Patents Assigned to MPI Corporation
  • Patent number: 8933719
    Abstract: A combined probe head being disposed in a space transformer of a vertical probe card is provided, in which the combined probe head is used for differentiating or segmenting a layout area of the probes in the vertical probe card. The combined probe head may include a locating plate and sub-probe heads. The locating plate may include fixed portions. Each sub-probe head may include corresponding sub-dies and probes inserted between the sub-dies, and each sub-probe head is assembled and fixed in the corresponding fixed portion. Therefore, the layout area of the probes in the vertical probe card can be respectively differentiated or segmented from the sub-probe heads in order to avoid mutual interference under repair process. In addition, a related method for assembling and aligning the above mentioned combined probe head is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: MPI Corporation
    Inventors: Chao-Ching Huang, Wen-Chi Chen, Chiu-Chu Chang
  • Publication number: 20140352460
    Abstract: A probe needle includes a head, a tail and a body connected between the head and the tail and provided with a first flat section curvedly extending from the head towards the tail for providing sufficient deformation when the tail is pressed on a device under test, and a second flat section neighbored to the first flat section for supporting the probe needle in between upper and lower dies. When the probe needles are used in a probe module, the probe needles can be arranged with a pitch same as that of the conventional probe needles even though the probe needles are formed from posts having a relatively greater diameter than that of the posts for making the conventional probe needles, such that the probe needles may have enhanced current withstanding capacity and prolonged lifespan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: MPI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chia-Yuan KUO, Tien-Chia LI, Ming-Chi CHEN, Chien-Chou WU, Tsung-Yi CHEN
  • Patent number: 8884640
    Abstract: An integrated high-speed probe system is provided. The integrated high-speed probe system includes a circuit substrate for transmitting low-frequency testing signals from a tester through a first probe of the probe assembly to a DUT, and a high-speed substrate for transmitting high-frequency testing signals from the tester to the DUT. The high-speed substrate extends from the upper surface of the circuit substrate in the testing area to the lower surface of the circuit substrate in the probe area for being adjacent to the probe assembly and electrically connecting the second probe. In this way, the tester can transmit testing signals of different frequencies through the integrated high-speed probe system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: MPI Corporation
    Inventors: Chun-Chi Wang, Chia-Tai Chang, Ya-Yun Cheng, Wei-Cheng Ku, Chao-Ping Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20140306730
    Abstract: An alignment adjusting mechanism for a probe card includes a frame, a substrate and positioning screws. The frame has an opening, an inner periphery wall surrounding around the opening, and an outer periphery wall corresponding to the inner periphery wall. The substrate is disposed in the opening and supported by a support flange extending from the inner periphery wall toward a center of the opening. The frame is provided with a plurality of positioning threaded holes each extending from the outer periphery wall to the inner periphery wall in communication with the opening. Each positioning screw is threaded into one of the positioning threaded holes and has an end stopped at a lateral side of the substrate. By turning the positioning screws, the planimetric position of the substrate on an imaginary plane is adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: MPI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsung-Yi CHEN, Chung-Tse LEE, Shih-Shin CHEN
  • Publication number: 20140306729
    Abstract: A position adjustable probing device adapted for being mounted to a circuit board includes a frame, a probe head, a space transformer module and an elevation adjusting structure. The frame has a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a first opening penetrating through the first and second surfaces. The probe head is coupled to the frame. The space transformer module is disposed in the first opening. The elevation adjusting structure is provided at the frame and has a plurality of spacers for adjusting a position of the frame relative to a reference surface in a vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2014
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: MPI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsung-Yi CHEN, Chung-Tse LEE, Shih-Shin CHEN
  • Publication number: 20140290053
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a space transformer for a probe card includes the steps of mounting and electrically connecting second substrates on a first substrate, forming an insulated layer with through holes on each of the second substrates, and forming electrically conductive blocks in the through holes, respectively. Because the electrically conductive blocks are formed after the second substrates are mounted to the first substrate, any unexpected relative displacement of the first and second substrates during mounting is uninfluential to positions of the electrically conductive blocks. Besides, a step of planarizing the electrically conductive blocks can be further carried out. Therefore, the positions and flatness of probe needles may not need to be adjusted after the probe needles are connected with the electrically conductive blocks of the space transformer thus obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: MPI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuan-Chun CHOU, Huo-Kang HSU, Hui-Pin YANG, Chien-Kuei WANG
  • Patent number: 8816713
