6,447,308 TOP

Method and Device for Increasing Elastomeric Interconnection Robustness

An elastomeric device for interconnecting two or more electrical components. The device includes an elastomeric matrix having one or more outer surfaces, one or more electrically conductive pathways through the matrix, and a frame for stretching the elastomer perpendicular to the electrical pathways.

6,497,583

Interconnection Components with Integral Conductive Elastomeric Sheet Material, and Method of Manufacturing Same

An interconnection component with integral conductive elastomeric sheet material, comprising a connector frame and an elastomeric conductive polymer interface (ECPI) integrally coupled to the connector frame, the ECPI defining a series of spaced conductive columns through its thickness. Also described is a method of forming an interconnection component with integral conductive elastomeric sheet material, comprising providing a connector frame, casting uncured elastomeric conductive polymer interface (ECPI) material onto the connector frame, and curing the ECPI in the presence of a magnetic field, to integrally couple the ECPI to the connector frame, and create a series of spaced conductive columns through the ECPI thickness.

6,649,115

Method of Manufacturing Interconnection Components with Integral Conductive Elastomeric Sheet Material

A method of forming an interconnection component with integral conductive elastomeric sheet material, comprising providing a connector frame defining an opening, casting uncured elastomeric conductive polymer interface (ECPI) material onto the connector frame spanning the opening, and curing the ECPI in the presence of a magnetic field, to integrally couple the ECPI to the connector frame, and create a series of spaced conductive columns through the ECPI thickness.

6,702,587

Separabel Electical Connector Using Anisotropic Conductive Elastomer Interconnect Medium

An electrical connector for separably, electrically interconnecting an electrical device to a main circuit board using anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) as part of the interconnect, the electrical connector comprising an adapter board coupled to the main board on one side, the other side of the adapter board defining connecting lands; a layer of ACE on the other side of the adapter board, the other side of the ACE in contract with the device; and a mechanical compression structure coupled to the adapter board, and that provides a compressive load on the device, the ACE and the adapter board, to accomplish a separable electrical connection between the device and the main board, through the ACE and the adapter board.

6,769,313

Flexibel Tactile Sensor

A flexible tactile sensor, comprising a flexible distributed array of force sensors that generate electric signals in response to an applied load, a flexible, electrically-insulating matrix having outer faces, one face against the array of force sensors, and a plurality of spaced electrically conductive pathways through the matrix between its faces, with insulating matrix material between the pathways, to carry the electric signals generated by the force sensors to the other face of the matrix.

6,802,720

Pin-Array, Separable, Compliant Electrical Contact Member

A pin-array, separable, compliant electrical contact member for separably, electrically interconnecting a first electrical device having electrical contacts to a second electrical device having electrical contacts. The inventive device includes a probe housing having a thickness, and defining a plurality of openings through the thickness, one or more pin probes, each pin probe located in and protruding from an opening in the probe housing, and each defining an enlargement larger than the opening in which the pin is located, to inhibit lateral pin motion, and also prevent the pins from being removed from their opening vertically in at least one direction, and a layer of Anisotropic Conductive Elastomer (ACE) adjacent to the probe housing an comprising a plurality of conductive chains of particles through the layer thickness and aligned generally perpendicularly to the layer's major surfaces. One end of the pin probes are in contact with the electrical contacts of the first electrical device, and the other ends of the pin probes are in compressive contact with a major surface of the ACE layer. The other major surface of the ACE layer is in contact with the electrical device, such that electrical signals are passed between the two electrical devices through the pin probes and the ACE layer.

6,835,072

Apparatus for Applying a Mechanically Releasable Balanced Compressive Load to a Compliant Anisotropic Conductive Elastomer Electrical Connector

An apparatus for applying a mechanically-releasable balanced compressive load to a compliant anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) electrical connector that electrically connects an electrical device to a first side of a two-sided substrate. The apparatus includes a backup plate against the second side of the substrate, a rocker plate against the backup plate, the rocker plate touching the backup plate only at the center of the backup plate, and a rigid member on the electrical device. A plurality of pins are mechanically coupled to the rocker plate and the rigid member, and there is at least one spring member mechanically coupled to at least one pin. The spring applies a variable force coupled through the at least one pin to the rocker plate, to urge the backup late and rigid member together and thereby compress the ACE between the electrical device and the substrate.

