Abstract: A spring element used in a temporary package for testing semiconductors is provided. The spring element is compressed so as to press the semiconductor, either in the form of a bare semiconductor die or as part of a package, against an interconnect structure. The spring element is configured so that it provides sufficient pressure to keep the contacts on the semiconductor in electrical contact with the interconnect structure. Material is added and/or removed from the spring element so that it has the desired modulus of elasticity. The shape of the spring element may also be varied to change the modulus of elasticity, the spring constant, and the force transfer capabilities of the spring element. The spring element also includes conductive material to increase the thermal and electrical conductivity of the spring element.

Abstract: A chip carrier for temporarily connecting a semiconductor chip to a testing device. The chip carrier includes a substrate having a first set of contact points for electrically engaging the testing device and a second set of contact points to be connected with the contact elements of the semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip is disposed on the substrate and is substantially covered by a cover member. One or more clips are in contact with the cover member and are used to secure the semiconductor chip in position. The clips have a first member removably attached to the substrate and a second member separated from the first member and in contact with the cover member. As the second member is displaced from an unstressed position, a force is generated by the clip and transferred to the cover member and the semiconductor chip. The chip carrier reliably secures the semiconductor chip while occupying a relatively small space over the semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A semiconductor carrier for testing semiconductor components, such as bare dice and chip scale packages, and a method for fabricating the carrier are provided. The carrier includes a molded plastic base, a lead frame, and an interconnect. The interconnect includes contacts for making temporary electrical connections with corresponding contacts (e.g., bond pads, solder balls) on the components. The carrier is fabricated by attaching the interconnect to the lead frame, and then molding the plastic base to the interconnect and lead frame. An alternate embodiment carrier includes a board to which multiple interconnects are molded or laminated. In addition, clip members retain the components on the board in electrical communication with the interconnects.

Abstract: A spring element used in a temporary package for testing semiconductors is provided. The spring element is compressed so as to press the semiconductor, either in the form of a bare semiconductor die or as part of a package, against an interconnect structure. The spring element is configured so that it provides sufficient pressure to keep the contacts on the semiconductor in electrical contact with the interconnect structure. Material is added and/or removed from the spring element so that it has the desired modulus of elasticity. The shape of the spring element may also be varied to change the modulus of elasticity, the spring constant, and the force transfer capabilities of the spring element.

Abstract: A spring element used in a temporary package for testing semiconductors is provided. The spring element is compressed so as to press the semiconductor, either in the form of a bare semiconductor die or as part of a package, against an interconnect structure. The spring element is configured so that it provides sufficient pressure to keep the contacts on the semiconductor in electrical contact with the interconnect structure. Material is added and/or removed from the spring element so that it has the desired modulus of elasticity. The shape of the spring element may also be varied to change the modulus of elasticity, the spring constant, and the force transfer capabilities of the spring element.

Abstract: A semiconductor carrier for testing semiconductor components, such as bare dice and chip scale packages, and a method for fabricating the carrier are provided. The carrier includes a molded plastic base, a lead frame, and an interconnect. The interconnect includes contacts for making temporary electrical connections with corresponding contacts (e.g., bond pads, solder balls) on the components. The carrier is fabricated by attaching the interconnect to the lead frame, and then molding the plastic base to the interconnect and lead frame. An alternate embodiment carrier includes a board to which multiple interconnects are molded or laminated. In addition, clip members retain the components on the board in electrical communication with the interconnects. A gasket may be used to protect the interconnect contacts during the molding step.

Abstract: A spring element used in a temporary package for testing semiconductors is provided. The spring element is compressed so as to press the semiconductor, either in the form of a bare semiconductor die or as part of a package, against an interconnect structure. The spring element is configured so that it provides sufficient pressure to keep the contacts on the semiconductor in electrical contact with the interconnect structure. Material is added and/or removed from the spring element so that it has the desired modulus of elasticity. The shape of the spring element may also be varied to change the modulus of elasticity, the spring constant, and the force transfer capabilities of the spring element.

