Electronic Component Test Apparatus With Rotational Probe and Conductive Spaced Apart Means

The invention relates to test apparatus for testing electronic components such as those used in information handling systems (computers) or the like. More particularly, the invention relates to such apparatus for testing high density electronic packaging structures, and even more particularly to those which utilize pluralities of extremely small conductive elements such as solder ball arrays as part thereof.

Understandably, miniaturization is a main objective of all electronic packaging developers and manufacturers. Accordingly, various electronic packages have been introduced within the past few (e.g., ten) years which accomplish this objective, examples being defined and illustrated in detail in the following U.S. Letters Patents:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,937,707--McBride et al

U.S. Pat. No. 5,057,969--Ameen et al

U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,535--Desai et al

U.S. Pat. No. 5,435,732--Angulas et al

U.S. Pat. No. 5,519,936--Andros et al

These patents are assigned to the same assignee as the present invention and are incorporated herein by reference.

Typically, such packages utilize extremely small conductive members such as spherically-shaped solder balls as the connecting medium. Such solder balls may possess a diameter of only about 0.025 inch to about 0.035 inch, and in the final product for incorporation within a larger electronic structure (e.g., a microprocessor), are typically arranged in compact, highly dense arrays (e.g., those with the balls positioned apart on only 0.050 inch centers). The electrical circuitry for such packages is also highly dense, and may possess line widths as small as about 0.002 inch, with 0.002 spacings between lines. Even smaller elements are presently being contemplated for future products.

It is readily understood that testing of such structures is a critical and necessary step during the manufacture thereof, in order to prevent subsequent failure when the package is utilized in a larger (and very expensive) assembly such as a microprocessor or the like. It is also understood that such testing can be a difficult, complex and time-consuming operation.

Examples of various means for testing electronic structures are illustrated in the following U.S. Letters Patents. In U.S. Pat. No. 4,105,970 (Katz), a test pin with ajagged edge is utilized, while in U.S. Pat. No. 4,686,464 (Elsasser), buckling beam connectors are used. A printed circuit board tester using a plurality of apparently spring-loaded pin contacts is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,851,765 (Driller et al) and an electrical circuit test probe, also spring-loaded, is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,885,533 (Coe). U.S. Pat. No. 5,032,787 (Johnston) describes an elongated test probe with a spring-loaded plunger which is rotated during movement to make contact with the desired object being tested, while U.S. Pat. No. 5,204,615 (Richards et al) describes a module claimed to be able to test "linear high density" test site arrays. U.S. Pat. No. 5,391,995 (Johnston) describes a spring-biased test probe having an end configured to make frictional pressure contact with the test site (e.g., a board). In IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin (IDB) vol. 25, no. 11B (April, 1983), there is defined a spring-loaded probe with a rotational wiping feature, the probe having a jagged tip portion. In IBM TDB vol. 37, no. 02B (February, 1994), another example of the aforementioned buckling beam connectors is defined.

When simultaneously testing pluralities of conductive members such as the above-described extremely small solder balls arranged in a highly dense array, it is quickly understood that precisioned alignment of each test probe member is critical. Clearly, these probes must maintain a spaced relationship from one another (or shorting can occur during test), and must also allow ease of movement of the individual probes toward and away from the object being tested. It is not believed that the test apparatus described in the above patents and published documents (TDBs) can provide such connection and movement in an effective and cost-efficient manner capable of meeting many of today's demanding production schedules.

It is believed, therefore, that a test apparatus capable of effectively testing highly dense arrays of conductive members such as small diameter solder balls in a precise yet expedient manner such as taught herein would constitute a significant advancement in the art.

It is, therefore, a primary object of the present invention to enhance the electrical test probe art and particularly that portion of the art dedicated to testing highly dense conductor arrays on such electronic components as electronic packages.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a test apparatus which maintains highly precise alignment between the apparatus probe members and the conductors being contacted as part of such testing.

