Automatic reconfigurable system for testing electronic modules

• Grant number: 99/06287-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: January 01, 2000
• End date: May 31, 2003
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Electrical Engineering - Electrical, Magnetic and Electronic Measurements, Instrumentation
• Principal Investigator: Gilberto Antonio Possa
• Grantee: Gilberto Antonio Possa
• Company: Versis Tecnologia Ltda
• City: Campinas

Abstract

This project involves the development of an automatic reconfigurable system for testing electronic modules to be used initially in testing and repairing the terminal boards of digital telephone switchboards produced by various manufacturers in Brazil. These boards interface with subscribers, public telephones, and with switchboards and devices. The objective is to develop an initial product that will be used in most commonly used digital telephone switchboards modules. The system will be flexible - in other words, its hardware and software must be reconfigurable to enable more than one technology’s or manufacturer’s modules to be tested; it must be of low cost in implementation and reconfiguration; it will be efficient and fast in the tests; and have a database to store information on the failures and repairs of each board tested to be used for trouble-shooting, making repair services easier. Experience suggests that terminal modules are those with the highest priority (subscribers, public telephones, connections, etc.). It is estimated that there are around a million of these modules in Brazil. The failure rate is estimated around 20 per cent a year and the average repair cost is R$ 200 per module, and the estimated revenues from repairs are only R$ 40 million a year. The services of the PqD’s Microelectronics Division will be contracted. This development will also enable Qualibrás to qualify for the supply of testing and repair services to large manufacturers of telecommunications equipment. The demand for these services is growing fast. (AU)