TWI461872B - Automated mass production method and system thereof - Google Patents

Description

Automated mass production method and system thereof

The present invention relates to a mass production method and system, and more particularly to an automated mass production method and system thereof suitable for use in the manufacture of non-volatile memory devices.

In recent years, non-volatile memory, such as flash memory with small size and low power consumption, has been used to replace the traditional disk storage media commonly used in portable electronic devices.

Universal Serial Bus electronic flash memory is one of the typical flash memory applications. It has the characteristics of portability and low power consumption, and uses universal serial bus technology as a computer. The communication interface between a host computer (such as a desktop computer or a notebook computer) and a universal serial bus electronic flash memory. In addition, electronic flash memory can be applied to many types of electronic devices, including digital audio players (MP3 players), cellular phones, digital cameras, and storage devices (eg, memory cards and solid state devices). Disk) and so on.

With the rapid spread of flash memory technology, its production volume has also increased. It is known that any flash memory device must undergo a series of tests and formatting procedures before it can be used by the end user. Therefore, in order to meet the demand for mass production of flash memory devices, manufacturers employ automated equipment to perform the required manufacturing processes (eg, card opening procedures).

In the manufacturing process of a typical automated flash memory device, a mass production tool (MP tool) is developed to coordinate with the automation device to perform the previously described manufacturing process. However, in practice, the automation equipment used to manufacture the flash memory device generally uses a pre-defined dedicated communication protocol (such as RS-232 protocol or TCP/IP protocol) for data transmission, and usually with mass production tools. The use does not match. The pre-set dedicated protocol is usually set by the device vendor. In addition, different automation equipment provided by different equipment suppliers may pass production instructions in different data formats (for example, different production instruction names and parameters). Therefore, the code in the production tool must be modified before mass production, so that the mass production tool can be properly coordinated with the specific automation equipment provided by the specific equipment supplier to establish an automated mass production program.

In addition, in mass production systems, whenever a manufacturer needs to replace an automated device or a device supplier wants to update an automated device, the manufacturer typically needs to redesign or modify the code in the production tool. In practice, whenever a manufacturer modifies the code in a production tool, the complexity of mass production is increased, thereby increasing the time and cost of mass production. Therefore, the mass production system of the current flash memory device is inefficient in operation, and it is impossible to keep up with the ever-increasing demand for the flash memory device.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an automated mass production method suitable for an automated mass production system for manufacturing at least one electronic device having a storage unit, wherein the automated mass production system includes a mass production tool module and a plurality of agents The module and the at least one automatic production machine, and the plurality of agent modules are coupled between the mass production tool module and the automatic production machine. The method includes: determining a type of communication protocol of the automatic production machine to select one of the agent modules; establishing a first communication protocol communication link between the mass production tool module and the selected agent module; and selecting the proxy mode A second communication protocol communication link is established between the group and the automatic production machine; the automatic production machine outputs the production instruction to the selected agent module; and the selected agent module converts the production instruction into a mass production tool understood by the mass production tool module The selected agent module outputs the corresponding mass production tool command to the mass production tool module, so that the mass production tool module automatically performs the mass production process on the electronic device by executing the mass production tool instruction.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an automated mass production system for manufacturing at least one electronic device having a storage unit. The automated mass production system includes a mass production tool module, at least one automatic production machine, and a plurality of agent modules. The mass production tool module is used for mass production of the electronic device by executing the mass production tool instruction, and the data transmission is performed by using the preset first communication protocol. The automatic production machine is used to output production instructions according to an automated mass production process, and outputs production instructions using a preset second communication protocol to control the operation of the mass production tool module. A plurality of agent modules are coupled between the mass production tool module and the automatic production machine. In addition, only one of the proxy modules can be used to receive production instructions using the second protocol. The agent module further converts the production instruction into a mass production tool instruction, and outputs the mass production tool instruction to the mass production tool module using the first communication protocol. The mass production tool module determines the type of the second communication protocol, and selects an appropriate agent module by controlling the first multiplexer, and establishes a communication link between the mass production tool module and the automatic production machine. The selected agent module also connects the automatic production machine by controlling the second multiplexer communication to carry out data transmission between the mass production tool module and the automatic production machine, thereby establishing an automated mass production manufacturing process.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an automated mass production system for manufacturing at least one electronic device having a storage unit. The automated mass production system includes a mass production tool module, an automatic production machine, and a proxy module. The mass production tool module is used to perform mass production procedures on the electronic device by executing the mass production tool instruction. The automatic production machine is used to output production instructions according to an automated mass production process, and controls the operation of the mass production tool module by outputting production instructions. The agent module is coupled between the mass production tool module and the automatic production machine. The agent module can establish an automated mass production manufacturing process by converting production instructions into mass production tool instructions and establishing a communication link between the mass production tool module and the automatic production machine.

In one embodiment of the invention, the automated mass production system further includes at least one dictionary unit. The dictionary unit is coupled to the proxy module through the third multiplexer. The dictionary unit includes a set of production instructions corresponding to the production instructions of the automated production machine and a set of mass production tool modules corresponding to the production instructions. The selected agent module selects an appropriate dictionary unit by controlling the third multiplexer, and converts the received production instruction into a mass production tool instruction by using a dictionary unit.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol are at least one of an RS-232 communication protocol, a TCP/IP communication protocol, and a UDP communication protocol.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the mass production tool module is implemented by executing a programmable mass production code, and each agent module is implemented by executing a corresponding programmable code.

In summary, embodiments of the present invention provide an automated mass production method and system thereof, which can be used to manufacture at least one electronic device having a storage unit. The automated mass production system can utilize the concept of a proxy module to coordinate mass production tool modules and automatic production machines for data transfer to establish an automated mass production program to thereby produce electronic devices. The agent module can automatically perform communication protocol and data conversion between the mass production tool module and the automatic production machine without modifying the mass production tool architecture according to different automatic production machines used by the system. . According to this, the overall automation mass production complexity and cost can be effectively reduced, thereby increasing the overall production efficiency.

