Patents by Inventor Clarence E. Cowan

Clarence E. Cowan 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: 7616017
    Abstract: To reduce the time to make measurements and the noise in measurements obtained by probing a device supported on surface of a thermal chuck in a probe station, a conductive member is arranged to intercept current coupling the thermal unit of the chuck to the surface supporting the device. The conductive member is capacitively coupled to the thermal unit but free of direct electrical connection thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence E. Cowan, Paul A. Tervo, John L. Dunklee
  • Patent number: 7550984
    Abstract: A cable includes an inner conductor, an inner dielectric, and a guard conductor, where the inner dielectric is between the inner conductor and the guard conductor. The cable also includes an outer dielectric, and a shield conductor, where the outer dielectric is between the guard conductor and the shield conductor. The cable further includes an additional layer of material between the outer dielectric and the shield conductor of suitable composition for reducing triboelectric current generation between the outer dielectric and the shield conductor to less than that which would occur were the outer dielectric and the shield conductor to directly adjoin each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Lesher, Brad Miller, Clarence E. Cowan, Michael Simmons, Frank Gray, Cynthia L. McDonald
  • Patent number: 7498828
    Abstract: A probe assembly suitable for high-current measurements of an electrical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: John Dunklee, Clarence E. Cowan
  • Publication number: 20080252316
    Abstract: A membrane probing assembly includes a probe card with conductors supported thereon, wherein the conductors include at least a signal conductor located between a pair of spaced apart guard conductors. A membrane assembly includes a membrane with contacts thereon, and supporting at least a signal conductor located between a pair of spaced apart guard conductors. The guard conductors of the probe card are electrically interconnected proximate the interconnection between the probe card and the membrane assembly. The guard conductors of the membrane assembly are electrically interconnected proximate the interconnection between the probe card and the membrane assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Paul A. Tervo, Kenneth R. Smith, Clarence E. Cowan, Mike P. Dauphinais, Martin J. Koxxy
  • Patent number: 7403025
    Abstract: A membrane probing assembly includes a probe card with conductors supported thereon, wherein the conductors include at least a signal conductor located between a pair of spaced apart guard conductors. A membrane assembly includes a membrane with contacts thereon, and supporting at least a signal conductor located between a pair of spaced apart guard conductors. The guard conductors of the probe card are electrically interconnected proximate the interconnection between the probe card and the membrane assembly. The guard conductors of the membrane assembly are electrically interconnected proximate the interconnection between the probe card and the membrane assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Tervo, Kenneth R. Smith, Clarence E. Cowan, Mike P. Dauphinais, Martin J. Koxxy
  • Patent number: 7323895
    Abstract: A low-current pogo probe card for measuring currents down to the femtoamp region includes a laminate board having a layer of conductive traces interposed between to dielectric layers. A plurality of probing devices, such as ceramic blades, are edge-mounted about a central opening so that the probing needles or needles included therein terminate below the opening in a pattern suitable for probing a test subject workpiece. A plurality of pogo pin receiving pad sets, each including a guard pad, occupy the periphery of the board. Each guard pad is electrically connected to a trace from the layer of conductive traces. The pad sets may be connected to the probing devices by low noise cables or traces. Air trenches separate the pad sets for reducing cross talk and signal settling times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Tervo, Clarence E. Cowan
  • Patent number: 7295025
    Abstract: A cable includes an inner conductor, an inner dielectric, and a guard conductor, where the inner dielectric is between the inner conductor and the guard conductor. The cable also includes an outer dielectric, and a shield conductor, where the outer dielectric is between the guard conductor and the shield conductor. The cable further includes an additional layer of material between the outer dielectric and the shield conductor of suitable composition for reducing triboelectric current generation between the outer dielectric and the shield conductor to less than that which would occur were the outer dielectric and the shield conductor to directly adjoin each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Lesher, Brad Miller, Clarence E. Cowan, Michael Simmons, Frank Gray, Cynthia L. McDonald
  • Patent number: 7292057
    Abstract: To reduce noise in measurements obtained by probing a device supported on surface of a thermal chuck in a probe station, a conductive member is arranged to intercept current coupling the thermal unit of the chuck to the surface supporting the device. The conductive member is capacitively coupled to the thermal unit but free of direct electrical connection thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence E. Cowan, Paul A. Tervo, John L. Dunklee
  • Patent number: 7250779
    Abstract: A probe assembly suitable for making test measurements using test signals having high currents. The disclosed probe assembly provides for a test signal exhibiting relatively low inductance when compared to existing probe assemblies by preferably reducing the electrical path distance between the test instrumentation and the electrical device being tested.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2007
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: John Dunklee, Clarence E. Cowan
  • Patent number: 7148714
    Abstract: A low-current pogo probe card for measuring currents down to the femtoamp region includes a laminate board having a layer of conductive traces interposed between two dielectric layers. A plurality of probing devices, such as ceramic blades, are edge-mounted about a central opening so that the probing needles or needles included therein terminate below the opening in a pattern suitable for probing a test subject workpiece. A plurality of pogo pin receiving pad sets, each including a guard pad, occupy the periphery of the board. Each guard pad is electrically connected to a trace from the layer of conductive traces. The pad sets may be connected to the probing devices by low noise cables or traces. Air trenches separate the pad sets for reducing cross talk and signal settling times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Tervo, Clarence E. Cowan
  • Patent number: 7148711
    Abstract: A membrane probing assembly includes a probe card with conductors supported thereon, wherein the conductors include at least a signal conductor located between a pair of spaced apart guard conductors. A membrane assembly includes a membrane with contacts thereon, and supporting at least a signal conductor located between a pair of spaced apart guard conductors. The guard conductors of the probe card are electrically interconnected proximate the interconnection between the probe card and the membrane assembly. The guard conductors of the membrane assembly are electrically interconnected proximate the interconnection between the probe card and the membrane assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Tervo, Kenneth R. Smith, Clarence E. Cowan, Mike P. Dauphinais, Martin J. Koxxy
