Patent · US Expired

Membrane test probe

US5990695A · kind A · utility

22Cited by
6References
7Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 16, 1998
Grant dateNov 23, 1999
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 16, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01R1/0735
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A membrane test probe for an integrated circuit has a support frame, an annular substrate fixed to the support frame, and a flexible membrane fixed to and stretched tightly across the annular substrate. The membrane has an intermediate area that includes a plurality of probe contacts on its lower surface that are configured and arranged to be pressed against contact pads of an integrated circuit to be tested. A plurality of conductive traces are connected to the button contacts and configured and arranged for connection to test circuitry. The membrane test probe also includes a support plate for engaging an upper surface of the intermediate area and an adjustment mechanism for leveling the support plate and tensioning the membrane. The adjustment mechanism includes an adjustment ring, a lever ring and a pressure plate frame. The pressure plate frame engages the support plate and urges the same against the intermediate area of the membrane. The lever ring has a plurality of radial levers that push against the pressure plate frame at a plurality of spaced locations, and the support ring has a plurality of individually adjustable plungers deflecting respective radial levers for leveli…

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