The detailed description of the present invention and the accompanying drawings are to be understood by the claims The scope is subject to any restrictions.

[Example of automated mass production system]

Please refer to FIG. 1. FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an automated mass production system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The automated mass production system 1 can coordinate the automation of different proprietary communication protocols and/or the use of different data formats (eg, production instruction names and parameters corresponding to the same production instructions) without the need to add or modify production specifications. Equipment for automated mass production procedures.

In this embodiment, the automated mass production system 1 is coupled to a hub 2, such as a universal serial bus hub (USB hub). The hub 2 is coupled to the device controller 31 in the at least one electronic device 3. The device controller 31 is further coupled to the storage unit 33 in the electronic device 3 . The electronic device 3 is a workpiece of the automated mass production system 1. For example, the electronic device 3 in this embodiment may be, for example, a pen drive storage device, an MP3 player, a digital camera, or a mobile phone. The storage unit 33 is a non-volatile memory storage unit and can pass through a NAND flash, a reverse flash memory (NOR flash) or an electronic device. It can be realized by erasing programmable-erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM). The electronic device 3 can be any flash memory card, such as a PCI Express, a secure digital (SD), a memory stick (MS), a CF card ( Compact flash), embedded multimedia card (eMMC), integrated device circuit (IDE) flash memory or high-tech configuration (SATA) flash memory device, etc., but the present invention does not limit. The automated mass production system 1 can be utilized for automated mass production procedures (eg, low level formatting, encryption, or disk type configuration, etc.), ie, through the device controller 31 writes the corresponding firmware and production parameters to the storage unit 33.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the automated mass production system 1 provided in this embodiment includes a mass production tool (MP tool) module 10 , a plurality of agent modules 20 a 20 20 n , and an automatic production machine ( Auto Handler 30, a plurality of multiplexers 41, 45, 43a to 43n, and a plurality of dictionary units 50a to 50n. The production tool module 10 is coupled to a multiplexer 41. The plurality of proxy modules 20a-20n are respectively coupled between the multiplexer 41 and the multiplexer 45. Each of the dictionary units 50a-50n is coupled to the plurality of proxy modules 20a-20n through the multiplexers 43a-43n, respectively. The number of the multiplexers 43a to 43n corresponds to the number of the proxy modules 20a to 20n used in the automated mass production system 1. The multiplexer 45 is coupled to the automatic production machine 30. The mass production tool module 10 is further coupled to the hub 2.

The production tool module 10 has a programmable mass production program and can assist in performing various automated mass production programs on the storage unit 33 through the device controller 31 in the electronic device 3. In this example, the automated production machine 30 is an automated device developed by a device supplier. In the automated mass production process of the electronic device 3, the automatic production machine 30 is used to transmit production orders and collect data, such as mass production status. The automated production machine 30 can control the operation of the mass production tool module 10 by establishing a communication link with the mass production tool module 10.

As mentioned above, the automated production machine 30 is developed by the equipment supplier, and the mass production tool module 10 is developed by the manufacturer of the non-volatile memory controller, so the two generally use different communication protocol standards. . The plurality of agent modules 20a-20n are disposed between the mass production tool module 10 and the automatic production machine 30, and are used for communication to connect the mass production tool module 10 and the automatic production machine 30. In other words, the proxy modules 20a-20n can perform the conversion of the communication protocol. In detail, one of the proxy modules 20a-20n can convert the communication protocol (first communication protocol) used by the mass production tool module 10 into the communication protocol adopted by the automatic production machine 30 (second communication) agreement). Similarly, one of the proxy modules 20a-20n can also convert the communication protocol (second communication protocol) used by the automatic production machine 30 into the communication protocol adopted by the mass production tool module 10 (first communication) agreement). The plurality of proxy modules 20a-20n can be modified or configured correspondingly according to the change of the first protocol or the second protocol.

Each proxy module further includes a first communication interface (not shown in FIG. 1), a second communication interface (not shown in FIG. 1), and a processing unit (not shown in FIG. 1). The first communication interface uses the same communication protocol (i.e., the first communication protocol) as the mass production tool module 10. The second communication interface uses a default communication protocol corresponding to the proprietary communication protocol (i.e., the second communication protocol) used by the automated production machine 30. In other words, each of the proxy modules (agent modules 20a-20n) is set up to employ a specific communication protocol to communicate with the automated production machine 30 using the second communication protocol. Therefore, the second communication interface used in the proxy modules 20a-20n can use different types of communication protocols. The processing unit has a programmable agent that can be used to communicate protocols and data conversions to establish a communication link between the mass production tool module 10 and the automated production machine 30. It is worth mentioning that in this embodiment, the number of required proxy modules in the automated mass production system 1 will vary following the number of second communication protocols available in the automated mass production system 1.

The communication protocol used in the system may be, for example, a Serialized Data Protocol (RS-232), a Universal Serial Bus (USB), and an Internet Protocol (such as TCP). /IP protocol or UDP protocol). However, the type of the first communication protocol used between the mass production tool module 10 and the agent modules 20a-20n or between the agent modules 20a-20n and the automatic production machine 30 is used. The type of the second communication protocol may be set according to the actual implementation manner, and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited thereto.

The plurality of dictionary units 50a-50n can be classified according to different types of automatic production machines 30. Each of the agent modules converts the production instructions generated by the automatic production machine 30 into mass production tool commands through the plurality of dictionary units 50a-50n, and the mass production tool commands are executed by the mass production tool module 10. Each of the dictionary units 50a-50n includes a set of production instructions and corresponding production tool instructions. Each proxy module can select an appropriate dictionary unit by controlling the operation of the connected multiplexers 43a-43n. In general, the dictionary units 50a-50n may respectively correspond to different automatic production machines 30 provided by different equipment suppliers. Different automatic production machines 30 provided by the same equipment supplier may use the same production instruction format, and therefore, different automatic production machines 30 provided by the same equipment supplier may share the corresponding dictionary unit. Further, the dictionary units 50a to 50n may be modified correspondingly according to the change of the automatic production machine 30. In addition, the dictionary units 50a-50n may be, for example, a dictionary file of a lookup table, but the invention is not limited thereto.

