Current-Diverting Guide Plate for Probe Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional probe modules face issues with probe damage due to excessive instantaneous current, particularly as probe diameters are minimized to accommodate smaller contact pad pitches, leading to potential burnout and delays in testing schedules.
Innovation Solution
A current-diverting guide plate with a plate body, composite conducting layers, and a current-diverting circuit trace is introduced, featuring primary and secondary branches to divert electric current flowing through probes, reducing friction and preventing damage from excessive current.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the probe diameter is minimized to accommodate smaller contact pad pitches, then the probe can contact smaller pitch contact pads, but the probe becomes susceptible to burnout from excessive instantaneous current
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plate serves as an intermediary component between the probe and the contact pad. It provides a current-diverting path that分流s the instantaneous current away from the probe, thereby protecting the probe from burnout while still enabling contact with small-pitch contact pads. The guide plate's conducting layers and circuit traces act as a mediator to manage current flow independently of probe diameter.
2Manufacturing precision
If the probe diameter is reduced for smaller pitch contact, then the probe can fit tighter spacing, but the probe structure becomes weaker and more prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plate acts as a structural intermediary that supports the probe during operation. By providing a stable mounting structure with conducting layers and current-diverting traces, the guide plate reinforces the overall probe assembly, compensating for the reduced structural strength of thinner probes needed for small pitch applications.
3Device complexity
If conventional guide plates are used without current-diverting paths, then the structure remains simple, but the probes are vulnerable to instantaneous overcurrent damage
Solution Approach 1:
The guide plate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support and alignment for the probes, establishes electrical connections through conducting layers, and diverts instantaneous current through integrated circuit traces. This multi-functionality allows the guide plate to protect probes from overcurrent while maintaining structural simplicity, eliminating the need for separate protection components.
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
The solution effectively prevents probe damage by providing a current-diverting path, allowing for minimized probe diameters while ensuring reliable testing without burnout, thus optimizing test results and reducing maintenance delays.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the conducting layers is provided at a periphery wall of one of the through holes of the plate body adapted for being electrically coupled to the probe inserting through the associated through hole
Implementation Method 2
The current-diverting circuit trace is disposed on the first surface of the plate body and electrically connected with the conducting layers for diverting an electric current flowing through the probes
Implementation Method 3
a composite conducting layer composed of a metal base layer and a metal coating coated on a surface of the metal base layer and containing polymer particles for reducing friction between the through hole and the probe
Data Source
AI summary
A current-diverting guide plate for use in a probe module is disclosed to include a plate body having a first surface, a second surface opposite to the first surface, and a plurality of through holes penetrating through the first and second surfaces. A conducting layer is provided at a periphery wall of each through hole of the plate body and electrically coupled to a probe slidably inserted through the through holes. A current-diverting circuit trace is disposed on the first surface of the plate body and electrically connected with the conducting layers for diverting the electric current flowing through probes. Thus, the current-diverting guide plate can be used to prevent the probes from possible damage due to an excessive instantaneous current.