according to claim 27, said burn-in driver means further comprising computer interface module means coupled to said computer means via a bi-directional computer bus and coupled to a system bus for providing transceiver and select logic functions for data being transferred to and from said computer means via said system bus.

29. A burn-in system according to claim 28, said burn-in driver means further comprising power management module means coupled to said system bus and coupled to a power bus, a DUT Vcc bus and an on-board power bus for measuring and regulating voltages required by said system.

30. A burn-in system according to claim 29, said burn-in driver means further comprising system timing generation module means coupled to said system bus and coupled to a system timing bus and to a hold bus for providing programmable master and data clock signals required by said system.

31. A burn-in system according to claim 30, said burn-in driver means further comprising vector hold module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to said hold bus for altering said programmable master and data clock signals required by said system to extend the time interval of stored data patterns.

32. A burn-in system according to claim 31, said burn-in driver means further comprising analog generation module means coupled to said system timing bus and to said system bus and to an analog bus for generating analog signals based on stored patterns.

33. A burn-in system according to claim 32, said burn-in driver means further comprising analog driver module means coupled to said analog bus and to a driven analog bus for providing higher current drive capability to channels of said driven analog bus.

34. A burn-in system according to claim 33, said burn-in driver means further comprising vector storage module means coupled to said system timing bus and to said system bus and to a vectors bus for retaining test vectors to be applied to devices under test.

35. A burn-in system according to claim 34, said burn-in driver means further comprising tri-state control module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus, to said DUT Vcc bus and to a tri-state bus and to a tri-state vectors bus for causing an output driver to be switched to a high impedance or disconnected state.

36. A burn-in system according to claim 35, said burn-in driver means further comprising output driver module means coupled to said vectors bus, to said tri-state vectors bus and to a driven vectors bus for providing current amplification of test vectors transmitted on said vectors bus.

37. A burn-in system according to claim 36, said burn-in driver means further comprising on-board status monitoring module means coupled to said vectors bus, to said tri-state bus, to said system bus and to said driven vectors bus for monitoring for faults in the various modules of said system.

38. A burn-in system according to claim 37, said burn-in driver means further comprising DUT monitoring module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to a DUT monitors bus for monitoring for operating failures in the devices being tested by said system.

39. A burn-in system according to claim 38, said burn-in driver means further comprising burn-in board means coupled to said driven analog bus, to said driven vectors bus, to said power bus, to said DUT monitors bus and to said automatic programming bus for housing devices to be tested.

40. A burn-in system according to claim 39, said burn-in driver means further comprising automatic programming module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to an automatic programming bus for translating a unique code identifying said burn-in board means.

41. A burn-in system comprising:

computer means coupled to a computer bus for controlling a sequence of tests;

test vector storage means coupled to said computer bus and to a vectors bus for storing a digital pattern describing said sequence of tests;

burn-in board means coupled to said vectors bus for housing electronic devices of a particular type to be tested by said system, said burn-in board means having an identification code; and

automatic programming means coupled to said burn-in board means and coupled to said computer bus for transmitting said identification code to said computer means;

said computer means interpreting said identification code and changing said sequence of tests as required by said particular type of electronic devices to be tested by said system.

42. The burn-in system according to claim 41, said burn-in driver means further comprising computer interface module means coupled to said computer means via a bi-directional computer bus and coupled to a system bus for providing transceiver and select logic functions for data being transferred to and from said computer means via said system bus.

43. A burn-in system according to claim 42, said burn-in driver means further comprising power management module means coupled to said system bus and coupled to a power bus, a DUT Vcc bus and an on-board power bus for measuring and regulating voltages required by said system.

44. A burn-in system according to claim 43, said burn-in driver means further comprising system timing generation module means coupled to said system bus and coupled to a system timing bus and to a hold bus for providing programmable master and data clock signals required by said system.

45. A burn-in system according to claim 44, said burn-in driver means further comprising vector hold module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to said hold bus for altering said programmable master and data clock signals required by said system to extend the time interval of stored data patterns.

