Patent ID: 6232788
Filing Date: 2001-05-15
Classification: A46D,G01R,H01L

Abstract:
A probe station comprising:(a) a chuck assembly for supporting a test device;(b) a probe support for supporting a probe;(c) a positioning mechanism enabling movement of said chuck assembly relative to said probe support;(d) said chuck assembly including a conductive upper chuck assembly element, a conductive first component, a conductive base, a first insulator member and a second insulator member, said upper chuck assembly element having an upper surface for directly supporting said test device, said first insulator member being situated between said upper chuck assembly element and said first component, said second insulator member being situated between said first component and said base;(e) a conductive second component mounted to said probe support and insulated therefrom so that said second component extends over said upper surface in opposed relationship thereto, said second component forming a hole through which said probe is insertable so that an electrical connection can be made with said test device by said probe; and(f) an electrical connector assembly enabling the establishment by a test instrument of a potential of said first component and said second component which variably follows that of said upper chuck assembly element.