Patent ID: 6229330
Filing Date: 2001-05-08
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
An apparatus for positioning and coupling an integrated circuit package to a system for testing said integrated circuit package, with minimized solder flaking, said integrated circuit package having a plurality of leads, the apparatus comprising:a contactor floor that holds said integrated circuit package for moving said integrated circuit package within said system for testing said integrated circuit package; anda respective contactor pin for coupling a corresponding lead of said integrated circuit package to said system for testing said integrated circuit package when said contactor floor moves said integrated circuit package to a testing position, said respective contactor pin further comprising:a positioning protrusion that protrudes toward a side wall of said contactor floor and that slides along said side wall of said contactor floor when said contactor floor is moving said integrated circuit package toward and away from said testing position with respect to said respective contactor pin; anda contacting protrusion that is disposed above said positioning protrusion on said respective contactor pin and that protrudes toward said side wall of said contactor floor;and wherein an axis of said respective contactor pin is bent away from said side wall of said contactor floor at an angle of theta by having said contacting protrusion not contact said side wall of said contactor floor and said corresponding lead of said integrated circuit package while said positioning protrusion slides along said side wall of said contactor floor, such that said contacting protrusion is separated from said corresponding lead of said integrated circuit package with at least a predetermined avoidance distance when said contactor floor is moving said integrated circuit package toward and away from said testing position with respect to said respective contactor pin;and wherein said positioning protrusion moves in toward said integrated circuit package to rest on an upper angled surface of said contactor floor such that said contacting protrusion makes contact with said corresponding lead of said integrated circuit package when said integrated circuit package reaches said testing position with respect to said respective contactor pin.