It is yet another object of the invention to provide such a test apparatus which can be operated in a facile manner and is relatively inexpensive to manufacture and operate.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a test apparatus for making electrical contact with at least one electrically conductive member of an electronic component, the test apparatus comprising a holder for holding the electronic component in a predetermined alignment relative to a first axis, a housing adapted for being positioned relative to the holder and at least one probe member positioned substantially within the housing and adapted for being positioned along the first axis for electrically engaging the conductive member when the conductive member and the at least one probe member are brought together. The probe member is adapted for moving in a rotational manner with respect to the first axis during at least part of the engagement with the conductive member. The invention further includes first and second spaced apart means for precisely orienting the probe member substantially within the housing substantially along the first axis relative to the at least one conductive member during the engagement with the conductive member, at least one of these spaced apart means being electrically conductive and engaging the probe member and being electrically connected thereto during the engagement to provide external electrical coupling means for the test apparatus. The invention also includes biasing means for biasing the probe member in a direction toward the conductive member and substantially along the first axis.

In FIG. 1, there is illustrated the test apparatus capable of simultaneously testing several conductors of an electronic package shown nearby;

FIG. 1A is taken along the line 1A--1A in FIG. 1 to show an example of the cross-sectional configuration for some of the apparatus' elements;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged (over FIG. 1) view of a single test apparatus for the embodiment of FIG. 1, it being understood that the larger apparatus in FIG. 1 includes several of such apparatus. The apparatus in FIG. 2 is shown prior to conductor engagement;

FIG. 3 is a view of the apparatus of FIG. 2 in a fully engaged position with a respective conductor;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view, muchly enlarged (over the FIG. 2 embodiment), of the apparatus of FIG. 2 as taken along the line 4--4 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a partial perspective view of the end portion of a probe member;

FIG. 6 is a partial perspective view of another embodiment of an end portion of a probe;

FIG. 7 is yet another perspective view of still another embodiment of a probe members end portion;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative shape for a probe member;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of another embodiment of a test apparatus;

FIG. 10 is an enlarged side view of a test apparatus in accordance with still another embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a single test apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is an enlarged (over FIG. 11) view as taken along line 12--12 in FIG. 11, depicting a sliding spring contacting a probe member;

FIG. 12A is an enlarged view showing an alternate version of the sliding contact of FIG. 12;

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a single test apparatus of another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a single test apparatus of yet another embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a single test apparatus of still another embodiment of the present invention.

For a better understanding of the present invention, together with other and further objects, advantages and capabilities thereof, reference is made to the following disclosure and appended claims in connection with the above-described drawings.

It is understood that like numerals will be used to indicate like elements from FIG. to FIG. The partial views provided herein, all on an enlarged scale, are shown herein in such a manner for ease of illustration purposes.

FIGS. 1-10 as presented herewith depict a test apparatus as defined in U.S. Ser. No. 08/691,732. Understandably, the test apparatus of the present invention may utilize several of the elements of this apparatus.

FIG. 1 is a partial, side sectional view, in elevation and on a much enlarged scale, of a test apparatus 11 which enables electrical contact with electrically conductive members (e.g., solder balls 13) of an electronic package 14. FIG. 1A depicts a plan view of openings in one of the alignment layers 39 of the apparatus, through which probe members 19 (described below) may slide with rotational movement. Electrically conductive wires 12 are shown emanating from the probe members 19 and out of the test apparatus 11, and may be selectively connected to various electrical measurement equipment (not shown). It is understood that apparatus 11 may include only one probe member as part thereof. For testing conductive arrays such as solder balls on a component, however, several (e.g., from about 400 to as many as about 2000) probe members may be utilized in accordance with the teachings herein.

In FIG. 1, apparatus 11 includes a holder 15, a housing 17, numerous probe members 19, an elastomeric member 69, bearing members 71 (two per probe) and first thin layer 39 and second thin layer 41 spaced apart by spacer member 83 and mechanically stiffened by stiffener 95. The test apparatus 11 is shown with an electronic component 14 placed in holder 15, located so that various electrically conductive members 13 (e.g., solder balls) face downward. As seen, each probe member 19 aligns with a respective conductive member 13 and is thus designed for electrically contacting each respective member 13 in accordance with the teachings herein.

