System and method for quick replacement of elastomeric contact interface for integrated circuit testing

Abstract

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for quick replacement of elastomeric contact interfaces for integrated circuit testing. The invention relates to a system and method for providing an easily replaceable interposer between a semiconductor to be tested and a corresponding contact point on a circuit board as an end of test equipment and a power supply. The use of the elastomeric sheet provides a compliant solder joint for the semiconductor to be tested and ensures that the elastomeric sheet is a worn part, thus minimizing damage to the circuit board. A retainer can be quickly assembled and disassembled without the need for tools, and can be implemented only with common finger pressure and hand skills of an operator, and allows for easy replacement of worn or soiled elastomers. The elastomer may be pre-assembled into an integrated part of a movable member of the retainer to minimize replacement tasks, or may be a separate, separate part that is securely positioned in place during reassembly using a predetermined positioning feature.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application (attorney docket number ES-2302-US) claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 623,636, filed on January 22, 2024, entitled "SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TOOL-LESS, QUICK CHANGE ELASTOMERIC CONTACT INTERFACES FOR INTEGRATED CIRCUIT TESTING" (attorney docket number ES-2302-P), the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention generally relates to the field of testing, and more particularly to systems and methods for tool-less, quick change elastomeric contact interfaces for integrated circuit testing. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention relates to systems and methods for quickly and tool-lessly replacing worn connection components in semiconductor test fixtures.

[0005] Testing semiconductor parts, especially when these parts are complex integrated circuits, is a demanding task. To achieve optimal benefits, semiconductor parts must be tested as early as possible during the production process and ideally before the packaging process (where significant costs may be incurred). Dedicated test fixtures are created for each specific application, and semiconductor parts are automatically loaded into the test fixtures for testing, then unloaded, and the semiconductor parts can be sorted or graded based on the test results. When testing a very large number of parts, the components used to create sufficient electrical connections between the test fixture and the parts being tested are subject to wear, which ultimately results in losses in testing. A key aspect of test fixture design is to consider the need for frequent maintenance of worn parts, and in the case of rapid component wear, it is beneficial if replacement with new parts can be achieved in a minimum amount of time and with a minimum need for skilled use of tools to effect the replacement. The key to reliability is to ensure that the operator or maintenance personnel of the test equipment can accurately align the replaceable parts and that incorrect assembly is not possible.

[0006] In a small number of tests where the wear rate is low and replacement of worn parts is infrequent, spring probes are often used only when physical damage is obvious. These "bed of nails" testers are fairly common, and although costly, can be reconfigured with plug-in modules to define connectivity; which signal is connected to which pin. Their advantage is that they are generally easily interchangeable, and new or prototype parts can be easily accommodated. The components that make up these testers are common to a particular installation, so spare part inventories are typically an entire or two spare machines and replaceable parts, such as contact pins.

[0007] However, contact pin-based test fixtures are completely unable to withstand unevenly applied insertion forces, and these pins can bend. Considerable effort must be expended to control precise insertion to avoid tearing or worse of the contact pads on the device under test, and lateral loading of the pressable parts of the contact pins; the latter results in internal wear of these sliding pressable pins. The resulting changes in contact resistance seen from the test fixture side (e.g., signal generator and voltage or current measurement equipment) must be continuously monitored to identify error trends so that repairs can be made without losing good semiconductor parts due to test fixture failures. Although bed of nails testers may be a more expensive solution, for high-value parts, it allows a high level of customization, especially for high-frequency operation.

[0008] High-volume testing requires very fast throughput, and worn parts must be replaced frequently, sometimes several times a day. Typically, a circuit board having the same connection point correspondence as the device under test is used as an intermediary between the device under test and a cable array that conveys power and signals to and from the device. One end of the cable is attached to a set of test equipment, and the other end terminates on the circuit board. If the device has been encapsulated, it can simply be pressed into the corresponding test location (e.g., socket) on the board, and the test is performed. The device is then removed from the test location and sent for packaging for distribution to the end user of the device. It should be clear that insertion and removal of multiple devices will cause the usual sockets to fail quickly, and alternatives must be found.

[0009] When a device is to be tested, due to the wear issues mentioned and the resulting performance degradation, a single-piece fixed socket solution is economically impractical. A solution is needed that allows the device under test to be quickly located and is compliant enough to accommodate mechanical irregularities and provides sufficient electrical conductivity. To achieve this, the worn parts must be easily and quickly replaced by the operator of the test station, with minimal dependence on tools for disassembly or reassembly. A solution can be found in the use of elastomeric connectors. Elastomeric connectors consist of alternating conductive and insulating regions incorporated in an elastomer to provide overall anisotropic conductive properties. The elastomeric material itself is a rubber-like material with good insulating properties and excellent compliance; it can be deformed to a large extent and will still recover when unloaded. The conductive material, which can also be a rubber-like material, is embedded in the non-conductive elastomer. In one embodiment, the matrix version consists of short, thin metal wires that are parallel and aligned with each other but do not touch, embedded in an elastomeric sheet. In another embodiment, conductive elastomeric elements made of fine metal powder with spherical particles are spaced apart within the elastomeric material to form an anisotropic assembly, where compression in a specific region causes the spheres to contact and form a conductive path that is only local to that region, while adjacent regions remain non-conductive. For repeated assembly or inspection applications in the present invention, the conductive elements do not need to protrude any significant distance from the uncompressed elastomeric sheet, but can be shaped and flush with the upper and lower surfaces of the sheet. A working density of 2000 conductive paths per square centimeter is common.

