Patents by Inventor Kenneth W. Deboe

Kenneth W. Deboe 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).

  • Publication number: 20240103068
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2023
    Publication date: March 28, 2024
    Applicant: AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Donald P. Richmond, II, Kenneth W. Deboe, Frank O. Uher, Jovan Jovanovic, Scott E. Lindsey, Thomas T. Maenner, Patrick M. Shepherd, Jeffrey L. Tyson, Mark C. Carbone, Paul W. Burke, Doan D. Cao, James F. Tomic, Long V. Vu
  • Publication number: 20240036103
    Abstract: A tester apparatus is described. Various components contribute to the functionality of the tester apparatus, including an insertion and removal apparatus, thermal posts, independent gimbaling, the inclusion of a photo detector, a combination of thermal control methods, a detect circuitry in a socket lid, through posts with stand-offs, and a voltage retargeting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2023
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Applicant: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Jovan Jovanovic, Kenneth W. Deboe, Steven C. Steps, Scott E. Lindsey
  • Patent number: 11860221
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2024
    Assignee: AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Donald P. Richmond, II, Kenneth W. Deboe, Frank O. Uher, Jovan Jovanovic, Scott E. Lindsey, Thomas T. Maenner, Patrick M. Shepherd, Jeffrey L. Tyson, Mark C. Carbone, Paul W. Burke, Doan D. Cao, James F. Tomic, Long V. Vu
  • Patent number: 11821940
    Abstract: A tester apparatus is described. Various components contribute to the functionality of the tester apparatus, including an insertion and removal apparatus, thermal posts, independent gimbaling, the inclusion of a photo detector, a combination of thermal control methods, a detect circuitry in a socket lid, through posts with stand-offs, and a voltage retargeting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2023
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2023
    Assignee: AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Jovan Jovanovic, Kenneth W. Deboe, Steven C. Steps, Scott E. Lindsey
  • Publication number: 20230204651
    Abstract: A tester apparatus is described. Various components contribute to the functionality of the tester apparatus, including an insertion and removal apparatus, thermal posts, independent gimbaling, the inclusion of a photo detector, a combination of thermal control methods, a detect circuitry in a socket lid, through posts with stand-offs, and a voltage retargeting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2023
    Publication date: June 29, 2023
    Applicant: AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Jovan Jovanovic, Kenneth W. Deboe, Steven C. Steps, Scott E. Lindsey
  • Patent number: 11635459
    Abstract: A tester apparatus is described. Various components contribute to the functionality of the tester apparatus, including an insertion and removal apparatus, thermal posts, independent gimbaling, the inclusion of a photo detector, a combination of thermal control methods, a detect circuitry in a socket lid, through posts with stand-offs, and a voltage retargeting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Jovan Jovanovic, Kenneth W. Deboe, Steven C. Steps, Scott E. Lindsey
  • Publication number: 20220137121
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Applicant: AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Donald P. Richmond, II, Kenneth W. Deboe, Frank O. Uher, Jovan Jovanovic, Scott E. Lindsey, Thomas T. Maenner, Patrick M. Shepherd, Jeffrey L. Tyson, Mark C. Carbone, Paul W. Burke, Doan D. Cao, James F. Tomic, Long V. Vu
  • Publication number: 20220082636
    Abstract: A tester apparatus is provided. Slot assemblies are removably mounted to a frame. Each slot assembly allows for individual heating and temperature control of a respective cartridge that is inserted into the slot assembly. A closed loop air path is defined by the frame and a heater and cooler are located in the closed loop air path to cool or heat the cartridge with air. Individual cartridges can be inserted or be removed while other cartridges are in various stages of being tested or in various stages of temperature ramps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Applicant: AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Jovan Jovanovic, Kenneth W. Deboe, Steven C. Steps
  • Publication number: 20220065921
    Abstract: A tester apparatus is described. Various components contribute to the functionality of the tester apparatus, including an insertion and removal apparatus, thermal posts, independent gimbaling, the inclusion of a photo detector, a combination of thermal control methods, a detect circuitry in a socket lid, through posts with stand-offs, and a voltage retargeting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Applicant: AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Jovan Jovanovic, Kenneth W. Deboe, Steven C. Steps, Scott E. Lindsey
  • Patent number: 11255903
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Donald P. Richmond, II, Kenneth W. Deboe, Frank O. Uher, Jovan Jovanovic, Scott E. Lindsey, Thomas T. Maenner, Patrick M. Shepherd, Jeffrey L. Tyson, Mark C. Carbone, Paul W. Burke, Doan D. Cao, James F. Tomic, Long V. Vu
  • Patent number: 11209497
    Abstract: A tester apparatus is provided. Slot assemblies are removably mounted to a frame. Each slot assembly allows for individual heating and temperature control of a respective cartridge that is inserted into the slot assembly. A closed loop air path is defined by the frame and a heater and cooler are located in the closed loop air path to cool or heat the cartridge with air. Individual cartridges can be inserted or be removed while other cartridges are in various stages of being tested or in various stages of temperature ramps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Jovan Jovanovic, Kenneth W. Deboe, Steven C. Steps
  • Patent number: 11199572
