Abstract:
A shutdown apparatus and method for use in conjunction with automatic test equipment (ATE) is provided. A unit under test (UUT) is inserted into an ATE receiver that couples the UUT to at least one electronic device during test and extracted from the ATE receiver after test. The shutdown apparatus comprises an electro-mechanical interface that inserts the UUT into the receiver prior to test and extracts the UUT from the receiver after test A shutdown module is coupled to the electronic device and to the electro-mechanical interface and connects the electronic device to the receiver after insertion of the UUT into the receiver and disconnects the electronic device from the receiver prior to extraction of the UUT from the receiver.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments described herein relate generally to test equipment for electronic systems, and more particularly, to a control device including a shutdown module (SDM) for providing a rapid safety shutdown command to electronic equipment such as multiple AC/DC power supplies or other electronic devices. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Automatic test equipment (ATE) refers to automated devices that are widely used in the electronic manufacturing industry to test electronic components and systems after they are fabricated. For example, ATE devices may be used to quickly and efficiently test printed circuit boards, integrated circuits, and other related electronic components or modules including simple components such as resistors, capacitors, and inductors. 
     The use of ATE to test the digital circuits of a Unit Under Test (UUT) is an important step in the manufacture of such devices. Integrated circuit manufacturers routinely perform functional and parametric testing on integrated circuits by using ATE logic tests to simulate input logic signals at various terminals of the UUT while the ATE monitors the various output signals to determine if they exhibit expected logic patterns. Such systems provide valuable diagnostic functionality testing including the diagnosis and prognosis of aircraft systems and devices such as avionics systems for use on commercial and military aircraft. 
     When testing such devices by the ATE, it may be necessary to apply different power levels to the UUT. Various power supplies may be required for coupling to specific terminals of the UUT. Furthermore, different UUTs may require different power supplies and/or other electronic devices. Thus, the ATE should be configured so as to provide the various power levels and electronic devices in a safe, simple, and efficient manner including a mechanism for rapidly shutting down the power supplies, electronic devices, and the like. Alternatively or additionally, it may be necessary to couple other electronic devices to specific terminals of the UUT. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
     In accordance with the foregoing, there is provided a shutdown apparatus for automatic test equipment (ATE) of the type wherein a unit under test (UUT) is inserted into an ATE receiver that couples the UUT to at least one electronic device during test and extracted from the ATE receiver after test. The shutdown apparatus comprises an electro-mechanical interface that inserts the UUT into the receiver prior to test and extracts the UUT from the receiver after test, and a shutdown module coupled to the electronic device and to the electro-mechanical interface that couples the electronic device to the receiver after insertion of the UUT into the receiver and disconnects the electronic device from the receiver prior to extraction of the UUT from the receiver. 
     A shutdown module for automatic test equipment (ATE) is also provided. An electronic device to be tested is inserted into an ATE receiver that enables the UUT to receive power from at least one ATE power supply during test, and the UUT is extracted from the ATE receiver after test. The shutdown apparatus comprises a first connector configured to be coupled to the ATE power supply for enabling and disabling the ATE power supply and a second connector for receiving a first signal indicating that the device is properly engaged with the receiver. 
     A method for providing power to a unit under test (UUT) to be tested with an ATE is also provided. The ATE which includes at least one electronic device. The UUT is inserted into an ATE receiver that is configured to couple the UUT to the electronic device and, the UUT is extracted from the ATE receiver after test. The method comprises monitoring the position of the UUT as it is inserted into and extracted from the receiver, coupling the electronic device to the receiver when a signal generated by the ATE indicates that the UUT is completely engaged with the receiver, and disconnecting the electronic device from the receiver prior to extraction of the UUT from the receiver. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the subject matter may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the figures. 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of an exemplary automatic test equipment (ATE) station in accordance with an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  is an isometric view illustrating a UUT to be tested positioned for insertion into a receiver of the ATE; 
         FIG. 3  is a functional block diagram of a shutdown module in accordance with an exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  is a functional block diagram of the shutdown apparatus including a shutdown module in accordance with further exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  is an exemplary logic diagram illustrating the operation of a shutdown apparatus of the type shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 ; and 
         FIG. 6  illustrates a front panel of a shutdown module in accordance with an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter or the application and uses of such embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. 
