Low profile pneumatically actuated docking module with power fault release

Abstract

A docking mechanism for docking a test head with a peripheral includes a latching mechanism that extends from a pneumatically actuated piston. The latching mechanism includes a latch barrel, a latchpin, and a biasing spring. The latchpin moves within the latch barrel for establishing latched and unlatched positions. An application of fluid pressure to the latchpin via a first fluid path causes the latchpin to advance to the latched position. A release of fluid pressure from the first path causes the latchpin to retract, in compliance with the biasing spring, to the unlatched position. An application of fluid pressure via a second fluid path to a surface of the piston causes the latching mechanism as a whole to retract. When the test head and peripheral are latched together, this retraction causes the peripheral to be pulled down against the test head, and thus causes electrical connections to be formed between the test head and a device under test. Because the docking mechanism is actuated by fluid pressure, it can be constructed with a very low profile, to have a relatively small impact on the placement of other equipment in its area. Because it unlatches upon the release of fluid pressure, the docking mechanism allows a test head and a peripheral to be easily separated upon an accidental loss of power.