Abstract:
A system and method for utilizing a multi-probe tester to test an electrical device having a plurality of contact pads. Multi-probe tester test probes and electrical device contact pads are arrayed in a common distribution pitch, and a means for masking test probes masks at least one test probe, thereby preventing the at least one test probe from returning a test result to the testing apparatus. In one embodiment the means for masking test probes is a mask membrane physically preventing at least one test probe from making contact with the electrical device. In another embodiment, the means for masking is at least one software command configured to cause an input from at least one test probe to be disregarded during a test routine. Another embodiment features both mask membrane and software command probe masking.
Abstract:
An apparatus is disclosed for aligning socket housing segments for an area array device. Each socket housing segment includes at least a first surface and a second surface, with the second surface opposite the first surface. The second surface of each socket housing segment provides electrical connections for a portion of the area array device. Socket contact pads are disposed on the first surfaces of the plurality of socket housing segments. The socket contact pads correspond to substrate contact pads disposed on a substrate. One or more alignment structures are disposed at a space between the socket housing segments. Each alignment structure is coupled to at least two of the socket housing segments. The one or more alignment structures maintain a predetermined alignment of each socket housing segment so that the socket contact pads align with the substrate contact pads during a surface mount connection process.
Abstract:
An electrodeposition apparatus for depositing material on a surface of a substrate. The electrodeposition apparatus includes at least one contact for vertically contacting the substrate and providing electrical connection to the substrate. The at least one contact does not scratch the surface of the substrate to be plated. A voltage source is connected to the at least one contact.
Abstract:
A buckling beam probe assembly and a process to make the assembly using insulated metal to hold the vertical beam probe wires. The buckling beam probe assembly electrically connects a test apparatus with contact pads on the surface of a device to be tested. The assembly is formed with a plurality of buckling beam wires each having a head, a body, and a tail. Each of the beam wires is pressed vertically onto the contact pads and buckles laterally to adapt to height differences of the contact pads caused by irregularities on the surface of the device to be tested. A top plate has a first plurality of apertures receiving the heads of the plurality of buckling beam wires. A bottom plate has a second plurality of apertures receiving the tails of the plurality of buckling beams wires. A plurality of intermediate metal sections are positioned between the top plate and the bottom plate. Each of the intermediate metal sections is formed with a plurality of thin metal layers and has a plurality of openings coated with an insulation layer. The bodies of the plurality of buckling beam wires pass through the openings.
Abstract:
A molded case circuit breaker movable contact arm or carrier electrically connects with the circuit breaker trip unit or load terminal without requiring a flexible electrical conducting braid. The contact carrier is pivotally arranged within a contact carrier support to which the trip unit or load terminal lug is attached. The contact carrier pivot pin is supported on a pair of parallel posts extending from the contact carrier and a spring clip is positioned around the parallel posts and the pivoting end of the contact carrier to promote good electric transport without interfering with the rotational movement of the contact carrier.
Abstract:
Disclosed is an improved probe housing mechanism that will allow for the quick release of a probe tip from a testing tool. The invention includes a probe housing, a double cantilevered beam for holding a probe tip, and a releasable spring mechanism for holding the beam into place. The spring mechanism can be released by squeezing the spring together or by releasing a non-removable locking screw, thereby allowing the beam to be slidably removed from the probe housing for easy replacement.
Abstract:
A bed-of-nails type or needle-card type test probe has clusters of parallel buckling beams arranged in a spaced arrangement. The buckling beams are arranged and electrically connected within a cluster so that a contaminant, which may be on the device being tested, does not reduce the accuracy of the test measurements. In particular, the spacing of the buckling beams is such that multiple buckling beams are capable of contacting a single feature on an electronics package to be tested. The buckling beams deflect independently of each other in response to compressive force, and the buckling beams within a cluster are electrically connected in parallel to each other to define redundant, independent conductive paths through the buckling beams. In this way, if a contaminant prevents one of the buckling beams of the cluster from making electrical contact with the feature to be tested, the other one or more of the buckling beams of the cluster will make the required electrical connection.
Abstract:
Disclosed is an improved probe housing mechanism that will allow for the quick release of a probe tip from a testing tool. The invention includes a probe housing, a double cantilevered beam for holding a probe tip, and a releasable spring mechanism for holding the beam into place. The spring mechanism can be released by squeezing the spring together or by releasing a non-removable locking screw, thereby allowing the beam to be slidably removed from the probe housing for easy replacement.
Abstract:
A flexible conductive sheet includes a polymeric film coated with conductive metals. The flexible conductive sheet may be used in a shorting pad probe tip for a substrate tester by loosely wrapping the flexible conductive sheet around a compliant mandrel. The flexible conductive sheet may also be used for shielding an integrated circuit from radio frequency interference. The polymer film may be polyimide.
Abstract:
A compact circuit breaker utilizing an electronic trip unit for overcurrent determination contains a compact slot motor and a compact arc chute to minimize and control the arc that occurs when the circuit breaker contacts become separated upon intense overcurrent conditions.