Patent ID: 9063172
Filing Date: 2015-06-23
Classification: G01R,H05K

Abstract:
1. A method for creating step connectors in a test fixture, comprising the steps of: (A) reducing a thickness of a metal outside a plurality of regions of a board to form said connectors, wherein (i) each of said regions corresponds to a respective one of a plurality of pads of a package of a device under test, (ii) said connectors have a height above a surrounding surface as measured normal to said board and (iii) said height provides a clearance between said surrounding surface and said package sufficient to permit both physical contact and electrical contact between said connectors and said pads; (B) forming a plurality of traces on said board, wherein each of said traces (i) comprises said metal and (ii) intersects a respective one of said regions; (C) creating an open area extending through said board approximate said connectors; and (D) cutting said board to form a plurality of cantilevers, wherein each of said cantilevers (i) supports a respective one of said connectors and (ii) is flexible normal to said board.