Patent Abstract:
An integrated circuit chip can be thermally destroyed in a tester due to a defective pressed joint with a temperature regulating component. A method which prevents such destruction begins with the step of pressing the chip against the temperature regulating component within the tester. While the pressing step is occurring, thermal power is sent to the temperature regulating component with a magnitude that undergoes an abrupt change. Then, during a time interval that begins with the abrupt change in thermal power, a temperature change is sensed in either the temperature regulating component, or the chip. Thereafter, electrical power is applied to the chip in the tester only if the temperature change, which is sensed by the sensing step, meets a predetermined criteria.

Full Description:
RELATED CASES 
     The present invention, as identified by the above title and docket number, is related to one other invention which has docket number 550,682 (Ser. No. 10/391,887) and is entitled “INITIAL CONTACT METHOD OF PREVENTING AN INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CHIP FROM BEING THERMALLY DESTROYED IN A TESTER DUE TO A DEFECTIVE PRESSED JOINT”. Patent applications on both of these inventions were filed concurrently on Mar. 18, 2003, and they have one common Detailed Description. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to methods, that can be performed automatically in a chip tester, which prevent a chip from being thermally destroyed by a defective pressed joint between the chip and a temperature regulating component within the chip tester. As used herein, the term “chip” means any of the following items: 1) an integrated circuit that is encapsulated in a package, such as a plastic or ceramic packages; 2) an integrated circuit by itself without an encapsulating package; and 3) the integrated circuit of items 1) or 2) which is mounted on a substrate. 
     In the prior art, the structure of one chip tester is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,325,662. All of the teachings of that patent are herein incorporated by reference; however, FIGS. 2 and 2A in the patent show a portion of the chip tester that is most relevant to the present invention. Those figures are reproduced herein as FIGS. 1 and 2, and they are labeled prior art. 
     The above prior art chip tester includes a frame that has four vertical members, two of which are shown herein in FIGS. 1 and 2 as items  11   e  and  11   f . These members support multiple sets of: a chip holding subassembly, a power converter subassembly, a temperature regulating subassembly, and a pressing mechanism. 
     Each chip holding subassembly includes components  12   a - 12   d . From one to fourteen of these chip holding subassemblies are in the frame. Component  12   a  is a printed circuit board which has one face  12   a - 1  and an opposite face  12   a - 2 . Attached to face  12   a - 1  are N sockets  12   b , each of which holds one IC chip  12   c  that is to be tested. Here, N is any desired number, such as sixteen or thirty, for example. Attached to face  12   a - 2  are N sets of electrical contacts  12   d , and each set carries all of the electrical power and all signals for one of the chips  12   c . Each socket  12   b  is connected to one set of contacts  12   d  by microscopic conductors (not shown) that pass thru the printed circuit board  12   a.    
     Each power converter subassembly includes components  13   a - 13   c . A separate power converter subassembly is supported by the frame above each chip holding subassembly. Component  13   a  is a printed circuit board which has one face  13   a - 1  and an opposite face  13   a - 2 . Attached to face  13   a - 1  are N sets of electrical contacts  13   b , each of which mates with one set of the contacts  12   d  on the chip holding subassembly. Attached to face  13   a - 2  are N DC—DC power converters  13   c . Each power converter  13   c  supplies power to one set of the contacts  13   b , and it is connected to those contacts by microscopic conductors (not shown) that pass through the printed circuit board  13   a.    
     Each temperature regulating subassembly includes components  14   a - 14   d . A separate temperature regulating subassembly is in the frame below each chip holding assembly  12 . Component  14   a  is a flat rigid plate which has one face  14   a - 1  and an opposite face  14   a - 2 . Attached to face  14   a - 2  are N springy components  14   b , and each springy component  14   b  holds one temperature regulating component  14   c  such that it is aligned with one chip  12   c  in the chip holding assembly  12 . 
     The temperature regulating component  14   c  can be of a type which removes heat from the chips  12   c  by conduction, such as a heat sink; or it can be of a type which adds heat to the chips  12   c  by conduction, such as an electric resistive heater; or it can be a combination of both types. Several stops  14   d  are attached to the face  14   a - 2 , and they are aligned with the spaces between the sockets  12   b  in the chip holding assembly. These stops  14   d  limit the force with which the temperature regulating components  14   c  can be pressed against the chips  12   c.    
     Each pressing mechanism includes components  15   a - 15   g . Component  15   a  is a rail which is rigidly attached to the frame columns  11   e  and  11   f . This rail  15   a lies below the temperature regulating subassembly and is parallel to face  14   a - 1  of the plate  14   a . Components  15   b  and  15   c  are a pair of arms that are coupled together with a pivotal joint  15   d  which presses against face  14   a - 1  of the plate  14   a . The arms  15   b  and  15   c  also have slidable joints  15   e  and  15   f  which slide on the rail  15   a . Component  15   g  is a spring which is coupled between the slidable joint  15   f  and the frame. All of the components  15   b - 15   g  are duplicated in the pressing mechanism as shown in FIG.  1 . 
     In operation, an actuator slides the arms  15   b  on the rail  15   a  to either an “open” position or a “closed” position. When the arms  15   b  are in the open position, the angle “A” between the arms  15   b  and  15   c  is large, and so the pivotal joints  15   d  have moved down. Consequently, each chip holding subassembly is spaced apart from its corresponding power converter subassembly and corresponding temperature regulating subassembly, as is shown in FIG.  1 . 
     Conversely, when the arms  15   b  are in the closed position, the angle “A” between the arms  15   b  and  15   c  is small, and so the pivotal joints  15   d  have moved up. Consequently, each chip holding subassembly is pressed against its corresponding power converter subassembly and corresponding temperature regulating subassembly, as is shown in FIG.  2 . 
     To test a set of chips with the tester of FIGS. 1 and 2, the following sequence of steps conventionally is performed. First, while the arms  15   b  are in the open position, each chip holding subassembly is placed in the tester between its corresponding power converter subassembly and corresponding temperature regulating subassembly. Next, the arms  15   b  are moved to the closed position, and in that position electrical power and test signals are sent to all of chips  12   c . While this occurs, the temperature of the chips  12   c  is regulated by the temperature regulating components  14   c . Then, after all of the test signals have been sent to the chips  12   c , the electrical power to chips is turned off, the arms  15   b  are moved back to the open position, and each chip holding subassembly is removed from the tester. 
     However, a major drawback with the above sequence of steps is that when the arms  15   b  are in the closed position, a defect may be present in one or more of the pressed joints that occur between the chips  12   c  and the corresponding temperature regulating components  14   c . Due to such a defect, the thermal resistance through the pressed joint can be so large that the temperature regulating component  14   c  is not able to prevent the chip  12   c  from overheating when electrical power is applied to chip. 
     One particular cause for a pressed joint being defective is that a chip  12   c  has been improperly inserted in its socket  12   b . Another cause is that the surface of a temperature regulating component  14   c  which contacts a chip  12   c  has been oxidized by extended use, and thereby became too resistant. Still another cause is that a film of thermally resistant debris has been accidentally deposited on the surface of a chip  12   c  or the surface of a temperature regulating component  14   c  that gets pressed together. 
     The above problem is most serious for the latest state-of-the-art chips which dissipate extremely high levels of electrical power. Some of the latest chips dissipate over two-hundred watts of power, and at that power level a chip will rapidly destroy itself if it is not properly cooled. Starting at about 150 degrees centigrade, various materials that make up the chip can either improperly diffuse, or soften, or melt. 
     Accordingly, a primary object of the present invention is to overcome the above problem. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a method of preventing the thermal destruction of an integrated circuit chip in a tester that includes a temperature regulating component for contacting the chip through a pressed joint, which could be defective. This method begins with the step of pressing the chip and the temperature regulating component together within the tester. Then, while the pressing step is occurring, thermal power is sent to the temperature regulating component with a magnitude that undergoes an abrupt change. Then, during a time interval that begins with the abrupt change in thermal power, a temperature change is sensed in either the temperature regulating component, or the chip. Thereafter, electrical power is applied to the chip in the tester only if the temperature change, which is sensed by the sensing step, meets a predetermined criteria. This method is based on certain thermodynamic principles which are explained in the Detailed Description. 
     In one particular version of the above method, the sensing step is performed by an electronic sensor in the temperature regulating component, and electrical power is applied to the chip only if the temperature change, which is sensed by the sensing step, is smaller than a preset limit. In one other particular version, the sensing step is performed by an electronic sensor in the chip, and electrical power is applied to the chip only if the temperature change, which is sensed by the sensing step, is larger than a preset limit. 
     In another particular version, the step of sending thermal power to the temperature regulating component is performed by including a hollow heatsink in the temperature regulating component and passing a fluid with an abrupt change in temperature through the heatsink. In still another particular version, the step of sending thermal power to the temperature regulating component is performed by including an electric heater in the temperature regulating component and passing a current with an abrupt change through the electric heater. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 shows a prior art chip tester in one particular state of operation. 
     FIG. 2 shows the prior art chip tester of FIG. 1 in a different state of operation. 
     FIG. 3 shows a modification that is incorporated into the prior art chip tester of FIGS. 1 and 2 which enables the present invention to be performed. 
     FIG. 4 is a thermodynamic schematic diagram which represents a portion of the modified chip tester of FIG.  3 . 
     FIG. 5 is a set of thermodynamic equations and expressions which are derived from FIG.  4  and which explain how the FIG. 3 modification works. 
     FIG. 6 is a set of curves that graphically illustrate one particular version of the present invention. 
     FIG. 7 is a set of curves that graphically illustrate another particular version of the present invention. 
     FIG. 8 shows a second modification that is incorporated into the prior art chip tester of FIGS. 1 and 2 which enables the present invention to be performed. 
     FIG. 9 is a thermodynamic schematic diagram which represents a portion of the modified chip tester of FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 10 is a set of thermodynamic equations and expressions which are derived from FIG.  10  and which explain how the FIG. 8 modification works. 
     FIG. 11 shows a third modification that is incorporated into the prior art chip tester of FIGS. 1 and 2 which enables the present invention to be performed. 
     FIG. 12 shows a fourth modification that is incorporated into the prior art chip tester of FIGS. 1 and 2 which enables the present invention to be performed. 
     FIG. 13 is a set of curves that graphically illustrates one particular mode of operation for the FIG. 12 modification. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring now to FIG. 3, it shows a modification that is incorporated into the prior art chip tester of FIGS. 1 and 2 which enables the present invention to be performed. All of the components that are in FIG. 3, but are not in FIGS. 1 and 2, are identified below in TABLE 1. All other components in FIG. 3 have the same reference numerals that they have in FIGS. 1 and 2. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 Number 
                 Component 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 21, 22, 23 . . . . 
                 Component 21 is a hollow 
               
