Compliant electrical probe device incorporating anisotropically conductive elastomer and flexible circuits

A compliant electrical probe device for conducting electrical signals from an electronic package on one side of the compliant electrical probe device to an electrical member on the other side of the compliant electrical probe device, the compliant electrical probe device comprising:

• an anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) material-based layer defining two opposing faces and comprising a series of conductive pathways extending between the faces, wherein the ACE material comprises conductive particles embedded in an elastomer, the conductive particles defining the conductive pathways;
• and
• at least two flexible circuit elements, each flexible circuit element defining two opposing faces with a flexible insulating layer between the faces, one face of one of the flexible circuit elements in electrical and physical contact with one face of the ACE-based layer, and one face of another flexible circuit element in electrical and physical contact with the other face of the ACE-based layer, both faces of each of the flexible circuit elements carrying one or more electrically-conductive elements that define the electrical contacts of the flexible circuit elements, the flexible circuit elements each further comprising conductor-lined openings extending between its faces and interconnecting opposing electrically-conductive elements, one or more of the conductive elements comprising protruding conductive contacts presenting generally spherical protruding contact surfaces;
• wherein the ACE-based layer and flexible circuit elements together accomplish a compliant electrical probe device.

A compliant electrical probe device for conducting electrical signals from an electronic package on one side of the compliant electrical probe device to an electrical member on the other side of the compliant electrical probe device, the compliant electrical probe device comprising:

• an anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) material-based layer defining two opposing faces and comprising a series of conductive pathways extending between the faces, wherein the ACE material comprises conductive particles embedded in an elastomer, the conductive particles defining the conductive pathways;
• and
• at least two flexible circuit elements, each flexible circuit element defining two opposing faces with a flexible insulating layer between the faces, an inner face of one of the flexible circuit elements in electrical and physical contact with one face of the ACE-based layer, and an inner face of another flexible circuit element in electrical and physical contact with the other face of the ACE-based layer, both faces of each of the flexible circuit elements carrying a plurality of electrically-conductive pads that define the electrical contacts of the flexible circuit elements, the flexible circuit elements each further comprising one or more conductor-lined openings extending between its faces and interconnecting opposing pads;
• wherein the ACE-based layer and flexible circuit elements together accomplish a compliant electrical probe device.

A compliant electrical probe device for conducting electrical signals from an electronic package on one side of the compliant electrical probe device to an electrical member on the other side of the compliant electrical probe device, the compliant electrical probe device comprising:

• an anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) material-based layer defining two opposing faces and comprising a series of conductive pathways extending between the faces, wherein the ACE material comprises conductive particles embedded in an elastomer, the conductive particles defining the conductive pathways;
• and
• at least two flexible circuit elements, each flexible circuit element defining two opposing faces with a flexible insulating layer between the faces, one face of each of the flexible circuit elements carrying electrically-conductive pads that are in electrical contact with the faces of the ACE-based layer, and the other face of each of the flexible circuit elements carrying electrically-conductive annular pads that define the electrical contacts of the device, the flexible circuit elements each further comprising one or more conductor-lined openings extending between its faces and electrically interconnecting the pads of the flexible circuit element;
• wherein the ACE-based layer and flexible circuit elements together accomplish a compliant electrical probe device.