Patent ID: 7674112
Filing Date: 2010-03-09
Classification: G01R,H01R

Abstract:
1. A resilient contact element for use in a probe card, comprising: a lithographically formed resilient beam having a first end and an opposing second end; a tip disposed proximate the first end of the beam and configured to break through an oxide layer of a surface of a device to be tested to establish reliable electrical connection therewith; a post disposed proximate the second end of the beam, the beam being coupled to the post; and wherein upper and lower surfaces of the beam, in at least a central portion between the first end and the second end of the beam, have a continuously curved sloped profile defining, in a relaxed state wherein the tip is in contact with the device to be tested, a particle clearance height measured between the beam and a plane representing an upper surface of a the device to be tested that is greater near the second end of the beam than near the first end of the beam and increases continuously from the first end of the beam to the second end of the beam.