6,854,985

Elastomeric Interconnection Device and Methods for Making Same

An elastomeric device for interconnecting two or more electrical components, comprising, an elastomeric matrix having one or more outer surfaces; one or more electrically conductive pathways through the matrix; and one or more electrically conductive contract pads, wherein at least a portion of one or more of the pad is flush with or extends outward from one or more of the outer surfaces of the matrix, and wherein at least a portion of the pad is in at least intimate contact with one or more of the pathways; and methods for making same.

6,854,986

Very High Bandwidth Electrical Interconnect

A very high bandwidth electrical interconnect for conducting signals at high frequency. The interconnect includes a number of separate fine wire structures. Each such fine wire structure is made up of a string of generally spherical elements, each such element having a ferromagnetic core and a conductive coating over the core. The interconnect also includes an insulating medium surrounding the wire structures.

6,929,484

Apparatus for Applying a Mechanically Releasable Balanced Compressive Load to an Assembly such as a Compliant Anisotropic Conductive Elastomer Electrical Connector

An apparatus for applying a mechanically-releasable balanced compressive load to an assembly such as a compliant electrical connector that electrically connects an electrical device to a first side of a two-sided substrate. The apparatus includes a backup plate coupled to the second side of the substrate, a rocker plate behind the backup plate, the rocker plate touching the backup plate at only one location, and a rigid member coupled to the first side of the substrate. There are three or more pins mechanically coupled to the rocker plate and the rigid member. When there are four or more pins, a rocker member is mechanically coupled to two of the pins, and in contact with the rocker plate at a single pivot. A compressible spring, mechanically coupled to a pin, applies a force, coupled through the pin, to urge the backup plate and member together an thereby compress the compliant electrical connector between the electrical device and the substrate to make the separable electrical connection.

7,017,260

Method of Making an Elastomeric Conductive Sheet (a.k.a., Devices & Methods to Uniformly Stress Anisotropic Conductive Elastomer Materials)

Devices and methods of stressing anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) sheet material that defines a plurality of electrical pathways through its thickness. The perimeter of the sheet is mechanically gripped, while leaving an interior portion of the sheet free. A Surface over which the interior portion of the sheet is to be stretched is provided, and the sheet and the surface are contacted. The sheet and the surface are then relatively moved, to stretch the sheet over the surface, and thereby stress the interior portion of the sheet.

7,033,184

Electrical Interconnect Device Incorporating Anisotropically Conductive Elastomer and Flexible Circuit

An electrical interconnect circuit device, comprising an anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) material defining two opposing faces and a series of conductive columns extending between the faces, at least some of such pad defining an annular receiving surface. Also included is a flexible circuit element defining two opposing faces, one face of the flexible circuit element in electrical contract with one face of the ACE, the flexible circuit element defining a series of conductive pathways extending between its faces. The ACE material and flexible circuit element together provide an interconnect with low inductance.

7,059,874

Compliant Electrical Probe Device Incorporating Anisotropically Conductive Elastomer and Flexible Circuits

A compliant electrical probe device. The device has an anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) material-based layer defining two opposing faces, and having a series of conductive pathways extending between the faces. The device further includes at least two flexible circuit elements, each flexible circuit element defining two opposing faces, one face of one of the flexible circuit elements in electrical and physical contact with one face of the ACE-based layer, and one face of the other flexible circuit element in electrical and physical contact with the other face of the ACE-based layer, the other face of each of the flexible circuit elements carrying one or more electrically-conductive pads that define the device contacts, the flexible circuit elements each further comprising a series of conductive pathways extending between its faces. The ACE-based layer and the flexible circuit elements make up the device.

7,077,659

Separable Electrical Interconnect with Anisotropic Conductive Elastomer and a Rigid Adapter

A separable electrical connector for electrically interconnecting an electrical device to a substrate. The connector includes an adapter board electrically connected to the substrate, the adapter board having electrical contacts on both sides, and a layer of ACE between the electrical device and the adapter board. A mechanical structure is used to apply a compressive force n the ACE through the adapter board and the electrical device.

