The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Feb. 12, 2008
Filed:
Nov. 23, 2005
Ronald M. Beach, Pleasanton, CA (US);
James Stephen Paine, San Jose, CA (US);
Joseph W. Foerstel, Santa Clara, CA (US);
Ronald M. Beach, Pleasanton, CA (US);
James Stephen Paine, San Jose, CA (US);
Joseph W. Foerstel, Santa Clara, CA (US);
Altera Corporation, San Jose, CA (US);
Abstract
A touch-down counter is provided that maintains a count of how many times integrated circuits are placed into contact with a contactor in a test handler. The test handler has a work press that places integrated circuits into contact with pogo pins in the contactor. The pins are subject to wear and should be maintained by periodic cleaning. The touch-down counter has a sensor such as a non-contact Hall effect sensor that is attached to the contactor. A magnet is affixed to the side of the work press. When the work press comes into the vicinity of the sensor, the sensor detects the presence of the magnet and registers a contactor touch-down event. A lifetime count of touch-down events may be displayed on the counter. When a recommended threshold value of touch-down events has been exceeded, a test system operator can remove the contactor from use for cleaning.