Touchdown Technologies, Inc.

Zhiyong An

Nim Tea

Melvin Khoo

Ting Hu

A novel probe design is presented that increases a probe tolerance to stress fractures. The probe includes a base, a torsion element connected to the base, and a second element connected to the torsion element through a union angle. The union angle includes an interface between the torsion element and the second element, and the edge of the interface is shaped to diffuse stress. What is further-disclosed are three features that increase stress tolerance. These features include a various union angle interface edge shapes, pivot cutouts and buffers.

Probe for testing semiconductor devices with features that increase stress tolerance

A hybrid probe design is presented that includes a torsion element and a bending element. These elements allow the probe to store the displacement energy as torsion or as bending. The probe includes a base, a torsion element, a bending element, and a tip. The probe elastically deforms to absorb the displacement energy as the probe tip contacts the DUT contact pad. The bending element absorbs some of the displacement energy through bending. Because the torsion element and the bending element join at an angle, a portion of the displacement energy is transferred to the torsion element causing it to twist (torque). The torsion element can also bend to accommodate the storage of energy through torsion and bending. Adjusting the position of a pivot can alter the probe's energy absorption characteristics. One or more additional angular elements may be added to change the energy absorption characteristics of the probe.

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Los Angles, CA, United States of America

Zhiyong An