Patents by Inventor Donald P. Richmond, II

Donald P. Richmond, II has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9874583
    Abstract: A tester is described having output circuits that are operable in either power mode or driver mode. A switching circuit connects force and sense lines to one of the output circuits when in power mode, or connects the same lines separately to the output circuits when in driver mode. A further configuration allows for power to be provided through the lines separately while detecting a measure of power through each line and correcting for unknown resistances of leads connected to the lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Donald P. Richmond, II, David S. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 9857418
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tester apparatus of the kind including a portable supporting structure for removably holding and testing a substrate carrying a microelectronic circuit. An interface on the stationary structure is connected to the first interface when the portable structure is held by the stationary structure and is disconnected from the first interface when the portable supporting structure is removed from the stationary structure. An electrical tester is connected through the interfaces so that signals may be transmitted between the electrical tester and the microelectronic circuit to test the microelectronic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Steven C. Steps, Scott E. Lindsey, Kenneth W. Deboe, Donald P. Richmond, II, Alberto Calderon
  • Publication number: 20170030965
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tester apparatus of the kind including a portable supporting structure for removably holding and testing a substrate carrying a microelectronic circuit. An interface on the stationary structure is connected to the first interface when the portable structure is held by the stationary structure and is disconnected from the first interface when the portable supporting structure is removed from the stationary structure. An electrical tester is connected through the interfaces so that signals may be transmitted between the electrical tester and the microelectronic circuit to test the microelectronic circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2016
    Publication date: February 2, 2017
    Applicant: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Steven C. Steps, Scott E. Lindsey, Kenneth W. Deboe, Donald P. Richmond, II, Alberto Calderon
  • Patent number: 9500702
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tester apparatus of the kind including a portable supporting structure for removably holding and testing a substrate carrying a microelectronic circuit. An interface on the stationary structure is connected to the first interface when the portable structure is held by the stationary structure and is disconnected from the first interface when the portable supporting structure is removed from the stationary structure. An electrical tester is connected through the interfaces so that signals may be transmitted between the electrical tester and the microelectronic circuit to test the microelectronic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2016
    Assignee: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Steven C. Steps, Scott E. Lindsey, Kenneth W. Deboe, Donald P. Richmond, II, Alberto Calderon
  • Publication number: 20160187416
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2016
    Publication date: June 30, 2016
    Applicant: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Donald P. Richmond, II, Kenneth W. Deboe, Frank O. Uher, Jovan Jovanovic, Scott E. Lindsey, Thomas T. Maenner, Patrick M. Shepherd, Jeffrey L. Tyson, Mark C. Carbone, Paul W. Burke, Doan D. Cao, James F. Tomic, Long V. Vu
  • Publication number: 20160154053
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tester apparatus of the kind including a portable supporting structure for removably holding and testing a substrate carrying a microelectronic circuit. An interface on the stationary structure is connected to the first interface when the portable structure is held by the stationary structure and is disconnected from the first interface when the portable supporting structure is removed from the stationary structure. An electrical tester is connected through the interfaces so that signals may be transmitted between the electrical tester and the microelectronic circuit to test the microelectronic circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2016
    Publication date: June 2, 2016
    Applicant: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Steven C. Steps, Scott E. Lindsey, Kenneth W. Deboe, Donald P. Richmond, II, Alberto Calderon
  • Publication number: 20160109482
    Abstract: A tester is described having output circuits that are operable in either power mode or driver mode. A switching circuit connects force and sense lines to one of the output circuits when in power mode, or connects the same lines separately to the output circuits when in driver mode. A further configuration allows for power to be provided through the lines separately while detecting a measure of power through each line and correcting for unknown resistances of leads connected to the lines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2015
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Applicant: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Donald P. Richmond, II, David S. Hendrickson
