connection connector

Abstract

The present application provides a connection connector configured between a test target device and a test device and arranged to electrically connect terminals of the test target device and pads of the test device, including a plurality of conductive portions in which a plurality of conductive particles extend in a thickness direction at regions of an elastic insulating material, the regions corresponding to the terminals of the test target device; an anisotropic conductive sheet configured between the conductive portions, including insulating support portions arranged to support and isolate the conductive portions, a porous sheet arranged between an upper surface and a lower surface of the anisotropic conductive sheet, inserted in the anisotropic conductive sheet, and having a plurality of voids; and a sheet-shaped connector configured corresponding to the conductive portions and including a plurality of electrodes integrally coupled with the porous sheet. Each of the electrodes is formed of a metal material and electrically connected to each of the conductive portions. The present application can advantageously prevent damage to the terminals of the test device and the electrodes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection connector, and more particularly, to a connection connector that can be used cyclically over a long period of time without deterioration of electrical properties. Background Technology

[0002] Electrical tests are typically performed to determine defects in the target device, such as a manufactured semiconductor device. For example, a short circuit in a substrate can be determined by transmitting a test signal to the test device. The test device and the target device do not directly contact each other, but are indirectly connected through the use of an intermediary called a connector.

[0003] This is because when the terminals of the test device directly contact the terminals of the target device, the terminals can be scratched or damaged during repeated testing. Furthermore, if the terminals are damaged, either the test device or the target device must be replaced, thus increasing the overall cost. Therefore, when a connector is used as an intermediary, the target device can contact the connector of the test device. When the connector is scratched or damaged due to repeated contact, only the connector needs to be replaced, thus saving on overall replacement costs.

[0004] The anisotropic conductive connector disclosed in KR 10-2006-0013429 is an example of a connecting connector.

[0005] Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The anisotropic conductive connector 10 comprises a rectangular anisotropic conductive film 10A, a sheet-like connector 20 integrally disposed on one surface of the anisotropic conductive film 10A, and a rectangular plate-shaped support portion 30 supporting the anisotropic conductive film 10A. The anisotropic conductive film 10A in the anisotropic conductive connector 10 comprises a plurality of cylindrical conductive path forming portions 11 extending in the thickness direction, and insulating portions 14 for insulating these conductive path forming portions 11 from each other. In this example, the conductive path forming portions 11 are arranged at a constant spacing according to the position of the grid points.

[0006] The sheet-like connector 20 includes a flexible insulating sheet 21 disposed on an anisotropic conductive membrane 10A. A plurality of metal electrode structures 22 extending in the thickness direction of the insulating sheet 21 are spaced apart from each other in the planar direction of the insulating sheet 21 according to a pattern corresponding to the pattern of the electrodes to be connected in the insulating sheet 21. Furthermore, the insulating sheet 21 has a plurality of through holes 26 for coupling, corresponding to protrusions 15 for coupling in the anisotropic conductive membrane 10A.

[0007] Figure 3 The embodiments shown are similar to Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The embodiments shown are illustrated. However, Figure 3 and Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The difference lies in that the sheet-like connector 20 has an insulating sheet 21, which is formed of a mesh fabric, non-woven fiber, or porous sheet in which gaps are provided for communication with both sides of the insulating sheet 21. Furthermore, a plurality of electrode structures 22 formed of metal extending in the thickness direction of the insulating sheet 21 are spaced apart from each other in the planar direction of the insulating sheet 21 according to a pattern corresponding to the pattern of the electrodes that will be connected to the insulating sheet 21.

[0008] In existing connectors, the surfaces of the test target device or electrode structure terminals can be damaged when the terminals come into contact with the electrode structure. Specifically, both surfaces can be damaged when the metal terminals of the test target device directly contact the metal electrode structure.

[0009] Damaged surfaces can reduce not only the durability of connectors but also their conductivity. Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] This invention was made to solve the problems described above. One or more exemplary embodiments include a connection connector that can be used cyclically over a long period of time without deterioration of its electrical properties.