               
                   
                   
                 heatsink which has an input 
               
               
                   
                   
                 port 22 and an output port 
               
               
                   
                   
                 23. A constant temperature 
               
               
                   
                   
                 liquid (not shown) passes 
               
               
                   
                   
                 from the input port to the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 output port. 
               
               
                   
                 24, 25 . . . . . . 
                 Component 24 is a thin flat 
               
               
                   
                   
                 electric heater. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Electrical power is sent to 
               
               
                   
                   
                 this heater on conductors 
               
               
                   
                   
                 25. 
               
               
                   
                 26, 27 . . . . . . 
                 Component 26 is an 
               
               
                   
                   
                 electronic temperature 
               
               
                   
                   
                 sensor which is integrated 
               
               
                   
                   
                 into the heater 24. This 
               
               
                   
                   
                 sensor generates signals on 
               
               
                   
                   
                 conductors 27 which 
               
               
                   
                   
                 indicate the temperature 
               
               
                   
                   
                 of the heater 24. 
               
               
                   
                 28, 29, 30 . . . . 
                 Component 28 is a variable 
               
               
                   
                   
                 power supply for the heater 
               
               
                   
                   
                 24. Electrical power is 
               
               
                   
                   
                 received by the power 
               
               
                   
                   
                 supply on conductors 29 
               
               
                   
                   
                 from an external source. A 
               
               
                   
                   
                 signal SELPWR on conductors 
               
               
                   
                   
                 30 selects the amount of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 power that is sent from the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 power supply 28 to heater 
               
               
                   
                   
                 24. 
               
