Patent ID: 6396258
Filing Date: 2002-05-28
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A system for holding a set of a plurality of IC packages during testing of the IC packages with a plurality of test stations, the system comprising:a first tray for carrying a first subset of said set of plurality of IC packages that is not yet tested by at least one of said plurality of test stations; a second tray for carrying a second subset of said set of plurality of IC packages that has been tested by at least one of said plurality of test stations; wherein each of said IC packages being carried within said second tray after being tested by at least one of said plurality of test stations was being carried by said first tray before being tested by at least one of said plurality of test stations; and wherein said second tray is a distinct and separate tray from said first tray; a platform for holding said first tray adjacent said second tray; wherein said platform holds said first tray of untested IC packages and said second tray of tested IC packages such that an operator does not hold said first tray and said second tray during loading of said untested IC packages to said plurality of test stations from said first tray and during unloading of said tested IC packages from said plurality of test stations to said second tray; and a linear slide, disposed along said plurality of test stations, for holding said platform and for guiding said platform holding said first tray and said second tray along said plurality of test stations as said platform is moved along said plurality of test stations during loading of said untested IC packages to said plurality of test stations from said first tray and during unloading of said tested IC packages from said plurality of test stations to said second tray.