IP Library Granted Patent US 7,759,951
Granted Patent B2
US 7,759,951 · App. 11/754,818 · Granted Jul 20, 2010

Semiconductor testing device with elastomer interposer

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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,759,951
App. No.
11/754,818
Granted
Jul 20, 2010
Kind
B2
Abstract

A novel device for testing semiconductor chips is disclosed. A benefit with all the embodiments described herein is that the device may experience zero (or near zero) nascent force. The device may be comprised of a printed circuit board (PCB) that has at least one PCB piercing structure, a probe contactor substrate that has at least one substrate piercing structure, wherein the substrate piercing structure is electrically connected to a probe contactor, and an interposer that has at least one electrical via made of a conductive elastomer. When the PCB piercing structure and the substrate piercing structure pierce the elastomer, the PCB becomes electrically connected to the probe contactor. Instead of the piercing structure, the PCB or the probe contractor substrate may be adhered to the elastomer by an adhesive, such that the PCB becomes electrically connected to the probe contactor. The PCB piercing structure and the substrate piercing structure may include a flying lead wire, soldered pins or pressed pins. The adhesives may include, but are not limited to, screenable conductive surface mount adhesives. Finally, a diagnostic computer may be electrically connected to the PCB to assist in testing the semiconductor chips.

Claims (10)

1. A device for testing semiconductor chips comprising:

a printed circuit board (PCB) comprising at least one PCB piercing structure;

a probe contactor substrate comprising at least one substrate piercing structure, wherein the substrate piercing structure is electrically connected to a probe contactor;

an interposer comprising at least one electrical via comprising a conductive elastomer;

wherein the PCB piercing structure and the substrate piercing structure pierce the elastomer such that the PCB becomes electrically connected to the probe contactor.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the PCB piercing structure is selected from a group consisting of:

flying lead wire, soldered pins, pressed pins and combinations thereof.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein the substrate piercing structure is selected from a group consisting of:

flying lead wire, soldered pins, pressed pins and combinations thereof.

4. The device of claim 1 , further comprising a diagnostic computer electrically connected to the PCB.

Assignments (9)
SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jul 29, 2025
From: FORMFACTOR, INC.
To: WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Reel/Frame 072263/0272 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Aug 18, 2021
From: ADVANTEST AMERICA, INC.
To: FORMFACTOR, INC.
Reel/Frame 057219/0246 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Apr 17, 2012
From: VERIGY US, INC
To: ADVANTEST AMERICA, INC
Reel/Frame 028054/0852 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Mar 22, 2012
From: TOUCHDOWN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
To: VERIGY US, INC.
Reel/Frame 027906/0497 →
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Jul 27, 2009
From: LAKE ACQUISITION, INC.
To: TOUCHDOWN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Reel/Frame 023003/0771 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded Jun 25, 2009
From: TOUCHDOWN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
To: LAKE ACQUISITION, INC.
Reel/Frame 022868/0913 →
RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST Recorded Jun 16, 2009
From: MERITECH CAPITAL PARTNERS III L.P.; MERITECH CAPITAL AFFILIATES III L.P.; FIRSTMARK III, L.P.; FIRSTMARK III OFFSHORE PARTNERS, L.P.; ADAMS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT II, L.P.; ADAMS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT III, L.P.; CHANCELLOR V, L.P.; CHANCELLOR V-A, L.P.; CITIVENTURE 2000, L.P.; E-INVEST LIMITED; FALCON FUND; THE ROBERT AND ANNE POCHOWSKI LIVING TRUST DATED MAY 5, 1999; FORT WASHINGTON PRIVATE EQUITY INVESTORS IV, L.P.; KENTUCKY CO-INVESTMENT PARTNERS, L.P.; J.F. SHEA CO., AS NOMINEE 2000-129; 3VS1 ASIA GROWTH FUND LTD.
To: TOUCHDOWN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Reel/Frame 022824/0902 →
SECURITY AGREEMENT Recorded Apr 30, 2009
From: TOUCHDOWN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
To: MERITECH CAPITAL PARTNERS III L.P.; MERITECH CAPITAL AFFILIATES III L.P.; FIRSTMARK III, L.P.; FIRSTMARK III OFFSHORE PARTNERS, L.P.; ADAMS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT II, L.P.; ADAMS CAPITAL MANAGEMENT III, L.P.; CHANCELLOR V, L.P.; CHANCELLOR V-A, L.P.; CITIVENTURE 2000, L.P.; E-INVEST LIMITED; FALCON FUND; THE ROBERT AND ANNE POCHOWSKI LIVING TRUST DATED MAY 5, 1999; FORT WASHINGTON PRIVATE EQUITY INVESTORS IV, L.P.; KENTUCKY CO-INVESTMENT PARTNERS, L.P.; J.F. SHEA CO., AS NOMINEE 2000-129; 3VS1 ASIA GROWTH FUND LTD.
Reel/Frame 022619/0478 →
ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNOR'S INTEREST Recorded May 29, 2007
From: KARKLIN, KEN, MR; GARABEDIAN, RAFFI, MR
To: TOUCHDOWN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
Reel/Frame 019351/0749 →