Patents by Inventor Chien Chou Wu

Chien Chou Wu 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: 9746495
    Abstract: A probe device includes a spring probe and a probe seat. The spring probe includes a needle and a spring sleeve sleeved onto the needle and provided with at least one spring section and at least one non-spring section. The probe seat includes a plurality of dies stacked together and at least one guiding hole through which the spring probe is inserted. An upper edge and a lower edge of the guiding hole of the probe seat are arranged corresponding in position to the non-spring section of the spring sleeve. As a result, the spring probe is prevented from getting jammed due to the contact of the spring section of the spring sleeve with the upper and lower edges of the guiding hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2017
    Assignee: MPI Corporation
    Inventors: Chien-Chou Wu, Tsung-Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 9651578
    Abstract: An assembly method of direct-docking probing device is provided. First, a space transforming plate made by back-end-of-line semiconductor manufacturing process is provided, so the thickness of the space transforming plate is predetermined by the client of probe card manufacturer. Then a reinforcing plate in which a plurality of circuits disposed is provided, which has larger mechanical strength than the space transforming plate. After that the reinforcing plate and the space transforming plate are joined and electrically connected by a plurality of solders so as to form a space transformer. Then, a conductive elastic member and a probe interface board are provided. Thereafter, the space transformer and the conductive elastic member are mounted on the probe interface board. After that, at least one vertical probe assembly having a plurality of vertical probes is mounted on the space transforming plate, and the vertical probes is electrically connected with the space transforming plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: MPI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chien-Chou Wu, Ming-Chi Chen, Tsung-Yi Chen, Chung-Che Li
  • Patent number: 9648757
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a space transformer includes providing a carrier substrate made for a chip package, forming an insulated layer disposed on the carrier substrate, and forming a conductive block. The carrier substrate is formed with elongated first and second wires. The first wire has an elongated contact which is longer than the width of the first wire. The insulated layer is formed with a hole corresponding in position to the elongated contact. The conductive block is formed with an elongated connecting column located in the hole and connected with the elongated contact, and a cylindrical contact pad exposed at the outside of the insulated layer, larger-sized than the elongated connecting column is connected with the elongated connecting column. As a result, the cylindrical contact pad has sufficient area and structural strength for contact with a probe needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: MPI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chung-Tse Lee, Chien-Chou Wu, Tsung-Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 9618536
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: MPI Corporation
    Inventors: Chia-Yuan Kuo, Tien-Chia Li, Ming-Chi Chen, Chien-Chou Wu, Tsung-Yi Chen
  • Patent number: 9588141
    Abstract: A probe device includes a spring probe having a spring sleeve with at least a spring section and a connection segment fixed to a needle and having a convex portion protruding over an outer cylinder surface of the spring section, and a probe seat having stacked dies and at least a guiding hole through which the probe is inserted. The dies includes a lower die, a supporting die above the lower die and a non-circular supporting hole at the supporting die. The distance between a supporting surface and a center of the supporting hole is greater than the radius of the outer cylinder surface and smaller than the distance between a guiding surface of the supporting hole and the center, which is greater than the maximum distance between the convex portion and a needle center, thereby preventing the probe receiving external force from exceeding deflection and bending.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: MPI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tsung-Yi Chen, Chien-Chou Wu, Tien-Chia Li, Ting-Hsin Kuo
  • Patent number: 9535092
    Abstract: A spring probe includes a needle, a spring sleeve sleeved onto the needle, and a protrusion. The spring sleeve has upper and lower non-spring sections, and at least a spring section therebetween. The needle has a bottom end portion protruding out from the lower non-spring section, and a top end portion located in the upper non-spring section. The protrusion is located at one of the top end portion and the upper non-spring section. The needle is movable relative to the upper non-spring section from an initial position to a connected position where the upper non-spring section is electrically connected with the needle through the protrusion when receiving an external force. As a result, the spring probe effectively prevents signals from being transmitted through the spring section, thereby improving stability of signal transmission and preventing the spring section from fracture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: MPI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ting-Hsin Kuo, Tsung-Yi Chen, Tien-Chia Li, Yi-Lung Lee, Chien-Chou Wu
  • Patent number: 9506978
    Abstract: An apparatus for probing die electricity includes a substrate, a converting plate, a needle module and a reinforcement structure. The converting plate includes two opposite surfaces respectively having a plurality of first and second conductive elements. The needle module has a plurality of needles respectively and electrically connected to the plurality second conductive elements. The reinforcement structure is made from a polymer gel and disposed between the converting plate and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2016
    Assignee: MPI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chung-Tse Lee, Chien-Chou Wu, Yi-Ming Chan
  • Patent number: 9347971
    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: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Assignee: MPI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chien-Chou Wu, Ming-Chi Chen, Chung-Che Li
  • Patent number: 9341648
    Abstract: 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 plural probes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: MPI Corporation
    Inventors: Chung-Tse Lee, Chien-Chou Wu, Tsung-Yi Chen, Ming-Chi Chen
  • Patent number: 9234917
    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: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: MPI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chien-Chou Wu, Ming-Chi Chen, Chung-Che Li
  • Publication number: 20150377957