               
                   
                 31 . . . . . . . . 
                 Component 31 is a control 
               
               
                   
                   
                 module for heater 24. This 
               
               
                   
                   
                 control module has a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 “normal” mode of operation 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and a “joint-test” mode of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 operation, each of which is 
               
               
                   
                   
                 described later. 
               
               
                   
                 32, 33, 34 . . . . 
                 Component 32 is a conductor 
               
               
                   
                   
                 which carries a JTEST 
               
               
                   
                   
                 signal to control module 
               
               
                   
                   
                 31. In response to that 
               
               
                   
                   
                 signal, module 31 enters 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the joint-test mode of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 operation. The results of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the joint-test are 
               
               
                   
                   
                 indicated by a PASS signal 
               
               
                   
                   
                 on conductor 33, or a FAIL 
               
               
                   
                   
                 signal on conductor 34. 
               
               
                   
                 35 . . . . . . . . 
                 Component 35 is a set of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 conductors which carry 
               
               
                   
                   
                 signals SETP to the control 
               
               
                   
                   
                 module 31. These signals 
               
               
                   
                   
                 indicate a set-point 
               
               
                   
                   
                 temperature for the normal 
               
               
                   
                   
                 operating mode. 
               
               
                   
                 36 . . . . . . . . 
                 Component 36 is a cable 
               
               
                   
                   
                 which includes the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 conductors 32-35. 
               
               
                   
                 37 . . . . . . . . 
                 Component 37 is a central 
               
               
                   
                   
                 control module for the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 entire tester of FIGS. 1-3. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 How this module operates is 
               
               
                   
                   
                 described later. 
               
               
                   
                 38, 39 . . . . . . 
                 Component 38 is a conductor 
               
               
                   
                   
                 which carries a PON signal 
               
               
                   
                   
                 from the central control 
               
               
                   
                   
                 module 37 to the DC-DC 
               
               
                   
                   
                 converter 13c. In response 
               
               
                   
                   
                 to that signal, the DC-DC 
               
               
                   
                   
                 converter 13c sends power 
               
               
                   
                   
                 on a conductor 39 to chip 
               
               
                   
                   
                 12c. 
               
               
                   
                 40, 41 . . . . . . 
                 Component 40 is a set of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 conductors which carry test 
               
               
                   
                   
                 signals TSI into the chip 
               
               
                   
                   
                 12c from the central 
               
               
                   
                   
                 control module 37. 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Component 41 is a set of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 conductors which carry test 
               
               
                   
                   
                 signals TSO out from the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 chip 12c to the central 
               
               
                   
                   
                 control module 37. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     In FIG. 3, the above components  21 - 41  are only shown once for a single chip  12   c  in a single socket  12   b  on a single printed circuit board· 6 BXa. However, to incorporate the modification of FIG. 3 into the prior art tester of FIGS. 1 and 2, all of the components  21 - 35  and  38 - 41  are repeated for each socket  12   b  on each printed circuit board  12   a.    
     Now, in operation, the above modified tester performs the following sequence of steps. First, while the arms  15   b  are in the open position, as shown in FIG. 1, each chip holding subassembly  12   a - 12   d  is placed in the tester between its corresponding power converter subassembly and corresponding temperature regulating subassembly. Next, the arms  15   b  are moved to the closed position in which each chip  12   c  forms a pressed joint with a heater  24 . One such joint is shown in FIG.  3 . Then, before any electrical power is applied to the chips  12   c  by the DC—DC converters  13   c , a joint test is performed on each pressed joint between the chips  12   c  and the heaters  24 . 
     To start the above joint test, the central control module  37  sends the JTEST signal over the conductors  32  to each heater control module  31 . In response, each heater control module  31  directs its heater power supply  28  to send electrical power to its heater  24  with a magnitude that is initially constant at one level and then abruptly changes to a different constant level. These two power levels are specified by the SELPWR signals on the conductors  30 . 
     Then, during a predetermined time interval that begins with the above abrupt change in heater power, each heater control module  31  senses the amount by which the temperature of its heater  24  changes. The instantaneous temperature of a heater  24  is indicated by the signals from the heater&#39;s sensor  26 . The change in temperature is obtained by sampling the signals from sensor  26  at the beginning and end of the predetermined time interval, and taking the magnitude of the difference between the two samples. Preferably, the time interval in which the sampling occurs is less than one second. For example, in one actual embodiment, the time interval was only 250 milliseconds. 
     Next, each heater control module  31  compares the above change in heater temperature that it sensed to a limit value. If the sensed change in heater temperature exceeds the limit value, then the heater control module  31  sends the FAIL signal back to the central control module  37 . Otherwise, the heater control module  31  sends the PASS signal back to the central control module  37 . 
     When the heater control module  31  for a particular chip sends the FAIL signal, then the central control module  37  does not test that chip. In particular, the central control module  37  does not send the PON signal to the DC—DC converter  13   c  for the chip, and so the chip does not receive any electrical power. This prevents the chip from thermally destroying itself due to a defective pressed joint with its heater  24 . 
     Conversely, when the heater control module  31  for a particular chip  12   c  sends the PASS signal, then the central control module  37  proceeds to test that chip. To do that, the central control module  37  first sends the PON signal to the DC—DC converter  13   c  for the chip. In response, the DC—DC converter  13   c  sends electrical power PC to the chip. Thereafter, the central control module  37  sends the test signals TSI to the chip and receives the test signals TSO as a response. 
     While the above testing of the chip  12   c  occurs, the heater control module  31  operates in the normal mode. There, the heater control module  31  attempts to keep the heater  24  at the set-point temperature even though the chip  12   c  dissipates an amount of power that varies with the test signals TSI and TSO. If the temperature of the heater  24  drops below the set-point, then the heater control module  31  increases the electrical power to the heater. Conversely if the temperature of the heater  24  rises above the set-point, then the heater control module  31  decreases the electrical power to the heater. 
     After all of the test signals TSI have been sent, then the central control module  37  removes electrical power from all of the chips  12   c  in the tester. To do that, the central control module  37  stops sending the PON signal to each DC—DC converter  13   c . Next, the arms  15   b  are moved to the open position as shown in FIG.  2 . Then, any chips  12   c  which failed the joint test can be removed from their sockets  12   b  and saved for re-testing after the cause of the failed joint test is determined and corrected. Also, all chips  12   c  which passed both their joint test and their chip test can be sold to customers. 
     Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 5, the technical principles on which the above joint test is based will be described. To begin, reference should be made to FIG. 4 which is a thermodynamic schematic diagram of the chip  12   c , the electric heater  24 , and the heatsink  21  in FIG.  3 . This schematic diagram contains several symbols, and the meaning of each symbol is described below in TABLE 2. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SYMBOL 
                 MEANING 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 θ HC  . . . . . . . 
                 This is the thermal 
               
               
                   
                   
                 resistance between the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 heater 24 and the chip 12c. 
               
