Patent ID: 7091731
Filing Date: 2006-08-15
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. An electrical probe for a plurality of n-many target signals present on n-many leads of an electronic part's package, the electrical probe comprising: a flexible printed circuit of a width at least that needed to span the n-many leads of the electronic part's package on which the target signals are present and of a length sufficient to allow a variable bend of at least 0° to 90° proximate a first end of the flexible printed circuit and also to extend in a direction toward an opposite second end and allow the attachment of cables at the second end, the flexible printed circuit carrying at least n-many signal traces; n-many interconnecting cables attached at the second end of the flexible printed circuit, that connect to respective ones of the n-many signal traces and that connect the electrical probe to an instance of electronic test equipment; n-many pins soldered to respective lands at the first end of the flexible printed circuit and that are each associated with a respective one of the n-may signal traces, each of the n-many pins extending beyond the first end by an amount sufficient to overlap at least a portion of the height by which leads on the electronic part's package extend in the direction perpendicular to a circuit board assembly to which the electronic part's package is mounted; the spacing of the n-many pins matching the spacing of the n-many leads of the electronic part's package; and coupling components disposed on a first surface of the flexible printed circuit between the second end and the location of the variable bend, the coupling components connected to associated ones of the n-many signal traces and coupling the target signals at the n-many pins to respective ones of the n-many interconnecting cables.