Patent ID: 6175230
Filing Date: 2001-01-16
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A circuit-board tester comprising:A) pin-memory circuitry operable to store vector data indicating whether to drive loads and what digital levels to drive the loads at and also operable to produce vector signal bursts representing the vector data that it has stored;B) a plurality of pin drivers, each of which includes an output port at which, when a load is coupled thereto, it drives the load in accordance with the vector signal bursts;C) current-sense circuitry for sensing currents driven by the pin drivers and generating backdrive outputs dependent thereon; andD) control circuitry that operates the pin-memory circuitry alternately to store vector data therein and to produce the signal bursts representative of the vector data thus stored, the control circuitry being responsive to the backdrive outputs selectively to impose minimum time intervals between successive bursts in accordance therewith.