    Abstract: A probe card for high-frequency signal transmission includes a circuit board with transmission lines, a plurality of probes, and a signal path adjuster having first lead wires with a same length respectively connected between the transmission lines and the probes. Each first lead wire is selectively replaceable by a second lead having a length different from that of the first lead wire. As a result, a first high-frequency signal transmitting from one transmission line through the associated first lead wire to the associated probe and a second high-frequency signal transmitting from another transmission line through the associated second lead wire to the associated probe may have a same output timing when the first and second high-frequency signals are synchronously inputted into the circuit board.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: MPI Corporation
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Ku, Chih-Hao Ho, Chen-Kuo Kao, Chao-Ping Hsieh
  • Publication number: 20140232421
    Abstract: A probe card, which is used to transmit power signals and test signals from a tester to a DUT, includes a pin base, a plurality of signal pins, a signal conducting circuit and at least one power conducting circuit. The signal pins are made of conductive materials, and each contacts the DUT with an end thereof; the signal conducting circuit has a first resistance, and electrically connects the tester and the other end of one of the signal pin to transmit the test signals to the DUT; the power conducting circuit has a second resistance which is much less than the first resistance, and electrically connects the tester and the other end of one of the signal pin which is not connected with the signal conducting circuit to transmit the power signals to the DUT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: MPI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng KU, Jun-Liang LAI
  • Publication number: 20140210505
    Abstract: A wafer testing probe card includes a printed circuit board, a flexible circuit board, an elastic piece, and a probe unit. The flexible circuit board is electrically connected to the printed circuit board. The elastic piece is disposed between the printed circuit board and the flexible circuit board. The probe unit includes a probe head and a plurality of probes. The probe head is fixed on the printed circuit board and has a plurality of through holes. The probes respectively pass through the through holes and move up and down relative to the probe head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2014
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: MPI Corporation
    Inventors: Ming-Chi CHEN, Tien-Chia LI, Dai-Jin YEH, Tsung-Yi CHEN, Chien-Kuei WANG
  • Publication number: 20140203834
    Abstract: A probe module includes a substrate having a through hole, and at least four probe-needle rows arranged on the substrate. The probe-needle rows are arranged from a first side to a second side along a first direction. Each of the probe-needle rows has at least two needles arranged along a second direction. Each of the needles has a contact segment and an arm segment having an included angle with the contact segment. An end of the arm segment is connected to the substrate, and the other end of which extends toward the through hole to connect the contact segment. The lengths of the contact segments of the needles of each of the probe-needle rows are the same. The included angles of the needles of the probe-needle rows along the first direction are gradually increased from the first side to the second side.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: MPI Corporation
    Inventor: Chia-Tai CHANG
  • Publication number: 20140197860
    Abstract: A current-diverting guide plate for use in a probe module is disclosed to include a plate body having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a plurality of through holes penetrating through the first and second surfaces. A conducting layer is provided at a periphery wall of each through hole of the plate body and electrically coupled to a probe slidably inserted through the through holes. A current-diverting circuit trace is disposed on the first surface of the plate body and electrically connected with the conducting layers for diverting the electric current flowing through probes. Thus, the current-diverting guide plate can be used to prevent the probes from possible damage due to an excessive instantaneous current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: MPI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hsien-Ta HSU, Horng-Kuang FAN
  • Publication number: 20140197859
    Abstract: A probe head includes a plate, a probe, and at least one composite coating layer. The plate has at least one through hole therein. The probe is at least partially disposed in the through hole of the plate. The composite coating layer includes a metal layer and a plurality of lubricating particles. The metal layer is disposed in the through hole of the plate and between the plate and the probe. The lubricating particles are dispersed in the metal layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2014
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: MPI Corporation
    Inventors: Horng- Kuang FAN, Hsien-Ta HSU
  • Publication number: 20140103948
    Abstract: A probe card having a configurable structure for exchanging/swapping electronic components for impedance matching is provided. In the probe card, an applied force is exerted on the electronic component so as to make the electronic component electrically connected with at least one conductive contact pad of a supporting unit. The supporting unit is a circuit board or a space transformer. In order to facilitate the exchange or swap of the electronic component, the applied force can be removed. The probe card includes a pressing plate which can be moved between a pressing position and a non-pressing position. The pressing plate has a pressing surface which is contacted with the top end of the electronic component while the pressing plate is in the pressing position. Therefore, the applied force can be generated or removed by changing the positioning of the pressing plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: MPI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chao-Ching Huang, Chih-Hao Ho, Wei-Cheng Ku
  • Publication number: 20140077833