The first communication protocol is used for communication between the mass production tool module 10 and the proxy modules 20a-20n, and one of the proxy modules 20a-20n is configured to be used by the automatic production machine 30. The second communication agreement. The mass production tool module 10 can select a specific agent module from the agent modules 20a to 20n to perform communication protocol conversion to communicate with the automatic production machine 30. The selected proxy module can further translating or converting the production instruction outputted by the automatic production machine 30 into a mass production tool instruction by selecting a corresponding dictionary unit among the plurality of dictionary units 50a to 50n. In other words, the automatic production machine 30 can automatically manage the manufacturing process by controlling the operation of the mass production tool module 10 by the agent modules 20a-20n selected from the plurality of agent modules 20a-20n.

Specifically, the mass production tool module 10 can connect the proxy modules 20a-20n through the multiplexer 41 and communicate with the automatic production machine 30 through the multiplexer 45. In this embodiment, the programmable program of the mass production tool module 10 can output the proxy module selection signal AS_SIG to the multiplexer 41, and select an appropriate proxy module to communicate with the automatic production machine 30. The proxy module selection signal AS_SIG can be generated based on the knowledge of the communication protocol used by the automated production machine 30. The programmable agent of the selected agent module then generates and transmits a communication setting signal SET_SIG to the multiplexer 45 to establish a communication link between the selected agent module and the automated production machine 30. In other words, the communication setting signal SET_SIG outputted by the selected agent module controls the operation of the multiplexer 45 to establish a communication path.

When the communication link between the equivalent production tool module 10 and the automatic production machine 30 is established, the automatic production machine 30 can communicate with the mass production tool module 10 through the selected agent module for automated mass production. program. Since the mass production tool module 10 and the automatic production machine 30 use different communication protocols, the mass production tool module 10 and the automatic production machine 30 may have different knowledge of the same production instruction. Therefore, the selected agent module can be used as a translator and convert the production instructions transmitted by the automatic production machine 30 into mass production tool instructions.

The selected proxy module selects a corresponding dictionary unit through the multiplexer 43n coupled thereto to obtain a corresponding mass production tool instruction. The selected agent module then transmits the converted production tool command to the mass production tool module 10, thereby causing the mass production tool module 10 to execute the production command. Similarly, when the equivalent production tool module 10 outputs the mass production status data according to the status inquiry command of the automatic production machine 30, the processing unit (not shown) in the selected agent module can also mass production status data. The data format is converted to a format that can be understood by the automatic production machine 30. Accordingly, the communication link between the mass production tool module 10 and the automatic production machine 30 can be established accurately, and the mass production specified by the device controller 31 for the storage unit 33 in the electronic device 3 can be automated. program.

The basic operation of the automated mass production system 1 can be illustrated by the following examples. For example, the mass production tool module 10 can be configured to use the RS-232 communication protocol as the first communication protocol, and the equipment supplier can design the automatic production machine 30 to use the TCP/IP protocol as the second communication protocol. The first communication interface of the proxy modules 20a-20n can thereby use an RS-232 communication protocol. Alternatively, the second communication interface of the proxy module 20a can be configured to use an RS-232 protocol. The second communication interface of the proxy module 20b can be set to use a TCP/IP protocol. The second communication interface of the proxy module 20c can use a UDP protocol, and so on. The dictionary unit 50a contains a set of production instructions used by the automated production machine 30 and corresponding production tool instructions.

When the mass production program is started, the programmable program in the mass production tool module 10 can output the proxy module selection signal AS_SIG to the multiplexer 41 to select the proxy module 20b, thereby using the automatic production machine 30. Communicate. The programmable agent of the proxy module 20b then generates and outputs a communication setting signal SET_SIG to control the multiplexer 45 to establish a communication link with the automatic production machine 30, thereby establishing an automated mass production program flow. The automatic production machine 30 can transfer data between the automatic production machine 30 and the agent module 20b through the Internet using the TCP/IP protocol, and between the agent module 20b and the mass production tool module 10. Data transmission is the use of RS-232 communication protocol. Therefore, the automatic production machine 30 can automatically communicate with the mass production tool module 10 without any modification to the existing mass production tool module 10, thereby improving the overall Mass production efficiency.

Further, in the communication process, when the automatic production machine 30 transmits a production instruction, for example, "INITIALIZATION" for executing a formatter or executing a memory card initialization program. The proxy module 20b automatically selects the dictionary unit 50a corresponding to the automatic production machine 30 through the multiplexer 43a. The proxy module 20b then looks for corresponding production tool instructions in the dictionary unit 50a for the conversion process. The corresponding mass production tool instruction in this embodiment may be, for example, an "OPEN CARD" instruction. The proxy module 20b transmits the "OPEN CARD" command to the mass production tool module 10 through the multiplexer 41, so that the mass production tool module 10 executes the "OPEN CARD" command and transmits the device controller 31 in the electronic device 3. A program for firmware writing and data formatting of the storage unit 33 is performed.

Similarly, when the automated production machine 30 is to monitor the entire manufacturing process, the automated production machine 30 will transmit a status inquiry command of "INQURY". The proxy module 20b uses the dictionary unit 50a to convert the "INQURY" command into a production tool command, for example, "STATUS" and outputs it to the mass production tool module 10. The mass production tool module 10 outputs corresponding mass production status data to the agent module 20b. The agent module 20b converts the mass production status data generated by the mass production tool module 10 to a format understandable by the automatic production machine 30 (for example, a specific communication protocol data format) and outputs it to the automatic production machine 30.

