Probe Contact Blocking for Arcing Prevention in Power Component Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
During the measurement of semiconductor components in power electronics, there is a risk of arcing between the probe and the contact surface due to high current or voltage signals, leading to potential damage or welding of probe tips, especially during the positioning and readjustment phases in both automated and manual measurement procedures.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a temporary blocking of the signal unit until reliable mechanical and electrical contact is established, using technical parameters to determine the 'contact mode' and only releasing the signal unit after a defined movement, such as in the Z-direction, to prevent arcing and ensure safe contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the signal unit is activated during positioning to enable measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but arcing and damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing mechanical contact through a defined infeed movement before activating the signal unit. The control unit monitors position signals and only releases the signal unit after the probe has physically contacted the contact surface, ensuring that measurement capability is enabled only when safe contact is confirmed, thereby preventing arcing during positioning.
2Productivity
If the probe approaches the contact surface quickly to reduce measurement time, then productivity is improved, but the risk of unintentional flashover increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using a control unit that continuously monitors position signals from the positioning device. The signal unit is released only when the position signal confirms that the probe has reached the contact surface through the defined infeed movement. This feedback mechanism allows rapid positioning while preventing flashover by ensuring the signal is only active when contact is confirmed.
3Ease of operation
If manual positioning is used to allow flexibility, then ease of operation is improved, but the risk of arcing during readjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the signal unit to be switched on and off based on the operational phase. During initial positioning and contact establishment, the signal unit remains blocked. Once contact is confirmed, the signal unit is released for measurement. This dynamic control allows flexible manual positioning while preventing arcing during readjustment, as the signal can be re-blocked if positioning needs to be changed.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for measuring power components 20 in a prober is disclosed, which method is used to check and test such components. In this case, a power component 20 is held by a chuck 22 and at least one electrical probe 26 is held by a probe holder 28 and either the power component 20 or the probe 26 is positioned relative to the other using a positioning device with an electrical drive and contact is made with the power component 20. In this case, an electrical connection between the probe 26 and a signal unit 34, which is used to emit or receive a power signal as a measurement signal, remains blocked and is released only when it has been determined that contact has been established between the probe 26 and the contact area 21.