  • Patent number: 9316683
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Donald P. Richmond, II, Kenneth W. Deboe, Frank O. Uher, Jovan Jovanovic, Scott E. Lindsey, Thomas T. Maenner, Patrick M. Shepherd, Jeffrey L. Tyson, Mark C. Carbone, Paul W. Burke, Doan D. Cao, James F. Tomic, Long V. Vu
  • Publication number: 20160103179
    Abstract: A cartridge, including a cartridge frame, formations on the cartridge frame for mounting the cartridge frame in a fixed position to an apparatus frame, a contactor support structure, a contactor interface on the contactor support structure, a plurality of terminals, held by the contactor support structure, for contacting contacts on a device, and a plurality of conductors, held by the contactor support structure, connecting the interface to the terminals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Publication date: April 14, 2016
    Applicant: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Scott E. Lindsey, Jovan Jovanovic, David S. Hendrickson, Donald P. Richmond, II
  • Patent number: 9250291
    Abstract: A cartridge, including a cartridge frame, formations on the cartridge frame for mounting the cartridge frame in a fixed position to an apparatus frame, a contactor support structure, a contactor interface on the contactor support structure, a plurality of terminals, held by the contactor support structure, for contacting contacts on a device, and a plurality of conductors, held by the contactor support structure, connecting the interface to the terminals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Scott E. Lindsey, Jovan Jovanovic, David S. Hendrickson, Donald P. Richmond, II
  • Publication number: 20150369858
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Applicant: AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Donald P. Richmond, II, Kenneth W. Deboe, Frank O. Uher, Jovan Jovanovic, Scott E. Lindsey, Thomas T. Maenner, Patrick M. Shepherd, Jeffrey L. Tyson, Mark C. Carbone, Paul W. Burke, Doan D. Cao, James F. Tomic, Long V. Vu
  • Patent number: 9151797
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2015
    Assignee: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Donald P. Richmond, II, Kenneth W. Deboe, Frank O. Uher, Jovan Jovanovic, Scott E. Lindsey, Thomas T. Maenner, Patrick M. Shepherd, Jeffrey L. Tyson, Mark C. Carbone, Paul W. Burke, Doan D. Cao, James F. Tomic, Long V. Vu
  • Patent number: 9086449
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tester apparatus of the kind including a portable supporting structure for removably holding and testing a substrate carrying a microelectronic circuit. An interface on the stationary structure is connected to the first interface when the portable structure is held by the stationary structure and is disconnected from the first interface when the portable supporting structure is removed from the stationary structure. An electrical tester is connected through the interfaces so that signals may be transmitted between the electrical tester and the microelectronic circuit to test the microelectronic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Steven C. Steps, Scott E. Lindsey, Kenneth W. Deboe, Donald P. Richmond, II, Alberto Calderon
  • Patent number: 8986048
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for testing an integrated circuit of an electronic device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: David S. Hendrickson, Jovan Jovanovic, Donald P. Richmond, II, William D. Barraclough
  • Publication number: 20140232424
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Donald P. Richmond, II, Kenneth W. Deboe, Frank O. Uher, Jovan Jovanovic, Scott E. Lindsey, Thomas T. Maenner, Patrick M. Shepherd, Jeffrey L. Tyson, Mark C. Carbone, Paul W. Burke, Doan D. Cao, James F. Tomic, Long V. Vu
  • Patent number: 8747123
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Donald P. Richmond, II, Kenneth W. Deboe, Frank O. Uher, Jovan Jovanovic, Scott E. Lindsey, Thomas T. Maenner, Patrick M. Shepherd, Jeffrey L. Tyson, Mark C. Carbone, Paul W. Burke, Doan D. Cao, James F. Tomic, Long V. Vu
  • Publication number: 20140091810
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2013
    Publication date: April 3, 2014
    Applicant: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Donald P. Richmond, II, Kenneth W. Deboe, Frank O. Uher, Jovan Jovanovic, Scott E. Lindsey, Thomas T. Maenner, Patrick M. Shepherd, Jeffrey L. Tyson, Mark C. Carbone, Paul W. Burke, Doan D. Cao, James F. Tomic, Long V. Vu
  • Patent number: 8628336
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Donald P. Richmond, II, Kenneth W. Deboe, Frank O. Uher, Jovan Jovanovic, Scott E. Lindsey, Thomas T. Maenner, Patrick M. Shepherd, Jeffrey L. Tyson, Mark C. Carbone, Paul W. Burke, Doan D. Cao, James F. Tomic, Long V. Vu
  • Publication number: 20130304412
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Donald P. Richmond, II, Kenneth W. Deboe, Frank O. Uher, Jovan Jovanovic, Scott E. Lindsey, Thomas T. Maenner, Patrick M. Shepherd, Jeffrey L. Tyson, Mark C. Carbone, Paul W. Burke, Doan D. Cao, James F. Tomic, Long V. Vu
  • Patent number: 8506335
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: AEHA Test Systems
    Inventors: Donald P. Richmond, II, Kenneth W. Deboe, Frank O. Uher, Jovan Jovanovic, Scott E. Lindsey, Thomas T. Maenner, Patrick M. Shepherd, Jeffrey L. Tyson, Mark C. Carbone, Paul W. Burke, Doan D. Cao, James F. Tomic, Long V. Vu