In one embodiment, the mass production tool module 10, the proxy modules 20a-20n, and the plurality of dictionary units 50a-50n can be implemented by using different machine devices. For example, the mass production tool module 10 can be implemented by executing a programmable code of the desktop computer, wherein the desktop computer is coupled to the at least one electronic device 3 through a plurality of transmission ports of the hub 2. The plurality of proxy modules 20a-20n and the plurality of dictionary units 50a-50n can be implemented by a notebook computer, wherein the plurality of proxy modules 20a-20n can execute the executable code corresponding to each proxy module. achieve. The production tool module 10 can communicate with a plurality of agent modules 20a-20n via a selected first communication protocol (e.g., an RS-232 protocol, a TCP/IP protocol, or a UDP protocol). In addition, the mass production tool module 10 can also select a specific proxy module having the same second communication protocol as the automatic production machine 30 (for example, an RS-232 communication protocol, a TCP/IP communication protocol, or a UDP communication protocol). Establish an automated mass production program. Each of the dictionary units 50a-50n can create a look-up table in the dictionary file. The plurality of proxy modules 20a-20n can search for corresponding dictionary files and select corresponding dictionary units.

In another embodiment, the mass production tool module 10, the plurality of agent modules 20a-20n, and the plurality of dictionary units 50a-50n can also be implemented by the same machine device. For example, the mass production tool module 10, the plurality of agent modules 20a-20n, and the plurality of dictionary units 50a-50n can be separately executed and stored on a desktop computer or a notebook computer. The production tool module 10 can be implemented by executing a programmable code. The plurality of proxy modules 20a-20n can be implemented by executing corresponding programmable code. The programmable code can be configured with the type of communication protocol through software and hardware settings. In the above example, the mass production tool module 10 can communicate with the plurality of proxy modules 20a-20n using a software interface, that is, the first communication protocol can be implemented using software. The proxy module selected from the plurality of proxy modules 20a-20n can communicate with the automated production machine 30 using the configured second communication protocol. In addition, the plurality of proxy modules 20a-20n can search the dictionary file of the corresponding dictionary unit to perform a conversion process.

In addition, the plurality of dictionary units 50a-50n can be implemented by a dictionary file of a huge lookup table in place of a dictionary file of a plurality of lookup tables classified according to the type of the automatic production machine 30. The multiplexers 41, 43a, 43n, and 45 can also be implemented by a software program. Those skilled in the art can deduce the software implementation of the multiplexer, and therefore will not be described again.

It should be noted that the implementation manner of the mass production tool module 10, the plurality of agent modules 20a-20n, and the plurality of dictionary units 50a-50n is determined according to the actual architecture of the automated mass production system 1, so the present invention does not This is limited. Similarly, the preset communication protocol between the mass production tool module 10 and the first communication interface of the plurality of agent modules 20a-20n may also be based on the mass production tool module 10 and the plurality of agent modules 20a-20n. Set up in actual implementation. The number of agent modules required may depend on the number of second communication protocols available in the automated mass production system 1. Further, the present invention does not limit the number of electronic devices 3. In practice, the number of electronic devices 3 may be two or more, whereby a plurality of electronic devices 3 can be simultaneously produced. Accordingly, FIG. 1 is only a functional block diagram of an automated mass production system 1 provided by an embodiment of the present invention, which is not intended to limit the present invention.

[Another embodiment of an automated mass production system]

Please refer to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 at the same time. 2 is a functional block diagram of an automated mass production system according to another embodiment of the present invention. The automated mass production system 4 is coupled to the hub 2 and the at least one electronic device 3 is coupled to the hub 2. The basic architecture and operating principle of the automated mass production system 4 is similar to that of the automated mass production system 1. The automated mass production system 4 operates to automate mass production of at least one electronic device 3. The difference between the automated mass production system 4 shown in Fig. 2 and the automated mass production system 1 shown in Fig. 1 is that the automated mass production system 4 includes a plurality of automatic production machines 30a to 30n and a plurality of multiplexers 45a to 45n. In the automated mass production system 1, only one automatic production machine 30 is indirectly connected to the mass production tool module 10 to control the operation of the mass production tool module 10. Therefore, when the automatic production machine 30 is stopped, the mass production program must be stopped until the automatic production machine 30 is repaired or replaced by another automatic production machine. In addition, whenever the manufacturer wants to change the automatic production machine 30, it is necessary to readjust the system corresponding to the setting. In the automated mass production system 1, the manufacturer cannot increase the throughput by simultaneously producing electronic devices 3 from different customers using different automatic production machines.

The automated mass production system 4 includes a plurality of automatic production machines 30a-30n provided by the same or different equipment suppliers, and coupled to the mass production tool module 10 through a plurality of agent modules 20a-20n, respectively. Any of the automated production machines 30a-30n can control the operation of the mass production tool module 10 through a suitable agent module. The operation process is described in detail below. The mass production tool module 10 first determines which automatic production machine needs to communicate with, and correspondingly selects the agent module to perform communication protocol conversion and data transmission.

As shown in FIG. 2, the mass production tool module 10 can automatically select and establish a communication link with one of the automatic production machines 30a to 30n through the proxy modules 20a-20n. The automatic production machines 30a to 30n are respectively automated devices developed by the same or different equipment suppliers. Accordingly, the automatic production machines 30a~30n developed by different equipment suppliers may use different production orders, and the automatic production machines 30a~30n developed by the same equipment supplier may use the same set of production instructions, and Use the same dictionary unit together. For example, assume that the automated production machines 30a, 30b are all provided by the same equipment supplier, and the dictionary unit 50a corresponds to the automatic production machine 30a. The automated production machines 30a and 30b can use the same set of production instructions accordingly, so that for the automated production machines 30a and 30b, the selected agent module can use the dictionary unit 50a to convert the production instructions into corresponding production tool instructions. The automatic production machines 30a to 30n have different dedicated communication protocols (i.e., the second communication protocol). In detail, the proxy modules 20a-20n are coupled to the mass production tool module 10 through the multiplexer 41. The agent modules 20a-20n are coupled to the automatic production machines 30a-30n through the multiplexers 45a~45n, respectively. For example, the proxy module 20a is coupled to the automatic production machine 30a via the multiplexer 45a. That is, in the automated mass production system 4, the number of multiplexers 45a to 45n is the same as the number of automatic production machines 30a to 30n employed. In this embodiment, the dictionary units 50a-50n correspond to each of the automatic production machines 30a-30n. For example, the dictionary unit 50a may correspond to the automatic production machine 30a, while the dictionary unit 50b corresponds to the automatic production machine 30b, and so on.