    Abstract: An apparatus for probing die electricity includes a substrate, a converting plate, a needle module and a reinforcement structure. The converting plate includes two opposite surfaces respectively having a plurality of first and second conductive elements. The needle module has a plurality of needles respectively and electrically connected to the plurality second conductive elements. The reinforcement structure is made from a polymer gel and disposed between the converting plate and the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Publication date: December 31, 2015
    Inventors: Chung-Tse LEE, Chien-Chou WU, Yi-Ming CHAN
  • Patent number: 9157929
    Abstract: A method of forming an apparatus for probing die electricity, which determines a reinforcement structure according to features of a converting plate, and combines the converting plate, reinforcement structure and a substrate for forming the apparatus for probing die electricity. In an embodiment, the apparatus for probing die electricity further comprises a substrate, a converting plate, a needle module and a reinforcement structure. The converting plate comprises two opposite surfaces respectively having a plurality of first and second conductive elements. The needle module comprises a plurality of needles respectively and electrically connected to the plurality second conductive elements. The reinforcement structure is disposed between the converting plate and the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: MPI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Chung-Tse Lee, Chien-Chou Wu, Yi-Ming Chan
  • Publication number: 20150276806
    Abstract: A probe device includes a spring probe and a probe seat. The spring probe includes a needle and a spring sleeve sleeved onto the needle and provided with at least one spring section and at least one non-spring section. The probe seat includes a plurality of dies stacked together and at least one guiding hole through which the spring probe is inserted. An upper edge and a lower edge of the guiding hole of the probe seat are arranged corresponding in position to the non-spring section of the spring sleeve. As a result, the spring probe is prevented from getting jammed due to the contact of the spring section of the spring sleeve with the upper and lower edges of the guiding hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Chien-Chou WU, Tsung-Yi CHEN
  • Publication number: 20150276807
    Abstract: A probe device includes a spring probe having a spring sleeve with at least a spring section and a connection segment fixed to a needle and having a convex portion protruding over an outer cylinder surface of the spring section, and a probe seat having stacked dies and at least a guiding hole through which the probe is inserted. The dies includes a lower die, a supporting die above the lower die and a non-circular supporting hole at the supporting die. The distance between a supporting surface and a center of the supporting hole is greater than the radius of the outer cylinder surface and smaller than the distance between a guiding surface of the supporting hole and the center, which is greater than the maximum distance between the convex portion and a needle center, thereby preventing the probe receiving external force from exceeding deflection and bending.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: Tsung-Yi CHEN, Chien-Chou WU, Tien-Chia LI, Ting-Hsin KUO
  • Publication number: 20150253356
    Abstract: A spring probe includes a needle, a spring sleeve sleeved onto the needle, and a protrusion. The spring sleeve has upper and lower non-spring sections, and at least a spring section therebetween. The needle has a bottom end portion protruding out from the lower non-spring section, and a top end portion located in the upper non-spring section. The protrusion is located at one of the top end portion and the upper non-spring section. The needle is movable relative to the upper non-spring section from an initial position to a connected position where the upper non-spring section is electrically connected with the needle through the protrusion when receiving an external force. As a result, the spring probe effectively prevents signals from being transmitted through the spring section, thereby improving stability of signal transmission and preventing the spring section from fracture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Inventors: Ting-Hsin KUO, Tsung-Yi CHEN, Tien-Chia LI, Yi-Lung LEE, Chien-Chou WU
  • Publication number: 20150185254
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a probing device is provided. The manufacturing method includes following steps. First, a plurality of space transformers is disposed on a reinforcing plate and the space transformer includes a plurality of first pads. Then, the space transformer is fixed on the reinforcing plate. Thereafter, photoresist films having a plurality of openings are 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 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: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: Chien-Chou Wu, Ming-Chi Chen, Chung-Che Li
  • Publication number: 20150107102
    Abstract: A space transformer includes a carrier substrate made for a chip package, an insulated layer disposed on the carrier substrate, and a conductive block. The carrier substrate is provided with elongated first and second wires. The first wire has an elongated contact which is longer than the width of the first wire. The insulated layer has a hole corresponding in position to the elongated contact. The conductive block has an elongated connecting column located in the hole and connected with the elongated contact, and a cylindrical contact pad exposed at the outside of the insulated layer, larger-sized than the elongated connecting column and connected with the elongated connecting column. As a result, the cylindrical contact pad has sufficient area and structural strength for contact with a probe needle. The method for manufacturing the space transformer is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Inventors: Chung-Tse LEE, Chien-Chou WU, Tsung-Yi CHEN
  • Publication number: 20150033553
    Abstract: An assembly method of direct-docking probing device is provided. First, a space transforming plate made by back-end-of-line semiconductor manufacturing process is provided, so the thickness of the space transforming plate is predetermined by the client of probe card manufacturer. Then a reinforcing plate in which a plurality of circuits disposed is provided, which has larger mechanical strength than the space transforming plate. After that the reinforcing plate and the space transforming plate are joined and electrically connected by a plurality of solders so as to form a space transformer. Then, a conductive elastic member and a probe interface board are provided. Thereafter, the space transformer and the conductive elastic member are mounted on the probe interface board. After that, at least one vertical probe assembly having a plurality of vertical probes is mounted on the space transforming plate, and the vertical probes is electrically connected with the space transforming plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventors: Chien-Chou Wu, Ming-Chi Chen, Tsung-Yi Chen, Chung-Che Li
  • 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
  • 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