46. A burn-in system according to claim 45, said burn-in driver means further comprising analog generation module means coupled to said system timing bus and to said system bus and to an analog bus for generating analog signals based on stored patterns.

47. A burn-in system according to claim 46, said burn-in driver means further comprising analog driver module means coupled to said analog bus and to a driven analog bus for providing higher current drive capability to channels of said driven analog bus.

48. A burn-in system according to claim 47, said burn-in driver means further comprising vector storage module means coupled to said system timing bus and to said system bus and to a vectors bus for retaining test vectors to be applied to devices under test.

49. A burn-in system according to claim 48, said burn-in driver means further comprising tri-state control module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus, to said DUT Vcc bus and to a tri-state bus and to a tri-state vectors bus for causing an output driver to be switched to a high impedance or disconnected state.

50. A burn-in system according to claim 49, said burn-in driver means further comprising output driver module means coupled to said vectors bus, to said tri-state vectors bus and to a driven vectors bus for providing current amplification of test vectors transmitted on said vectors bus.

51. A burn-in system according to claim 50, said burn-in driver means further comprising on-board status monitoring module means coupled to said vectors bus, to said tri-state bus, to said system bus and to said driven vectors bus for monitoring for faults in the various modules of said system.

52. A burn-in system according to claim 51, said burn-in driver means further comprising DUT monitoring module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to a DUT monitors bus for monitoring for operating failures in the devices being tested by said system.

53. A burn-in system according to claim 52, said burn-in driver means further comprising automatic programing module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to an automatic programing bus for translating the identification code of a burn-in board.

54. A burn-in system according to claim 53, said burn-in driver means further comprising burn-in board means coupled to said driven analog bus, to said driven vectors bus, to said power bus, to said DUT monitors bus and to said automatic programming bus for housing devices to be tested.

55. A burn-in driver system comprising:

computer means for controlling said system;

computer interface module means coupled to said computer means via a bi-directional computer bus and coupled to a system bus for providing transceiver and select logic functions for data being transferred to and from said computer means via said system bus;

power management module means coupled to said system bus and coupled to a power bus, a DUT vcc bus and an on-board power bus for measuring and regulating voltages required by said system;

system timing generation module means coupled to said system bus and coupled to a system timing bus and to a hold bus for providing programmable master and data clock signals required by said system;

vector hold module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to said hold bus for altering said programmable master and data clock signals required by said system to extend the time interval of stored data patterns;

analog generation module means coupled to said system timing bus and to said system bus and to an analog bus for generating analog signals based on stored patterns;

analog driver module means coupled to said analog bus and to a driven analog bus for providing higher current drive capability to channels of said driven analog bus;

vector storage module means coupled to said system timing bus and to said system bus and to a vectors bus for retaining test vectors to be applied to devices under test;

tri-state control module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus, to said DUT Vcc bus and to a tri-state bus and to a tri-state vectors bus for causing an output driver to be switched to a high impedance or disconnected state;

output driver module means coupled to said vectors bus, to said tri-state vectors bus and to a driven vectors bus for providing current amplification of test vectors transmitted on said vectors bus;

on-board status monitoring module means coupled to said vectors bus, to said tri-state bus, to said system bus and to said driven vectors bus for monitoring for faults in the various modules of said system;

DUT monitoring module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to a DUT monitors bus for monitoring for operating failures in the devices being tested by said system;

burn-in board means coupled to said driven analog bus, to said driven vectors bus, to said power bus, to said DUT monitors bus and to said automatic programming bus for housing devices to be tested and

automatic programming module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to an automatic programming bus for translating a unique code identifying said burn-in board means;

said computer means dynamically modifying the sequence of test signals to said devices to be tested during burn-in in response to the translation of said unique code identifying said burn-in board means.