In the automated mass production system 4, the programmable production module of the mass production tool module 10 can determine which automatic production machine 30a~30n to communicate with according to the mass production program. When the programmable program of the equivalent production tool module 10 determines that communication with an automatic production machine is performed, the mass production tool module 10 then outputs the proxy module selection signal AS_SIG to the multiplexer 41 to select a proxy module. It uses the second communication protocol used by the selected automatic production machine to begin the automated mass production process.

In addition, the automatic production machines 30a to 30n can also be used to perform the same manufacturing process, so that when an automatic production machine 30i (i = a, ..., n) stops operating, mass production The tool module 10 can connect another automatic production machine 30j (j=a, . . . , n and j≠i) through the selected agent module. In addition, when different mass production programs are executed, the automated mass production system 4 can also automatically switch to a specific automatic production machine and execute the mass production program required to manufacture the electronic device 3.

Specifically, if the programmable production program of the mass production tool module 10 is to establish a communication connection with the automatic production machine 30b, the programmable production module of the mass production tool module 10 can output the proxy module selection signal AS_SIG at most. The tool 41 is configured to select a suitable agent module, such as the agent module 20b, as a communication interface between the mass production tool module 10 and the automatic production machine 30b. The proxy module 20b then outputs the communication setting signal SET_SIG to the designated multiplexer 45b to establish a communication link between the proxy module 20b and the automatic production machine 30b. The automated production machine 30b can then automatically transmit production instructions to the production tool module 10 via the agent module 20b. The production instruction is translated or converted by the proxy module 20b using the corresponding dictionary unit 50a.

The other architecture and operation of the automated mass production system 4 is basically the same as that of the automated mass production system 1. Therefore, those skilled in the art of the present invention should be able to understand the operation mode of the automated mass production system 4 from the above description, and infer other configurations of the automated mass production system 4 architecture, and therefore will not be described herein.

It is worth mentioning that the number of automatic production machines required in automated mass production systems is based on actual mass production processing requirements. In practice, some parts of the automatic production machines 30a~30n can be developed by the same equipment supplier, so the same dictionary unit can be used together, so that the number of dictionary units required in the automated mass production system will be It is different. Similarly, the number of proxy modules used in automated mass production systems is based on the type of second communication protocol that can be used by automated production machines 30a-30n. 2 is a functional block diagram of an automated mass production system for manufacturing a non-volatile memory device provided by an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is not intended to limit the present invention.

[Another embodiment of an automated mass production system]

Next, please refer to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an automated mass production system according to another embodiment of the present invention. The automated mass production system 1a is coupled to the hub 2, and the hub 2 is coupled to at least one electronic device 3.

The electronic device 3 is a workpiece of the automated mass production system 1a. For example, the electronic device 3 in this embodiment may be, for example, a pen drive storage device, an MP3 player, a digital camera, or a mobile phone. The storage unit 33 is a non-volatile flash memory storage unit, and can pass through the anti-gate flash memory, the reverse or gate flash memory or the electronic erasable programmable read-only memory (Electrically-Erasable Programmable Read) -Only Memory, EEPROM) to achieve. The electronic device 3 can be any flash memory card device, such as a PCI Express, a secure digital (SD), a memory stick (MS), a compact flash, Embedded multimedia card (eMMC), integrated device circuit (IDE) flash memory or high-tech configuration (SATA) flash memory device, etc., but the invention is not limited thereto. The automated mass production system 1a can be utilized for automated mass production procedures (eg, low level formatting, encryption, or disk type configuration, etc.), ie, through the device controller 31 Write the tough corresponding body and production parameters into the storage unit 33.

The automated mass production system 1a includes a mass production tool module 10, a proxy module 20n, an automatic production machine 30, and a plurality of dictionary units 50a-50n. The agent module 20n is used to establish a communication link between the mass production tool module 10 and the automatic production machine 30. In the present embodiment, the automatic production machine 30 is an automation device having a preset dedicated communication protocol set by the equipment supplier.

The mass production tool module 10 is coupled to the proxy module 20n through the multiplexer 41. The agent module 20n is coupled to the automatic production machine 30 through the multiplexer 45. The lexicon units 50a-50n are coupled to the multiplexer 43n, and the multiplexer 43n is coupled to the proxy module 20n. Thereby, the agent module 20n can communicatively connect the mass production tool module 10 and the automatic production machine 30 for automated mass production.

Specifically, in this embodiment, the mass production tool module 10 includes a first processing unit 101, a setting unit 103, a third communication interface 105, and an input/output interface 107. The setting unit 103, the third communication interface 105, and the input/output interface 107 are respectively coupled to the first processing unit 101.

The first processing unit 101 has an executable configurable program for performing a specified mass production procedure for the storage unit 33 through the device controller 31 in the connected electronic device 3. The setting unit 103 is configured to store a mass production profile, wherein the mass production profile includes a mass production parameter configured by the corresponding electronic device 3 in the automated mass production process, such as a product line ID, a manufacturer code (Vender) ID, VID), product code (PID), serial number, and disk type, but the invention is not limited thereto.

The setting unit 103 outputs the set production parameters to the first processing unit 101 to manufacture the electronic device 3 in cooperation with the automated mass production program. The third communication interface 105 is used as a data transmission interface between the mass production tool module 10 and the proxy module 20n.

The first processing unit 101 can output data (for example, the proxy module selection signal AS_SIG and the mass production status data, etc.) through the third communication interface 105 to select the proxy module 20n and transmit the mass production status data to the proxy module 20n. The first processing unit 101 also receives the data output by the selected agent module 20n through the third communication interface 105 (for example, converting the acquired mass production tool instructions).

