Micro Kelvin Probe Using Anisotropic Conductive Elastomer Interposer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro Kelvin measurement methods face challenges such as high cost, inductance issues at high frequencies, and physical limitations in achieving accurate resistance or impedance measurements due to the use of pin and formed contact technologies, which are expensive and unsuitable for small pitches.
Innovation Solution
The use of Anisotropic Conductive Elastomer (ACE) material as an interposer between the printed circuit board contacts and the device under test (DUT) allows for accurate voltage drop measurement across the DUT without interference from interposer resistances, enabling low-cost, low-inductance connections at fine pitches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pin and formed contact technologies are used for micro Kelvin measurements, then mechanical contact is achieved, but cost increases and inductance becomes excessive at high frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pin and formed contact technologies with anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) material that creates electrical connections through compression and conductivity, eliminating the need for mechanical contact structures while achieving reliable electrical connection at fine pitches
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses anisotropic conductive elastomer, a composite material with conductive particles embedded in an elastomeric matrix, to provide both mechanical compliance and electrical conductivity in a single material that works effectively at fine pitches without the inductance problems of traditional mechanical contacts
2Measurement precision
If conventional meter probes are used, then voltage and current measurements can be made, but the DUT and contact surfaces must be large enough to attach probes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an anisotropic conductive elastomer interposer as an intermediary between the PCB contacts and the DUT contacts. This interposer enables electrical connection at fine pitches where conventional probes cannot physically attach, while the separate current and voltage trace paths maintain measurement precision through proper Kelvin measurement topology
3Ease of manufacture
If ACE material is used as interposer, then low-cost low-inductance connections are achieved, but interposer resistance must not interfere with voltage drop measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement circuit into separate current-carrying traces and voltage-sensing traces. The current traces carry the test current through the DUT while the voltage traces separately sense the voltage drop across the DUT contacts, preventing the interposer resistance from affecting the voltage measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional qualities to different parts of the circuit: the ACE interposer provides low-resistance current paths where needed, while the voltage sensing paths are designed to have high impedance to minimize current draw and eliminate the effect of interposer resistance on voltage measurements
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 approach provides high-quality, cost-effective micro Kelvin measurements with reduced inductance, enabling accurate impedance determination at smaller pitches and frequencies, overcoming the limitations of traditional contact technologies.
Implementation Method 1
Anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) material as an electrical interposer is placed in electrical contact with each of the PCB contacts
Implementation Method 2
The ACE preferably comprises magnetically aligned particles in polymer material
Data Source
AI summary
A micro Kelvin probe assembly and method of accomplishing a micro Kelvin measurement that determines the resistance or impedance of a device under test (DUT) that has two spaced contacts. An ammeter is used to flow current through the DUT, and a voltmeter is used to measure the voltage drop across the DUT. There is a printed circuit board (PCB) carrying two pairs of contacts, with a trace leading to each contact. Anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) material as an electrical interposer is placed in electrical contact with each of the PCB contacts. The DUT is placed on the ACE such that each DUT contact is directly opposite one pair of PCB contacts. The ammeter is connected to one trace leading to one contact of each pair of PCB contacts to flow current through the DUT, and the voltmeter is connected to the other trace leading to the other contact of each pair of PCB contacts, so that voltmeter can measure the voltage drop across the DUT without an effect caused by the interposer.