High-Frequency Test Probe Coplanar Conductor Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-frequency test probes face challenges in maintaining dispersion-free impedance and preventing signal crosstalk across varying operating frequencies, especially when contacting planar structures.
Innovation Solution
A test probe design featuring a coplanar conductor structure with a dielectric support and a shielding element connected to the housing, which extends into the area of freely suspended conductors, providing electrical and mechanical connection to prevent signal interference and ensure consistent impedance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a coplanar conductor structure with freely suspended conductors is used, then contact quality is improved and impedance control is achieved, but signal crosstalk and parasitic coupling from the planar structure occur
Solution Approach 1:
A shielding element is introduced as an intermediary component between the coplanar conductor structure and the planar structure under test. This shielding element extends into the area of the freely suspended conductors and is electrically connected to the housing, creating a protective barrier that blocks parasitic coupling and signal crosstalk while allowing the measurement function to proceed
Solution Approach 2:
The test probe is segmented into distinct functional zones: the coplanar conductor structure for signal transmission, the shielding element for electromagnetic protection, and the housing for mechanical support. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with others
2Measurement precision
If the coplanar conductor structure is placed close to the planar structure for measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but electromagnetic interference and signal degradation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The shielding element acts as a protective intermediary that enables the coplanar conductor structure to be positioned close to the planar structure for accurate measurement while blocking electromagnetic interference and signal degradation caused by proximity to the planar structure
3Reliability
If shielding elements are added to prevent signal crosstalk, then signal integrity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the coplanar conductor structure, acts as an electrical connection path for the shielding element, and serves as the reference potential for the measurement system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The shielding element is integrated with the housing through electrical connection, combining the shielding function with the structural housing into a unified system. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining signal integrity
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 solution effectively shields against signal crosstalk and maintains dispersion-free impedance across high-frequency operations, ensuring accurate and consistent measurements by preventing unwanted electrical influences from the planar structure.
Implementation Method 1
a shielding element arranged on one side of the test prod facing towards the planar structure, contacting said planar structure, and designed such that the shielding element extends into the area of the coplanar conductor structure
Implementation Method 2
on the coplanar conductor structure a dielectric supporting the coplanar conductor structure is arranged over a predetermined section between the cable-side end and the contact-side end
Data Source
AI summary
A test prod for high-frequency measurement having a contact-side end for electrically contacting planar structures and a cable-side end, for connecting to a cable, wherein between the contact-side end and the cable-side end a coplanar conductor structure having at least two conductors is arranged, wherein on the coplanar conductor structure a dielectric is arranged over a predetermined section between the cable-side end and the contact-side end, wherein the test prod is between the dielectric and the contact-side end such that the conductors of the coplanar conductor structure are arranged freely in space and relative to the dielectric in a suspending manner, wherein on one side of the test prod facing towards the planar structure a shielding element is arranged extending into the area of the coplanar conductor structure.