7,223,105

Cable Connector Incorporating Anisotropically Conductive Elastomer

A separable electrical connector for separably, electrically interconnecting the conductors of one multi-conductor cable to the conductors of a second electrical device that may be an electrical device such as a chip, or a second multi-conductor cable, or a flexible or rigid printed circuit board. The connector includes a layer of anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) in electrical contact with the conductors of the cable and the conductors of the second electrical device. A clamp or another type of mechanical device compresses the ACE, to provide electrical signal paths between the conductors of the cable and the second electrical device, through the ACE.

7,242,583

System for Loading a Heat Sink Mechanism Independently of Clamping Load on Electrical Device

A system for coupling a heat sink to an electrical device independently of a clamping member that is used to place a coupling force between the electrical device and a substrate to which the electrical is to be electrically connected. The system includes a clamping member adapted to push the electrical device against the substrate, to assist in electrical reconnection between the electrical device and the substrate, the clamping member defining a through-hole leading to the electrical device. There is also a heat-conducting member in the clamping member through-hole and adapted to thermally contact the electrical device to conduct heat away from the electrical device. A heat sink is in thermal contact with the heat-conducting member, to dissipate heat from the electrical device.

7,249,954

Separable Electrical Interconnect with Anisotropic Conductive Elastomer for Translating Footprint

A separable electrical connector for electrically interconnecting an electrical device to a substrate. In one embodiment, the connector includes an adapter board electrically connected to the substrate, the adapter board having electrical contacts on both sides, and a layer of ACE between the electrical device and the adapter board. A mechanical structure is used to apply a compressive force on the ACE through the adapter board and the electrical device. In another embodiment, the connector includes a translator board having electrical contacts on both sides and electrical circuits within to expand the footprint of the fine pitch electrical device to the coarser pitch of the substrate. The connector further includes a layer of ACE between the translator board and the substrate.

7,336,091

Assembly for Simultaneously Testing Multiple Electronic Components

An assembly for simultaneously electrically testing a plurality of electronic components. There is a test fixture, and a lead frame carrying a plurality of electronic components to be tested, each such electronic component having multiple electrical leads. A layer of Anisotropic Conductive Elastomer (ACE) is in contact with the test fixture and in contact with the leads of the plurality of electronic components. There is a device for applying a compressive force to the leads, the ACE and the test fixture, to make electrical contact between the lead and the test fixture through the ACE.

7,397,255

Micro Kelvin Probes and Micro Kelvin Probe Methodology

A micro Kelvin probe assembly and method of accomplishing a micro Kelvin measurement that determines the resistance or impedance of a device under test (DUT) that has two spaced contacts. An ammeter is used to flow current though the DUT, and a voltmeter is used to measure the voltage drop across the DUT. There is a printed circuit board (PCB) car-rying two pairs of contacts, with a trace leading to each contact. Anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) material as an electrical interposer is placed in electrical contact with each of the PCB contacts. The DUT is placed on the ACE such that each DUT contact is directly opposite one pair of PCB contacts. The ammeter is connected to one trace leading to one contact of each pair of PCB contact to flow current through the DUT, and the voltmeter is connected to the other trace leading to the other contact of each pair of PCB contacts, so that voltmeter can measure the voltage drop across the DUT without an effect caused by the interposer.

7,408,367

Micro Kelvin Probes and Micro Kelvin Probe Methodology w/ Concentric Pad Structures

A micro Kelvin probe assembly and method of accomplishing a micro Kelvin measurement that determines the resistance or impedance of a device under test (DUT) that has two spaced contacts. And ammeter is used to flow current through the DUT, and a voltmeter is used to measure the voltage drop across the DUT. There is a printed circuit board (PCB) carrying two pairs of contacts, with a trace leading to each contact. Anisotropic conductive elastomer (ACE) material as an electrical interposer is placed in electrical contact with each of the PCB contacts. The DUT is placed on the ACE such that each DUT contact is directly opposite one pair of PCB contacts. The ammeter is connected to one trace leading to one contact of each pair of PCB contacts to flow current through the DUT, and the voltmeter is connected to the other trace leading to the other contact of each pair of PCB contacts, so that voltmeter can measure the voltage drop across the DUT without an effect caused by the interposer. In a further embodiment, the PCB contacts are arranged in concentric circles to provide a contact surface area that is relatively constant and more tolerant of misalignment with the DUT contacts.