The input/output interface 107 is used as a connection interface between the mass production tool module 10 and the electronic device 3 (for example, an electronic device having a non-volatile memory storage unit). The first processing unit 101 can perform mass production operations through the input/output interface 107. For example, the first processing unit 101 can write the configured firmware to the storage unit 33 through the input/output interface 107 and the hub 2 and via the device controller 31 of the electronic device 3. The first processing unit 101 can reset the state of the hub 2 through the input/output interface 107. Similarly, the first processing unit 101 can also receive the processing status of the hub 2 through the input/output interface 107. In addition, the first type of communication protocol used by the third communication interface 105 can be set by the programmable program stored in the first processing unit 101.

The proxy module 20n includes a second processing unit 201, a conversion unit 203, a first communication interface 205, and a second communication interface 207. The conversion unit 203, the first communication interface 205 and the second communication interface 207 are respectively coupled to the second processing unit 201. The second processing unit 201 has an executable programable program for converting the communication protocol between the mass production tool module 10 and the automatic production machine 30 and controlling data transmission. The converting unit 203 is coupled to the dictionary units 50a-50n through the multiplexer 43n, and the converting unit 203 is configured to translate or convert the production instructions into mass production tool instructions. Specifically, the conversion unit 203 controls the multiplexer 43n to select an appropriate dictionary unit from the plurality of dictionary units 50a to 50n, and finds a mass production tool instruction corresponding to the production instruction in the selected dictionary unit.

The first communication interface 205 is used as a data transmission interface between the mass production tool module 10 and the proxy module 20n. The first communication interface 205 of the proxy module 20n is configured to use the same first communication protocol as the third communication interface 105 in the production tool module 10. The second communication interface 207 is used as a data transmission interface between the proxy module 20n and the automatic production machine 30. The second communication interface 207 of the proxy module 20n is set to use the same second communication protocol as the automated production machine 30.

In detail, when the first communication interface 205 receives the data outputted by the third communication interface 105 of the mass production tool module 10, the second processing unit 201 converts the data into the automatic production machine 30. Two communication protocol data formats. Similarly, when the second communication interface 207 receives the production instruction output by the automatic production machine 30, the second processing unit 201 drives the conversion unit 203 to convert the production instruction into a mass production tool instruction. The second processing unit 201 controls the first communication interface 205 to be output in the first protocol data format and transmitted to the third communication interface of the mass production tool module 10 via the multiplexer 41 after the converted mass production tool command. 105.

The automatic production machine 30 includes a controller 301 and a fourth communication interface 303. The fourth communication interface 303 is coupled to the controller 301. The fourth communication interface 303 is coupled to the second communication interface 207 through the multiplexer 45. The controller 301 has a programmable program and is used to automatically generate production instructions in accordance with an automated mass production process. Production instructions include reset hub status, open card firmware write program (or memory card initialization program), mass production tool module 10 shutdown, stop manufacturing, flash memory card connection test, and mass production status. Query, etc., but the invention is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the above production instructions may be “RESET HUB”, “OPEN CARD”, “SHUT DOWN MP TOOL”, “STOP”, “CHECK”, and “INQUARY”, respectively. However, as previously stated, the automated production machine 30 provided by different equipment suppliers may have different production instructions, and the above-exemplified examples are not intended to limit the invention.

The fourth communication interface 303 is coupled to the second communication interface 207 of the selected proxy module 20n through the multiplexer 45. The fourth communication interface 303 is used for data transmission between the selected agent module 20n and the automatic production machine 30. The fourth communication interface 303 has been set to use a preset second communication protocol for data transmission. Therefore, the automatic production machine 30 can communicate with the mass production tool module 10 through the second communication interface 207 of the selected agent module 20n to control the operation of the mass production tool module 10, thereby realizing the concept of automated mass production.

It is worth mentioning that the communication protocol (ie, the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol) adopted by the automated mass production system 1a can be, for example, an RS-232 communication protocol, a USB communication protocol, a TCP/IP communication protocol, or a UDP communication protocol. However, the invention is not limited thereto. However, the type of the first communication protocol used between the mass production tool module 10 and the agent module 20n or the type of the second communication protocol used between the agent module 20n and the automatic production machine 30 is based on The embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto. In addition, FIG. 3 is only a functional block diagram of an automated mass production system for manufacturing a non-volatile memory device provided by an embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the present invention. In addition, the physical architectures of the mass production tool module 10, the proxy module 20n, the dictionary units 50a-50n, and the multiplexers 41, 43a-43n, 45 are also set according to actual system design and operation requirements, so the present invention does not This is limited to this.

[Example of automated mass production method]

From the above embodiments, the present invention can be summarized as an automated mass production method suitable for the automated mass production system described in the above embodiments. Please refer to FIG. 4 and refer to FIG. 1 at the same time. FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for automatically mass production according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In step S101, the mass production tool module 10 starts executing the programmable production program. Next, in step S103, the programmable program of the mass production tool module 10 executes the program initialization program. The initialization procedure may include testing the connection of the hub 2, reading the mass production profile, configuring the first protocol, and configuring the mass production parameters associated with the manufacturing electronic device 3, but the embodiment is not limited thereto. The mass production tool module 10 determines the type of communication protocol (i.e., the second communication protocol) employed by the automatic production machine 30 (step S105). When the equivalent production tool module 10 can smoothly determine the type of the second communication protocol adopted by the automatic production machine 30, step S107 is executed. Conversely, if the mass production tool module 10 cannot smoothly determine the type of the second communication protocol employed by the automatic production machine 30, step S105 is performed.

In step S107, the programmable program execution agent module selection process is performed, and a proxy module such as the second communication protocol is selected from the plurality of proxy modules 20a-20n. Subsequently, the mass production tool module 10 outputs the proxy module selection signal AS_SIG, and controls the multiplexer 41 to establish a communication link between the mass production tool module 10 and the selected proxy module (step S109). At the same time, the selected agent module outputs a communication setting signal SET_SIG to control the multiplexer 45 to establish a communication link between the selected agent module and the automatic production machine 30 (step S111). Thus, a data communication link between the mass production tool module 10 and the automated production machine 30 can be established.

