Probing Machine Needle Tip Roll Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional probing machines face challenges in adjusting the position of probing bases with different pitches, leading to poor contact and signal instability during electrical testing of devices under test (DUT), especially with miniaturized components where precise load control and impedance matching are critical.
Innovation Solution
A method for adjusting the position of probing bases using a probing machine with a vision identification module and adjustment mechanism, allowing for automatic alignment and load control of needle tips to match various pitches and prevent damage to the DUT, involving a load measuring device and pressure sensors for precise force management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If probing bases with different pitches are replaced to match different contact pad pitches, then the adaptability to different DUT configurations is improved, but the position accuracy and contact stability deteriorate due to inability to adjust needle tip positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a robotic arm with multi-degree-of-freedom joints that enables dynamic positioning of needle tips. The system can adjust the position of each needle tip independently in three-dimensional space, transforming the static probing base into a dynamic system that adapts to different pitch configurations while maintaining precise positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The probing base is designed with a universal positioning mechanism that can accommodate needle tips with different pitches. The robotic arm system provides multi-functional capability to position needle tips for various contact pad arrangements, making a single probing base suitable for multiple DUT configurations rather than requiring separate bases for each pitch.
2Reliability
If impedance matching structures are integrated through welding to achieve impedance matching, then the signal quality is improved, but the adjustability of needle tip pitch is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the probing needle into multiple independent components: the needle body, the impedance matching structure, and the needle tip. These segmented components can be independently adjusted and positioned, allowing the impedance matching structure to maintain signal stability while the needle tip position can be adjusted to match different pitch requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic positioning system introduces dynamic adjustability to the previously fixed welded structure. The needle tip can be dynamically repositioned along the needle body while the impedance matching structure remains integrated, enabling both signal stability and pitch adaptability.
3Productivity
If probing needles are used without precise load control to contact DUT, then the testing speed is improved, but the risk of damage to DUT and probing needles increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning of the needle tips using the robotic arm before actual contact with the DUT. The vision system captures images of the contact pads, and the robotic arm pre-positions the needle tips at the correct locations and orientations, ensuring accurate alignment before the probing action occurs, thereby preventing damage while maintaining testing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the vision system continuously monitors the position of needle tips relative to contact pads. This visual feedback allows real-time adjustment of needle tip positions, ensuring precise alignment and appropriate contact force, thus preventing damage to both the DUT and probing needles while maintaining testing productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adjusting position of probing base comprises steps of providing a probing machine comprising a probing holder, a first probing base having a first probing needle comprising a plurality of first probing bodies wherein two adjacent tips of the first probing bodies h a first pitch, and a second probing base having a second probe comprising a plurality of second probing bodies in which two adjacent tips of the second probing bodies has a second pitch, thereafter, grabbing the first probing base and connecting the first probing base to the probing holder, acquiring first image with respect to the plurality of first probing bodies through visual identification module, and finally, adjusting roll angle of probing tips of the plurality of first needle bodies according to the first image. Alternatively, the present invention further provides a probing machine using the method for testing DUTs having different pitches.