Method to prevent damage to probe card
First Claim
1. A method of using a probe card for testing at least one semiconductor die, comprising:
- providing the probe card having a plurality of probe elements connected thereto, the plurality of probe elements configured for supplying test signals to the at least one semiconductor die;
providing a plurality of fuses in electrical communication with at least some of the plurality of probe elements, at least one of the plurality of fuses comprising a polymer positive temperature coefficient fuse, each polymer positive temperature coefficient fuse having a crystalline phase and a semi-crystalline phase; and
testing the at least one semiconductor die by supplying test signals to the at least one semiconductor die through a fuse of the plurality of fuses.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Probe cards are configured with protective circuitry suitable for use in electrical testing of semiconductor dice without damage to the probe cards. Protective fuses are provided in electrical communication with conductive traces and probe elements (e.g., probe needles) of a probe card. The fuses may be active or passive fuses and are preferably self-resetting, repairable, and/or replaceable. Typically, the fuses will be interposed in, or located adjacent to, conductive traces residing over a surface of the probe card. Methods of fabricating a probe card are provided, as well as various probe card configurations. A semiconductor die testing system using the probe card is also provided.
39 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method of using a probe card for testing at least one semiconductor die, comprising:
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providing the probe card having a plurality of probe elements connected thereto, the plurality of probe elements configured for supplying test signals to the at least one semiconductor die;
providing a plurality of fuses in electrical communication with at least some of the plurality of probe elements, at least one of the plurality of fuses comprising a polymer positive temperature coefficient fuse, each polymer positive temperature coefficient fuse having a crystalline phase and a semi-crystalline phase; and
testing the at least one semiconductor die by supplying test signals to the at least one semiconductor die through a fuse of the plurality of fuses. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method of testing, comprising:
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providing a probe card having a plurality of probe elements connected thereto, the plurality of probe elements configured for supplying test signals to at least one semiconductor die;
providing a plurality of fuses in electrical communication with at least some of the plurality of probe elements, at least one of the plurality of fuses comprising a polymer positive temperature coefficient fuse, each polymer positive temperature coefficient fuse having a crystalline phase and a semi-crystalline phase; and
testing the at least one semiconductor die by supplying test signals to the at least one semiconductor die through a fuse of the plurality of fuses. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8)
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Specification