    Abstract: A tester apparatus is described. Various components contribute to the functionality of the tester apparatus, including an insertion and removal apparatus, thermal posts, independent gimbaling, the inclusion of a photo detector, a combination of thermal control methods, a detect circuitry in a socket lid, through posts with stand-offs, and a voltage retargeting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Jovan Jovanovic, Kenneth W. Deboe, Steven C. Steps, Scott E. Lindsey
  • Patent number: 10976362
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tester apparatus of the kind including a portable supporting structure for removably holding and testing a substrate carrying a microelectronic circuit. An interface on the stationary structure is connected to the first interface when the portable structure is held by the stationary structure and is disconnected from the first interface when the portable supporting structure is removed from the stationary structure. An electrical tester is connected through the interfaces so that signals may be transmitted between the electrical tester and the microelectronic circuit to test the microelectronic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Steven C. Steps, Scott E. Lindsey, Kenneth W. Deboe, Donald P. Richmond, II, Alberto Calderon
  • Publication number: 20210025935
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Applicant: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Donald P. Richmond, II, Kenneth W. Deboe, Frank O. Uher, Jovan Jovanovic, Scott E. Lindsey, Thomas T. Maenner, Patrick M. Shepherd, Jeffrey L. Tyson, Mark C. Carbone, Paul W. Burke, Doan D. Cao, James F. Tomic, Long V. Vu
  • Patent number: 10852347
    Abstract: An apparatus is described for burn-in and/or functional testing of microelectronic circuits of unsingulated wafers. A large number of power, ground, and signal connections can be made to a large number of contacts on a wafer. The apparatus has a cartridge that allows for fanning-in of electric paths. A distribution board has a plurality of interfaces that are strategically positioned to provide a dense configuration. The interfaces are connected through flexible attachments to an array of first connector modules. Each one of the first connector modules can be independently connected to a respective one of a plurality of second connector modules, thereby reducing stresses on a frame of the apparatus. Further features include for example a piston that allows for tight control of forces exerted by terminals onto contacts of a wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Donald P. Richmond, II, Kenneth W. Deboe, Frank O. Uher, Jovan Jovanovic, Scott E. Lindsey, Thomas T. Maenner, Patrick M. Shepherd, Jeffrey L. Tyson, Mark C. Carbone, Paul W. Burke, Doan D. Cao, James F. Tomic, Long V. Vu
  • Publication number: 20200300908
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tester apparatus of the kind including a portable supporting structure for removably holding and testing a substrate carrying a microelectronic circuit. An interface on the stationary structure is connected to the first interface when the portable structure is held by the stationary structure and is disconnected from the first interface when the portable supporting structure is removed from the stationary structure. An electrical tester is connected through the interfaces so that signals may be transmitted between the electrical tester and the microelectronic circuit to test the microelectronic circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Applicant: AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Steven C. Steps, Scott E. Lindsey, Kenneth W. Deboe, Donald P. Richmond, II, Alberto Calderon
  • Publication number: 20200233026
    Abstract: A tester apparatus is described. Various components contribute to the functionality of the tester apparatus, including an insertion and removal apparatus, thermal posts, independent gimbaling, the inclusion of a photo detector, a combination of thermal control methods, a detect circuitry in a socket lid, through posts with stand-offs, and a voltage retargeting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Applicant: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Jovan Jovanovic, Kenneth W. Deboe, Steven C. Steps, Scott E. Lindsey
  • Patent number: 10718808
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tester apparatus of the kind including a portable supporting structure for removably holding and testing a substrate carrying a microelectronic circuit. An interface on the stationary structure is connected to the first interface when the portable structure is held by the stationary structure and is disconnected from the first interface when the portable supporting structure is removed from the stationary structure. An electrical tester is connected through the interfaces so that signals may be transmitted between the electrical tester and the microelectronic circuit to test the microelectronic circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Steven C. Steps, Scott E. Lindsey, Kenneth W. Deboe, Donald P. Richmond, II, Alberto Calderon
  • Patent number: 10649022
    Abstract: A tester apparatus is described. Various components contribute to the functionality of the tester apparatus, including an insertion and removal apparatus, thermal posts, independent gimbaling, the inclusion of a photo detector, a combination of thermal control methods, a detect circuitry in a socket lid, through posts with stand-offs, and a voltage retargeting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: AEHR TEST SYSTEMS
    Inventors: Jovan Jovanovic, Kenneth W. Deboe, Steven C. Steps, Scott E. Lindsey
  • Publication number: 20200027799
    Abstract: A tester apparatus is provided. Slot assemblies are removably mounted to a frame. Each slot assembly allows for individual heating and temperature control of a respective cartridge that is inserted into the slot assembly. A closed loop air path is defined by the frame and a heater and cooler are located in the closed loop air path to cool or heat the cartridge with air. Individual cartridges can be inserted or be removed while other cartridges are in various stages of being tested or in various stages of temperature ramps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Publication date: January 23, 2020
    Applicant: Aehr Test Systems
    Inventors: Jovan Jovanovic, Kenneth W. Deboe, Steven C. Steps