56. A method for making burn-in system comprising the steps of:

providing control means electrically connected to a plurality of different electronic devices undergoing burn-in comprising at least one group of electronic devices of the same type undergoing burn-in and at least another group of electronic devices of a different type undergoing burn-in for providing at least one of an electrical current and voltage of the same characteristics for burning in to said one group of electronic devices of the same type undergoing burn-in and for simultaneously providing at least one of an electrical current and voltage of different characteristics for burning in to said another group of electronic devices of a different type undergoing burn-in;

providing burn-in driver means for both applying for an extended period of time the same electrical currents and voltages to said one group of electronic devices of the same type undergoing burn-in and for applying different electrical currents and voltages to said another group of electronic devices of a different type undergoing burn-in to test and burn-in all of the groups of electronic devices; and

providing identification means coupled to said control means for identifying the devices of said one group of electronic devices of the same type undergoing burn-in and identifying the devices of said another group of electronic devices of a different type undergoing burn-in;

said control means responding to said identification means for controlling a sequence of tests to said one group of electronic devices and a different sequence of tests to said another group of electronic devices and for changing said sequence of tests as required by either said one group of electronic devices or said another group of electronic devices.

57. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 56 further comprising the step of:

providing heating means for applying temperature stress for said test and burn-in of said groups of electronic devices.

58. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 57, said electronic devices further comprising semiconductor devices.

59. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 58, said semiconductor devices further comprising analog or linear devices.

60. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 58, said semiconductor devices further comprising digital logic or memory devices.

61. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 58, said step of providing burn-in driver means further comprising the step of providing storage means for storing information defining the magnitude and duration of said electrical currents and voltages.

62. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 61, said storage means further comprising test vector storage means.

63. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 62, said information comprising data patterns defining the sequence of electrical signals to be applied to devices under test.

64. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 63 further comprising the step of providing computer means for controlling said burn-in driver means.

65. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 64 further comprising the step of providing computer interface module means coupled to said computer means via a bi-directional computer bus and coupled to a system bus for providing transceiver and select logic functions for data being transferred to and from said computer means via said system bus.

66. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 65 further comprising the step of providing power management module means coupled to said system bus and coupled to a power bus, a DUT Vcc bus and an on-board power bus for measuring and regulating voltages required by said system.

67. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 66 further comprising the step of providing system timing generation module means coupled to said system bus and coupled to a system timing bus and to a hold bus for providing programmable master and data clock signals required by said system.

68. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 67 further comprising the step of providing vector hold module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to said hold bus for altering said programmable master and data clock signals required by said system to extend the time interval of stored data patterns.

69. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 68 further comprising the step of providing analog generation module means coupled to said system timing bus and to said system bus and to an analog bus for generating analog signals based on stored patterns.

70. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 69 further comprising the step of providing analog driver module means coupled to said analog bus and to a driven analog bus for providing higher current drive capability to channels of said driven analog bus.

71. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 70 further comprising the step of providing vector storage module means coupled to said system timing bus and to said system bus and to a vectors bus for retaining test vectors to be applied to devices under test.

72. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 71 further comprising the step of providing tri-state control module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus, to said DUT Vcc bus and to a tri-state bus and to a tri-state vectors bus for causing an output driver to be switched to a high impedance or disconnected state.

73. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 72 further comprising the step of providing output driver module means coupled to said vectors bus, to said tri-state vectors bus and to a driven vectors bus for providing current amplification of test vectors transmitted on said vectors bus.

74. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 73 further comprising the step of providing on-board status monitoring module means coupled to said vectors bus, to said tri-state bus, to said system bus and to said driven vectors bus for monitoring for faults in the various modules of said system.

75. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 74 further comprising the step of providing DUT monitoring module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to a DUT monitors bus for monitoring for operating failures in the devices being tested by said system.

76. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 75, further comprising the step of providing burn-in board means coupled to said driven analog bus, to said driven vectors bus, to said power bus, to said DUT monitors bus and to said automatic programming bus for housing devices to be tested.

77. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 76 further comprising the step of providing automatic programing module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to an automatic programming bus for translating a unique code identifying said burn-in board means.

