Westcor PFC Micro is the Power Behind ATE Robotic Handlers
Automatic test equipment (ATE) systems for the semiconductor industry typically interface with an automated placement tool, called a handler, that physically places the Device ― or Unit ― Under Test (DUT or UUT) so that it can be measured by the equipment. The handler is a robotic device used to automatically place a DUT onto an ATE system. The 'hands' of a robot are often referred to as end effectors, while the arm is referred to as a manipulator. Most robot arms have replaceable effectors, each allowing them to perform some small range of tasks. Some have a fixed manipulator which cannot be replaced, while a few have one very general-purpose manipulator. Also the interface can be an Interface Test Adapter (ITA). This adapter might be a device just making electronic connections between the ATE and the UUT, but also it might contain circuitry to adapt signals between the ATE and the UUT.
One of our customers manufactures robotic handling equipment for the semiconductor industry. They have delivered many different automation solutions often using the same Vicor power solution. They have been a steady user of the Westcor PFC Micro, an ultra low-profile switching power supply that combines the advantages of power-factor correction (PFC) and high power density. It provides up to six isolated outputs (from two slots). For a number of robotic handlers the PFC Micro provided five outputs using three different modules: one Maxi (375 Vin, 48 Vout, 500 W), two Minis (375 Vin, 5 and 24 Vout, 135 and 25 W), and two VI-J00s (each 15 Vin, 5.5 Vout, 50 W).
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