               
                   
                 θ HS  . . . . . . . 
                 This is the thermal 
               
               
                   
                   
                 resistance between the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 heater 24 and the heatsink 
               
               
                   
                   
                 21. 
               
               
                   
                 P H  . . . . . . . 
                 This is the electrical 
               
               
                   
                   
                 power that is sent to the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 heater 24. 
               
               
                   
                 P HC  . . . . . . . 
                 This is the thermal power 
               
               
                   
                   
                 that is transferred between 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the heater 24 and the chip 
               
               
                   
                   
                 12c. A positive value 
               
               
                   
                   
                 indicates that thermal 
               
               
                   
                   
                 power flows into the chip 
               
               
                   
                   
                 12c; a negative value 
               
               
                   
                   
                 indicates that thermal 
               
               
                   
                   
                 power flows out of the chip 
               
               
                   
                   
                 12c. 
               
               
                   
                 P HS  . . . . . . . 
                 This is the thermal power 
               
               
                   
                   
                 that is transferred between 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the heater 24 and the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 heatsink 21. A positive 
               
               
                   
                   
                 value indicates that 
               
               
                   
                   
                 thermal power flows into 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the heatsink 21; a negative 
               
               
                   
                   
                 value indicates that 
               
               
                   
                   
                 thermal power flows out of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the heatsink 21. 
               
               
                   
                 P C  . . . . . . . 
                 This is the electrical 
               
               
                   
                   
                 power which is sent to the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 chip 12c. This power 
               
               
                   
                   
                 equals zero during the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 above described joint test. 
               
               
                   
                 T H  . . . . . . . 
                 This is the temperature of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the heater 24. 
               
               
                   
                 T C  . . . . . . . 
                 This is the temperature of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the chip 12c. 
               
               
                   
                 T S  . . . . . . . 
                 This is the temperature of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the heatsink 21. 
               
               
                   
                 M H  . . . . . . . 
                 This is the thermal mass of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the heater 24. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Using the above symbols of TABLE 2 and the schematic diagram of FIG. 4, equation 1 of FIG. 5 can be written. Equation 1 says that the electrical power P H  which is put into the heater  24  gets partitioned into three parts. One part P HC  flows to the chip  12   c , another part P HS  flows to the heatsink  21 , and the remaining part causes the temperature of the heater to change. 
     Next, equation 2 of FIG. 5 is obtained by replacing P HC  and P HS  in equation 1 with equivalent terms. The equivalent term for P HC  is (T H −T C )÷θ HC , and the equivalent term for P HS  is (T H −T S )÷θ HS . 
     Next, expression  3  of FIG. 5 says that when the electrical power P H  in equation 2 is kept at one constant level, then the heater temperature in equation 2 reaches a steady state where it stays constant. By comparison, expression  4  of FIG. 5 says that when the electrical power P H  in equation 2 is abruptly increased from one constant level to a different level, then the heater temperature in equation 2 changes at a positive rate. 
     Suppose now that no defect exists in the pressed joint between the chip  12   c  and the heater  24  of FIGS. 3 and 4. In that case, the thermal resistance θ HC  in equation 2 will be relatively small. This is indicated by the arrow  45   a  in expression  5 A. Conversely, if a defect does exist in the pressed joint between the chip  12   c  and the heater  24 , then the thermal resistance θ HC  in equation 2 will be relatively large as is indicated by the arrow  46   a  in expression  5 B. 
     Now, if θ HC  in equation 2 is small, then the power term (T H −T C )÷θ HC  in equation 2 will be large. This is because the denominator of that power term is small. This is indicated by the arrow  45   b  in expression  5 A. 
     Also, if the power term (T H −T C )÷θ HC  in equation 2 is large, then the two right-most terms in equation 2 will be small. This is because the heater power P H  minus the power term (T H −T C )÷θ HC  equals the two right-most terms of equation 2. This is indicated by the arrow  45   c  in expression  5 A. 
     Further, if the two right-most terms of equation 2 are small, then the rate of change of heater temperature will be small. This is because the rate of change of heater temperature is in the right-most term of equation 2. This is indicated by the arrow  45   d  in expression  5 A. 
     Conversely, if θ HC  in equation 2 is large, then the power term (T H −T C )÷θ HC  in equation 2 will be small. This is because the denominator of that power term is large. This is indicated by the arrow  46   b  in expression  5 B. 
     Also, if the power term (T H −T C )÷θ HC  in equation 2 is small, then the two right-most terms in equation 2 will be large. This is because the heater power P H  minus the power term (T H −T C )÷θ HC  equals the two right-most terms of equation 2. This is indicated by the arrow  46   c  in expression  5 B. 
     Further, if the two right-most terms of equation 2 are large, then the rate of change of heater temperature will be large. This is because the rate of change of heater temperature is in the right-most term of equation 2. This is indicated by the arrow  46   d  in expression  5 B. 
     Next, reference should be made to FIG. 6 which shows a set of curves that graphically illustrate the above points. In FIG. 6, curve  51  shows the heater power P H  as a function of time, and two curves  52  and  53  show the heater temperature T H  as a function of time. These curves are for the structure of FIG.  3 . 
     Prior to time t 1  in FIG. 6, the heater power P H  is constant and the heater temperature T H  has reached a constant steady-state. Then, at time t 1 , the heater power P H  is abruptly increased to a different constant level. 
     In response to the above power increase, the heater temperature T H  increases and eventually reaches a new constant steady-state. However, the rate at which the heater temperature increases depends on whether the pressed joint between the heater  24  and chip  12   c  is defective or non-defective, as was explained above in conjunction with the equations of FIG.  5 . 
     If the pressed joint is defective, then the rate at which the heater&#39;s temperature T H  increases is large. This is shown by curve  52 . If the pressed joint is not defective, then the rate at which the heater&#39;s temperature increases is small. This is shown by curve  53 . 
     To sense whether the pressed joint is defective or not, the heater temperature is first sampled in the steady state prior to time t 1 . Subsequently, the heater temperature is sampled at time t 1 +Δt. Then the first sample is subtracted from the second sample, and the difference is compared to a limit value. If the difference exceeds the limit value, then the pressed joint is defective. 
     Preferably, the time t 1 +Δt at which the heater temperature is sensed for the method of FIGS. 3-5 occurs when the difference between the curves  52  and  53  is at or near a maximum value. Here, t 1  is when the heater power P H  is abruptly increased. 
     One preferred method of preventing a chip from being thermally destroyed in a tester, due to a defective pressed joint, has now been described in detail. Next, a variation to that particular method will be described with reference to FIG.  7 . 
     In FIG. 7, curve  61  shows the heater power P H  as a function of time, and two curves  62  and  63  show the heater temperature T H  as a function of time. These curves again are for the structure of FIG.  3 . 
     Prior to time t 1  in FIG. 7, the heater power P H  is constant and the heater temperature T H  has reached a constant steady-state. Then, at time t 1 , the heater power P H  is abruptly decreased to a different constant level. 
     In response to the above power decrease, the heater temperature T H  decreases and eventually reaches a new constant steady-state. However, the rate at which the heater temperature decreases depends on whether the pressed joint between the heater  24  and chip  12   c  is defective or non-defective. 
     If the pressed joint is defective, then the rate at which the heater temperature T H  decreases is large, and this is shown by curve  62 . If the pressed joint is not defective, then the rate at which the heater temperature decreases is small, and this is shown by curve  63 . 
     To sense whether the pressed joint is defective or not, the heater temperature is sampled in the steady-state prior to time t 1 . Subsequently the heater temperature is sampled at time t 1 +Δt. Then the second sample is subtracted from the first sample, and the difference is compared to a limit value. If this difference exceeds the limit value, then the pressed joint is defective. 
     Next, with reference to FIGS. 8,  9  and  10 , another version of the present invention will be described. To enable this particular version of the invention to be performed, the modification of FIG. 8 is incorporated into the prior art chip tester of FIGS. 1 and 2. All of the components that are in FIG. 8, but are not in FIGS. 1 and 2, are identified below in TABLE 3. All other components in FIG. 8 have the same reference numerals that they have in FIGS. 1 and 2. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 NUMBER 
                 COMPONENT 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 71, 72, 73 . . . . 
                 Component 71 is a hollow 
               