[0010] By using a circuit board for connection to external test equipment, the device under test can be positioned on the circuit board having contact pads for making electrical connections. By using an elastomeric connector as an intermediate element, wear on the circuit board can be eliminated and replaced by wear on the elastomeric connector. The compliant characteristics of the elastomeric connector compensate for mechanical differences between the devices under test, but it is important that the elastomeric connector is firmly held in place and not allowed to move excessively back and forth to avoid wear on the contacts on the circuit board. Using clamping devices to hold the elastomeric connector on the circuit board generally means that relatively skilled use of tools and multiple fixing components are prerequisites for providing or maintaining the effectiveness of the test fixture.

[0011] Chinese Patent Application CN111208323A teaches that "a test socket according to an embodiment includes a plurality of pins, pin supports, an elastomeric conductive sheet, a housing, a pusher, and a latching device". However, in order to obtain the elastomeric contact sheet in CN111208323A (see Figure 4), a dedicated tool must be used to release four latches 1232 and 1233 to disassemble the components including components 1400 and 1500.

[0012] In another embodiment shown in FIG. 9 of CN111208323A, the hard latch 1232 is replaced with a screw or bolt 1471 which is inserted through a hole 1424 in 1400 and thus into a threaded hole 1228 in 1220. Spring pressure is provided by a spring 1710 to keep parts 1400 and 1500 separated, thereby providing a clamping force to the device under test through a latch 1610. The spring 1710 is positioned in a mating hole or retaining peg in the corresponding corner of 1500 and a blind hole 1461. The components are snap-fitted 1500 to 1400, where the latch 1521 is held below a ridge shown at 1451. To access the elastomeric sheet, the upper component must be removed. The operator must first disassemble the composite part consisting of two main parts 1400 and 1500 by prying open two blind latches 1521. This will require tools as there is no other accessible way. Once each latch is released, the upper part 1500 will be pushed away by spring pressure and now using a suitable disassembly tool, the screw or bolt 1471 can be removed to release the lower part 1400 so that the elastomeric part 1300 can be accessed. In addition to the time taken to disassemble the socket to access the elastomer, care must be taken to ensure that the latch 1610, bolt 1471 and spring 1710 are not misaligned during operation.

[0013] Therefore, there is clearly an urgent need for a device that avoids time loss and tool use when the elastomeric connector must be replaced. This improved tool-less elastomeric connector system eliminates the use of expensive spring-loaded contact pins and enables rapid connector replacement, which can be performed by relatively unskilled operators without special skills or tools while ensuring performance quality. Summary of the Invention

[0014] To achieve the foregoing and in accordance with the present invention, there are provided systems and methods for enabling rapid tool-less replacement of an elastomeric connector for an integrated circuit test fixture. In particular, the systems and methods for achieving this are suitable for high-volume manufacturing and test equipment with minimal training of equipment operators.

[0015] In one embodiment, a replaceable tool-less retainer is configured to connect a DUT to a test circuit. The retainer includes an upper housing member for mating with a lower housing member and an inserted elastomeric sheet.

[0016] The upper housing member includes a taper for aligning the DUT by moving the DUT along at least one lateral or rotationally free-moving axis during insertion of the DUT. The upper member also includes retaining latches for firmly engaging the side walls of the lower housing member. The alignment arms of the upper member are positioned in place when guided by the positioning pegs of the lower member.

[0017] In one embodiment, an elastomeric sheet is attached and positioned at the base of the upper member, where two or more arms are provided to allow an insertion pressure to be applied to the upper member such that the upper member can be firmly pressed into place. In a second embodiment, the elastomeric sheet is a separate component that is sandwiched between the upper member and the circuit board and aligned using alignment pins or bolts.

[0018] In some embodiments, the latch engages positively in a mating position in a corresponding position in the lower member, where the arms are sized to match the user's finger such that the assembly operation requires no tools, and where the latch is provided with a simple feature that allows the latch to be released using the hand such that the upper member can be removed and replaced with a new DUT without the need for disassembly tools.

[0019] It should be noted that the various features described above of the present invention can be practiced individually or in combination. These and other features of the present invention will be described in more detail below in the detailed description of the present invention and in conjunction with the drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] To more clearly define the present invention, some embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the drawings, wherein:

[0021] Figure 1A is a perspective exploded view of a two-part tool-free replaceable elastomeric contact interface according to a first embodiment; and

[0022] Figure 1B shows Figure 1A a perspective view of the assembled two-part tool-free replaceable elastomeric contact interface;

[0023] Figure 1C shows a quartered perspective view of the two-part tool-free replaceable elastomeric contact interface, where the parts are paired during normal operation;

[0024] Figure 1D shows a perspective view of the elastomeric carrier, where the elastomeric sheet is pre-assembled in place;

[0025] Figure 1E shows the elastomeric carrier from the underside;

[0026] Figure 1F shows a plan view of the mating carrier that defines a section line for exploring latch details and a section line showing the relationship between the two latches;

