Patent · US Expired

Non-destructive tester for transistors

US4851769A · kind A · utility

12Cited by
2References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 11, 1988
Grant dateJul 25, 1989
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 11, 2008

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01R31/261
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A non-destructive reverse-bias second breakdown tester for testing semiconductor devices such as transistors and thyristors that have a base-collector-emitter configuration. The tester basically comprises a socket for holding the device under test. A base drive provides a drive current to the base of the device under test. A collector supply provides a collector current to the device under test. A current diverter diverts current away from the device under test when the device under test experiences reverse-bias second breakdown. The diverter includes first, second and third switches arranged in series. A diode diverter is connected to the current supply and the third switch. A detector produces a first signal at the onset of reverse-bias second breakdown in the device under test. In response to the first signal, the first, second and third switches are activated in seriatim. The activation of all of the first, second and third switches causes the current applied to said device under test to be diverted through said diode diverter and the first, second and third switches.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.