[0012] Problem-solving methods

[0013] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, a connector is provided between a target device and a test device and configured for electrically connecting a terminal of the target device to a gasket of the test device. The connector includes: an anisotropic conductive sheet composed of a plurality of conductive portions, wherein a plurality of conductive particles extend in the thickness direction at regions corresponding to the terminals of the target device and the conductive portions, and insulating support portions disposed between the conductive portions and configured to support and isolate the conductive portions; a sheet-like connector composed of a porous sheet having a plurality of gaps, disposed between the upper and lower surfaces of the anisotropic conductive sheet, inserted into the anisotropic conductive sheet; and a plurality of electrodes disposed corresponding to the conductive portions and integrally coupled to the porous sheet. Each of the electrodes is formed of a metallic material and is electrically connected to each of the conductive portions.

[0014] Each of the electrodes can be located between the upper and lower surfaces of the conductive portion.

[0015] Each electrode may have the shape of a plate corresponding to the horizontal cross-section of each conductive portion.

[0016] Each of the conductive portions may include a first conductive portion disposed above the electrode, in contact with the terminal of the test target device, and composed of a first conductive particle, and a second conductive portion disposed below the electrode and composed of a second conductive particle.

[0017] The density of the first conductive particles per unit area in the first conductive part can be greater than the density of the second conductive particles per unit area in the second conductive part.

[0018] The average diameter of the first conductive particle in the first conductive part can be smaller than the average diameter of the second conductive particle in the second conductive part.

[0019] The position of the thin-film connector can be higher than the middle area between the upper and lower surfaces of the anisotropic conductive film.

[0020] A sheet-like connector can be located between the upper and lower surfaces of an anisotropic conductive sheet.

[0021] A guide sheet can be placed on the upper surface of anisotropic conductive sheet, and by forming through holes at positions corresponding to each of the conductive portions, the guide sheet guides the test target device to contact the conductive portion.

[0022] Porous sheets may include mesh fabrics or non-woven fibers, and the pores of the porous sheets are filled with an elastic insulating material.

[0023] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, a connection connector disposed between a test target device and a test device and provided for electrically connecting the terminals of the test target device and the gaskets of the test device, the connection connector comprising: an anisotropic conductive sheet including a plurality of conductive portions, wherein the plurality of conductive particles extend in the thickness direction at a region of elastic insulating material corresponding to the terminals of the test target device; a sheet-like connector comprising a porous sheet disposed between the upper and lower surfaces of the anisotropic conductive sheet and inserted into the anisotropic conductive sheet; and a plurality of metal electrodes integrally coupled to the porous sheet and disposed at positions corresponding to each of the conductive portions, and embedded in the conductive portions.

[0024] Metal electrodes may contain magnetic materials.

[0025] The effects of the invention

[0026] According to the connector of the invention, a resilient conductive portion is provided on the upper side of the electrode made of a metallic material, which can advantageously prevent damage to the terminals and electrodes of the test device.

[0027] Furthermore, the connector according to the invention has a mesh-like sheet connector disposed within the anisotropic conductive sheet, which can enhance the durability of the entire anisotropic conductive sheet. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a diagram used to illustrate an example of a connection connector according to the prior art.

[0029] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A magnified view of a portion of it.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a diagram used to illustrate another example of a connection connector according to the prior art.

[0031] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the connection connector according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0032] Figure 5 for Figure 4 An illustrative view of the operation of the connector.

[0033] Figures 6 to 8 This is a diagram used to describe a connection connector according to another exemplary embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, will depict a connection connector based on the concept of the present invention.

[0035] A connector 100, according to an exemplary embodiment, is disposed between a test target device 140 and a test device 150, and electrically connects a terminal 141 of the test target device 140 to a pad 151 of the test device 150. The connector 100 includes an anisotropic conductive sheet 110, a sheet connector 120, and a guide sheet 130.

[0036] When pressure is applied, the anisotropic conductive sheet 110 becomes conductive in the thickness direction. The anisotropic conductive sheet 110 includes a plurality of conductive portions 111 and a plurality of insulating portions 114.

[0037] The conductive portion 111 consists of a plurality of conductive particles extending in the thickness direction of the elastic insulating material, disposed anywhere corresponding to the terminal 141 of the test target device 140. The elastic insulating material may be a polymer material having a bridging structure. A cured polymeric material can be used to obtain the elastic insulating material. Examples of materials may include: conjugated diene-based rubbers, such as polybutadiene rubber, natural rubber, polyisoprene rubber, styrene-butadiene copolymer rubber, acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymer rubber, and their hydrogenated products; block copolymer rubbers, such as styrene-butadiene-diene block terpolymer rubber, styrene-isoprene block copolymer, and their hydrogenated products; and chloroprene rubber, urethane rubber, polyester-based rubber, epichlorohydrin rubber, silicone rubber, and ethylene-propylene copolymer rubber. Rubber), ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber, and similar products.