    Abstract: A probe card for being abutted against a plurality of probes is provided. The probe card includes a substrate, at least two IC boards, and a plurality of probe pads. The IC boards are located on the substrate, and a predetermined distance is formed between the IC boards. Each of the IC boards has a plurality of lead connection points. The probe pads are plated on the IC boards, and are respectively connected to the lead connection points to cover the lead connection points. A probe area is surrounded by the probe pads on each of the IC boards. The probe pads are used to abut against the probes. In addition, a method of manufacturing the probe card is provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: MPI Corporation
    Inventors: Chung-Tse LEE, Chien-Chou WU, Tsung-Yi CHEN, Ming-Chi CHEN
  • Patent number: 8638116
    Abstract: A probe card having a configurable structure for exchanging/swapping electronic components for impedance matching and an impedance method therefore are provided. In the probe card, an applied force is exerted on the electronic component so as to make the electronic component electrically connected with at least one conductive contact pad of a supporting unit. The supporting unit is a circuit board or a space transformer. In order to facilitate the exchange or swap of the electronic component, the applied force can be removed. The probe card includes a pressing plate which can be moved between a pressing position and a non-pressing position. The pressing plate has a pressing surface which is contacted with the top end of the electronic component while the pressing plate is in the pressing position. Therefore, the applied force can be generated or removed by changing the positioning of the pressing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: MPI Corporation
    Inventors: Chao-Ching Huang, Chih-Hao Ho, Wei-Cheng Ku
  • Publication number: 20130249579
    Abstract: A probing apparatus includes a rotating device having a plurality of platforms for supporting DUTs, a probe device having a lifting stage movable between first and second positions, and a heating device mounted to the lifting stage so as to move along with it. The platforms are synchronously revolvable in a way that the platforms move to a test position sequentially The heating device is configured in a manner that when the lifting stage moves to the first position, the heating device is located away from the platform at the test position, and when the lifting stage moves to the second position, the heating device contacts and heats the platform at the test position. Therefore, the heating device and the probe device are movable simultaneously for heating up the platform and testing the DUT respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: MPI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hsiu-Wei LIN, Yu-Che CHENG, Hung-Yi LIN
  • Patent number: 8542027
    Abstract: A probe card is provided. The probe card can serialize, analogize and divide a digital signal by a analog-to-digital converter (ADC), a digital-to-analog converter (DAC), and a power divided unit respectively. The probe card can increase signal channels, and is not restricted by signal channels of a tester to test more DUTs simultaneously. Moreover, the probe card has fine impedance matching and channels separating to raise testing efficiency and reduce signal loss.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: MPI Corporation
    Inventors: Young-Huang Chou, Wei-Cheng Ku, Wen-Pin Su, Jun-Liang Lai, Chao-Ping Hsieh, Ping-Hsiao Liao
  • Publication number: 20130069686
    Abstract: A probing device and manufacturing method thereof are provided. The manufacturing method includes first disposing a plurality of space transformers on a reinforcing plate and the space transformer includes several first pads. Then, the space transformer is fixed on the reinforcing plate. Thereafter, photoresist films having a plurality of openings is formed on the space transformer. The first pads are disposed in the openings. After that, a metal layer is formed and covered on the first pad. Later, the photoresist film is removed and the metal layer is planarized to form a second pad. Afterwards, the reinforcing plate is electrically connected with a PCB. Thereafter, a probe head having a plurality of probing area is provided and each probing area is corresponding to one of the space transformer. The probes in the probing area are electrically connected with the internal circuitry of the space transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: MPI corporation
    Inventors: Chien-Chou Wu, Ming-Chi Chen, Chung-Che Li
  • Publication number: 20130033283
    Abstract: A probing device includes a circuit board, a reinforcing plate, at least one space transformer and at least one probe assembly. The reinforcing plate is disposed on the circuit board, and the reinforcing plate has a plurality of inner conductive wires electrically connecting to those of the circuit board. The reinforcing plate defines a plurality of receiving space therein. The space transformer is disposed on the reinforcing plate, and the space transformer has a plurality of inner conductive wires electrically connecting to those of the reinforcing plate via a plurality of first solder balls. The probe assembly is disposed on the space transformer, and the probe assembly includes a plurality of probes. The first solder balls are disposed in the receiving spaces, and the reinforcing plate abuts against the space transformer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: MPI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chien-Chou Wu, Ming-Chi Chen, Chung-Che Li
  • Patent number: 8106673
    Abstract: A probe for high frequency signal transmission includes a metal pin, and a metal line spacedly arranged on and electrically insulated from the metal pin and electrically connected to grounding potential so as to maintain the characteristic impedance of the probe upon transmitting high frequency signal. The maximum diameter of the probe is substantially equal to or smaller than two times of the diameter of the metal pin. Under this circumstance, a big amount of probes can be installed in a probe card for probing a big amount of electronic devices, so that a wafer-level electronic test can be achieved efficiently and rapidly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: MPI Corporation
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Ku, Chih-Hao Ho, Chia-Tai Chang, Ho-Hui Lin, Chien-Ho Lin