[0027] Figure 1G shows in section Figure 1F the details of the latch of

[0028] Figure 1H The relationship between two latches is shown in cross-section; Figure 1F of;

[0029] Figure 2A A disassembled view showing a three-piece construction of an elastomeric quick-change contact interface according to another embodiment is shown;

[0030] Figure 2B The assembled three-piece elastomeric contact interface is shown;

[0031] Figure 2C is a quarter perspective view of the assembled three-piece elastomeric contact interface;

[0032] Figure 2D is a top view of the upper assembly of the three-piece elastomeric contact interface;

[0033] Figure 2E is a bottom view of the upper assembly of the three-piece elastomeric contact interface;

[0034] Figure 3A is a plan view seen from below showing the assembled and uninstalled contact interface defining a diagonal cross-section line; and

[0035] Figure 3B A view showing a diagonal cross-section along Figure 3A is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to several embodiments of the present invention as shown in the accompanying drawings. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known process steps and / or structures have not been described in particular detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention. The features and advantages of the embodiments may be better understood with reference to the following drawings and discussion.

[0037] Aspects, features, and advantages of exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawing(s). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the described embodiments of the present invention provided herein are merely illustrative and not restrictive, and are given by way of example only. All features disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Accordingly, many other embodiments modified therefrom are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention and its equivalents as defined herein. Accordingly, the use of absolute and / or sequential terms (such as "always", "will", "will not", "should", "should not", "must", "shall not", "first", "initially", "next", "subsequently", "before", "after", "last", and "finally") does not limit the scope of the present invention, since the embodiments disclosed herein are merely exemplary.

[0038] The present invention relates to a system and method for a tool - less, quick - change elastomeric contact interface for a large - scale integrated circuit test fixture.

[0039] For ease of discussion, Figure 1A A two - part exploded view of a retainer member 100 for positioning an elastomeric contact pad onto a test board is shown. The circuit board (to which the test cables and associated test equipment are secured) has an area with contacts or conductive pads or lands, the layout and position of which correspond to the layout and position of connection points on the integrated circuit.

[0040] A semiconductor integrated circuit (IC) has contacts for connecting the circuit to external components. Although these contacts can take different forms, modern electronic products widely use devices where the contacts are coplanar. In a finished product, the IC is permanently attached to the circuit board by attaching the IC to matching contacts on the circuit board. Surface - mount parts have coplanar connection points, and these coplanar connection points can occupy one, two, or four sides of a rectangular package or sometimes be in the form of a small hemispherical array of contacts located under the semiconductor part. The latter is commonly referred to as a ball grid array and can be created directly on the semiconductor (a process known as "bumping") or on the underside of a package containing the semiconductor device.

[0041] To test such IC devices, a mechanism is needed that allows the device under test (DUT) to be temporarily connected to the test circuit and allows the DUT to be removed at the end of the test for further manufacturing or simply for packaging and sale. A compliant anisotropic conductive film can be used for this purpose.

[0042] In one embodiment of such an apparatus, the positioning lower member 105 may be attached to a test circuit board having appropriately positioned contacts to provide connection to the DUT. The lower member 105 is made of a wear-resistant material (e.g., stainless steel alloy). The screw holes 110 allow the lower member to be firmly fixed to the circuit board such that the DUT can be precisely positioned relative to the circuit board contacts and connections. Figure 1C The positioning bolts 133 shown precisely align the lower member 105 to the test circuit board 180 to which it is attached. The lower member 105 has two or more positioning sleeves 130 and 135 permanently fixed therein such that the position of the insertion tool carrying the DUT is determined by guide pins that fit tightly into these sleeves 130 and 135. In this way, if damage to the member persists, the member can be easily replaced with a new part without significant positional uncertainty for the DUT. The positioning pins 137 are provided to stabilize and position the upper member 102.

[0043] The upper member 102 having an inserter (e.g., the elastomeric sheet 125, attached and positioned on the base of the upper member 102) fits precisely into the lower member 105 such that the bottom of the elastomeric sheet 125 is coplanar with the bottom surface of the lower member 105 to ensure contact with the circuit board contact areas, pads or zones. The upper member 102 is made of a bearing grade plastic material having suitable electrostatic dissipation properties, which ensures that wear is mainly limited to this element. In fact, the conductive regions embedded in the elastomeric sheet 125 protrude slightly from the body of the elastomer such that when the bottom of the elastomer is flush with the bottom of the lower member 105, these protrusions will contact the contact points on the circuit board and cause a small displacement of the elastomer, and this tension will ensure that the protruding conductive elements remain in contact with the contact points on the circuit board.

[0044] Two or more arms 115 are provided to allow a technician's finger to apply insertion pressure to the upper member such that the upper member can be firmly pressed into place. Optional protrusions 117 at the corners of the upper member provide additional strength to prevent deformation during assembly. When in place, the elastomeric sheet 125 will be in tight contact with the contact points on the test circuit board and in some embodiments under slight compression between the peripheral structure of the upper member 102 and the circuit board.

