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| (Source: SK Hynix) |
SK Hynix and Mirae Corporation have jointly filed and registered a Korean patent titled "Test Handler for Graphic Chip" (KR2834746), marking the first patent collaboration between the two companies.
The application was filed in July 2023 and registered in July 2025, according to records from the Korean Intellectual Property Office.
The patent covers an automated test handler system designed to evaluate graphic chips (GPUs) in an environment identical to that of an actual commercial graphics card. The invention falls within the field of automatic test equipment (ATE) used in semiconductor device testing, particularly for GPU and graphic chip handling automation.
The patented system includes a loading unit that introduces graphic chips for testing, a testing unit that connects the chip to a commercial GPU board, an unloading unit that removes chips after testing, and a buffer unit that transfers chips between each stage of the process. Through a contact unit, the test handler establishes electrical connections between the chip and the graphics card to perform real-time signal measurements.
According to both companies, existing GPU testing equipment typically relies on socket-based boards. In contrast, this invention utilizes an actual commercial graphics card to simulate real-world operating conditions, allowing for functional burn-in and "real-board" testing to be automated directly within GPU production lines.
Mirae Corporation, based in South Korea, operates two core businesses: test handlers and chip mounters. In 2024, test handlers accounted for ₩22.5 billion (approximately US$16.3 million), or 83% of total revenue, while chip mounters represented ₩4.6 billion, or 17%. The company reported ₩27.0 billion in annual revenue and ₩12.1 billion in operating profit in 2024, marking a return to profitability with sales up more than ₩5 billion year over year.
By PatenTrip
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