Patents Assigned to Cascase Microtech, Inc.
  • Patent number: 6980012
    Abstract: A probe station includes a fully guarded chuck assembly and connector mechanism for increasing sensitivity to low-level currents while reducing settling times. The chuck assembly includes a wafer-supporting first chuck element surrounded by a second chuck element having a lower component, skirting component and upper component each with a surface portion extending opposite the first element for guarding thereof. The connector mechanism is so connected to the second chuck element as to enable, during low-level current measurements, the potential on each component to follow that on the first chuck element as measured relative to an outer shielding enclosure surrounding each element. Leakage current from the first chuck element is thus reduced to virtually zero, hence enabling increased current sensitivity, and the reduced capacitance thus provided by the second chuck element decreases charging periods, hence reducing settling times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Cascase Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Randy J. Schwindt, Warren K. Harwood, Paul A. Tervo, Kenneth R. Smith, Richard H. Warner