Abstract: A spring element used in a temporary package for testing semiconductors is provided. The spring element is compressed so as to press the semiconductor, either in the form of a bare semiconductor die or as part of a package, against an interconnect structure. The spring element is configured so that it provides sufficient pressure to keep the contacts on the semiconductor in electrical contact with the interconnect structure. Material is added and/or removed from the spring element so that it has the desired modulus of elasticity. The shape of the spring element may also be varied to change the modulus of elasticity, the spring constant, and the force transfer capabilities of the spring element.

Abstract: A system and method for testing semiconductor components are provided. The system includes: a test board, sockets mounted to the test board in electrical communication with test circuitry, and carriers mounted to the sockets for housing the components. The carriers include bases, and interconnects mounted thereon, having contact members configured to make temporary electrical connections with contacts on the components. In addition, the contact members on the interconnects can be shaped to perform an alignment function, and to prevent excessive deformation of the contacts on the components. The sockets include camming members and electrical connectors configured to electrically contact the carriers with a zero insertion force. During a test procedure, the bases and interconnects can remain mounted to the sockets on the test board, as the components are aligned and placed in electrical contact with the interconnects.

Abstract: A spring element used in a temporary package for testing semiconductors is provided. The spring element is compressed so as to press the semiconductor, either in the form of a bare semiconductor die or as part of a package, against an interconnect structure. The spring element is configured so that it provides sufficient pressure to keep the contacts on the semiconductor in electrical contact with the interconnect structure. Material is added and/or removed from the spring element so that it has the desired modulus of elasticity. The shape of the spring element may also be varied to change the modulus of elasticity, the spring constant, and the force transfer capabilities of the spring element.

Abstract: A chip carrier for temporarily connecting a semiconductor chip to a testing device. The chip carrier includes a substrate having a first set of contact points for electrically engaging the testing device and a second set of contact points to be connected with the contact elements of the semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip is disposed on the substrate and is substantially covered by a cover member. One or more clips are in contact with the cover member and are used to secure the semiconductor chip in position. The clips have a first member removably attached to the substrate and a second member separated from the first member and in contact with the cover member. As the second member is displaced from an unstressed position, a force is generated by the clip and transferred to the cover member and the semiconductor chip. The chip carrier reliably secures the semiconductor chip while occupying a relatively small space over the semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A semiconductor carrier for testing semiconductor components, such as bare dice and chip scale packages, and a method for fabricating the carrier are provided. The carrier includes a molded plastic base, a lead frame, and an interconnect. The interconnect includes contacts for making temporary electrical connections with corresponding contacts (e.g., bond pads, solder balls) on the components. The carrier is fabricated by attaching the interconnect to the lead frame, and then molding the plastic base to the interconnect and lead frame. An alternate embodiment carrier includes a board to which multiple interconnects are molded or laminated. In addition, clip members retain the components on the board in electrical communication with the interconnects.

Abstract: A chip carrier for temporarily connecting a semiconductor chip to a testing device. The chip carrier includes a substrate having a first set of contact points for electrically engaging the testing device and a second set of contact points to be connected with the contact elements of the semiconductor chip. The semiconductor chip is disposed on the substrate and is substantially covered by a cover member. One or more clips are in contact with the cover member and are used to secure the semiconductor chip in position. The clips have a first member removably attached to the substrate and a second member separated from the first member and in contact with the cover member. As the second member is displaced from an unstressed position, a force is generated by the clip and transferred to the cover member and the semiconductor chip. The chip carrier reliably secures the semiconductor chip while occupying a relatively small space over the semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A semiconductor carrier for testing semiconductor components, such as bare dice and chip scale packages, and a method for fabricating the carrier are provided. The carrier includes a molded plastic base, a lead frame, and an interconnect. The interconnect includes contacts for making temporary electrical connections with corresponding contacts (e.g., bond pads, solder balls) on the components. The carrier is fabricated by attaching the interconnect to the lead frame, and then molding the plastic base to the interconnect and lead frame. An alternate embodiment carrier includes a board to which multiple interconnects are molded or laminated. In addition, clip members retain the components on the board in electrical communication with the interconnects.