     Techniques and technologies may be described herein in terms of functional and/or logical block components and with reference to symbolic representations of operations, processing tasks, and functions that may be performed by various computing components or devices. Such operations, tasks, and functions are sometimes referred to as being computer-executed, computerized, software-implemented, or computer-implemented. In practice, one or more processor devices can carry out the described operations, tasks, and functions by manipulating electrical signals representing data bits at memory locations in the system memory, as well as other processing of signals. The memory locations where data bits are maintained are physical locations that have particular electrical, magnetic, optical, or organic properties corresponding to the data bits. It should be appreciated that the various block components shown in the figures may be realized by any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, an embodiment of a system or a component may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices. 
     For the sake of brevity, conventional techniques and other functional aspects of certain systems and subsystems (and the individual operating components thereof) may not be described in detail herein. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in an embodiment of the subject matter. 
     The following description and claimed subject matter present illustrated embodiments of generic, modular, and scalable automatic test equipment (ATE) station resources. The illustrated embodiments independently validate commercial ATE station resources, yet are configurable for a user to easily modify for differing ATE station configurations (differing resource combinations or number of resources). 
     The modular design approach seen in the illustrated embodiments reduces engineering effort, uses standard control software architecture, and provides a common method for testing electronic systems. The initial design time is reduced by providing the design engineer with a mechanism for testing an electronic device contained in enclosure housing. The ATE routes the resource signals to a dual data bus back plane that maps the test station stimulus resources to the electronic device to functionally test the device. In one embodiment, the electronic devices comprise custom printed circuit boards. These may take the form factor of a card, and will be referred to herein as device under test (UUT) card modules. 
       FIG. 1  is a rear isometric view of an exemplary automatic test equipment (ATE) station  10  in which various aspects of the previous description and following claimed subject matter may be implemented. Station  10  includes framework or cabinet  12  that houses a computer workstation, server, or similar computer system  14  to provide control, monitoring, and recording of various ATE station  10  resources. ATE station resources  16  and  18  are integrated into the station  10  and are adapted to be in communication with computer workstation  14 . The station resources  16  and  18  may vary from implementation to implementation, depending upon the needs of a user. For example, the resources  16  and  18  may include power supplies, power distribution units, or other resources. A receiver  20  provides an interface between the station  10  and a device under test (UUT)  24  which is normally placed on the table  22  and interconnected with the station  10 . In the depicted embodiment, UUT  24  is interconnected with the receiver  20 . UUT  24  may include one or more UUT modules or cards to be tested by the particular resources implemented in station  10 . 
     As stated previously, it is contemplated that embodiments described herein provide the ability to rapidly transition electronic devices and/or other resources in the ATE to an off and safe condition, if necessary. For illustration purposes only, however, embodiments will be described below wherein the electronic devices include power supplies and external electrical equipment. Thus, the following embodiments relate to a shutdown module (SDM)  44  for controlling the application of power from one or more power supplies to receiver  20  and other equipment. The shutdown module  44  receives an input from an electro-mechanical system via a limit switch (LS) that indicates connector engagement or disengagement. It is also contemplated that the SDM  44  is capable of being housed within a standard industrial enclosure in a standard equipment rack and provides a visual indication of the power output status of the ATE power sources shown at  45  in  FIG. 1  and described in more detail in connection with  FIG. 6 . 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric view of a UUT in proximity with receiver  20 . When a mechanical actuator (e.g. lever  26 ) is raised to a predetermined location (approximately halfway up), the UUT is drawn into engagement with receiver  20 . As lever  26  is further raised, power as applied to the connectors  42  of receiver  20 . After the test is complete, lever  26  is lowered causing power to be disconnected from connectors  42  (i.e. when the lever is approximately halfway down) prior to the removal of UUT  24  from contacts  42 . Continuing the downward movement of lever  26  causes UUT  24  to disengage from the contacts of receiver  20  (i.e. subsequent to the removal of power from the contacts. As will be shown in connection with  FIG. 6 , an indicator light on the shutdown module front panel will be illuminated when there is no power to the contacts of receiver  20 . 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating the inputs to and the outputs from the SDM  44  that provide for the safe and rapid shutdown of the ATE should circumstances merit such a shutdown. In accordance with an embodiment, SDM  44  receives inputs from the LS  46  responsive to the position of lever  26  ( FIG. 2 ) as discussed previously. The SDM is capable of controlling up to eight separate power supplies, only three of which,  48 ,  50 , and  52 , are shown for clarity. Thus, all power supplies may be rapidly powered down when lever  26  is lowered approximately half-way as previously described. 
