US 6,208,158 B1 · Zero static force assembly for wireless test fixtures

Abstract

A wireless assembly for communicating electrical signals between test equipment and a unit under test using contact probes having at a first end a head electrically connected to a test point on the unit under test and a contact at a second end. The wireless assembly includes a translator board electrically connected to the test equipment; a probe plate in a spaced relationship with the translator board, at least one probe socket having a compression ring and a contact, the probe socket being fitted through holes in the probe plate; and a contact receptacle provided on and electrically connected to the translator board. The contact receptacle provides wireless electrical interconnection between the probe and the translator board by exerting only a circumferential force on the probe, generally without exerting a static force on the translator board. The contact receptacle is configured to eliminate transient forces caused by flexure of the probe plate from being transmitted to the translator board. Further, in densely populated units under test, standard vias, i.e., a via with industry standard plated-through hole diameter, may be used as test pads. The contact receptacle may be connected directly to vias on the translator board.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A wireless assembly for communicating electrical signals between test equipment and a unit under test using a probe having a spring-loaded head at a first end for electrical connection to a test point on the unit under test and having a contact at a second end which is at least partially received within a probe socket, the probe socket terminating in a post, said wireless assembly comprising:

a translator board electrically connected to the test equipment;
a contact receptacle provided on and electrically connected to said translator board, said contact receptacle including a conductive shell having plural flexible conductive finger contacts. said contact receptacle being configured to at least partially receive the probe socket post and provide wireless electrical interconnection between the probe and said translator board;
wherein said plural flexible conductive finger contacts are configured to swipe and exert a pressing force on a circumferential portion of the probe socket post thereby maintaining electrical interconnection with the probe as the probe travels within said contact receptacle;
wherein said contact receptacle isolates said translator board from forces exerted on the probe by enabling the probe to travel a predefined distance within the contact receptacle without contacting a bottom portion of said contact receptacle.

1 more element

A wireless assembly for communicating electrical signals between test equipment and a unit under test using a single headed probe removably engaged with a probe socket terminating in a post said wireless assembly comprising:

a translator board electrically connected to the test equipment;
a contact receptacle including a conductive shell housing a plurality of flexible conductive finger contacts configured to slidably engage the probe socket post;
a probe plate held in a spaced relationship with said translator board by a plurality of standoffs, said probe plate supporting the probe socket in a fixed relationship to said translator board, wherein said probe plate tends to bow in an unsupported portion between adjacent standoffs, thereby causing the probe socket to travel towards said translator board;
wherein said plurality of flexible conductive finder contacts maintain electrical connection with the probe socket post as the probe socket travels due to bowing of said probe plate further wherein a length of said contact receptacle is configured to enable the probe socket post to travel toward said translator board during bowing of said probe plate without contacting a bottom portion of said contact receptacle, thereby isolating said translator board from forces exerted on the probe.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Zero static force assembly for wireless test fixtures

Life of this patent

Zero static force assembly for wireless test fixtures

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9