Patent ID: 6279889
Filing Date: 2001-08-28
Classification: B25B,H01L

Abstract:
A fixture for holding an integrated circuit of the type having a thickness, a front side and an opposing back side, a first corner formed between a first edge and an adjacent second edge, and an opposing second corner formed between a third edge and an adjacent fourth edge, the fixture further for positioning the integrated circuit for simultaneously electrically probing and viewing the front side and the back side of the integrated circuit, the fixture comprising:a supporting brace for providing a support that is immobile in at least a first direction, against which to cooperatively brace the integrated circuit,a first jaw piece disposed adjacent the supporting brace, the first jaw piece having a vee shaped cross section in a first plane for receiving the first corner of the integrated circuit and cooperatively aligning the integrated circuit into a position for simultaneously electrically probing and viewing the front side and the back side of the integrated circuit, and also having a vee shaped cross section in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane for receiving the first and second edges of the integrated circuit, where the vee shaped cross section in the second plane does not substantially overhang either the front side or the back side of the integrated circuit, thereby permitting simultaneous electrical probing and viewing of the front side and the back side of the integrated circuit,an adjustable brace for providing a movable second position in the first direction relative to the supporting brace, against which to cooperatively brace the integrated circuit with the supporting brace,a second jaw piece disposed adjacent the adjustable brace, the second jaw piece having a vee shaped cross section in the first plane for receiving the second corner of the integrated circuit and cooperatively aligning the integrated circuit into a position for simultaneously electrically probing and viewing the front side and the back side of the integrated circuit, and also having a vee shaped cross section in the second plane for receiving the third and fourth edges of the integrated circuit, where the vee shaped cross section in the second plane does not substantially overhang either the front side or the back side of the integrated circuit, thereby permitting simultaneous electrical probing and viewing of the front side and the back side of the integrated circuit, andretaining means for adjustably retaining the adjustable brace relative to the supporting brace.