Probe Insertion Auxiliary Illumination for Precision Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high density and zigzag shape of probes on a probe card make manual insertion into the lower die and film challenging, especially as the size of semiconductor dies decreases, requiring a more precise and easier method for operator guidance.

Innovation Solution

A probe insertion auxiliary device featuring a bottom with a clamp pair and a light source inside a space, illuminating the holes on the probe chassis to facilitate precise alignment and insertion of probes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual insertion method is used, then operator experience can guide the process, but insertion precision deteriorates due to high probe density and zigzag shape

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual insertion easeVSAvoidprobe insertion precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a probe insertion auxiliary device as an intermediary tool between the operator and the probe insertion process. This device includes positioning structures that guide probes into the lower die holes, and a light source that illuminates the insertion area. The auxiliary device mediates the interaction between manual operation and precision requirements, allowing operators to insert probes accurately without relying solely on experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces pure manual mechanical insertion with a hybrid system that incorporates optical illumination and mechanical positioning guides. The light source illuminates the holes in the lower die, while the positioning structures provide mechanical guidance, substituting part of the manual skill-based process with tool-assisted precision mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If probe density is increased, then testing capability improves, but insertion difficulty increases due to smaller spacing and zigzag parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetesting capabilityVSAvoidinsertion difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The probe insertion auxiliary device serves as a mediator that enables high-density probe insertion by providing positioning guides and illumination. The device includes structures that align with the closely spaced holes in the lower die, allowing operators to insert dense arrays of probes systematically rather than relying on pure manual skill.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary device segments the insertion process into guided alignment and insertion phases. The positioning structures divide the complex high-density insertion task into manageable steps, with each probe being guided into its specific hole location, making the high-density process systematically manageable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If die size is reduced, then semiconductor productivity improves, but probe insertion precision deteriorates due to smaller hole sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesemiconductor manufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidprobe alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary device acts as an intermediary that compensates for the reduced hole sizes in smaller dies. The light source illuminates the smaller holes, and the positioning structures provide mechanical guidance, enabling precise alignment even when the holes are too small for reliable manual alignment alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary device performs preliminary alignment actions before probe insertion. The positioning structures pre-align the probes with the holes in the lower die, and the light source pre-illuminates the target areas, preparing the insertion path before the actual probing action occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 device simplifies the probe insertion process by providing clear illumination of the holes, allowing even inexperienced operators to insert probes accurately and efficiently, adapting to various probe chassis sizes and types.

Implementation Method 1

a light source disposed inside the space for illuminating the holes on the probe chassis

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIllumination: Light

Data Source

PatentUS9658252B2Probe insertion auxiliary and method of probe insertion

Publication Date: 2017.05.23 UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP

AI summary

A probe insertion auxiliary and a method of probe insertion are provided. A light source illuminates holes on a lower die to make the position of the holes clear for an operator. The probe insertion auxiliary includes a bottom and a clamp pair disposed on the bottom. The clamp pair has two clamp parts. The two clamp parts define a slit for disposing a probe chassis. Furthermore, the two clamp parts and the bottom form a space. A light source is disposed inside the space for illuminating the holes.