It is understood that, although only sixteen probe members 19 are shown, several, including as many as 2,000, may be used, assuming 2,000 members 13 are utilized. The probes are arranged in positions most suitable for electrical engagement with selected sites of such electrical components 14. In FIG. 1A, numerous triangular openings 43 are provided in thin layer 39 through which the first twist portion 53 of the probe members 19 are inserted. If electrically conductive members 13 of the electrical component 14 are arranged in a first pattern, the probe members 19 may be inserted through a corresponding second pattern of openings 91, or whatever pattern or arrangement is most convenient to enable electrical contact with selected electrically conductive members 13 upon actuation of the test apparatus 11. It may also be useful to include more or fewer probe members 19 than electrical conductive members 13 in this regard, for use of the test apparatus with a variety of designs of electrical components.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a portion of test apparatus 11, with a portion of a solder ball 13 of an electronic package 14 depicted. In this view, the probe 19 has not yet contacted the solder ball 13. A first axis 16 along the elongated body 51 of the probe member 19 is shown. Two thin alignment layers 39 and 41, used as first and second spaced apart means 25 and 27, respectively, are shown. Thin layers 39 and 41 are shown with openings 43 (see again FIG. 1A) for slidably engaging and orienting the first twist portions 53 of each probe member 19 along axs 16. Two low friction bearing members 71 (e.g., silicone washers) are also used, the upper slidably engaging stiffener 95 and the lower slidably engaging the biasing means (e.g., elastomer 69).

The probe member 19 includes the described first twist portion 53 as part of an elongated body 51. Twist portion 53 is designed so that as it is pushed substantially along the first axis 16 through opening 43, the probe must rotate (rotational movement 23) as it slides through opening 43. This is best depicted in FIG. 3. The engagement of opening 43 with twist portion 53 is designed to be of low frictional resistance so that both slidable and rotational movement 23 are accomplished with minimum frictional resistance. There are numerous materials suitable for this purpose, depending on the dimensions of the probe member 19 and spacing of the pattern of openings 91. For a rectangular array of openings 91 spaced, e.g., 1.25 mm apart, and a probe nominal width of 0.5 mm, it may be most suitable to use copper for the electrically conductive wire 12, coated or overmolded with a Teflon or polyimide dielectric material. (Teflon is a trademark of E. I. du Pont deNemours & Company.) One external shape may be of a triangular polygon as seen in FIG. 4. Thin layers 39 and 41 may be of a copper alloy, with openings 43 photochemically etched, laser cut, or punched using processes known in today's flexible circuitry manufacture. Each electrically conductive wire 12 is secured to the respective probe body and therefore rotates as the probe body rotates. Coiling, bending, and sufficient length of wire between the probe body to the nearest location where the wire is anchored must be accommodated to assure effective strain relief in the wire and to minimize resistance to probe rotation.

FIG. 3 is another partial side, sectional view of a portion of the test apparatus 11 of FIG. 1, with a portion of a solder ball 13 of an electronic component 14 (electronic package) depicted. In this view, the probe 19 has contacted the solder ball in accordance with the teachings herein. The relative movement along the first axis 16 direction has forced the probe member 19 to rotate as it moves, owing to the slidable engagement of the openings 43 in the first of the two alignment layers 39 and 41 and the twist portion 53 of the elongated body 51 of the probe. Thus, as the solder ball 13 is pushed onto the probe 19 along the first axis 16 direction, the probe rotates as contact takes place, with the amount of rotational movement 23 increasing as the solder ball is pushed farther along (downward in FIG. 3). This rotational movement of the probe promotes good electrical contact between the solder ball and the probe tip 73. Influencing the pushing force between the solder ball and probe is the biasing means 29; here, depicted as an elastomeric layer 69 in a compressed state (including a compressed forward end portion 67). Also shown are the aforementioned low friction washers 71 acting as bearing members which allow biasing force on the probe 19 without substantial resistance to rotational movement 23 of the probe. The use of bearing members 71 allows the elongated body 51 of probe member 19 to turn easily while under resistive force provided by the biasing means 29. Suitable materials for such bearing members are well known in the art, one example being Teflon.