Abstract: A semiconductor carrier and system for testing bumped semiconductor components, such as dice and packages, having contact bumps are provided. The carrier includes a base, an interconnect, and a force applying mechanism. The interconnect includes patterns of contact members adapted to electrically contact the contact bumps. The interconnect can include a substrate having contact members formed as recesses, or as projections, covered with conductive layers. Alternately, the interconnect can be a multi layered tape bonded directly to a base of the carrier. In addition to providing electrical connections, the contact members perform an alignment function by self centering the contact bumps within the contact members. The carrier can also include an alignment member configured to align the components with the interconnect. The system can include the carrier, a socket, and a testing apparatus such as a burn-in board in electrical communication with test circuitry.

Abstract: A semiconductor carrier for testing semiconductor components, such as bare dice and chip scale packages, and a method for testing components using the carrier, are provided. The carrier includes a base, an interconnect for making temporary electrical connections with the component, and a force applying mechanism for biasing the component against the interconnect. The force applying mechanism includes an elastomeric biasing member adapted to apply a relatively large biasing force during assembly of the carrier and a smaller biasing force in the assembled carrier. The force applying mechanism also includes a pressure plate which can include a cushioning layer with a non-stick surface for contacting the component. In addition, the cushioning layer, and elastomeric biasing member can be made of conductive elastomers to provide an electrical path from a backside of the component.

Abstract: A system for testing semiconductor components includes a testing apparatus, such as a test carrier for discrete components, or a wafer prober for wafer sized components The system also includes an interconnect for electrically engaging the components. The interconnect includes a thinned substrate, and first contacts on the substrate for electrically engaging second contacts on the components. The thinned substrate has a thickness that is substantially less than a thickness of the components being tested. The thinned substrate can flex upon application of a biasing force by the testing apparatus, permitting the first contacts to move in the z-direction to accommodate variations in the planarity of the second contacts.

Abstract: A semiconductor carrier for testing semiconductor components, such as bare dice and chip scale packages, and a method for testing components using the carrier, are provided. The carrier includes a base, an interconnect for making temporary electrical connections with the component, and a force applying mechanism for biasing the component against the interconnect. The force applying mechanism includes an elastomeric biasing member adapted to apply a relatively large biasing force during assembly of the carrier and a smaller biasing force in the assembled carrier. The force applying mechanism also includes a pressure plate which can include a cushioning layer with a non-stick surface for contacting the component. In addition, the cushioning layer, and elastomeric biasing member can be made of conductive elastomers to provide an electrical path from a backside of the component.

Abstract: An interconnect for testing semiconductor components includes a thinned substrate, and first contacts on the substrate for electrically engaging second contacts on the components. The interconnect can be configured for use with a testing apparatus for testing discrete components such as dice or chip scale packages, or alternately for use with a testing apparatus for testing wafer sized components, such as wafers, panels and boards. The thinned substrate has a thickness that is substantially less than a thickness of the components being tested. The thinned substrate can flex upon application of a biasing force by the testing apparatus, permitting the first contacts to move in the z-direction to accommodate variations in the planarity of the second contacts. For fabricating the interconnect, the first contacts are formed on the substrate, and then covered with a protective mask.

Abstract: A package, system and method for testing semiconductor dice are provided. The package include a base for retaining the die, and an interconnect having contact members for establishing temporary electrical connections with the die. Electrical paths are formed between terminal contacts on the base, and the contact members on the interconnect, by wires that are wire bonded to conductors on the base and interconnect. The package includes a protective member for protecting the wires and associated wire bonds during assembly, disassembly and handling of the package. The protective member can be formed as a plate mounted to the base and configured to cover the wires and wire bonds. Alternately the protective member can comprise an encapsulating material such as an epoxy resin or silicone elastomer deposited on the wires and wire bonds and then cured.