               
                   
                   
                 heatsink which has an input 
               
               
                   
                   
                 port 72 and an output port 
               
               
                   
                   
                 73. 
               
               
                   
                 74, 75, 76 . . . . 
                 Component 74 is a conduit 
               
               
                   
                   
                 which carries fluid to the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 input port 72 of the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 heatsink 71. This conduit 
               
               
                   
                   
                 74 has two input valves 75 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and 76. 
               
               
                   
                 77, 78, 79 . . . . 
                 Component 77 is a conduit 
               
               
                   
                   
                 which carries fluid from 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the output port 73 of the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 heatsink 71. This conduit 
               
               
                   
                   
                 74 has two output valves 78 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and 79. 
               
               
                   
                 80 . . . . . . . . 
                 Component 80 is a means for 
               
               
                   
                   
                 circulating a hot fluid 
               
               
                   
                   
                 through components 74, 71, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and 77 when the valves 75 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and 78 are open. 
               
               
                   
                 81 . . . . . . . . 
                 Component 81 is a means for 
               
               
                   
                   
                 circulating a cold fluid 
               
               
                   
                   
                 through components 74, 71, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and 77 when the valves 76 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and 79 are open. 
               
               
                   
                 82, 83 . . . . . . 
                 Component 82 is an 
               
               
                   
                   
                 electronic temperature 
               
               
                   
                   
                 sensor which is integrated 
               
               
                   
                   
                 into the chip 12c. This 
               
               
                   
                   
                 sensor generates signals on 
               
               
                   
                   
                 conductors 83 which 
               
               
                   
                   
                 indicate the temperature T C   
               
               
                   
                   
                 of the chip 12c. 
               
               
                   
                 84 . . . . . . . . 
                 Component 84 is a control 
               
               
                   
                   
                 submodule which receives 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the chip temperature 
               
               
                   
                   
                 signals on the conductors 
               
               
                   
                   
                 83, and performs various 
               
               
                   
                   
                 operations on those 
               
               
                   
                   
                 signals. These operations, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 which are described later, 
               
               
                   
                   
                 determine whether or not a 
               
               
                   
                   
                 defect exists in the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 pressed joint between the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 chip 12c and the heatsink 
               
               
                   
                   
                 71. 
               
               
                   
                 85 . . . . . . . . 
                 Component 85 is a central 
               
               
                   
                   
                 control module for the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 entire tester of FIGS. 1, 2 
               
               
                   
                   
                 and 8. 
               
               
                   
                 86a-86h . . . . . . 
                 Components 86a-86h are 
               
               
                   
                   
                 conductors which carry 
               
               
                   
                   
                 various signals, as shown 
               
               
                   