As the electrical component 14 is pushed onto the probes 19, biasing means 29 provides a resistive force on probe 19, so that pressure between projecting tip portion 73 and electrically conductive member 13 exists. Suitable biasing means include a layer of elastomeric material (such as silicone rubber), foamed material (perhaps in conjunction with a compressed trapped volume of gas), mechanical springs, or controlled buckling of a length of conductive wire 12. There are obviously many means of creating a resistive force on probe 19. It is useful to point out that the amount of resistive force required to be placed on probe 19 so that electrical engagement is achieved between tip portion 73 and electrically conductive member 13 is much less than what would be required by probes used in the art which do not employ rotational movement. (In part, this is important because the total loading between test apparatus 11 and electronic component 14 may become very large when the load between each probe (e.g., about 5 to 50 grams) is multiplied by the number (e.g., up to about 2000) of probes.) The reason for this is that debris, electrically insulative oxides, and the like typically exist on all electrically conductive members in practice. In order to make reliable electrical engagement (contact), the debris and/or oxides must be broken through, and it is known in the art that a wiping motion is effective for this. Combining contact pressure with rotational movement assures a wiping movement of the tip portion 73. This wiping movement does not exist for probes which do not employ rotational movement and just use high tip pressure to hopefully penetrate the oxide/debris layers.

There are numerous designs of openings 43 which will allow slidable engagement of twist portion 53 of probe member 19. These include substantially round (49, FIG. 8) square, rectangular, triangular (47, FIG. 4), polygonal, and combinations thereof. A key requirement is that the opening must allow the twist portion of the probe to slide through the opening, with sufficient engagement so that the probe rotates in a manner depicted in FIG. 3 about the first axis of the probe. Therefore, there is a substantial coupling of rotational and translational movement. The desired opening design would be one capable of engaging a twist portion having a cross-section of ovalized, triangular, and polygonal configuration. It is known that, for example, an eight-sided (hexagonal) opening can effectively engage a square cross section. However, for very small probe diameters, considering tolerances and material wear characteristics, the triangular twisted section shown in FIG. 4 is preferred.

FIG. 4, as indicated above, is a much enlarged partial plan view, in section, of a portion of the test apparatus 11 illustrated in FIG. 2, wherein a triangular polygonal shape 47 for the respective twist portion 53 of a probe member 19 can be seen. Alignment layer 39 is also shown. A circular electrically conductive portion of wire 12 inside the electrically insulative outer portion 59 of the probe member 19 is depicted.

FIG. 8 is also a much enlarged partial plan view, in section, of a portion of a test apparatus similar to that indicated in FIG. 2, wherein the aforementioned substantially round configuration (49) for the shape of the cross section of twist portion 53' is shown. A similarly rounded corresponding opening 43' is found in the adjacent alignment layer 39'. A round, electrically conductive portion for the wire 12' is also used, this being positioned inside the electrically insulative outer portion 59' of the probe member.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, perspective sectional view of a portion of probe member 19 in accordance with one embodiment of U.S. Ser. No. 08/691,732, depicted with an electrically conductive solder ball member 13 aligned along the first axis of the probe. Only part of the spherical ball is shown for illustration purposes. A concave surface 77 for the projecting tip portion 73 is shown secured to or forming an extension of twist portion 53 of the probe member. There are various probe projecting tip portion shapes which allow optimal electrical contact with various types and shapes of electrically conductive members 13, with the primary considerations being conductive member material, shape, and cleanliness (with regard to the state of debris and oxidation on the member), and temperature at which electrical contact is made to the probe. As shown in FIG. 5, a convex surface on tip portion 73 essentially conforms to the shape of a similarly rounded (spherical) solder ball element 13. This conforming configuration gives minimal localized pressure on the surface of the solder ball, which is important at high temperatures (where solder may become soft and creep) for minimal damage to the solder ball. Again, it is noted that the combination of rotational movement of the probe, in conjunction with contact pressure, enables electrical contact to be made with relatively low contact pressure. Similarly, a flat tip surface would conform to a flat metallic pad.

