Strip Elastomer Interconnect for IC Testing Friction and Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing integrated circuit (IC) testing apparatuses face issues with friction between elastomer and pins causing delays, loss of electrical contact quality over time, and difficulty in maintaining temperature during tri-temperature testing due to the design of matrix-type interconnect assemblies with sheet-type elastomers.
Innovation Solution
The use of elastomer strips between rows of bottom and top pins with a rigid bottom pin and flexible top pin arms, where the elastomer strip is secured between the bottom pin and top pin bifurcation, reducing friction and providing consistent clamping force, and allowing better air circulation for temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sheet type elastomer is used to hold pins in contact, then electrical connection is maintained, but friction between elastomer and pins increases causing pins to stick and delaying retraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the continuous sheet elastomer into discrete strip elastomers, with each strip serving a specific row or column of pins. This segmentation reduces the total contact area between elastomer and pins, thereby reducing friction and preventing pin sticking while maintaining reliable electrical connection through the localized elastic pressure.
2Reliability
If sheet type elastomer is used, then pins are held in contact, but rubber honeycomb loses elasticity over time reducing clamping force and contact quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin strip elastomers that are simpler in structure and more uniform in material properties compared to thick sheet elastomers. These strips maintain consistent elastic properties over time and can be easily replaced if needed, ensuring long-term contact quality without the degradation issues of sheet elastomers.
3Reliability
If large volume elastomer is used to hold pins, then pins are secured, but air circulation is restricted making it difficult to maintain testing temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses segmented strip elastomers arranged in specific patterns rather than a continuous mass of elastomer. This segmentation creates channels and pathways for air circulation between the elastomer strips, allowing efficient heat transfer and temperature control during tri-temperature testing while still providing adequate pin retention through the elastic pressure of the strips.
4Area of stationary object
If sheet elastomer is used, then coverage is provided, but warping causes different compression across matrix leading to coplanarity issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the elastomer into multiple thin strips arranged in a grid pattern across the contact area. Each strip is independent and maintains uniform thickness and compression characteristics. This segmented approach prevents warping that occurs in sheet elastomers, ensuring consistent coplanarity across the entire pin matrix while providing full coverage area.
5Reliability
If sheet elastomer is used, then pins are held, but handling the entire sheet during installation is difficult and sheet is prone to tearing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses individual strip elastomers that can be handled, positioned, and installed independently or in small groups. This segmentation eliminates the difficulty of handling large sheet elastomers and prevents tearing issues. The strips can be easily manipulated during assembly and customization without the risk of damage associated with large flexible sheets.
6Reliability
If sheet type elastomer is used, then pins are secured, but high frequency signal losses occur during testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs thin strip elastomers with controlled thickness and material properties that minimize signal attenuation. The segmented structure reduces the overall elastomer volume in the signal path compared to sheet elastomers, thereby reducing high frequency signal losses while maintaining adequate electrical contact through the elastic pressure of the strips.
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 design reduces friction and maintains high testing rates, improves electrical contact quality, and enhances temperature control, enabling efficient tri-temperature testing with reduced signal losses and easier assembly and customization.
Implementation Method 1
the upper pin 22 and lower pin 62 are only held in contact with each other by the constrictive force from the surrounding honeycomb shaped elastomer 80
Implementation Method 2
pushing it down and compressing at least a portion of the elastomer strip
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical contact assembly that uses an elastomer strip for each row of individual contacts. Each contact comprises a rigid bottom pin and a flexible top pin with a pair of arms which extend over and slide along sloped surfaces of the bottom contact. The elastomer strip is located between rows of the bottom and top pins. A bottom socket housing is provided with grooves which receive each elastomer strip. A row of top pins is then placed over each elastomer strip, and through ducts in the bottom socket housing. Bottom pins are then snapped into place in between the pair of arms.