System for identifying a component with physical characterization

A system for storing information pertaining to components within a selected set of components, the system comprising:

• a first database which stores a plurality of characterization functions, at least one of said plurality of characterization functions comprising an associated characterization function which is a function of relevant physical characteristics, including those other than component defects, of the selected set of components and which produces a unique characterization value for each component, and wherein the selected set of components is different than a set of components to which another of said plurality of characterization functions is associated;
• a characterization value test station which measures relevant physical characteristics of the selected set of components;
• a computer operably connected to the characterization value test station to use the associated characterization function to calculate the unique characterization values from the measured relevant physical characteristics;
• and
• a second database for storing information pertaining to the selected set of components, wherein the unique characterization values are linked as identifiers to information pertaining to the identifier's respective components.

A system for producing an electronic module having a first component from a selected set of components, the system comprising:

• a first characterization function chosen from a plurality of characterization functions, which is a function of relevant physical characteristics, including those other than component defects, of the selected set of components, to produce a unique characterization value for the first component wherein the plurality of characterization functions includes at least one characterization function that is associated with a set of components that is different than the selected set of components;
• a characterization value test station to determine the unique characterization value of the first component;
• a database to store test information pertaining to the first component, wherein test information for the first component is identified by the unique characterization value for the first component;
• a module assembler to receive the first component from the selected set of components and assemble the first component into an electronic module;
• and
• a module programmer to program the electronic module with test information that is identified by the unique characterization value of the first component.

A program storage device readable by a processor tangibly embodying a program of instructions executable by the processor to perform a method of determining a unique characterization value of a component which is a member of a selected set of components, the method comprising:

• selecting a characterization function which is a function of relevant physical characteristics, including those other than component defects, of the selected set of components from a first database that includes a plurality of characterization functions, wherein the selected set of components is different than a set of components to which another of said plurality of characterization functions is associated;
• measuring relevant physical characteristics of the component, the relevant physical characteristics being dictated by the associated characterization function;
• calculating the unique characterization value of the component by combining the measured relevant physical characteristics;
• and
• locating information pertaining to the component in a second database which stores information pertaining to the selected set of components wherein said located information is identified by the unique characterization value.