In FIG. 6, a convex surface 81 is depicted on tip portion 73", e.g., which would be suitable for contact with a planar metallic (e.g., copper) pad if higher localized pressure is desired. In FIG. 7, a convex tip portion 73'" is also shown, and includes several projections (e.g., several dendritic metallic elements). The combination of contact pressure with rotational movement of such a dendritic tip would be suitable for "scratching into" the metallic pad (35') if the pad includes a heavily oxidized, debris covered surface as is often encountered in practice. Such a tip portion, as shown, possesses a rough or dendritic surface. Dendritic elements capable of usage in the tip portion may be formed in accordance with the teachings in Canadian Patent 1,121,011 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,137,461.

It is known in the art that in order to create reliable electrical contact between two extremely oxidized or debris covered surfaces, sometimes it is necessary to repeatedly wipe the contacts together under pressure, until electrical contact has been established. A test apparatus which takes particular advantage of this is shown in FIG. 9, where a second twist portion 55 (in addition to the original, opposing twist portion 53') on probe member 19"" is shown. In FIG. 9, the probe has not yet contacted metallic pad member 35" (which may be a contact site on a semiconductor device (chip) 37). Two spaced alignment layers 39' and 41' for slidably engaging and orienting the probe member 19"" are depicted. First layer 39' slidably engages the twist portion 53' of the probe member 19"" while second layer 41' slidably restrains the electrically conductive wire 12'. Understandably, a conductive wire 12' used in this embodiment should possess sufficient bending stiffness. First and second twist portions 53' and 55 are depicted on the elongated body 51' of probe member 19"", with the second twist portion 55 having substantially reversed pitch from the first. Two low friction bearing members 71 are also used and are shown in FIG. 9 between a retaining feature 93 (e.g., metal disk) secured to the electrically conductive wire 12' and the compressible elastomeric layer 69 used for biasing means 29. As this probe 19"" is actuated, the rotational movement will occur first in one rotational direction and then in another, opposite rotational direction as the probe slidably passes through opening 43". The rotary wiping action between the surface of the tip portion 73"" and the flat metallic pad 35" thereby repeatedly occurs during a single actuation which enhances the opportunity for the probe to rapidly and reliably make electrical contact with an oxidized, debris-covered metallic pad while using less force than would be needed by a similar probe capable of providing rotational movement in one direction only or no rotational movement at all. This feature is significant. When repeatedly actuating a test apparatus of the type herein in attempts to obtain electrical engagement with several highly dense arrays of multiple contact sites, there is generally some dimensional error in the alignment between the tips and corresponding sites. Each actuation therefore may place the probe in a slightly different spot on the respective component contact site. Also, after many attempts, the probe may land in the same spot more than once, so as to finally break through oxide/debris layer and make electrical engagement. If there are hundreds or thousands of probes in an apparatus, each required to make reliable electrical engagement, the probability of making reliable electrical engagement with all of them at once is greatly reduced in that situation. The present probe offers a practical solution to this problem by repeatedly wiping in the same spot during a single actuation. This feature, coupled with the aforedefined low-force contact and specifically designed tip surface shape, enables reliable electrical contact to be made to extremely delicate, highly dense and complex electrical components. One example of this is the unique ability to make electrical contact at several hundreds of contact sites across a thin, flexible printed circuit board without excessively bending the board. Another example is the ability to maintain effective electrical contact with numerous solder ball elements of an electronic component commonly known as a ball grid array package during long-term, relatively high temperature exposure (during "burn-in" of the component).

The preferred material for the probe's tip portion is selected from the group of metals consisting of nickel, tungsten, iron, aluminum, copper, noble metals, or alloys of one or more of these. Such material preferably possesses a melting point substantially above that of the conductive member being engaged by the probe.

