Patent ID: 6049203
Filing Date: 2000-04-11
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
An apparatus for testing an inker used in a wafer probe station, in which the inker includes an inkline inserted into an ink reservoir and ink tube, and a solenoid which moves the inkline up and down within the ink tube by the actuation of the solenoid, the apparatus comprising:a base;a first movable part provided on the base for moving the inker horizontally along the top surface of the base;a second movable part supported on the first movable part with one end thereof being coupled to an inker mounting arm, the second movable part being operable to move the inker vertically relative to the base;a third movable part supported by the first movable part, the third movable part being provided with a first sensor for detecting operation of the inker solenoid, the third movable part being movable vertically relative to the base;a fourth movable part supported on the base, the fourth movable part being provided with a second sensor and being movable horizontally along the top surface of the base to position the second sensor to detect movement of the inkline;a wafer loading part placed between the first and fourth movable parts for mounting a wafer thereon and moving the wafer beneath the inkline of the inker;a control panel having keys for selecting parameters of the solenoid operation and a display for displaying test results;a controller operatively connected to the control panel, the controller producing a solenoid drive signal and detecting malfunction of the solenoid and inkline based on output signals from the first and second sensors; anda power supply for generating suitable operating voltage for the solenoid.