[0038] As stated above, when the anisotropic conductive sheet 110 must be weatherproof, a material different from conjugated diene rubber must be used. Specifically, considering molding and processing properties as well as electrical properties, silicone rubber can be used.

[0039] Conductive particles 112a and 113a may be magnetic particles. Examples of conductive particles 112a and 113a may include particles of magnetic metals, such as iron, cobalt, nickel, their alloys, or particles containing such metals; particles in which one of the above particles is a core particle and is coated with a highly conductive metal such as gold, silver, palladium, rhodium, or similar metals; or particles in which a non-magnetic metal particle, an inorganic material particle (such as glass beads or polymer particles) is a core particle and has a surface coated with a conductive magnetic metal such as nickel, cobalt, or similar metal.

[0040] In detail, nickel particles can be used as core particles, and highly conductive gold can be plated onto the surface of the core particles.

[0041] Methods such as chemical plating, electrolytic plating, sputtering, and deposition can be used to coat the surface of the core particles. However, the methods are not limited to these.

[0042] When the core particles coated with conductive metal are used as conductive particles 112a and 113a, the coating rate of the conductive metal on the surface of the particles (the ratio of the coating area of ​​the conductive metal to the surface area of ​​the core particles) is preferably at least 40%, preferably at least 45%, or more specifically, preferably at least 47% to 95%, so that high conductivity can be obtained.

[0043] The coating amount of the conductive metal is preferably from 0.5% to 50% by weight of the core particles, more preferably from 2% to 30% by weight, even more preferably from 3% to 25% by weight, or more specifically, preferably from 4% to 20% by weight. When the conductive metal to be coated is gold, the coating amount is preferably from 0.5% to 30% by weight of the core particles, more preferably from 2% to 20% by weight, or even more preferably from 3% to 15% by weight.

[0044] As described below, the conductive portion 111 includes a first conductive portion 112 and a second conductive portion 113, corresponding to the electrode 122 of the sheet-like connector 120. The first conductive portion 112 is above the electrode 122, accessible to the terminal 141 of the test target device 140, and includes first conductive particles 112a. The second conductive portion 113 is below the electrode 122 and includes second conductive particles 113a. The elastic insulating material and the conductive particles of the first conductive portion 112 and the second conductive portion 113 may be formed of the same material. However, the density of the first conductive particles 112a per unit area of ​​the first conductive portion 112 is greater than the density of the second conductive particles 113a per unit area of ​​the second conductive portion 113. The average diameter of the first conductive particles 112a of the first conductive portion 112 may be smaller than the average diameter of the second conductive particles 113a of the second conductive portion 113. That is, small particles can be densely arranged in the first conductive portion 112 above the electrode 122 to improve the electrical connection between the terminal 141 of the test target device 140 and the electrode 122 when the terminal 141 of the test target device 140 above the electrode 122 contacts the first conductive portion 112.

[0045] The sheet connector 120 includes a porous sheet 121 and an electrode 122.

[0046] A porous sheet 121 is located between the upper and lower surfaces of the anisotropic conductive sheet 110. The porous sheet 121 is inserted into the anisotropic conductive sheet 110 and contains a plurality of voids. The voids are filled with an elastic insulating material, such that the porous sheet 121 is integrally coupled to the anisotropic conductive sheet 110. The porous sheet 121 can be formed using materials such as mesh fabrics or non-woven fibers. Mesh fabrics or non-woven fibers can be formed from organic fibers. Examples of organic fibers include fluoropolymer fibers, such as polytetrafluoroethylene fiber, aramid fiber, polyethylene fiber, polyarylate fiber, nylon fiber, polyester fiber, and similar fibers. Furthermore, the organic fibers can have a linear thermal expansion coefficient that is exactly or approximately the same as that of the material to which the target object is attached. For example, the linear thermal expansion coefficient of the material can be 30 × 10⁻⁶. -6 to -5×10 -6 / K, in detail, 10×10 -6 to -3×10 -6 / K. Next, it is possible to suppress the thermal expansion of the anisotropic conductive membrane. Therefore, a stable electrical connection can be maintained on the target object, even when thermal processes are received due to temperature changes. Furthermore, the organic fibers can have diameters from 10 μm to 200 μm.

