Patent ID: 6198299
Filing Date: 2001-03-06
Classification: G01R,H01J

Abstract:
A probe station system for applying electrical test signals to an integrated circuit specimen, comprising:platform means for positioning a scanning electron microscope for observing a surface of the specimen exposing electrically conductive terminals on the specimen;stage means for supporting the specimen in relation to the scanning electron microscope;imaging means for acquiring an image identifying conductive path indicia of the surface of the specimen from the scanning electron microscope;probe control means for remotely controlling a plurality of probes with said means for acquiring the image for conveying electrical test signals positionable on the surface of the specimen;vacuum chamber means for generating a vacuum in a chamber having an inner enclosure for housing the specimen; andfeedthrough means for coupling electrical signals from said means for acquiring the image to said means for remotely controlling the plurality of probes via a feedthrough on the chamber, said imaging means communicating with said probe control means for remotely controlling the plurality of probes for applying electrical test signals to the terminals on the specimen using the acquired image to identify the electrically conductive terminals from the conductive path indicia of the surface of the specimen observed with the scanning electron microscope.