Patent ID: 9568499
Date: 2017-02-14
CPC Classifications: G01R,H01R

Claim:
1. A zero insertion force (ZIF) connector for probing applications, comprising: a connector housing defining an opening and an interior space suitable for receiving one of a plurality of mating members that are each physically and electrically coupled with a corresponding device under test (DUT); a plurality of LIGA springs positioned within the interior space and configured to apply pressure to the mating member while in a first position, wherein each of the plurality of LIGA springs facilitates an electrical connection between one of a plurality of connection points on the mating member and a probe; and a locking component configured to cause the plurality of LIGA springs to move to a second position responsive to a user pressing the locking component, wherein the plurality of LIGA springs do not apply pressure to the mating member while in the second position, wherein the locking component is further configured to cause the plurality of LIGA springs to move back to the first position responsive to the user releasing the locking component.