The means 25 and 27 for orienting the probe member 19 optimally provide for minimal frictional resistance to probe movement as contact (translation coupled with rotational movement) with the electronic component 14 progresses. In FIGS. 1 and FIG. 2, use of two precisely spaced apart thin layers 39 and 41 are shown. The use of more than two layers may be advisable to provide additional support, e.g., to prevent unintentional elastic buckling of a very thin, elongated probe body 51. At least one of the thin layers will include openings 43 to slidably engage the twist portion 53 of the probe 19, with the other layer including openings to at least substantially maintain the probe along the first axis direction. However, both layers may include similar shaped openings 43, in which case the spacing and orientation of openings 43 of the layers must be designed to precisely correspond to the twist angle of the twist portion 53 so that movement of the probe member 19 is not frozen. For this purpose, spacer member 83 is designed with a precisely controlled thickness. The thickness of each thin layer is also carefully controlled to be small enough such that binding within the features of twist portion 53 does not occur. However, since relatively low angles of twist will most likely be used, this requirement is easily satisfied. Still further, the use of a softer metal (such as electroplated copper alloy) or a softer, more "slippery" plastic (such as Teflon) for these layers allows some localized yielding and stretching of the layers (at openings 43) so that binding of the probe movement is substantially eliminated with a few initial trial actuations of the test apparatus.

The embodiment in FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative version of two, spaced-apart means 25" and 27" which function to align the probe. FIG. 10 is a partial side, sectional view of a portion of a test apparatus with a portion of a metallic pad member 35" of a semiconductor device 37 depicted as the element being engaged. In this view, the probe 19"" has not yet contacted the metallic pad member 35". Means 25" and 27" slidably engage and orient probe member 19'"", means 25" including a thin layer 39" with a corresponding opening 43'" through which the probe member 19'"" passes. In this embodiment, the first spaced apart means 25" is also located in a stiffener portion 95', which, like those in the foregoing FIGS., may be located in a suitable housing (e.g., 17). The second means 27" preferably comprises a low-fiction bearing member 71' which comprises a flanged bushing securedly positioned in a compressible elastomeric layer 69' used for biasing means. The bearing member 71' is inserted into elastomeric member 69' so that biasing means 29' and the second spaced apart means are physically combined. As the probe 19'"" is pressed by an electronic component (here, a semiconductor device 37), the opposite end of the probe is pressed into the elastomeric member, so that the bearing member 71' moves as the elastomeric member 69' compresses, while still maintaining probe orientation. Bearing member 71' also allows the probe to rotate with low frictional resistance. Because of the simplicity of design of the various elements of this embodiment, extremely close spacing of several probe members (0.1 mm or less) in an array pattern is possible.

In order to simplify manufacture, assembly of the probe members 19 into the test apparatus is best accomplished in stages so that the problem of aligning and placing hundreds (or thousands) of probes through means 25 is simplified. The various sections of means 25 can take the form of rectangular arrays or rows, as shown in FIG 1A. The conductive wires are threaded through the bearing members 71 and elastomeric members 69. Subsequently, small groups of probes are pushed into place through sections of means 25 using stiffener members 95, all thus being positioned in housing 17. The housing may then be aligned within holder 15. In this manner, large arrays of probes may be assembled without having to simultaneously orient each probe.

In order to assure a test apparatus compatible with presently known semiconductor pad spacings (e.g., so that openings 91 are placed on 0.2-0.5 mm spacings), twist portion 53 of probe member 19 is preferably a drawn, twisted copper alloy wire of nominal triangular cross section. Also, the first and second spaced apart means each preferably include a dielectric (e.g., Teflon) sheet with openings 43 (including copper plated) therein through which the probes 19 slidably engage. Such a dielectric sheet may also include a thin metallic (e.g., copper alloy) layer thereon with openings 43 photochemically etched therein (using known methods). Accordingly, slidable engagement takes place between the metallic copper layer and the metallic copper probe 19. In this embodiment, electrical contact may intermittently occur between the probe and conductive, thin layer. In order to prevent electrical shorting between probes (e.g., if a singular, common sheet is used for layer 39), the thin layer 39 may include numerous regions of copper, each of which are electrically isolated from one another, through each of which openings 43 are placed. Methods of constructing such a layer 39 are known in the art of flex circuitry and printed circuit board manufacture, and further description is not believed necessary.