[0045] The alignment pin 137, which is coupled in a manner that closely mates with the arm 115, ensures that there is no tendency for misalignment when the upper member 102 is mated with the lower member 105. This reduces in-plane scraping movement of the contact points on the circuit board and avoids wear movement on these contact points, extending the life of the circuit board itself. The retaining latches 120 and 122 are held properly engaged in mating slots in corresponding positions in the lower member 105. In size, the arm 115 matches a typical finger size, such that the assembly operation requires no tools and only finger pressure. In one embodiment, the latches 120 and 122 can be provided with simple features that allow the use of finger or fingernail pressure to release the latches 120 and 122, such that the upper member can be easily removed and replaced with a new part without the need for specific tools.

[0046] The holes 182 and 184 are clearance holes for screws that secure the lower member 105 to the circuit board. In some embodiments, the screws can be screwed into a support plate, which can be part of a mechanical structure designed to add support and strength to the test environment. In another embodiment, the holes are drilled to allow the use of a screwed-in nut (insertable hard point) that curls into place. If the elastomeric sheet is mated as a separate component as Figure 2A shown, alignment pins 183 are provided to assist in the alignment of the elastomeric sheet, where holes 222 in the elastomeric sheet, also as Figure 2A shown, allow the elastomeric sheet to be aligned as it drops into place. Finally, the pin 186 is an additional alignment point corresponding to a hole 145 in the underside of the reinforced corner 117 of the upper member 102 as Figure 1E shown. The contact area (where the contact zones corresponding to the DUT contact arrangement are located on the test circuit board) is identified as being within the dashed area 188.

[0047] Figure 1BThe mating parts of the upper member 102 and the lower member 105 are shown. The latch 120 is shown, which is nested in a fixed catch in the corresponding wall of the lower member 105. The arm 115 is in its proper position guided by the alignment pins and the optional corner reinforcement 117, and the optional corner reinforcement 117 is installed at a matching position in the lower member. When the DUT is inserted, the chuck part of the insertion machine allows some degrees of freedom of movement to allow the part to be aligned so that the DUT can enter the test fixture part without interference. By inserting the device with a manipulator having alignment pins that engage the test fixture guide sleeves 130 and 135, the rotational uncertainty is reduced; in this case, the pins on the device insertion manipulator engage the sleeves 130 and 135 in the lower member 105 so that the manipulator places the DUT in alignment with the contact area defined by the test circuit board. Pins located on the lower member 105 instead of sleeves can be used, and the lower member 105 will be in the corresponding sleeves on the device insertion manipulator instead of pins, but this may interfere with the operator's interaction with the fixture. The tapered portion 140 is provided in the replaceable upper member 102 to smoothly align the DUT by moving the part along any or all of the lateral and rotational free movement axes of the device insertion manipulator.

[0048] Figure 1C A quartered perspective view is shown, which shows one of the alignment pins 133 in the alignment pins 133. These alignment pins 133 accurately position the lower member on the test circuit board before the lower member is fixed with screws. In this embodiment, two of these alignment pins are provided.

[0049] Figure 1D A perspective view of the upper member 102 as viewed from above is shown, where the elastomeric contact sheet 125 is permanently attached by, for example, molding or gluing it into the part. The tapered shoulder 140 is provided at a selected position on the upper member 102, and this selected position allows the DUT to be placed in the test position while applying an alignment force to ensure that the DUT is correctly positioned.

[0050] Figure 1E The underside of the upper member is shown, where the elastomeric conductive element 142 is confined within the elastomeric sheet 125. During the molding of the upper member 102, the elastomer is slightly compressed at the periphery so that the part of the elastomer that will contact the circuit board is either coplanar with the bottom plate of the assembled structure or slightly protrudes from the bottom plate of the assembled structure to ensure good contact at the contact points on the circuit board to which the component is attached.

[0051] In another embodiment, the elastomeric sheet 125 is provided as a separate material that can be pre-assembled to the exposed upper member 102. The lower periphery of the upper member is coated with an adhesive, which can be permanent or semi-permanent, and which can be dispensed adhesive or a double-sided pre-formed adhesive sheet. Thereafter, alignment pins are temporarily inserted into holes 145 in the base plate of the reinforcing corner element 117. The separate elastomeric sheet 125 has pre-formed holes at positions corresponding to the positions of the holes 145, similar to Figure 2A the elastomeric sheet shown, where the holes are identified as 223, but without the extended alignment arms having holes 222, and the sheet is slid onto the temporary alignment pins and slid into place such that the adhesive layer is properly engaged. Once installed and the adhesive has cured, the temporary alignment pins are withdrawn, and the single component consisting of the upper member 102 to which the elastomeric sheet 125 has been firmly attached is now processed and installed into the lower member 105 as described. Once installed within the lower member 105, pins 186 on the test circuit board provide further suitable locations to prevent any tendency for the elastomeric sheet 125 to shift or creep. As noted later, if there are no locating pins 186, it is acceptable for the periphery of the upper member 102 to slightly compress or squeeze the elastomeric sheet relative to the test circuit board, but if there are locating pins 186, no compressive force is required as long as the correct contact between the elastomeric sheet and the contact zones in region 188 is maintained. Because Figure 1E the conductive elements of the elastomeric sheet 142 protrude slightly beyond the lower surface of the elastomeric sheet, the sheet is under a slight tension when pressed against the contact zones, and this tension provides a force to maintain some contact pressure between the conductive elements 142 of the elastomeric sheet and the contact zones.

