Abstract: Probecard architectures partition the spring compliance required for IC testing between several different components. Such architectures can provide shorter springs, better impedance control, improved power/ground distribution and more direct paths to tester electronics. The probecards can also use thinner interconnector substrates to conform to the planarity of a DUT and may suspend such a substrate by wires attached to a perimeter edge of the substrate to permit the substrate to tilt. Tilting can also be facilitated by positioning tester-side springs away from the perimeter of the substrate. Low compliance MEMS probes for such architectures can be provided on replaceable coupons having attachment points away from electrical connections, and a method for fabricating probe springs can plate spring material on a membrane deformed by contact with a bumped substrate.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 12, 2007
Date of Patent:
January 25, 2011
Assignee:
Innoconnex, Inc.
Inventors:
Sammy Mok, Frank J. Swiatowiec, Fariborz Agahdel