Patent ID: 7119559
Filing Date: 2006-10-10
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. A test fixture for testing circuit boards, comprising; a probe plate to which is mounted at least one test probe; a top plate supported spacedly from and registering with said probe plate, said top plate defining at least one probe perforation made transversely thereon and through which said test probe can extend, said top plate further defining a board-bearing surface for receiving a circuit board thereon: a lid having a lid frame defining a peripheral rim, said lid being movable between a first position where said lid frame peripheral rim sealingly engages said top plate about said board-bearing surface, and a second position where said lid is moved away from said top plate, said lid further comprising a lid diaphragm sealingly connected to said lid frame, said lid diaphragm being movable relative to said lid frame at least when said lid is in said first position between a rest position where said lid diaphragm is moved away from said top plate, and an operative position where said lid diaphragm is moved towards said top plate, said lid diaphragm defining an inner surface to which is mounted at least one circuit board securing member for engaging the circuit board when said lid is in said first position and said lid diaphragm is in said operative position; a biasing member biasing said lid diaphragm towards said rest position and capable of yielding to allow said lid diaphragm to move towards said operative position; a test chamber, enclosed by said top plate and said lid when said lid is in said first position: at least one vacuum port in fluid communication with said test chamber, for connection to a vacuum pump which can he activated to create a vacuum within said test chamber; and a circuit interface for connecting said probes to data processing means; wherein when said lid is in said first position and a vacuum is created in said test chamber, said lid diaphragm is moved towards said operative position against the bias of said biasing member for moving said circuit board securing member towards the circuit board to releasably secure the latter to said board-bearing surface.