Prefabricated and attached interconnect structure

US6965245B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• K & S Interconnect, Inc. · US

Inventors

• January Kister · Menlo Park, US
• David T. Beatson · Kennett Square, US
• Edward Laurent · North Wales, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 1, 2003
• Grant date: Nov 15, 2005
• Expiry date: May 1, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49117
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A interconnect assembly features a prefabricated interconnect structure metallurgically bonded to a terminal of a larger structure. Fabrication of the interconnect structure's independently and seperate from the larger structure enables the use of economic mass fabrication techniques that are well-known for miniature scale sheet metal parts. During fabrication, positioning and attachment, each interconnect structure is combined with and/or held in a carrier structure from which it is separated after attachment to the terminal. The interconnect structure is configured such that an attachment tool may be brought into close proximity to the attachment interface between the interconnect structure and the terminal for a short and direct transmission of bonding energy onto the attachment interface. The attachment interface provides for an electrically conductive and a bending stress opposing mechanical connection between the interconnect structure and the terminal. The interconnect assembly is preferably part of a probe apparatus.