[0052] The elastomeric conductive elements 142 are shown in a close-up view of a portion of the elastomeric sheet 125. The dots represent conductive path elements, which can be wires or conductive balls. In the case where metal powder is used to create anisotropy, the wires or conductive balls are separated in the uncompressed state but in contact to form a conductive path, and the conductive path elements are insulated from each other by an insulating polymer but protrude slightly beyond the body of the elastomer to ensure good contact with the conductive surfaces or zones above and below the elastomeric sheet. The hole 147 is a receiving hole for the alignment pin 137.

[0053] In some embodiments, the test circuit board mates with locating pins 186 that match receiving holes 145 in the base plate of the upper member 102 for precise alignment. In the following Figure 1F and Figure 1GThe positioning protrusions or ridges in the latch 120 can be seen better. It should be noted that, depending on the design requirements of the test environment, the elastomeric contact sheet can be uniform or have different densities of conductive path elements; for example, for high-current paths, a high conductor density may be desired, but for small-signal paths, a smaller density can be used.

[0054] Now turning to Figure 1F , which shows a top plan view of the mating component 100. To explore the details of the latch mechanism, the section lines BB1 - BB2 are used to illustrate the method for fixing the latch 120, while BB3 - BB4 are used to show the relationship between the latches 120 and 122. Figure 1G is a section taken along the section line BB1 - BB2. The detent 106 is cut into the corresponding wall of the lower member 105. If a plastic material is used, the detent can be formed as part of the molding process or can be manufactured separately. When the lower member is formed of metal, the detent must be machined to ensure accuracy. The latch 120 formed during the manufacture of the upper member 102 has a ridge 121 corresponding to the detent 106 formed in the lower member 105. The ridge 121 and the detent 106 have mating tapered portions that facilitate the entry and exit of the latch into and out of the detent and are arranged to prevent accidental release of the holding force at the upper or latch tapered portions when the latch is properly engaged. The insertion tapered portion at the lower position of the ridge can generally be a more gentle tapered portion to facilitate deflection of the latch when the upper member is inserted.

[0055] Figure 1H shows two latches 120 and 122 located on opposite sides of the upper member 102, where the elastomeric strip 125 is positioned and aligned with the lower edge of the lower member 105. Each of these latches is a mirror image of the single latch 120 shown in Figure 1G .

[0056] In some embodiments, these pins 133 may be absent, and in such cases, the screw attachment holes 110 are provided on the lower side of the lower member 105 with concentric shoulders that match the corresponding holes in the circuit board. These holes are drilled to receive the shoulders fabricated onto the substrate of the lower member 105 such that the alignment pins 133 of Figure 1C are no longer required. Thus, the holes 181 and 185 are no longer needed to accommodate the alignment pins 133 of Figure 1C .

[0057] In Figure 2AIn another illustrated embodiment 200, the elastomeric sheet is provided as a separate component. This may be a more economical solution for larger areas with a large number of pins, as the elastomeric sheet can be removed for cleaning before reuse. In a two-part embodiment, when changed, the upper member and its permanently attached elastomer are discarded, while in a three-part solution, the upper member 202 can be reused multiple times. The lower member 105 can be mounted to the circuit board 280 using screws as described previously. The holes 282 and 284 in the circuit board can be clearance holes for attaching the screws, or they can be sized to accommodate shoulders that can be fabricated below the area around the attachment screw holes 110 in the lower member 105. The separate elastomeric sheet 125 is aligned with the circuit board using a punched hole 222 located above the dowel pin 283 on the circuit board. Then, the upper member 102 is pressed into place to hold the elastomer firmly in position. Since the elastomer 125 is a compliant film, it can be safely slightly squeezed by the periphery of the upper member 102 to hold it in place without the risk of damaging the elastomeric sheet or the contact points in the area at 288 residing on the circuit board 280.

[0058] In some embodiments, the elastomeric sheet is positioned only at the matching hole 222 in the elastomer, for example, by the alignment dowel 283. This allows the elastomer to float and avoids any risk of permanent deformation caused by squeezing actions that might deform the elastomer. The accumulation of debris can affect the performance of the elastomer, and the replaced sheet does not always need to be disposed of but only cleaned. A suitable adhesive material (e.g., tape) can be used to remove debris from the surface of the used elastomeric sheet, and in cases where it is difficult to remove, an ultrasonic bath with a suitable solvent can rehabilitate the sheet. An elastomeric sheet in normal use can be rehabilitated several times before it no longer functions as a satisfactory component.

[0059] The holes 281 and 285 house Figure 1C the alignment dowels 133 shown on the lower member 105. These dowels may be redundant if alignment shoulders are used that are concentric with the fixing screw holes at the lower surface of the lower member 105. The pins 286 provide additional alignment points where the pins 286 pass through holes 223 in the elastomeric sheet and into holes 145 at the lower surface of the upper member 202. The upper member 202 is sized similarly to the upper member 102, except that the elastomeric sheet 125 is not permanently attached to the upper member 202.

[0060] Figure 2B is shown Figure 2AThe three-part mating components of the quick-change connector shown, the quick-change connector including an upper member 202, a lower member 105, and an elastomeric sheet 125 coupled to the associated circuit board, allowing connection to conductors printed on the circuit board (not shown in the figure for clarity). The corner 117 provides attachment strength for the upper member 202 and also provides a location for the receiving hole for additional alignment pins 286 mounted on the test circuit board 280.

