Segmented Probe Structure for Individual Replacement and Signal Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cantilever-type chip probe cards are difficult to maintain and repair, and their transmission quality is poor due to large probe lines and dense wire material requirements, leading to increased maintenance costs and reduced signal integrity.
Innovation Solution
A probe structure comprising a first contacting segment, a first connecting segment, a second connecting segment, and a second contacting segment, where the first contacting segment has an abutting portion allowing for individual replacement and a smaller outer diameter to pass through holes, reducing the transmission path resistance and improving signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If epoxy resin is used to fix the probes on the printed circuit board, then the probes are firmly fixed, but the probe cards become hard to maintain and repair when a probe is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The probe structure is divided into multiple separable segments: the probe body, the first connecting segment, and the second connecting segment. The probe body can be detached from the connecting segments through the first through hole, allowing individual probe replacement without replacing the entire probe card assembly. This segmentation enables maintenance while preserving the fixed structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe body is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the fixed connecting segments on the printed circuit board. The connecting segments remain firmly fixed to the board while the probe body can be removed and replaced individually, solving the contradiction between firm fixation and ease of repair.
2Strength
If artificially soldering is used to fix the probes, then the probes can be firmly attached, but larger operation space is required resulting in larger transmission path
Solution Approach 1:
The first connecting segment and second connecting segment act as intermediaries between the probe body and the printed circuit board. These connecting segments provide the attachment function while being positioned closer to the probe contact points, thereby reducing the transmission path length compared to traditional soldering methods that require larger operation space.
3Strength
If dense wire material is used for fan-out process, then the probes can be firmly connected, but the transmission path becomes larger resulting in poor transmission quality
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting segments extend in multiple dimensions from the probe body to the printed circuit board, optimizing the spatial arrangement of transmission paths. This dimensional optimization reduces the overall transmission path length and improves signal integrity while maintaining strong electrical connections through the multi-segment structure.
4Ease of manufacture
If large line diameter is used for probe arrangement, then the probes can be easily manufactured, but the lines must be stacked in vertical direction increasing arrangement difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The probe structure is segmented into multiple sections with varying diameters, where the probe body has a larger diameter for easy manufacturing and the connecting segments have optimized dimensions for compact arrangement. This segmentation allows large-diameter probes to be manufactured easily while the connecting segments enable efficient spatial arrangement without excessive vertical stacking.
Data Source
AI summary
A probe component and a probe structure thereof are provided. The probe structure includes a first contacting segment, a first connecting segment, a second connecting segment and a second contacting segment. The first contacting segment has an abutting portion and a first end portion connected to the abutting portion. The first connecting segment is connected to the first contacting segment. The second connecting segment is connected to the first connecting segment. The second contacting segment is connected to the second connecting segment and has a second end portion.