                   
                 in FIG. 8, to and from the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 central control module 85. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     To incorporate the components of TABLE 3 into the prior art tester of FIGS. 1 and 2, the heatsink  71 , conductors  83 , and control submodule  84  are repeated for each socket  12   b  on each printed circuit board  12   a . Also, each chip  12   c  that is placed into a socket  12   b  must have its own temperature sensor  82 . 
     In operation, the tester of FIGS. 1,  2  and  8  performs the following sequence of steps. First, the arms  15   b  are moved to the open position as shown in FIG. 1, and then each chip holding subassembly  12   a - 12   d  is placed in the tester between its corresponding power converter subassembly and corresponding temperature regulating subassembly. Next, the arms  15   b  are moved to the closed position, and in that position, each chip  12   c  forms a pressed joint with a heatsink  71 . One such joint is shown in FIG.  8 . Then, before any electrical power is applied to the chips  12   c  by the DC—DC converters  13   c , a joint test is performed on each pressed joint between the chips  12   c  and the heatsink  71 . 
     To start the above joint test, the central control module  85  first causes cold fluid to flow through each heatsink  71 . This is achieved by sending a control signal CS 1  to the valves  76  and  79  which causes those valves to open. The central control module  85  allows this cold fluid to flow for a time period which is at least long enough for the temperature of each heatsink  71  and the temperature of each chip  12   c  to reach a steady-state. 
     Next, the central control module  85  causes the temperature of the fluid that flows through each heatsink  71  to abruptly switch from cold to hot. This is achieved by stopping control signal CS 1  to close the valves  76  and  79 , and sending control signal CS 2  to open the valves  75  and  78 . 
     When the above switch from the cold fluid to the hot fluid begins, the central control module  85  sends a JTEST signal to each submodule  84  in the tester. In response, during a predetermined time interval that begins with the JTEST signal, each submodule  84  senses the amount by which the temperature of its corresponding chip  12   c  changes. This change in temperature is obtained by sampling the signals from sensor  82  at the beginning and end of the predetermined time interval, and subtracting the earlier sample from the later sample. 
     Next, each submodule  84  compares the above change in chip temperature that it sensed to a limit value. If the sensed change in chip temperature exceeds the limit value, then the submodule  84  sends a PASS signal back to the central control module  85 . Otherwise, the submodule  84  sends the FAIL signal back to the central control module  85 . Note that this is just the opposite of what the heater control module  31  does in FIG.  3 . 
     When the submodule  84  for a particular chip sends the FAIL signal, then the central control module  85  does not send the PON signal to the DC—DC converter  13   c  for the chip. Conversely, when the submodule  84  for a particular chip  12   c  sends the PASS signal, then the central control module  85  proceeds to test that chip. To test the chip, the central control module  85  first sends the PON signal to the DC—DC converter  13   c  for the chip. In response, the DC—DC converter  13   c  sends electrical power P C  to the chip. Thereafter, the central control module  85  sends the test signals TSI to the chip and receives the test signals TSO as a response. 
     Now, with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, the technical principles on which the above joint test is based will be described. FIG. 9 is a thermodynamic schematic diagram of the chip  12   c  and the heatsink  71  in FIG.  8 . All of the symbols which are in FIG. 8 are described below in TABLE 4. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 SYMBOL 
                 MEANING 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 θ SC  . . . . . . . 
                 This is the thermal 
               
               
                   
                   
                 resistance between the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 heatsink 71 and the chip 
               
               
                   
                   
                 12c. 
               
               
                   
                 M C  . . . . . . . 
                 This is the thermal mass of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the chip 12c. 
               
               
                   
                 P SC  . . . . . . . 
                 This is thermal power that 
               
               
                   
                   
                 is transferred between the 
               
               
                   
                   
                 heatsink 71 and the chip 
               
               
                   
                   
                 12c. A positive value 
               
               
                   
                   
                 indicates that thermal 
               
               
                   
                   
                 power flows into the chip 
               
               
                   
                   
                 12c; a negative value 
               
               
                   
                   
                 indicates that thermal 
               
               
                   
                   
                 power flows out of the chip 
               
               
                   
                   
                 12c. 
               
               
                   
                 T C  . . . . . . . 
                 This is the temperature of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the chip 12c. 
               
               
                   
                 T S  . . . . . . . 
                 This is the temperature of 
               
               
                   
                   
                 the heatsink 71. 
               
               
                   
                 P C  . . . . . . . 
                 This is electrical power 
               
               
                   
                   
                 which is put into the chip 
               
               
                   
                   
                 12c. This power equals 
               
               
                   
                   
                 zero during the above 
               
               
                   