[0061] For completeness, Figure 2C A quarter view of the assembled parts of the quick-change connector included and shown on the circuit board is provided to better understand the tool-free aspect of the present embodiment. The assembly is quite precise, and as Figure 1G and 1H shown, the latches 120 on the lower member 105 and the mating tapered portions 121 on 106 engage tightly to allow the latches to hold and still be released by applying upward pressure. The arms 115, which are part of the upper member, are used to provide position stability and to apply assembly and disassembly pressure to the upper member. The lower sides of these arms 115 have tapered portions 116, which are entry points where fingernails can be inserted to allow the application of upward pressure. This upward pressure acts on the tapered portion of the latch ridge 121 relative to the tapered portion on the catch 106, and this causes the latch 120 to shift inward, such that the upper member 102 can be disengaged.

[0062] The upward force can be applied to both arms 115 simultaneously, but sequential operation can also elastically deform the latch such that the upper member 102 can be released from engagement and withdrawn from the lower member 105. Then, the arms 115 can be used to pull the upper member away from the component. Then, the elastomeric sheet can be removed and replaced before reassembly. The latches and arms can be provided with features (e.g., small protrusions) for easy separation to provide a larger area for finger operation in addition to applying pressure from below the arms 115.

[0063] If space permits, in another embodiment, the arms 115 protrude slightly from their positions in the lower member to allow greater finger pressure to be applied.

[0064] In some embodiments, spring action can be used to provide an upward preload to the upper member 102 to relieve any looseness due to any wear of the latch and its positioning catch in the lower member and to provide a snap action to the release member. The spring action can be provided by discrete springs or can be incorporated into the upper or lower member as an elastic element (e.g., a bendable or deformable beam).

[0065] Similarly,Figure 2D and Figure 2E is shown to better understand the structure and features of the upper member, which shows an unobstructed view of the conical shoulder that guides the DUT to the correct alignment for testing and the flat periphery that can be used to hold the elastomeric sheet in place. In the case where the elastomeric sheet is completely floating, it is laterally fixed only by the positioning bolts passing through the corresponding positioning holes 222 and 223 in the elastomeric sheet, and the periphery of the bottom plate of the upper member is set to a depth that allows only a minimum clearance but prevents the elastomeric sheet from wrinkling in this area.

[0066] Figure 3A is in accordance with the present specification Figure 2B is a plan view of the partially assembled quick-change connector as viewed from below. Here, the expected position of the positioning pin 283 is shown within the positioning hole 222 in the elastomeric sheet. The cross-section line CC1-CC2 drawn through the center of the expected position of the positioning pin 283 is used to study the internal structure when assembled. Figure 3B shows Figure 2B the assembled quick-change connector, where the upper member 202 is taken along the line CC1-CC2. The positioning pin 283 of the elastomeric sheet 125 is shown to have a mating release in the mechanical overlap portion. Any fixing force or pressure can be mainly applied at the periphery of the upper member 202, and no force needs to be applied outside the scope of this periphery, but manufacturing tolerances may result in some clamping force. The enlarged area shows that the clamping force causes some slight squeezing of the elastomer 125, which is sufficient to prevent any movement.

[0067] A small clamping force can be applied to the elastomer. For example, a squeezing displacement in the vicinity of 0.001 to 0.003 is considered sufficient, and any greater risk is an undesired permanent deformation in the elastomer, since this permanent deformation causes stress, which causes the elastomer to wrinkle and shift from its designed position in a possibly critical location. In addition, it is not desirable for an operator or technician to need to apply excessive force to engage the upper member with the lower member. When the elastomer is floating freely, the clearance between the upper member 202 and the elastomer is between 0.001 and 0.003, which minimizes any risk of forming corrugations or wrinkles in the elastomer, thus having a risk of damage and limiting reuse. Through these clearances, any wrinkling tendency is limited by the proximity of the bottom plate of the upper member and is converted into a small compressive force that is distributed in the elastomer parallel to the surfaces of the bottom plate of the upper member and the test circuit board and in the plane between the surfaces of the bottom plate of the upper member and the test circuit board.

[0068] In operation, the downward force of the device insertion manipulator holds the DUT contacts firmly against the elastomeric sheet, and contact is made through conductive path elements within the sheet. Any conductive elements not located beneath the contacts on the DUT simply do not make contact and play no role in the operation of the quick-change contact interface.

[0069] When wear occurs and the elastomeric properties have degraded to a predetermined value, the operator of the test fixture can simply use upward pressure from a finger or fingernail on the arm 115 to release the latch, which allows the upper member 202 to bounce slightly as the compressed region of the squeezed elastomer returns to its original unsqueezed dimensions or when using spring pressure assistance (if incorporated) to disengage the latch. After release, the upper member can then be removed, and if it is a single-piece component, it can simply be replaced as a whole. If it is not a single component, once the upper member is removed, the pre-formed elastomeric sheet can be removed and a new or repaired replacement elastomeric sheet inserted. Then, the upper member 202 is pressed into the operating position using downward finger pressure, and operation resumes.

