Anisotropic Conductive Elastomer Connector for PCB Resistance Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric resistance measurement methods for circuit boards face challenges in achieving precise measurements on boards with small, densely packed electrodes and large areas, due to difficulties in electrical connection and high production complexity, leading to low yield and high measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
A connector system comprising a first electrode sheet with ring-like electrodes and a second electrode sheet with core electrodes, both supported by anisotropically conductive elastomer sheets, allowing for flexible alignment and connection to circuit board electrodes, even when misregistered, to ensure precise resistance measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If probes are pressed against electrodes with high pressing force to achieve electrical connection, then electrical connection is achieved, but the electrode surfaces are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic connecting member made of conductive elastomer as an intermediary between the probe and the electrode. This elastic member deforms under pressing force to establish electrical connection while its compliant nature prevents damage to the electrode surface, resolving the contradiction between achieving reliable connection and avoiding surface damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the connecting member from rigid metal probes to soft conductive elastomer. This parameter change in material hardness and elasticity allows the connecting member to adapt to electrode surface variations and apply distributed pressure, achieving electrical connection without damaging the electrode surface.
2Adaptability or versatility
If small-sized electrodes are arranged at high density to increase integration, then integration degree increases, but it becomes difficult to form separate current supply and voltage measurement electrodes within the limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the current supply electrode and voltage measurement electrode into a single integrated elastic connecting member. This single member contains both functional electrodes that can simultaneously contact the small-sized electrode on the circuit board, eliminating the need to form two separate electrode structures and thus reducing the complexity of electrode formation while maintaining high integration capability.
3Productivity
If conventional measurement methods are used on all circuit boards, then measurement coverage increases, but the yield cannot be increased due to electrode damage and measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs elastic connecting members that can be easily replaced or renewed. These connecting members are designed to be cost-effective and can withstand repeated use without degrading measurement accuracy, enabling comprehensive measurement coverage across all circuit boards while maintaining reliable measurement results through periodic replacement rather than complex maintenance procedures.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable and precise electric resistance measurement on circuit boards with small, densely packed electrodes by ensuring electrical connection and reducing production complexity, thus improving measurement accuracy and yield.
Implementation Method 1
anisotropically conductive elastomer sheet having a plurality of through-holes formed in accordance with the pattern corresponding to the pattern of the electrodes to be inspected
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a connector for measurement of electric resistance, by which necessary electrical connection is surely achieved even when a circuit board to be inspected is large in area and has a great number of small-sized electrodes to be inspected, and measurement is surely performed with high precision, and which can be produced at a low cost, and an electric resistance-measuring apparatus and an electric resistance-measuring method for circuit boards, which make use of this connector. The connector for measurement of electric resistance has a first electrode sheet, an anisotropically conductive elastomer sheet arranged on a back surface of the first electrode sheet and having through-holes formed corresponding to the electrodes to be inspected, and a second electrode sheet arranged on a back surface of the anisotropically conductive elastomer sheet. The first electrode sheet has an insulating sheet having through-holes formed corresponding to the electrodes to be inspected, a plurality of ring-like electrodes each formed on a front surface of the insulating sheet so as to surround the through-hole, and junction electrodes formed on a back surface of the insulating sheet, and the second electrode sheet has a plurality of core electrodes for inspection arranged corresponding to the electrodes to be inspected, and a plurality of core electrodes for connection arranged corresponding to the junction electrodes.