     In accordance with a further embodiment, an external control device  54  is also provided. It may sometimes be necessary or at least desirable to provide power to a plurality (e.g. three) of external devices  56 ,  58 , and  60  that may be part of the ATE system that would need such shutdown in addition to the power supplies. It is equally desirable, however, to provide a rapid control signal to these external devices along with a rapid shutdown of power to the ATE power supplies. Thus, shutdown module  44  is configured to receive a signal from an external user control device  54  that would activate the logic within the SDM to rapidly shut down up to eight ATE power supplies  48 ,  50 , . . .  52 , and, in addition, trigger relays  56 ,  58 , and  60  to shut down any external devices that may be electrically coupled thereto. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates the rear panel  64  of SDM  44  in accordance with an exemplary embodiment wherein like elements are denoted by like reference numerals. It comprises a power input socket  66 , a plurality of sockets  68  (e.g. three) to which external equipment relays  56 ,  58 , and  60  may be electrically coupled, a plurality of pairs of connectors  70  (e.g. eight), each comprising a first connector  72  for enabling and disabling one of the power supplies  48 ,  50 , and  52  ( FIG. 3 ) housed within ATE  10  and a second connector  74  (a user control plug ( FIG. 1 )) for receiving a signal that an individual ATE power supply  72  is to be disabled at the discretion of the ATE user  62  ( FIG. 3 ). In addition, a connector  76  is provided for coupling to LS  46 , and connector  78  is provided for coupling to external user control device  55  that may be included on a power distribution unit (PDU)  54  (housed in ATE cabinet  12 ). In addition, master and slave connectors,  80  and  82  respectively, are provided to permit a number of shutdown modules to be coupled in series without the need for externally coupling the LS switch and the external user control device to each one. 
     The operation of SDM  44  will be further described in connection with  FIG. 5  which is a functional logic diagram illustrating its operation in accordance with an embodiment. As can be seen, a user shutdown signal is provided to a first input of each of OR-functions  86 ,  88 , and  90 . The outputs of OR-functions  86 ,  88 , and  90  are provided directly to power supplies  48 ,  50 , and  52 , respectively. The inverted outputs of OR-functions  86 ,  88  and  90  are also provided to power supplies  48 ,  50 , and  52  respectively via inverters  92 ,  94 , and  96 . In this manner, one or more power supplies may be turned off by a user of the ATE as previously described. In addition, OR-function  84  has a first input coupled to receive a LS signal from lever mechanism  26  and a second input coupled to receive an external user control signal from PDU  54 . The output of OR-function  84  is applied to a second input of OR-functions  86 ,  88 , and  90 , which are, in turn, applied to inverted and non-inverted inputs of each of power supplies  48 ,  50 , and  52  to provide the appropriate logic signal to control the power supply output power. The output of OR-function  88  may also be applied in a similar manner to any or all of an additional five power supplies (not shown) since the SDM can accommodate up to eight power supplies as described in connection with  FIG. 4 . In addition to turning the power supplies off, the user control signal is also provided to any auxiliary equipment by triggering relays  56 ,  58 , and/or  60  ( FIG. 3 ). Finally, the SDM  44  includes a master plug  80  and a slave plug  82  to permit the daisy-charging of SDMs as previously described. While  FIG. 5  has been described in connection with OR-functions, it should be appreciated that this is an exemplary implementation, and that various logic functions and circuitry may be utilized to obtain the desired result. 
       FIG. 6  illustrates an exemplary front panel  100  of a shutdown module in accordance with the foregoing. As can be seen, a visual indicator  102  illuminates when the shutdown module is on. Visual indicator  104 , when illuminated, indicates that an external user control device signal has been generated, and visual indicator  106 , when illuminated, indicates that the UUT  20  is coupled to the ATE receiver. Finally, visual indicators  108 , when illuminated, indicate which, if any, of the eight power supply outputs are disabled. 
     While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. For example, the techniques and methodologies presented here could also be deployed as part of a fully automated guidance system to allow the flight crew to monitor and visualize the execution of automated maneuvers. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claimed subject matter in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the described embodiment or embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope defined by the claims, which includes known equivalents and foreseeable equivalents at the time of filing this patent application.