Abstract: A pneumatic docking system comprises a knobbed pin that is mounted to one half of a semiconductor device test and handling module, and a docking cylinder that can be actuated to receive and lock in the knobbed pin. The docking cylinder is mounted to the other half of the semiconductor device test and handling module, and its locking action brings both halves into tight and secure alignment with one another. Inside the docking cylinder, there is a pneumatic piston connected to three petal sections that open out and separate to receive the knobbed pin. The piston is pushed back and forth inside the cylinder according to air pressure supplied to two different supply ports. The airflow can be controlled to adjust the speed and overall force at which docking or undocking proceeds Several such cylinders are arranged in a test head positioning assembly to provide a precise and reliable hard-dock mechanism for final test and wafer sorting.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device socket is spring-loaded to accept and capture a semiconductor device. As the frame springs relax, a device nest and capture arms lower the device down onto a grid of pogo-pins that probe the contacts underneath. Such pogo-pins pass through a dielectric grate, and are self-cleaning. The capture arms lock as they slide into constraint channels. Such prevents the device from escaping when a large aggregate force is applied from beneath by the pogo-pins. Each pogo-pin can generate 20-grams of contact force, and combine to as many as six pounds of force. To release the device, cams are used to force the frame springs open. The constraint channels clear the capture arms. The device releases when the capture arms move apart fully open.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device socket is spring-loaded to accept and capture a semiconductor device. As the frame springs relax, a device nest and capture arms lower the device down onto a grid of pogo-pins that probe the contacts underneath. Such pogo-pins pass through a dielectric grate, and are self-cleaning. The capture arms lock as they slide into constraint channels. Such prevents the device from escaping when a large aggregate force is applied from beneath by the pogo-pins. Each pogo-pin can generate 20-grams of contact force, and combine to as many as six pounds of force. To release the device, cams are used to force the frame springs open. The constraint channels clear the capture arms. The device releases when the capture arms move apart fully open.