In addition, the connection between the mass production tool module 10 and the selected agent module can be tested by a test signal. For example, the mass production tool module 10 can generate a known first test signal and use The first communication protocol is transmitted to the selected proxy module to verify the communication link between the two. Similarly, the connection between the selected agent module and the automated production machine 30 can also be tested by a test signal. For example, the automated production machine 30 can generate a known second test signal to the selected agent module to verify the communication link between the two. Those skilled in the art should be able to infer the implementation of the test signal, and therefore no further details are provided herein.

The communication link between the equivalent production tool module 10 and the automatic production machine 30 has been verified, and the automatic production machine 30 immediately generates a production instruction (for example, "OPEN CARD", "INQURY" or "RESET HUB"), and The production instruction is output to the selected agent module using the second communication protocol (step S113). The selected agent module receives the production instruction through the multiplexer 45 (step S115). Next, in step S117, the selected proxy module selects a preset dictionary unit corresponding to the automatic production machine 30 from the dictionary units 50a-50n. Once the dictionary unit corresponding to the automatic production machine 30 is selected, step S119 is performed. On the other hand, if the selected proxy module cannot successfully select the dictionary unit corresponding to the automatic production machine 30, step S117 is performed. In step S119, the selected agent module translates or receives the received production instruction into a mass production tool instruction. Then, the selected agent module transmits the corresponding mass production tool command to the mass production tool module 10 through the multiplexer 41 (step S121). The mass production tool module 10 then executes the received mass production tool command, and transmits a designated mass production program to the storage unit 33 of the electronic device 3 through the device controller 31 (step S123).

In addition, during any automated mass production program operation, the mass production tool module 10 can output a message data to the selected agent module using the first protocol data format as required. The message data includes the mass production state of the non-volatile memory device (i.e., the mass production state of the storage unit 33 of the electronic device 3), and is generated in accordance with the status inquiry command output by the automatic production machine 30. The selected agent module converts the received message data into the second protocol data format, and outputs the converted message data to the automatic production machine 30, so that the automatic production machine 30 can monitor the automated mass production. Program progress.

Please refer to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for converting a production instruction according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In this method, the dictionary units 50a to 50n are implemented by using a lookup table. In this implementation, the lookup table lists a plurality of production instructions and corresponding production tool instructions. In this implementation, each dictionary unit is implemented in a dictionary file and can be searched by the proxy module through the corresponding multiplexer 43n. When the selected agent module receives the production instruction output by the automatic production machine 30 (step S201), the selected agent module then finds the corresponding dictionary file (step S203). The selected agent module compares the search for an instruction matching the production instruction in the selected dictionary file (step S205). When the selected agent module finds an instruction matching the received production instruction in the dictionary file, step S207 is performed; otherwise, step 205 is performed. In step 207, after obtaining the corresponding mass production tool instruction according to the production instruction, the selected agent module outputs the mass production tool instruction to the mass production tool module 10, and drives the mass production tool module 10 to execute the mass production tool instruction. This establishes an automated mass production program (step S209).

It should be noted that in this implementation, the dictionary unit is implemented according to different automatic production machines 30 using different dictionary files. But the dictionary unit can also be integrated into a huge dictionary of lookup tables. In the technical field of the present invention, a person having ordinary knowledge should be able to infer that a plurality of dictionary units 50a to 50n are integrated into one dictionary unit, and thus will not be described herein. For detailed implementation details of the automated mass production method, reference may be made to the description of the foregoing embodiments, and no further details are provided herein.

[Possible efficacy of the embodiment]

In summary, the automated mass production system provided by the embodiment of the present invention can correctly establish a communication link between the mass production tool and the automation device by using a proxy module to convert the communication protocol. The automated mass production system further includes at least one dictionary unit for assisting the agent module to convert the production instructions of the automation device into mass production tool instructions executable by the mass production tool, thereby establishing automated production. In other words, the automated mass production system enables mass production tools to communicate with automation equipment using different communication protocols without the need to modify the mass production tool to achieve automated production. According to this, the complexity and cost of the overall automated mass production can be effectively reduced, thereby increasing the overall production efficiency.

The above description is only an embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

1, 1a, 4. . . Automated mass production system

10. . . Production tool module

101. . . First processing unit

103. . . Setting unit

105. . . Third communication interface

107. . . Input/output interface

20a~20n. . . Agent module

201. . . Second processing unit

203. . . Conversion unit

205. . . First communication interface

207. . . Second communication interface

30, 30a~30n. . . Automatic production machine

301. . . Controller

303. . . Fourth communication interface

41, 43a~43n, 45, 45a~45n. . . Multiplexer

50a~50n. . . Dictionary unit

2. . . Hub

3. . . Electronic device

31. . . Device controller

33. . . Storage unit

S101~S123, S201~S209. . . step

FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of an automated mass production system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2 is a functional block diagram of an automated mass production system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

3 is a functional block diagram of an automated mass production system provided by another embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a flow chart of an automated mass production method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart of a method for converting a production instruction according to an embodiment of the present invention.

S101~S123. . . step

Claims (18)