[0070] In summary, aspects of the present invention provide a quick-change connection system for tool-free replacement of a retainer component to replace worn parts in semiconductor test applications, which system requires no availability of any tools and only simple hand skills to facilitate the replacement. The quick-change connection system meets the need to restore worn parts that interconnect a large amount of test equipment to a new state. Advantages of such a system include: the ability to easily repair common wear points at a device test station and do so without the need for highly skilled personnel or the use of tools.

[0071] Accordingly, a semiconductor device under test (“DUT”) is automatically positioned for insertion into a retainer component, and an electrical connection is formed using an elastomeric sheet. The elastomeric sheet is selectively conductive in one dimension and can be a single replaceable element or can be incorporated as a permanent part of another component of the test fixture. The test circuit board connects external test equipment to a fixed and durable lower housing member, which allows easy insertion and removal of an upper housing member that houses the semiconductor DUT by hand without tools.

[0072] The lower housing member includes features that allow the manipulator insertion device to remain in alignment with the test circuit board during insertion of the device under test connected to the lower member. The upper housing member is pushed into the lower housing member and is aligned and fixed by features that properly engage the lower housing member. The upper housing member includes elements that guide the DUT during insertion to ensure precise placement and correct minor axial or lateral uncertainties in the pick-up mechanism of the insertion manipulator. The upper housing member is fixed in the lower housing member using deformable latches, and these latches can be released without tools by applying finger pressure on the protrusions formed on the latches. Axial alignment of the upper housing member is ensured by alignment arms that fit closely into mating receptacles in the lower housing member. These alignment arms have features that allow finger pressure to lift the upper housing member from the lower housing member when released, and this action can be assisted by displaceable elements (e.g., springs) that are compressed when the insertion force is applied. Advantages of the resulting structure include greatly accelerating the process of replacing worn components and eliminating the need for an operator to use disassembly tools.

[0073] In some embodiments, an elastomeric sheet is molded into the upper housing member, and when the test parameters obtained from multiple devices are observed to change in a manner indicative of wear, the operator of the test equipment can remove the upper housing member and replace it with a new upper housing member using only fingers. The alignment and retention features of the upper housing member are used to ensure alignment and security of the new upper housing member.

[0074] Conversely, the elastomeric sheet can be a separate element relative to the upper housing member, and wherein the upper housing member is first released and removed by the operator. Then, a fingernail is used to lift the elastomeric sheet from its position at the connection area on the test circuit board within the lower housing member. Then, a replacement elastomeric sheet is inserted and positioned using reference pins already on the test circuit board. Then, the upper housing member can be reinstalled to secure the elastomeric sheet or can be replaced with a new upper housing member. The installation force is applied using only finger pressure until the latches on the upper housing member snap into place in the mating features in the lower housing member.

[0075] 1. In some embodiments, a tool - less replaceable holder component configured to connect a device under test (DUT) to a test circuit board, the holder component including an upper housing member for mating with a lower housing member, and wherein the upper housing member includes a tapered portion for aligning the DUT by moving the DUT along at least one lateral or rotation - free movement axis during insertion of the DUT, one or more latches for firmly engaging with the sidewall of the lower housing member, and one or more alignment arms positioned in place when guided by one or more alignment pins of the lower housing member; an elastomeric sheet operatively coupled to the base of the upper housing member and located on the base, wherein the one or more alignment arms are provided to allow insertion pressure to be applied to the upper housing member so as to be firmly pressed in place, and wherein the conductive elements of the elastomeric sheet are configured to make direct electrical contact with the DUT and a plurality of contact pads on the test circuit board; and wherein the one or more latches are correctly engaged in matching positions in corresponding positions in the lower housing member, wherein the one or more latches are sized to match the user's finger such that no disassembly tool is required to disengage the upper housing member from the lower housing member, and wherein the one or more latches are configured to be released by the user's finger such that the upper housing member can be disengaged, thereby enabling the upper housing member to be removed tool - lessly and replaced with a new upper housing member.

[0076] 2. The holder component according to clause 1, wherein the elastomeric sheet is permanently attached to the upper housing member.

[0077] 3. The holder component according to clause 1 or 2, wherein during insertion of the DUT into the holder component, rotational uncertainty is reduced by providing sleeves in the lower housing member for engaging the alignment pins.

[0078] 4. The holder component according to any one of clauses 1 to 3, wherein a corner piece for enhancing and reducing deformation of the upper housing member has a matching position for mating with the lower housing member such that the DUT is aligned for insertion into the holder component without interference.

[0079] 5. The holder component according to any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the corner piece has a cavity for receiving alignment pins located on the test circuit board.

[0080] 6. The holder component according to any one of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the elastomeric sheet contacts the contact points on the test circuit board and is under compression between the DUT and the test circuit board.

[0081] 7. The retainer component according to any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the positioning pins on the lower housing member are coupled in a manner that closely fits with the one or more alignment arms, thereby reducing the tendency of the upper housing member to deviate when mating with the lower housing member.

[0082] 8. The retainer component according to any one of clauses 1 to 7, further comprising a release assist mechanism located between the upper housing member and the lower housing member to facilitate the detachment of the upper housing member when replacing the upper housing member with the new upper housing member without tools.

[0083] 9. The retainer component according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the release assist mechanism provides an upward preload to the upper housing member to mitigate looseness caused by wear of the one or more latches.

[0084] 10. The retainer component according to any one of clauses 1 to 9, wherein the release assist mechanism includes protrusions on the one or more alignment arms that improve finger grip.

