Programmable carrier plate for automated circuit board tester
US6819099B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 6, 2003 |
| Grant date | Nov 16, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 6, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01R31/2808
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus and method for supporting and aligning a circuit board, such as a computer system board and the like, during testing. The apparatus includes a carrier plate having a plurality of holes arrayed in a grid. The holes are used for coupling various alignment components to the carrier plate. These alignment components include fixed tooling pins, adjustable tooling pins, and alignment blocks. In one embodiment, a template is employed to align the alignment components based on a form factor of the circuit board to be tested, wherein different templates are employed for circuit board-types having different form factors. The circuit board is supported by a plurality of plastic threaded fasteners to form a gap between the circuit board and the carrier plate. The templates are also used to locate these plastic supports. The carrier plate further includes a pair of alignment bushings for aligning the carrier plate relative to a test apparatus in which the carrier plate is to be employed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.