Patent ID: 7330023
Filing Date: 2008-02-12
Classification: A46D,G01R,H01L

Abstract:
1. A probe station comprising: (a) a chuck assembly for supporting a test device; (b) said chuck assembly including an electrically-conductive chuck assembly element having a laterally-extending surface for supporting said test device; (c) an electrically-conductive component extending laterally in spaced-apart relationship to said surface, at least one of said chuck assembly element and said conductive component being movable laterally with respect to the other by a positioning mechanism, said conductive component defining at least one hole through which a probe can extend transversely with respect to said conductive component so that an electrical connection can be made with said test device by said probe at different lateral relationships between said chuck assembly element and said conductive component, said probe station including an electrically conductive enclosure at least partially enclosing said chuck assembly and said conductive component, said chuck assembly element and said conductive component being spatially separated by respective electrical insulation members from said conductive enclosure.