Patent · US Expired

Wafer-level burn-in and test cartridge

US6340895B1 · kind B1 · utility

131Cited by
44References
44Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 14, 1999
Grant dateJan 22, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 14, 2019

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01R31/2831
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A cartridge (10) includes a chuck plate (12) for receiving a wafer (74) and a probe plate (14) for establishing electrical contact with the wafer. In use, a mechanical connecting device (90) locks the chuck plate and the probe plate fixed relative to one another to maintain alignment of the wafer and the probe plate. Preferably, electrical contact with the wafer is established using a probe card (50) that is movably mounted to the probe plate by means of a plurality of leaf springs (52.) The mechanical connecting device is preferably a kinematic coupling including a male connector (94) and first and second opposed jaws (122, 124.) Each of the jaws is pivotable from a retracted position in which the male connector can be inserted between the jaws and an engaging position in which the jaws prevent withdrawal of the male connector from between the jaws. The male connector is movable between an extended and a retracted position, and is biased towards the retracted position. This provides a positive clamping force that pulls the chuck and probe plates together when the mechanical connecting device is engaged. To load a wafer into the cartridge, the wafer is placed on the chuck plate, th…

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