An automated mass production method for an automated mass production system for manufacturing at least one electronic device having a storage unit, wherein the automated mass production system includes a mass production tool module, a plurality of agent modules, and at least one automatic a production machine, and the agent modules are coupled between the mass production tool module and the automatic production machine, and the method comprises: the mass production tool module outputs a proxy module selection signal, according to the agent Selecting, by the module selection signal, a type of communication protocol used by the automatic production machine, selecting one of the plurality of agent modules; establishing a between the mass production tool module and the selected agent module After the first communication protocol communication link, a second communication protocol communication link is established between the selected agent module and the automatic production machine; and the communication protocol used by the mass production tool module by the selected agent module , a communication protocol for conversion to the automatic production machine, and a communication protocol for converting the communication protocol used by the automatic production machine to the mass production tool module Equivalently establishing a communication link between the mass production tool module and the automatic production machine; the automatic production machine outputs a production instruction to the selected agent module; and the selected agent module converts the production instruction into the mass production tool a mass production tool command understood by the module; and the selected agent module outputs the corresponding mass production tool command to the mass production tool module, so that the mass production tool module automatically executes the mass production tool command A mass production procedure is performed on the electronic device. The automated mass production method of claim 1, wherein the converting step of the production instruction further comprises: selecting the proxy module to find a preset corresponding to the automatic production machine a dictionary file; in the preset dictionary file, searching for the received production instruction; and when finding an instruction matching the production instruction in the preset dictionary file, acquiring the mass production tool instruction corresponding to the production instruction; The selected agent module outputs the production instruction to the production tool module. The method for automated mass production as described in claim 1, further comprising: selecting, by the agent module, a message data output from the mass production tool module using the first protocol data format; The proxy module converts the message data into the second protocol data format; and the selected agent module outputs the converted message data to the automatic production machine, and causes the automatic production machine to monitor the mass production The progress of the program; wherein the message data includes a mass production status data of the storage unit in the electronic device, and is generated according to a status query command output by the automatic production machine. The automated mass production method of claim 2, wherein the preset dictionary file comprises a lookup table. The automated mass production method of claim 1, wherein the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol are at least one of an RS-232 communication protocol, a TCP/IP communication protocol, and a UDP communication protocol. One. An automated mass production system for manufacturing at least one electronic device having a storage unit, comprising: a mass production tool module for performing a mass production process on the electronic device by executing a mass production tool instruction, and utilizing Pre-set a first communication protocol for data transmission; At least one automatic production machine for outputting a production instruction according to an automated mass production process, and outputting the production instruction by using a preset second communication protocol, thereby controlling the operation of the mass production tool module; and a plurality of a proxy module coupled between the mass production tool module and the automatic production machine, and only one of the proxy modules is configured to receive the production instruction using the second communication protocol, and correspondingly the production instruction Converting to the production tool instruction to output the mass production tool instruction to the mass production tool module by using the first communication protocol; wherein the mass production tool module outputs a proxy module selection signal and transmits the proxy module The type of the second communication protocol indicated by the group selection signal controls a first multiplexer to select the proxy module for converting the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol to establish the mass production tool module and Selecting the connection of the proxy module, and selecting the proxy module to connect to the automatic production machine by using the second communication protocol communication to control the second multiplexer to establish the mass production tool And a data connection between the group and the automatic production machine for data transmission, thereby establishing an automated mass production program flow; wherein the selected agent module converts the production instruction output by the automatic production machine into the mass production tool module The group understands the mass production tool command, and outputs the mass production tool command to the mass production tool module that establishes a communication link, and the mass production tool module automatically performs the quantity on the electronic device by executing the mass production tool command Production process. The automated mass production system of claim 6, further comprising: at least one dictionary unit coupled to each of the proxy modules via a third multiplexer, wherein the dictionary unit includes a set of corresponding automatic production machines The production instruction of the station and the set of production tool instructions of the mass production tool module corresponding to the group production instruction; The selected proxy module selects the appropriate dictionary unit by controlling the third multiplexer, and uses the dictionary unit to convert the received production instruction into the production tool instruction. The automated mass production system of claim 6, wherein each of the proxy modules further includes: a first communication interface, coupled to the mass production tool module through the first multiplexer, and using the first a communication protocol and the mass production tool module for data transmission; and a second communication interface coupled to the automatic production machine through the second multiplexer, wherein the second communication interface includes a predetermined communication protocol; The preset communication protocol of the selected proxy module is the same as the second communication protocol. The automated mass production system of claim 7, wherein the mass production tool module, the proxy modules, and the dictionary unit are implemented by a computer device. The automated mass production system of claim 9, wherein the mass production tool module is implemented by executing a programmable code, and each agent module is executed by executing a corresponding one. The code is implemented. The automated mass production system of claim 6, wherein the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol are at least one of an RS-232 communication protocol, a TCP/IP communication protocol, and a UDP communication protocol. One. The automated mass production system of claim 6, wherein the storage unit is a non-volatile flash memory storage unit, and is a flash-flash memory, an anti-gate flash memory, or a flash memory. And electronically erasable at least one of the programmable read only memory. An automated mass production system for manufacturing at least one electronic device having a storage unit, comprising: a mass production tool module, configured to perform a mass production process on the connected electronic device by executing a mass production tool instruction; An automatic production machine for outputting a production instruction according to an automated mass production process, and controlling the operation of the production tool module by outputting the production instruction; and a proxy module coupled to the production tool Between the module and the automatic production machine; wherein the agent module establishes a communication link between the mass production tool module and the automatic production machine, thereby establishing an automated mass production program flow, and the agent module automatically The production instruction outputted by the production machine is converted into the production tool instruction understood by the production tool module, so that the automatic production machine controls the production tool module to perform the designation according to the storage unit of the electronic device. Mass production process. The automated mass production system of claim 13, further comprising: a dictionary unit coupled to the proxy module, wherein the dictionary unit includes a set of the production instructions corresponding to the automatic production machine and a pair of pairs The production tool instruction of the production tool module of the production instruction should be grouped; wherein the agent module converts the received production instruction into the production tool instruction through the dictionary unit. The automated mass production system of claim 13, wherein the mass production tool module uses a predetermined first communication protocol for data transmission, and the automatic production machine uses a preset second communication protocol. The production instruction is output. The automated mass production system of claim 15, wherein the agent module further comprises: a first communication interface coupled to the mass production tool module, and using the first communication protocol and the mass production tool module for data transmission; and a second communication interface coupled to the automatic production machine, wherein the The second communication interface includes the second communication protocol. The automated mass production system of claim 16, wherein the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol are at least one of an RS-232 communication protocol, a TCP/IP communication protocol, and a UDP communication protocol. One. The automated mass production system of claim 13, wherein the mass production tool module is implemented by executing a programmable code, and the agent module is executed by executing a corresponding programmable program. Code to achieve.