Photolithographically patterned spring contact and apparatus and methods for electrically contacting devices
US5944537A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 31, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 15, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01R4/48
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A photolithographically patterned spring contact is formed on a substrate and electrically connects contact pads on two devices. The spring contact also compensates for thermal and mechanical variations and other environmental factors. An inherent stress gradient in the spring contact causes a free portion of the spring contact to bend up and away from the substrate. An anchor portion remains fixed to the substrate and is electrically connected to a first contact pad on the substrate. The spring contact is made of an elastic material and the free portion compliantly contacts a second contact pad, thereby electrically interconnecting the two contact pads.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.