                   
                 described joint test. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     In FIG. 10, equation 11 says that the thermal power P SC  which is transferred from the heatsink  71  to the chip  12   c  equals the thermal mass of the chip  12   c  times the rate at which the chip temperature changes. Next, equation 12 of FIG. 10 is obtained by replacing P SC  in equation 11 with an equivalent term, which is (T S −T C )÷θ SC . 
     Next, expression  13  of FIG. 10 says that when the heatsink temperature T S  in equation 12 is kept at one constant level, then the chip temperature in equation 2 reaches a steady-state where it stays constant. By comparison, expression  14  of FIG. 10 says that when the heatsink temperature T S  in equation 12 in abruptly increased from one constant level to a different level, then the chip temperature in equation 12 changes at a positive rate. 
     Suppose now that no defect exists in the pressed joint between the chip  12   c  and the heatsink  71  of FIGS. 8 and 9. In that case, the thermal resistance θ SC  in equation 12 will be relatively small. This is indicated by the arrow  91  in expression  15 A. 
     Now, if θ SC  in equation 12 is small, then the power term (T S −T C )÷θ SC  on the left side of equation 12 will be large. This is because the denominator of that power term is small. 
     If the left side of equation 12 is large, then the right side of equation 12 will also be large. Thus, the rate of change of chip temperature in the right side of equation 12 will be large. This is indicated by the arrow  92  in expression  15 A. 
     Conversely, if a defect does exist in the pressed joint between the chip  12   c  and the heatsink  71 , then the thermal resistance θ SC  in equation 12 will be relatively large. This is indicated by the arrow  93  in expression  15 B. But if θ SC  in equation 12 is large, then the power term (T S −T C )÷θ SC  on the left side of equation 12 will be small because the denominator of that power term is large. Consequently, the rate of change of chip temperature in the right side of equation 12 will be small, and this is indicated by the arrow  94  in expression  15 B. 
     To visually see how chip temperature T C  changes in the above described method of FIGS. 8-10, reference should be made back to curves  52  and  53  of FIG.  6 . If the pressed joint in the method of FIGS. 8-10 is non-defective, then the chip temperature will change quickly like curve  52 . Conversely, if the pressed joint in the method of FIGS. 8-10 is defective, then the chip temperature will change slowly like curve  53 . 
     Preferably, the time t 1 +Δt at which the chip temperature T C  is sensed for the method of FIGS. 8-10 occurs when the difference between T C  for a non-defective joint and T C  for a defective joint is at or near a maximum value. Time t 1  is when the fluid through the heatsink switches from the cold fluid to the hot fluid. 
     Now, one variation that can be incorporated into the central control module  35  of FIG. 8 is as follows. In the above description, the central control module  85  operates to abruptly switch the temperature of the fluid which flows through each heatsink  71  from cold to hot. However, as an alternative, the control module  85  can abruptly switch the temperature of fluid which flows through each heatsink from hot to cold. All other steps which are performed by the FIG. 8 modification, as described above, remain unchanged. 
     Next, with reference to FIG. 11, still another version of the present invention will be described. All of the components in FIG. 11 are the same as the components in FIG. 8, except for the following changes. 
     First, in FIG. 11, the fluid is passed through each heatsink  71  at a single constant temperature. This is achieved by: a) retaining the hot fluid circulator  80  of FIG. 8, b) eliminating the cold fluid circulator  81  of FIG. 8, and c) replacing the conduits and valves  74 - 79  of FIG. 8 with more simplified conduits  100  and  101 . 
     Second, in FIG. 11, the central control module  102  does not generate the control signals CS 1  and CS 2 , as does the central control module  85  of FIG.  8 . Also in FIG. 11, the central control module  102  generates the JTEST signal upon the occurrence of an entirely different event, in comparison to the central control module  85  of FIG. B. In particular, the central control module  102  generates the JTEST signal when the heatsink  71  makes initial contact with the chip  12   c.    
     To incorporate the components of FIG. 11 into the prior art tester of FIGS. 1 and 2, the heatsink  71 , conductors  83 , and control submodule  84  are repeated for each socket  12   b  on each printed circuit board  12   a . Also, each chip  12   c  that is placed into a socket  12   b  must have its own temperature sensor  82 . 
     In operation, the tester of FIGS. 1,  2  and  11  performs the following sequence of steps. First, the arms  15   b  are moved to the open position as shown in FIG. 1, and then each chip holding subassembly  12   a - 12   d  is placed in the tester between its corresponding power converter subassembly and corresponding temperature regulating subassembly. 
     Next, while the arms  15   b  are in the open position, the hot fluid is passed through each heatsink  71  by components  80 ,  100  and  101 . This occurs for a time period which is at least long enough for each heatsink  71  to reach a hot steady-state temperature that is caused by the hot fluid, and for each chip  12   c  to reach a cooler steady-state temperature that is caused by the surrounding air. 
     Next, the arms  15   b  are moved to the closed position as shown in FIG. 2, and the central control module  102  sends the JTEST signal to each submodule  84  when the heatsinks  71  initially contact the chips  12   c . In response, during a predetermined time interval that begins with the JTEST signal, each submodule  84  senses the amount by which the temperature of its corresponding chip  12   c  changes. This change in temperature is obtained by sampling the signals from sensor  82  at the beginning and end of the predetermined time interval, and subtracting the earlier sample from the later sample. 
     Next, each submodule  84  compares the above change in chip temperature that it sensed to a limit value. If the sensed change in chip temperature exceeds the limit value, then the submodule  84  sends a PASS signal back to the central control module  102 . Otherwise, the submodule  84  sends the FAIL signal back to the central control module  102 . 
     When the submodule  84  for a particular chip sends the FAIL signal, then the central control module  102  does not send the PON signal to the DC—DC converter  13   c  for the chip. Conversely, when the submodule  84  for a particular chip  12   c  sends the PASS signal, then the central control module  102  sends the PON signal to the DC—DC converter  13   c  for the chip and proceeds to test the chip. 
     The technical principles on which the above joint test is based will now be explained with reference to FIG.  9 . That figure accurately represents the heatsink  71  and chip  12   c  of FIG. 11 as soon as those two components initially contact each other. When initial contact occurs, the heatsink  71  will be hotter than the chip  12   c , and so thermal power P SC  will flow to the chip  12   c  through the thermal resistance θ SC . If θ SC  is small, the P SC  will be large, and consequently the temperature of the chip  12   c  will rise quickly. Conversely, if θ SC  is large, then P SC  will be small, and consequently the temperature of the chip  12   c  will rise slowly. 
     To visually see how chip temperature T C  changes in the above described method of FIG. 11, reference should be made back to curves  52  and  53  of FIG.  6 . If the pressed joint in the method of FIG. 11 is non-defective, then the chip temperature will change quickly like curve  52 . Conversely, if the pressed joint in the method of FIG. 11 is defective, then the chip temperature will change slowly like curve  53 . 
     Preferably, the time t 1 +Δt at which the chip temperature T C  is sensed for the method of FIG. 11 occurs when the difference between T C  for a non-defective joint and T C  for a defective joint is at or near a maximum value. Time t 1  is when the heatsink  71  initially contacts the chip  12   c.    
     Next, with reference to FIG. 12, yet another version of the present invention will be described. All of the components in FIG. 12 are the same as the components in FIG. 3, except for the following changes. 
     First, the heater control module  110  of FIG. 12 does not respond to the JTEST signal in the same way that the heater control module  31  of FIG. 3 responds. Recall that the heater control module  31  of FIG. 3 responds to the JTEST signal by directing the heater power supply  28  to send electrical power to the heater  24  with a magnitude that is initially constant at one level and then abruptly changes to a different constant level. By comparison, the heater control module  110  of FIG. 12 responds to the JTEST signal by maintaining the heater power at a constant level, which is the amount of power that is being sent when the JTEST signal is initially received. 
     Second in FIG. 12, the central control module  111  generates the JTEST signal upon the occurrence of an entirely different event, in comparison to the central control module  37  in FIG.  3 . In particular, the central control module  111  generates the JTEST signal when the heater  24  makes initial contact with the chip  12   c.    
     To incorporate the components of FIG. 12 into the prior art tester of FIGS. 1 and 2, the heater control module  110  as well as the other previously described components  21 - 30 ,  32 - 35 , and  38 - 41  are repeated for each socket  12   b  on each printed circuit board  12   a . Then, in operation, the tester of FIGS. 1,  2  and  12  performs the following steps. 
     First, the arms  15   b  are moved to the open position as shown in FIG. 1, and then each chip holding subassembly  12   a - 12   d  is placed in the tester between its corresponding power converter subassembly and corresponding temperature regulating subassembly. Next, while the arms  15   b  are in the open position, the central control module  111  sends the SETP temperature signals to each heater control module  110 . In response, each heater control module  110  operates in the previously described normal mode which forces the temperature of the heater to the set point. While this is occurring, each chip  12   c  reaches a cooler steady-state temperature that is caused by the surrounding air. 
     Next, the arms  15   b  are moved to the closed position as shown in FIG. 2, and the central control module  111  sends the JTEST signal to each submodule  110  when the heaters  24  initially contact the chips  12   c . In response, during a predetermined time interval that begins with the JTEST signal, each heater control module  110  keeps the power level to its heater  24  constant, and senses the amount by which the temperature of its corresponding heater  24  changes. This change in temperature is obtained by sampling the signals from the sensor  26  at the beginning and end of the predetermined time interval, and subtracting the earlier sample from the later sample. 
     Next, each heater control module  110  compares the above change in heater temperature that it sensed to a limit value. If the sensed change in heater temperature exceeds the limit value, then the heater control module  110  sends a PASS signal back to the central control module  111 ; otherwise it sends a FAIL signal. Note that this is the opposite of what is done by the heater control module  31  of FIG.  3 . 
     When the heater control module  110  for a particular chip sends the FAIL signal, then the central control module  111  does not send the PON signal to the DC—DC converter  13   c  for the chip. Conversely, when the heater control module  110  for a particular chip  12   c  sends the PASS signal, then the central control module  111  sends the PON signal to the DC—DC converter  13   c  for the chip and proceeds to test the chip. During this testing, each heater control module  110  operates in the normal mode. 
     The technical principles on which the above joint test is based will now be explained with reference to FIG.  4 . That figure accurately represents the heater  24  and chip  12   c  of FIG. 12 as soon as those two components initially contact each other. When initial contact occurs, the heater  24  will be hotter than the chip  12   c , and so thermal power P HC  will flow to the chip  12   c  through the thermal resistance θ HC . If θ HC  is small, then P HC  will be large, and consequently the temperature of the heater  24  will drop quickly. Conversely, if θ HC  is large, then P HC  will be small, and consequently the temperature of the heater  24  will drop slowly. 
     To visually see how heater temperature T H  changes in the above described method of FIG. 12, reference should be made back to curves  52  and  53  of FIG.  6 . If the pressed joint in the method of FIG. 12 is non-defective, then the heater temperature will change quickly like curve  52 . Conversely, if the pressed joint in the method of FIG. 12 is defective, then the heater temperature will change slowly like curve  53 . 
     Preferably, the time t 1 +Δt at which the heater temperature T H  is sensed for the method of FIG. 12 occurs when the difference between T H  for a non-defective joint and T H  for a defective joint is at or near a maximum value. Time t 1  is when the heater  24  initially contacts the chip  12   c.    
     One variation that can be incorporated into the heater control module  110  of FIG. 12 is as follows. In the above description, the heater control module  110  responds to the JTEST signal by maintaining the heater power at a constant level which is the amount of power that is being sent when the JTEST signal is received. However, as a modification, the heater control module  110  can be simplified by having it always operate in the normal mode with this modification, the heater control module  110  responds to the JTEST signal by simply taking two temperature samples from the sensor  26 , and generating the PASS/FAIL signals, as described above. 
     Also, if the heater control module  111  always operates in the normal mode, then the change in heater temperature can be sensed indirectly by monitoring a corresponding change in the heater power P H . In the normal mode, the heater control module  110  attempts to keep the heater  24  at the set point temperature. But, when the hot heater  24  and the cold chip  12   c  are initially pressed together, the temperature of the heater  24  decreases because thermal power is transferred from the heater  24  to the chip  12   c . In response to this decrease in heater temperature, the heater control module  111  which is operating in the normal mode will increase the heater power P H . 
     If θ HC  is small, then the heater temperature decreases at a fast rate, and so the increase in the heater power P H  is large. This is shown by curve  120  in FIG.  13 . Conversely, if θ HC  is large, then the heater temperature decreases at a slow rate, and so the increase in heater power P H  is small. This is shown by curve  121  in FIG.  13 . 
     If the heater power P H  stays below a predetermined limit L 1  during time interval Δt in FIG.  13 , then this indicates that the pressed joint is defective. Alternatively, if the heater power is above a predetermined limit L 2  at the end of the time interval Δt in FIG. 13, then this indicates that the pressed joint is defective. In FIG. 13, t 1  is when the heater  24  initially contacts the chip  12   c.    
     Similarly, the heater control module  31  which was previously described in conjunction with FIG. 3, can be modified to always operate in the normal mode. With this modification, the heater control module receives one SETP signal and subsequently receives a different SETP signal in order to abruptly change the heater temperature from one set point temperature to another. 
     If θ HC  is small, then a large amount of thermal power will be transferred to the chip  12   c , and so the initial increase in heater power will be large. Conversely, if θ HC  is large, a small amount of thermal power will be transferred to the chip  12   c  and so the initial increase in heater power will be small. After the above initial increase in heater power, the heater power will taper off to a steady-state. Here again, the change in heater temperature can be sensed indirectly by monitoring a corresponding change in the heater power P H . 
     Several preferred methods of preventing a chip from being thermally destroyed in tester, due to a defective pressed joint, have now been described in detail. Based on the insight that is acquired from all of these methods, it should be apparent that various minor modifications can be made to the described details without departing from the gist of the present invention. 
     For example, the methods that are described above in conjunction with FIGS. 3,  8 ,  11  and  12  can be performed by a tester that employs any suitable pressing mechanism, and not just the pressing mechanism of FIGS. 1 and 2, to form the pressed joint with the chip  12   c . Also the methods that are described above in conjunction with FIGS. 3,  8 ,  11  and  12  can be performed by a tester which operates on just a single chip  12   c  at a time. Further, after a pressed joint is found to be non-defective by the methods of FIGS. 3,  8 ,  11  and  12 , the tester can proceed by performing a test which doesn&#39;t apply any TSI signals to the chip but only applies electrical power to the chip. 
     Also in the methods that are described above in conjunction with FIGS. 6 and 7, the change in heater temperature T H , or change in chip temperature T C , is sensed by sampling those temperatures at time t 1  and time t 1 +Δt. Then, a fast rate of change is indicated by the difference between the two samples having a magnitude that exceeds a predetermined limit, and vice-versa. However as an alternative, the rate of change of T H  or T C  can be sensed by measuring the amount of time that passes from time t 1  to the time that it takes for T H  or T C  to reach a predetermined temperature which is between the steady-state temperatures that occur at times t 1  and t 2 . 
     Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to just the above described details, but is defined by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6