[0047] Electrode 122 is disposed at a position corresponding to the conductive portion 111 and is integrally coupled to the porous sheet 121. Electrode 122 can be coupled to the porous sheet 121 by passing through it in the thickness direction. Electrode 122 is stably fixed to the porous sheet 121 by filling the gaps in the porous sheet 121 with a metallic material. Electrode 122 is formed as a plate (circular plate) having a circular cross-section corresponding to the conductive portion 111. Electrode 122 can be disposed between the upper and lower surfaces of the conductive portion 111 and divide the conductive portion 111 into a first conductive portion 112 and a second conductive portion 113.

[0048] Electrode 122 may comprise a metal such as nickel, copper, gold, silver, palladium, or iron. Electrode 122 may be formed entirely by using a single type of metal or an alloy of two or more types of metal. Alternatively, electrode 122 may be formed by stacking two or more types of metal.

[0049] Alternatively, the surface of electrode 122 can be coated with a chemically stable and conductive metal (e.g., gold, silver, or palladium) to prevent oxidation and reduce the contact resistance of electrode 122.

[0050] A guide sheet 130 is disposed on the anisotropic conductive sheet 110. The guide sheet 130 can be formed by forming through holes 131 at positions corresponding to each of the conductive portions 111 to guide the test target device 140 to contact the conductive portion 111.

[0051] The guide sheet 130 may comprise any flexible and moldable synthetic resin material, such as thermosetting resins like polyimide resin or epoxy resin; polyester resins like polyethylene terephthalate resin or polybutylene terephthalate resin; or thermoplastic resins like polyvinyl chloride resin, polystyrene resin, polyacrylnitrile resin, polyethylene resin, polypropylene resin, acrylic resin, polybutadiene resin, polyphenylene ether, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamide, or polyoxymethylene.

[0052] The connector 100 may have the following effects.

[0053] First, the connector 100 is mounted on the test apparatus 150 when the conductive portion 111 is in contact with the pad 151 of the test apparatus 150. Next, the test target device 140 is lowered such that the terminals 141 of the test target device 140 contact the conductive portion 111 of the connector 100. When the test target device 140 is further lowered and the conductive portion 111 for connection is pressed in the thickness direction, the conductive particles 112a and 113a of the conductive portion 111 come into contact with each other. Therefore, the conductive portion 111 becomes conductive.

[0054] In this state, when the test device 150 applies an electrical signal, an electrical test is performed when the signal is transmitted to the test target device 140 via the conductive portion 111 and the electrode 122.

[0055] In the connector 100 according to the exemplary embodiment, the durability of the anisotropic conductive sheet 110 can be improved because a sheet-like connector 120 is disposed inside the anisotropic conductive sheet 110. That is, since the sheet-like connector 120, formed of mesh fabric or non-woven fibers, is disposed inside the anisotropic conductive sheet 110, formed of silicone rubber, the durability of the anisotropic conductive sheet 110 can be improved.

[0056] In detail, by preventing the anisotropic conductive sheet 110 from expanding excessively in the plane direction perpendicular to the thickness direction, damage to the conductive portion 111 of the anisotropic conductive sheet 110 can be prevented.

[0057] Furthermore, since the electrodes 122 of the sheet-like connector 120 are embedded inside the conductive portion 111, the electrodes 122 do not directly contact the terminals 141 of the test target device 140, thus preventing damage to the electrodes 122 and terminals 141. That is, although, according to this exemplary embodiment, the surfaces of terminals 141 or electrodes 122 may be damaged when the electrodes 122 and terminals 141, both made of metallic material, come into direct contact with each other, damage to the electrodes 122 and terminals 141 can be prevented because the elastic and moldable conductive portion 111 is disposed above the electrodes 122.

[0058] Furthermore, due to frequent contact with the terminals 141 of the test target device 140, the conductive portion 111 above the electrode 122 may also be damaged. However, since it includes a relatively stable sheet-like connector 120, even if the upper portion of the conductive portion 111 is damaged, the electrode 122 can still directly contact the terminals 141 of the test target device 140 and maintain conductivity.

[0059] In the sheet-like connector according to the above exemplary embodiments, the first conductive particles in the first conductive portion are smaller than the second conductive particles in the second conductive portion, and the first conductive particles are arranged more densely than the second conductive particles.

