Adjustable Ground Connector for Small-IC Test Contact Reliability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electrical grounding solutions for integrated circuit (IC) device testing are inadequate for smaller IC devices, as existing resilient connectors are too large or too short, leading to potential damage and inaccurate test results due to debris accumulation and increased electrical resistance.
Innovation Solution
A dual elastomer contact stacked vertically above a rigid ground block, with adjustable height to ensure proper electrical connection, and a secure attachment mechanism to prevent the ground block from dropping, combined with protrusions for enhanced contact and debris protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a resilient ground connector is used for larger IC devices, then electrical grounding and cushioning are improved, but the connector cannot be constructed to very small dimensions for smaller IC devices
Solution Approach 1:
The ground connector is segmented into multiple components: a rigid ground block providing electrical grounding, and separate resilient elements (elastomers or springs) providing cushioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the rigid block can be made very small for small IC devices while the resilient elements provide the necessary cushioning function.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector uses composite construction combining rigid material (ground block) with resilient material (elastomers or springs). This composite approach allows the connector to simultaneously provide electrical conductivity, mechanical resilience, and compact size by integrating materials with different properties in a single assembly.
2Reliability
If existing resilient ground connectors are used, then cushioning is provided, but the electrical current has to travel a longer distance through the connector
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the cushioning function (resilient elements) from the electrical conduction path (rigid ground block), the design allows current to travel through the short, direct path of the rigid block while the resilient elements provide cushioning without interfering with the electrical path length.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid ground block acts as an intermediary that provides a direct electrical conduction path between the IC device and the load board, while the resilient elements mediate the mechanical cushioning function. This intermediary structure ensures minimal current path length while maintaining cushioning capability.
3Volume of moving object
If a rigid ground block is used for smaller IC devices, then the connector can be made compact, but debris accumulation on the surface causes increased electrical resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient elements (elastomers or springs) act as intermediaries between the IC device contact pads and the rigid ground block surface. They provide a cushioning layer that prevents direct contact and debris accumulation on the ground block surface, while maintaining electrical conductivity through the resilient material itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric resilient elements function as flexible contact surfaces that can conform to the contact pads while protecting the rigid ground block surface from debris accumulation. These flexible elements maintain electrical contact without the debris problems associated with rigid surfaces.
4Ease of manufacture
If a rigid ground block is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the lack of cushioning can lead to damage to the IC device and rigid block
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into a simple rigid ground block (easy to manufacture) and separate resilient elements (provide cushioning). This segmentation maintains manufacturing simplicity for the main structure while adding cushioning protection through the resilient components.
Solution Approach 2:
The composite structure combines the manufacturing simplicity of a rigid ground block with the damage protection of resilient materials. The rigid block provides structural integrity and ease of manufacture, while the elastomeric or spring resilient elements provide cushioning to prevent damage during contact.
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
This configuration provides a resilient and flexible grounding solution that minimizes signal loss, reduces debris impact, and extends the service life of the load board by maintaining accurate connections and reducing wear and tear, while accommodating various IC device sizes and settings.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastomer (26), a second elastomer (28)... providing resilient contact
Implementation Method 2
an electrically conductive rigid ground block (10)... in electrical contact with a contact pad of a load board... electrical current to travel
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical ground connector for use as part of a test connector in an integrated circuit (IC) device testing apparatus having a resilient connector for electrical grounding and comprising a dual elastomer contact stacked vertically above a rigid ground block. The height of the ground block can be adjusted to compensate for the lack of height of the dual elastomer contacts, so that the entire connector has enough height to maintain electrical connection between a load board of the testing apparatus and the IC device.