Differential coaxial contact array for high-density, high-speed signals
AssigneeTeradyne, Inc.
InventorsCharles M. Sweet, Cameron D. Dryden, David W. Lewinnek
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A probe tower for an automatic test system includes an insulative retainer for holding an array of differential probe assemblies. Each differential probe assembly is an elongated structure having first and second ends and first and second coaxial portions. Each coaxial portion includes an outer conductor and a pair of annular insulators positioned therein for holding a center conductor. First and second contact pins extend from the center conductor at the first and second ends, respectively. First and second ground pins, which are electrically connected to the outer conductors of the first and second coaxial portions, extend from the first and second ends for conveying ground connections.
Claims15
A probe tower for an automatic test system, comprising:
- at least one retainer;
- and
- a plurality of differential probe assemblies held and electrically isolated from each other by the at least one retainer, each of the plurality of differential probe assemblies including
- first and second coaxial portions each having first and second ends, an outer conductor, and a center conductor held within the outer conductor by at least one insulator and terminating with first and second contact pins at the first and second ends, respectively;
- and
- first and second ground pins electrically connected to the outer conductors of the first and second coaxial portions at the first and second ends, respectively.
A probe tower for an automatic test system, comprising:
- a plurality of differential probe assemblies held in an array and electrically isolated from one another, each of the plurality of differential probe assemblies including
- first and second coaxial portions having first and second ends, each coaxial portion including a conductive tube, a center conductor held within the conductive tube by at least one insulator, and first and second contact pins extending from the center conductor at the first and second ends, respectively, and
- at least one ground portion electrically connected to the conductive tubes of the first and second coaxial portions and having a first ground pin extending proximate to the first end and a second ground pin extending proximate to the second end.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.