Patent ID: 7579856
Filing Date: 2009-08-25
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. A probe apparatus comprising: a substrate; a contact structure attached to the substrate, said contact structure comprising a resilient portion, an attachment portion comprising a post that is attached to and extends substantially perpendicularly from a first surface of the substrate, and a support portion disposed between the attachment portion and the resilient portion, wherein the support portion physically supports the resilient portion in a manner that separates the resilient portion from the attachment portion; and an electronic component directly attached and electrically connected to the support portion of the contact structure, wherein the electronic component is physically suspended from the support portion and spaced apart from the substrate such that the electronic component is not directly attached to the substrate or a terminal on the substrate, the apparatus further comprising a plurality of contact structures, each contact structure comprising an attachment portion attached to the substrate and a contact portion disposed away from the substrate and configured to contact an electronic device to be tested, and wherein the electronic component electrically connects at least two of the contact structures, and the contact portions of the at least two of the contact structures are independently moveable with respect to each other.