Method for testing semiconductor devices and an apparatus therefor

An automated test handler system for integrated circuit devices comprising:

• a housing, said housing configured to provide a controlled testing environment;
• a pick-and-place apparatus disposed within said housing;
• a loader comprising a conveyer in communication with an interior portion of said housing, said conveyer configured to introduce test boards into said interior portion of said housing, said test boards having a plurality of sockets, individual ones of said plurality of sockets adapted to receive an integrated circuit device;
• an input mechanism disposed within said housing and adapted to receive integrated circuit devices to be tested;
• an integrated circuit test plate proximate to said input mechanism, the integrated circuit test plate configured with test sockets adapted to receive an integrated circuit device and to electrically connect said integrated circuit device with test electronics;
• a test board carrier proximate to said test plate said test board carrier configured to receive said test board from said loader and transport said test board to at least a first loading position within said housing where said test board is populated with said integrated circuit device and a second parallel testing position where one of either said socket, the integrated circuit device in said socket or both said socket and said integrated circuit device are subject to electrical test;
• said pick-and-place apparatus configured to transfer said integrated circuit device between and among said input mechanism, said integrated circuit test plate and said test board when said carrier is in said first position;
• and
• a parallel test station that is adapted to cooperate with said test board to provide electrical connection between said sockets in said test board and electrical test circuitry and electrical connection between said integrated circuit device in said test board to electrical test circuitry when said test board is in said second position.