[0060] However, as in Figure 6 In the connector 200, the first conductive particles 212a of the first conductive portion 212 and the second conductive particles 213a of the second conductive portion 213 can have the same size and density distribution. That is, when the sheet-like connector 220 is disposed in the anisotropic conductive sheet 210 and the first conductive portion 212 and the second conductive portion 213 are located in the upper and lower regions of the electrode, respectively, the first conductive particles 212a of the first conductive portion 212 and the second conductive particles 213a of the second conductive portion 213 can have the same size and density.

[0061] Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 The exemplary embodiment describes an example where the sheet-like connector is positioned slightly higher than the intermediate region between the upper and lower surfaces of the anisotropic conductive sheet. However, the exemplary embodiment is not limited to this, and may be as follows: Figure 7 The modified sheet connector is shown.

[0062] For example, in Figure 7In the connector 300, the sheet connector 320 is located in the middle region between the upper and lower portions of the anisotropic conductive sheet 310.

[0063] Furthermore, according to another exemplary embodiment, in Figure 8 In the connector 400, the position of the sheet connector 420 may be higher or lower than the intermediate region between the upper and lower portions of the anisotropic conductive sheet 410.

[0064] According to another exemplary embodiment, although not described, the upper end of the conductive portion may protrude. That is, although Figure 4 as well as Figure 5 An exemplary embodiment shows that the upper end of the conductive portion is flush with the upper end of the insulating support portion, and the upper end of the conductive portion may protrude above the upper end of the insulating support portion.

[0065] Although one or more exemplary embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A connector disposed between a target device and a test device and provided for electrically connecting a terminal of the target device to a gasket of the test device, the connector comprising: An anisotropic conductive sheet includes multiple conductive portions, wherein multiple conductive particles extend in the thickness direction in a region of elastic insulating material, the region corresponding to the terminal of the test target device and an insulating support portion disposed between the conductive portions and provided for supporting and isolating the conductive portions; A sheet-like connector includes a porous sheet disposed between the upper and lower surfaces of the anisotropic conductive sheet, inserted into the anisotropic conductive sheet, and having multiple gaps, wherein the porous sheet comprises a mesh fabric or non-woven fiber, and the gaps of the porous sheet corresponding to the insulating support portion are filled with an elastic insulating material of the same material as the elastic insulating material of the anisotropic conductive sheet, thereby integrally coupling the porous sheet and the anisotropic conductive sheet; as well as Multiple electrodes are configured corresponding to the conductive portion and are integrally coupled to the porous sheet. Each of the electrodes is formed of a metallic material and is electrically connected to each of the conductive portions. Each of the electrodes is integrally coupled to the porous sheet at a location corresponding to the conductive portion by filling the pores of the porous sheet with the metallic material, wherein each of the conductive portions comprises: A first conductive portion is disposed above the electrode, directly contacting the terminal of the test target device, and is composed of a plurality of first conductive particles in the elastic insulating material and is compressed by the terminal of the test target device in the thickness direction; as well as The second conductive portion, disposed below the electrode and composed of a plurality of second conductive particles in the elastic insulating material, does not contact the terminals of the test target device. The density of the first conductive particles per unit area in the first conductive portion is greater than the density of the second conductive particles per unit area in the second conductive portion. The average diameter of the first conductive particles in the first conductive portion is smaller than the average diameter of the second conductive particles in the second conductive portion. Each of the electrodes protrudes from the surface of the porous sheet through the holes in the porous sheet, and the elastic insulating material is formed through the holes in the porous sheet. The thin-film connector is positioned higher than the midpoint between the upper and lower surfaces of the anisotropic conductive sheet, and the thickness of the first conductive portion is less than the thickness of the second conductive portion. The guide sheet is disposed on the upper surface of the anisotropic conductive sheet and is formed of a flexible and moldable synthetic resin material, wherein the guide sheet has through holes at positions corresponding to each of the conductive portions, and the guide sheet guides the test target device to contact the conductive portion.

2. The connector of claim 1, wherein each of the electrodes is located between the upper and lower surfaces of the conductive portion.

3. The connector according to claim 1, wherein each of the electrodes has the shape of a plate corresponding to the horizontal cross-section of each of the conductive portions.

4. The connector of claim 1, wherein each of the electrodes comprises a magnetic material.

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