Patent ID: 6822464
Filing Date: 2004-11-23
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
A probe card transporting apparatus configured to transport a probe card with a card holder between a first predetermined position L1 set in a prober chamber and a second predetermined position set outside the prober chamber, the probe card transporting apparatus comprising:a first positioning fitting tool arranged at the first predetermined position in the prober chamber; a transfer mechanism configured to carry the probe card with the card holder between a transfer position set in the prober chamber and the second predetermined position outside the prober chamber and to transfer the probe card with the card holder at the respective predetermined positions, the card holder including a first positioning to-be-connected tool and a second positioning to-be-connected tool; and a support carrying mechanism configured to carry the probe card with the card holder between the transfer position in the prober chamber and the first predetermined position in the prober chamber, the support carrying mechanism including: a support configured to place thereon and support the probe card with the card holder; a second positioning fitting tool attached to the support through a swingable support mechanism; and a support moving mechanism configured to move the support in X, Y, Z, and &thgr; directions, the support moving mechanism serving to carry the probe card with the card holder between the transfer position and the first predetermined position in the prober chamber, wherein the probe card with the card holder which is carried by the support moving mechanism is positioned at the first predetermined position in the probe chamber when the first positioning to-be-fitted tool of the probe card with the card holder fits with the first positioning fitting tool.