Universal automated circuit board tester
First Claim
1. An apparatus comprising:
- an automated connector insertion mechanism to automatically insert a plurality of connectors into mating components on a circuit board comprising a device under test (DUT), the connectors being inserted along at least two different insertion axes via actuation of a single actuator; and
test electronics, operatively coupled to the DUT via the plurality of connectors, having a communications interface to receive test control commands and to perform automated testing of the DUT in response thereto.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus and method for automatically testing circuit boards, such as computer system boards and the like. The circuit board device under test (DUT) is loaded into an automated test apparatus (tester), which includes a mechanism for automatically connecting test electronics to various DUT circuitry and I/O ports via corresponding connectors on the DUT. A type of DUT is identified, and a corresponding set of tests are performed to verify the operation of the DUT. Appropriate power signals and sequencing are also applied to the DUT, as defined by it type. Data logging is performed to log the results of the testing. The apparatus includes replaceable probe/connector plates that are DUT-type specific and corresponding universal electronics and cabling to enable a variety of different board types to be tested with the same apparatus.
41 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
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an automated connector insertion mechanism to automatically insert a plurality of connectors into mating components on a circuit board comprising a device under test (DUT), the connectors being inserted along at least two different insertion axes via actuation of a single actuator; and test electronics, operatively coupled to the DUT via the plurality of connectors, having a communications interface to receive test control commands and to perform automated testing of the DUT in response thereto. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A system comprising:
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a plurality of test stations, each including; an automated connector insertion mechanism to automatically insert a plurality of connectors into mating components on a respective circuit board comprising a device under test (DUT), the connectors being inserted along at least two different insertion axes via actuation of a single actuator; and test electronics, operatively coupled to the DUT via the plurality of connectors, having a communications interface to receive test control commands and to perform automated testing of the DUT in response thereto; and at least one host computer, linked in communication with the test control electronics of the plurality of test stations via their respective communications interfaces, to execute software to control automated testing of a plurality of DUT'"'"'s via issuance of test control commands to the test control electronics of the plurality of test stations. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification