Project
| # | Title | Team Members | TA | Documents | Sponsor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | Automated IC Chip Tester |
Alison Shikada Michael Ruscito Ryan Yoseph |
Anand Sunderrajan | design_document3.pdf final_paper2.pdf presentation1.pptx proposal1.pdf |
|
| # Problem A common frustration in ECE 385 is when students find a given IC chip does not work as expected. Testing each chip manually is tedious and time consuming. Students are encouraged to test each chip before using them, but due to the time constraint and complexity of 385 labs, along with the time consumption of unit testing every chip, this advice is rarely followed. Additionally, students often burn out previously working chips without realizing it and are tasked with manually debugging every chip in their circuit. # Solution Overview Our project is targeted towards students by providing a small, relatively portable solution to unit test IC chips quickly and easily. We want to automate the process of chip testing using a database of TI datasheets and a streamline UI for easy testing. The user would only need to select the chip model number in order for our device to prepare the appropriate signals to each input or power pins. Our internal logic would analyze the output signal and determine if the chip provides the correct logic. For example, an AND gate chip will run through a full truth table and test for accuracy, whereas a shift register chip will test both read and write functionality. Our prototype will only test DIP chips, but the concept could be carried over to other packaging. # Solution Components - **User-interactive part**: A phone app that allows the user to select the chip model number/gate that they will be testing. This information will be sent via Bluetooth to a dedicated transceiver on the PCB. - **Brain**: The microcontroller will provide the input signals to the chip and compare the outputs with the expected results of each test. The expected signal output will be preloaded onto a Flash memory after the user has selected what chip model they are testing. The results of the unit test (whether the chip is working or broken) will be sent back to the phone app via bluetooth, as well as a visual feedback on the device with LEDs. - **Breadboard**: The breadboard functions as the testing environment for the product. We believe a 1.8’’ x 1.4’’ breadboard is small and portable enough for testing applications. # Criterion for Success Phone will transmit a bluetooth signal that is properly received by an on-board transceiver. Internal logic will accurately determine whether a chip gives the correct or incorrect output and our device designates the chip as either working or broken. The UI of the design is easy to interpret and use, allowing the user to select the chip model number they want to test. |
|||||