In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, there is provided in FIG. 11 a new probe member 119 for use in apparatus 11. This probe member has a conductive tip portion 73 electrically connected to circuit line 121 by means of a slidably engagement contact spring 123. The contact spring 123 provides sufficient contact force to the probe 119 so that reliable, nonintermittent electrical contact is obtained despite the probe's movements during actuation. Typical material for the contact spring 123 would be a copper alloy with noble metal (e.g., gold) plating for oxidation resistance. As depicted in FIG. 12, the shape of the contact spring 123 can provide slidably engagement means to the probe member twist portion 153, thereby also functioning as first spaced apart means in addition to providing electrical connection. In FIG. 12, circuit line 121 forms three curvilinear surfaces 124 for slidably engaging probe 119. With this invention, probe member 119 may be easily replaced as wear or damage occurs from repeated usage. As many thousands of electrical components may be required to be tested, this replacement feature can be appreciated for economy and convenience. Assembly of many hundreds of probe into a test apparatus is simplified and more economical, as it is not necessary to thread each individual electrical conductor through a bearing member as previously implemented. Circuit line 121 is connected to various external electrical measurement equipment (not shown). It is noteworthy that holes need not be punched into the biasing means 169 to allow for electrical wires, so that a simple layer of elastomer or other compressible material may be employed with a suitable low-friction bearing member 171 secured to one end thereof. In FIG. 12A, circuit line 121' includes only one curvilinear surface 124' slidably contacting probe 119, e.g., to force it against an opposite surface of the partially shown spaced apart means.

Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIG. 13, wherein the aforementioned simplified probe replacement and assembly feature includes an electrical contact bearing member 173 which moves in conjunction with probe 119'. Since biasing means 169' provides substantial force between the probe member 119' and bearing member 173, obtaining reliable electrical contact between member 173 and probe 119' is attainable. The bearing member 173 functions as second spaced apart means in this embodiment, and does not resist rotation of the probe other than by minimal frictional forces. Bearing member 173 is electrically connected to electrical wire 125, which in turn may be connected to external electrical measurement equipment (not shown). An alternative embodiment, depicted in FIG. 14, is to include a layer of flexible electrical circuitry 127 (e.g., a polyimide dielectric layer having a thin copper circuit layer thereon) electrically coupled, (e.g., soldered) to bearing member 173' so that discrete wires (depicted as wires 125 in FIG. 13) are not necessary. Flexible circuitry 127 electrically connects to external electrical measuring equipment (not shown).

Still another embodiment of the instant invention is depicted in FIG. 15, wherein electrical coupling between probe member 119" and electrical circuit 121' (e.g., flexible circuitry as mentioned above) is accomplished by simple spring contacts 129 which form end portions of the circuitry (e.g., copper) of circuit 121'. These contacts may be simple arcuate (also known as "flat") springs contacting an electrically conductive portion (e.g., extension portion 181) of probe 119" so that these springs function as the second spaced apart means for aligning the probe member. The first spaced apart means, preferably a thin, non-conductive layer 183 of the same material (e.g., Teflon) for layer 183 in FIGS. 11, 13 and 14, in FIG. 15 provides slidable engagement with the twist portion 153", and springs 129 do not resist rotation of the probe 119' other than by minimal frictional force of contact.

It must be noted that engagement of the test apparatus to a component includes providing biasing force and probe rotational movement, but not necessarily simultaneously. It is evident that the biasing force may be applied without rotational movement of the probe if suitable freedom of movement is provided by the invention's first spaced apart means; thereafter, the first spaced apart means may force the probe to rotate. One example of this construction is shown in FIG. 15 wherein the probe includes a central portion 185 of straight sides (not curvilinear as at the ends and as depicted, e.g., in FIGS. 11, 13 and 14). Movement of portion 185 through the upper spaced apart means 183 will not cause the probe to rotate. The embodiments of FIGS. 13 and 14, and others depicted herein, are also able to provide this feature. For example, in FIG. 13, the spaced-apart means 183 and probe 153' can move simultaneously for a predetermined distance, after which means 183 can move relative to the probe, forcing the probe to turn. Using this procedure for engagement, therefore, it is also possible to utilize multiple linear portions of the probe while applying a steady biasing force. The resulting multiple wiping actions encourage good electrical contacts of the test apparatus to the component, for the reasons discussed previously.

While there have been shown and described what are at present the preferred embodiments of the invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.