High speed probing apparatus for semiconductor devices and probe stage for the same

Abstract

A probing apparatus for semiconductor devices includes a housing configured to define a testing chamber, a device holder positioned in the housing and configured to receive at least one device under test, and at least one probe stage positioned in the housing. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the probe stage includes a base, a retaining arm pivotally coupled with the base and having a retaining portion configured to retain at least one probe, and a stepper positioned on the base. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the stepper is configured in response to an electric signal to move the probe downward through the retaining arm to contact a device under test and to move the probe upward through the retaining arm to separate from the device under test such that the up-and-down movement of the probe can be performed at relatively high frequency of typically greater than six cycles per second. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the stepper further equipped with a contact sensor configured to sense the contact of the probe to the device under test.