Soak profiling

1. A method for soaking a device in an automated testing system, comprising the steps of:

setting a temperature control device to a first temperature;

exposing the device to the temperature control device;

driving the temperature control device to a second temperature, wherein a temperature transition rate to the second temperature is derived from a first natural decay rate; and

socketing the device in preparation for testing the device.

2. A method for soaking a device in an automated testing system, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the temperature control device is a heater.

3. A method for soaking a device in an automated testing system, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first natural decay rate is based on a first-order thermal response of the device when the device is suspended in free air.

4. A method for soaking a device in an automated testing system, as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the second temperature of the temperature control device is relative to a set point temperature so that when the device is socketed the temperature of the device settles at the set point temperature.

5. A method for soaking a device in an automated testing system, as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising the step of:

driving the temperature control device to a third temperature, wherein a temperature transition rate to the third temperature is derived from a second natural decay rate.

6. A method for soaking a device in an automated testing system, as claimed in claim 5 , wherein the second natural decay rate is based on a second-order thermal response of the device losing heat to a contactor.

7. A method for soaking a device in an automated testing system, as claimed in claim 5 , further comprising the step of:

driving the temperature control device to a fourth temperature, wherein a temperature transition rate to the fourth temperature is derived from a third natural decay rate.

8. An automated testing system for soaking a device, comprising:

a carrier for housing one or more devices to be tested;

a contactor for connecting the devices to a testing apparatus;

a pick and place handler for transporting the devices in the automated testing handler;

a temperature control device connected to the pick and place handler for modifying the temperature of the devices; and

a controller for driving the temperature of the temperature control device, wherein a temperature transition rate of the driven temperature control device is derived from a first natural decay rate,

wherein the first natural decay rate is based on a first-order thermal response of the device when the device is suspended in free air.

9. An automated testing system for soaking a device, as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the temperature control device is a heater.

10. An automated testing system for soaking a device, as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the controller is configured to drive the temperature of the temperature control device to a hold temperature relative to a set point temperature so that when the device is connected to the contactor the temperature of the device settles at the set point temperature.

11. An automated testing system for soaking a device, as claimed in claim 8 , wherein the controller is configured to drive the temperature control device to a set point temperature, wherein a temperature transition rate to the set point temperature is derived from a second natural decay rate.

12. An automated testing system for soaking a device, as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the second natural decay rate is based on a second-order thermal response of the device losing heat to a contactor.

13. An automated testing system for soaking a device, as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the controller is configured to drive the temperature control device to a modified set point temperature, wherein a temperature transition rate to the modified set point temperature is derived from a third natural decay rate.