Dynamic path searching method for ATE switch matrix

Due to the imbalance use of switches, some switches of switch matrix in ATE (automatic test equipment) fault early while others not. Switches fault destroys the topology of switch matrix and makes path searching more complicatedly. To achieve switch load equalization and path searching with a complicated matrix topology, the path matrix, the switch state matrix and the reachability matrix were defined to unify the mathematic model of switch matrix. And then a path searching algorithm based on reachability matrix was proposed. The switch reliability and path reliability were defined, a path selection method based on path reliability was proposed to resolve the imbalance use problem of switches. An example based on an open fault switch matrix shows that this method can be competent for path searching while the switch matrix is fault, and the path selection is optimized which can help promoting the switch matrix life.