  • Patent number: 7138810
    Abstract: A cable includes an inner conductor, an inner dielectric, and a guard conductor, where the inner dielectric is between the inner conductor and the guard conductor. The cable also includes an outer dielectric, and a shield conductor, where the outer dielectric is between the guard conductor and the shield conductor. The cable further includes an additional layer of material between the outer dielectric and the shield conductor of suitable composition for reducing triboelectric current generation between the outer dielectric and the shield conductor to less than that which would occur were the outer dielectric and the shield conductor to directly adjoin each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Lesher, Brad Miller, Clarence E. Cowan, Michael Simmons, Frank Gray, Cynthia L. McDonald
  • Patent number: 7138813
    Abstract: To reduce noise in measurements obtained by probing a device supported on surface of a thermal chuck in a probe station, a conductive member is arranged to intercept current coupling the thermal unit of the chuck to the surface supporting the device. The conductive member is capacitively coupled to the thermal unit but free of direct electrical connection thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Clarence E. Cowan, Paul A. Tervo, John L. Dunklee
  • Patent number: 7068057
    Abstract: A low-current pogo probe card for measuring currents down to the femtoamp region includes a laminate board having a layer of conductive traces interposed between two dielectric layers. A plurality of probing devices, such as ceramic blades, are edge-mounted about a central opening so that the probing needles or needles included therein terminate below the opening in a pattern suitable for probing a test subject workpiece. A plurality of pogo pin receiving pad sets, each including a guard pad, occupy the periphery of the board. Each guard pad is electrically connected to a trace from the layer of conductive traces. The pad sets may be connected to the probing devices by low noise cables or traces. Air trenches separate the pad sets for reducing cross talk and signal settling times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Tervo, Clarence E. Cowan
  • Patent number: 7042241
    Abstract: A probe card includes a plurality of probes, where each probe is supported by the probe card. A plurality of landings are on the top of the probe card. Each of the landings is electrically interconnected with a coaxial cable that is also associated with one of the probes. A plurality of trenches defined by the probe card substantially encircles respective landings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Tervo, Clarence E. Cowan
  • Patent number: 6930498
    Abstract: A membrane probing assembly includes a probe card with conductors supported thereon, wherein the conductors include at least a signal conductor located between a pair of spaced apart guard conductors. A membrane assembly includes a membrane with contacts thereon, and supporting at least a signal conductor located between a pair of spaced apart guard conductors. The guard conductors of the probe card are electrically interconnected proximate the interconnection between the probe card and the membrane assembly. The guard conductors of the membrane assembly are electrically interconnected proximate the interconnection between the probe card and the membrane assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Tervo, Kenneth R. Smith, Clarence E. Cowan, Mike P. Dauphinais, Martin J. Koxxy
  • Patent number: 6856153
    Abstract: A low-current pogo probe card for measuring currents down to the femtoamp region includes a laminate board having a layer of conductive traces interposed between two dielectric layers. A plurality of probing devices, such as ceramic blades, are edge-mounted about a central opening so that the probing needles or needles included therein terminate below the opening in a pattern suitable for probing a test subject workpiece. A plurality of pogo pin receiving pad sets, each including a guard pad, occupy the periphery of the board. Each guard pad is electrically connected to a trace from the layer of conductive traces. The pad sets may be connected to the probing devices by low noise cables or traces. Air trenches separate the pad sets for reducing cross talk and signal settling times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Tervo, Clarence E. Cowan
  • Patent number: 6847219
    Abstract: A cable includes an inner conductor, an inner dielectric, and a guard conductor, where the inner dielectric is between the inner conductor and the guard conductor. The cable also includes an outer dielectric, and a shield conductor, where the outer dielectric is between the guard conductor and the shield conductor. The cable further includes an additional layer of material between the outer dielectric and the shield conductor of suitable composition for reducing triboelectric current generation between the outer dielectric and the shield conductor to less than that which would occur were the outer dielectric and the shield conductor to directly adjoin each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy Lesher, Brad Miller, Clarence E. Cowan, Michael Simmons, Frank Gray, Cynthia L. McDonald
  • Patent number: 6838890
    Abstract: A membrane probing assembly includes a probe card with conductors supported thereon, wherein the conductors include at least a signal conductor located between a pair of spaced apart guard conductors. A membrane assembly includes a membrane with contacts thereon, and supporting at least a signal conductor located between a pair of spaced apart guard conductors. The guard conductors of the probe card are electrically interconnected proximate the interconnection between the probe card and the membrane assembly. The guard conductors of the membrane assembly are electrically interconnected proximate the interconnection between the probe card and the membrane assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul A. Tervo, Kenneth R. Smith, Clarence E. Cowan, Mike P. Dauphinais, Martin J. Koxxy
  • Patent number: 6822467
    Abstract: A low-current pogo probe card for measuring currents down to the femtoamp region includes a laminate board having a layer of conductive traces interposed between two dielectric layers. A plurality of probing devices, such as ceramic blades, are edge-mounted about a central opening so that the probing needles or needles included therein terminate below the opening in a pattern suitable for probing a test subject workpiece. A plurality of pogo pin receiving pad sets, each including a guard pad, occupy the periphery of the board. Each guard pad is electrically connected to a trace from the layer of conductive traces. The pad sets may be connected to the probing devices by low noise cables or traces. Air trenches separate the pad sets for reducing cross talk and signal settling times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Cascade Microtech, INC
    Inventors: Paul A. Tervo, Clarence E. Cowan