78. A method for making a burn-in system comprising the steps of:

providing test vector storage means for storing data patterns defining the sequence of electrical signals for a burn-in operation to be applied to devices under test;

providing burn-in driver means for controlling the magnitude and frequency content of said electrical signal for burn-in of said devices under test, said burn-in driver means further comprising means for identifying said devices under test; and

providing computer means coupled to said test vector storage means and coupled to said burn-in driver means for changing said sequence, said magnitude and said frequency under program control in response to said means for identifying said devices under test to dynamically modify said sequence of electrical signals for burn-in of said devices under test.

79. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 78 further comprising the step of providing monitor means coupled to said devices under test for determining a change in the response of said devices under test to said electrical signals applied to said devices under test.

80. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 79 further comprising the step of providing computer interface module means coupled to said computer means via a bi-directional computer bus and coupled to a system bus for providing transceiver and select logic functions for data being transferred to and from said computer means via said system bus.

81. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 80 further comprising the step of providing power management module means coupled to said system bus and coupled to a power bus, a DUT Vcc bus and an on-board power bus for measuring and regulating voltages required by said system.

82. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 81 further comprising the step of providing system timing generation module means coupled to said system bus and coupled to a system timing bus and to a hold bus for providing programmable master and data clock signals required by said system.

83. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 82 further comprising the step of providing vector hold module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to said hold bus for altering said programmable master and data clock signals required by said system to extend the time interval of stored data patterns.

84. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 83 further comprising the step of providing analog generation module means coupled to said system timing bus and to said system bus and to an analog bus for generating analog signals based on stored patterns.

85. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 84 further comprising the step of providing analog driver module means coupled to said analog bus and to a driven analog bus for providing higher current drive capability to channels of said driven analog bus.

86. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 85 further comprising the step of providing vector storage module means coupled to said system timing bus and to said system bus and to a vectors bus for retaining test vectors to be applied to devices under test.

87. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 86 further comprising the step of providing tri-state control module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus, to said DUT Vcc bus and to a tri-state bus and to a tri-state vectors bus for causing an output driver to be switched to a high impedance or disconnected state.

88. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 87 further comprising the step of providing output driver module means coupled to said vectors bus, to said tri-state vectors bus and to a driven vectors bus for providing current amplification of test vectors transmitted on said vectors bus.

89. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 88 further comprising the step of providing on-board status monitoring module means coupled to said vectors bus, to said tri-state bus, to said system bus and to said driven vectors bus for monitoring for faults in the various modules of said system.

90. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 89 further comprising the step of providing DUT monitoring module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to a DUT monitors bus for monitoring for operating failures in the devices being tested by said system.

91. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 90 further comprising the step of providing burn-in board means coupled to said driven analog bus, to said driven vectors bus, to said power bus, to said DUT monitors bus and to said automatic programming bus for housing devices to be tested.

92. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 91 further comprising the step of providing automatic programming module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to an automatic programming bus for translating a unique code identifying said burn-in board means.

93. A method for making a burn-in system comprising the steps of:

providing computer means coupled to a computer bus for controlling a sequence of tests;

providing test vector storage means coupled to said computer bus and to a vectors bus for storing a digital pattern describing said sequence of tests;

providing burn-in board means coupled to said vectors bus for housing electronic devices of a particular type to be tested by said system, said burn-in board means having an identification code; and

providing automatic programming means coupled to said burn-in board means and coupled to said computer bus for transmitting said identification code to said computer means;

said computer means interpreting said identification code and changing said sequence of tests as required by said particular type of electronic devices to be tested by said system.

94. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 93, said step of providing burn-in driver means further comprising the step of providing computer interface module means coupled to said computer means via a bi-directional computer bus and coupled to a system bus for providing transceiver and select logic functions for data being transferred to and from said computer means via said system bus.

95. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 94 further comprising the step of providing power management module means coupled to said system bus and coupled to a power bus, a DUT Vcc bus and an on-board power bus for measuring and regulating voltages required by said system.

96. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 95 further comprising the step of providing system timing generation module means coupled to said system bus and coupled to a system timing bus and to a hold bus for providing programmable master and data clock signals required by said system.

97. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 96 further comprising the step of providing vector hold module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to said hold bus for altering said programmable master and data clock signals required by said system to extend the time interval of stored data patterns.

98. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 97 further comprising the step of providing analog generation module means coupled to said system timing bus and to said system bus and to an analog bus for generating analog signals based on stored patterns.

99. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 98 further comprising the step of providing analog driver module means coupled to said analog bus and to a driven analog bus for providing higher current drive capability to channels of said driven analog bus.

100. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 99 further comprising the step of providing vector storage module means coupled to said system timing bus and to said system bus and to a vectors bus for retaining test vectors to be applied to devices under test.

101. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 100 further comprising the step of providing tri-state control module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus, to said DUT Vcc bus and to a tri-state bus and to a tri-state vectors bus for causing an output driver to be switched to a high impedance or disconnected state.

102. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 101 further comprising the step of providing output driver module means coupled to said vectors bus, to said tri-state vectors bus and to a driven vectors bus for providing current amplification of test vectors transmitted on said vectors bus.

103. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 102 further comprising the step of providing on-board status monitoring module means coupled to said vectors bus, to said tri-state bus, to said system bus and to said driven vectors bus for monitoring for faults in the various modules of said system.

104. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 103 further comprising the step of providing DUT monitoring module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to a DUT monitors bus for monitoring for operating failures in the devices being tested by said system.

105. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 104 further comprising the step of providing automatic programming module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to an automatic programming bus for translating the identification code of a burn-in board.

106. The method for making a burn-in system according to claim 105 further comprising the step of providing burn-in board means coupled to said driven analog bus, to said driven vectors bus, to said power bus, to said DUT monitors bus and to said automatic programming bus for housing devices to be tested.

107. A method for making a burn-in driver system comprising the steps of:

providing computer means for controlling said system;

providing computer interface module means coupled to said computer means via a bi-directional computer bus and coupled to a system bus for providing transceiver and select logic functions for data being transferred to and from said computer means via said system bus;

providing power management module means coupled to said system bus and coupled to a power bus, a DUT Vcc bus and an on-board power bus for measuring and regulating voltages required by said system;

providing system timing generation module means coupled to said system bus and coupled to a system timing bus and to a hold bus for providing programmable master and data clock signals required by said system;

providing vector hold module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to said hold bus for altering said programmable master and data clock signals required by said system to extend the time interval of stored data patterns;

providing analog generation module means coupled to said system timing bus and to said system bus and to an analog bus for generating analog signals based on stored patterns;

providing analog driver module means coupled to said analog bus and to a driven analog bus for providing higher current drive capability to channels of said driven analog bus;

providing vector storage module means coupled to said system timing bus and to said system bus and to a vectors bus for retaining test vectors to be applied to devices under test;

providing tri-state control module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus, to said DUT Vcc bus and to a tri-state bus and to a tri-state vectors bus for causing an output driver to be switched to a high impedance or disconnected state;

providing output driver module means coupled to said vectors bus, to said tri-state vectors bus and to a driven vectors bus for providing current amplification of test vectors transmitted on said vectors bus;

providing on-board status monitoring module means coupled to said vectors bus, to said tri-state bus, to said system bus and to said driven vectors bus for monitoring for faults in the various modules of said system;

providing DUT monitoring module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to a DUT monitors bus for monitoring for operating failures in the devices being tested by said system;

providing burn-in board means coupled to said driven analog bus, to said driven vectors bus, to said power bus, to said DUT monitors bus and to said automatic programming bus for housing devices to be tested; and

providing automatic programming module means coupled to said system bus, to said system timing bus and to an automatic programming bus for translating a unique code identifying said burn-in board means;

said computer means dynamically modifying the sequence of test signals to said devices to be tested during burn-in in response to the translation of said unique code identifying said burn-in board means.