[0085] 11. The retainer component according to any one of clauses 1 to 10, wherein the upper housing member is made of a material that is softer relative to the lower housing member.

[0086] 12. The retainer component according to any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the upper housing member is made of bearing-grade plastic.

[0087] 13. The retainer component according to any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the upper housing member is made of a material that dissipates static electricity.

[0088] 14. The retainer component according to any one of clauses 1 to 13, wherein the elastomeric sheet floats freely relative to the upper housing member.

[0089] 15. The retainer component according to any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the conductive elements of the elastomeric sheet are evenly distributed.

[0090] 16. The retainer component according to any one of clauses 1 to 15, wherein the density of the conductive elements of the elastomeric sheet is non-uniform and is selected to match the current requirements of the DUT.

[0091] 17. The retainer component according to any one of clauses 1 to 16, wherein the lower housing member is positioned by a shoulder located at the lower surface of the lower housing member, and wherein the shoulder is concentric with the mounting screw holes in the lower housing member.

[0092] 18. The retainer component according to any one of clauses 1 to 17, wherein the lower housing member includes a sleeve to receive an alignment pin of a device insertion manipulator.

[0093] Although the present invention has been described in accordance with several embodiments, there are changes, modifications, permutations, and alternative equivalents that fall within the scope of the present invention. Although subsection headings are provided to assist in the description of the present invention, these headings are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0094] It should also be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the methods and apparatuses of the present invention. Accordingly, the appended claims should be construed to include all such changes, modifications, permutations, and alternative equivalents that fall within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A tool - less replaceable retainer component configured to connect a device under test (DUT) to a test circuit board, the retainer component comprising: An upper housing member for mating with a lower housing member, and wherein the upper housing member comprises: A tapered portion for aligning the DUT by moving the DUT along at least one lateral or rotation - free movement axis during insertion of the DUT; One or more latches for firmly engaging with the side walls of the lower housing member; and One or more alignment arms to be positioned when guided by one or more locating pins of the lower housing member; An elastomeric sheet operatively coupled to and located at the base of the upper housing member, wherein the one or more alignment arms are provided to allow insertion pressure to be applied to the upper housing member so as to be firmly pressed in place, and wherein the conductive elements of the elastomeric sheet are configured to make direct electrical contact with the DUT and a plurality of contact pads on the test circuit board; and Wherein the one or more latches are correctly engaged in matching positions in corresponding positions in the lower housing member, wherein the one or more latches are sized to match the user's finger such that no disassembly tool is required to disengage the upper housing member from the lower housing member, and wherein the one or more latches are configured to be released by the user's finger such that the upper housing member can be disengaged, thereby enabling the upper housing member to be removed tool - lessly and replaced with a new upper housing member.

2. The retainer component according to claim 1, wherein, The elastomeric sheet is permanently attached to the upper housing member.

3. The retainer component according to claim 1, wherein, During insertion of the DUT into the retainer component, rotational uncertainty is reduced by providing sleeves in the lower housing member for engaging the locating pins.

4. The retainer component according to claim 1, wherein, Corner pieces for reinforcing and reducing deformation of the upper housing member have matching positions for mating with the lower housing member such that the DUT is aligned for insertion into the retainer component without interference.

5. The retainer component according to claim 4, wherein, The corner pieces have cavities for receiving alignment pins located on the test circuit board.

6. The retainer component according to claim 1, wherein, When the retainer component is assembled, the elastomeric sheet contacts the contact points on the test circuit board and is under compression between the DUT and the test circuit board.

7. The retainer component according to claim 1, wherein, The locating pins on the lower housing member are coupled in a manner that closely mates with the one or more alignment arms, thereby reducing the tendency of the upper housing member to deviate when mating with the lower housing member.

8. The retainer component according to claim 1, wherein, A release - assisting mechanism is further included between the upper housing member and the lower housing member to facilitate disengagement of the upper housing member when replacing the upper housing member tool - lessly with the new upper housing member.

9. The retainer component according to claim 8, wherein, The release - assisting mechanism provides an upward pre - load to the upper housing member to relieve looseness caused by wear of the one or more latches.

10. The retainer component according to claim 8, wherein, The release - assisting mechanism includes protrusions on the one or more alignment arms for improving finger grip.

11. The retainer component according to claim 1, wherein, The upper housing member is made of a material softer than the lower housing member.

12. The retainer component according to claim 11, wherein, The upper housing member is made of bearing - grade plastic.

13. The retainer component according to claim 11, wherein, The upper housing member is made of a material that dissipates static electricity.

14. The retainer component according to claim 1, wherein, The elastomeric sheet floats freely relative to the upper housing member.

15. The retainer component according to claim 1, wherein, The conductive elements of the elastomeric sheet are evenly distributed.

16. The retainer component according to claim 1, wherein, The density of the conductive elements of the elastomeric sheet is non-uniform and is selected to match the current requirements of the DUT.

17. The retainer component according to claim 1, wherein, The lower housing member is positioned by a shoulder located at the lower surface of the lower housing member, and wherein the shoulder is concentric with the mounting screw holes in the lower housing member.

18. The retainer component according to claim 1, wherein, The lower housing member includes a sleeve to receive the alignment pins of the device insertion manipulator.

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