Patent ID: 6843107
Filing Date: 2005-01-18
Classification: G01M,G01N,G03H

Abstract:
1. A method of leak testing a hermetic electronic package of the type that has an internal chamber that is isolated from ambient conditions by a seal structure, comprising steps of: stimulating the hermetic electronic package with a non-linear modulated input of energy; sensing a property of the hermetic electronic package that changes as a first function of the modulated input of energy and a second function of pressure conditions within said hermetically sealed internal chamber, said first and second functions being linearly independent; and determining a leak rate of the hermetic electronic package based on the known modulated input of energy and the sensed property, said determination being performed in reliance on the linear independence of said first and second functions in such a manner that it is substantially independent of structural manufacturing variances of the hermetic electronic package that are unrelated to the integrity of the seal.