Abstract: A probing adapter for Ball-Grid-Array packages has an elongate body with a centrally disposed slotted region formed therein containing a slider that is movable within the slotted region. An electrically conductive plunger is attached to the slider and electrically coupled to an electrical contact exposed outside of the probe body. An electrode extends from the plunger and through an aperture formed in one end of the probe body to expose a hooked-shaped contact for making electrical contact with a solder ball contact of the ball grid assay package.

Abstract: A modified BNC connector for connecting an active probe to an active probe to an electronic instrument includes a female BNC input on the instrument for cooperatively mating with the male BNC output of the probe. The female BNC input includes a flex circuit mounted on a planar surface and disposed about the periphery of its outer coaxial shield. A plastic bezel fits over the flex circuit to permit access to contact points located thereon and to mask the remaining area. The male BNC connector is located in a housing which includes a set of spring loaded telescoping pins which make contact with the flex circuit contact points. The housing includes a rotatable knob that locks the male and female portions together.

Abstract: A switch device comprises a support member having at least first and second stationary contacts thereon. An armature is mounted on the support member by means of a body of elastomeric material that is attached to both the support member and the armature. Deformation of the body of elastomeric material allows the armature to pivot relative to the support member between a first position in which electrically-conductive material of the armature establishes electrically conductive connection between the stationary contacts and a second position in which the armature is spaced from at least one of the contacts. At least one permanent magnet is carried by the armature. An electrically-driven switch actuator is mounted stationarily relative to the support member and has first and second energization states.

Abstract: A miniature latching thermomagnetic relay is disclosed which offers high contact forces, small size, and low cost. Ferromagnetic material is placed upon heaters in a low thermal conductivity substrate. A permanent magnet beneath the substrate attracts a moving element above the substrate. Contact points on the substrate and the moving element from electrical connections.A control signal causes a heater to warm the ferromagnetic material, changing the saturation flux density of the material. This results in an unbalanced force on the moving element, causing it to rock about a pivot point to open or close connections as desired. Planar fabrication techniques may be used to construct the relay.

Abstract: A miniature electrical probe is provided with a pair of rotatable elongate tip electrodes for gripping a wire or component lead. In one embodiment, a sliding collar provides an operating mechanism for opening and closing the tips, and in a second embodiment, a lever provides an operating mechanism.