Adjustable electrical connector for test fixture nest

Details Adjustable electrical connector for test fixture nest Adjustable electrical connector for test fixture nest

1999-11-17

2001-07-17

Metjahic, Safet (Department: 2858)

Electricity: measuring and testing

Measuring, testing, or sensing electricity, per se

With rotor

C324S762010, C324S755090, C439S066000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06262571

ABSTRACT:

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
The present application is related to United States patent application of Russell S. Krajec and Wallace J. Lannen, filed on even date herewith, and entitled “Signal Transfer Device for Probe Test Fixture,” which is incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an adjustable connector for providing electrical connection to a device under test on a test fixture nest.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Certain devices are more easily tested and worked on while held securely in position. For example, when performing maintenance on cellular telephones, a person more easily may work with the telephone if it is held securely in position. In addition, holding the device under test in position serves to protect it from potential damage while being worked on. Also, certain types of test apparatus require that the device under test be securely held in position in order to connect the test apparatus to it. For certain applications, a nest plate may be custom-made to securely hold a particular device under test. In order to customize a nest plate, the device under test is measured, and appropriate configuration and machining is made of the nest plate to accommodate the device under test with a mechanism to securely hold it in place, such as nest pins located in predetermined locations.
In addition, a device under test sometimes requires electrical connection for testing. Therefore, in addition to securely holding the device under test in position, a mechanism must be provided for permitting electrical connection to the device under test. Moreover, certain devices require that they be elevated above a nest plate such as for providing electrical connection to contacts on their underside. Therefore, the nest plate sometimes must include a custom-made mechanism for raising a device under test above the nest plate. Also, some devices under test require connection with a printed circuit board (PCB) for testing, and others require shielding from radio frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy. Additional apparatus must be provided in those situations for the connection or RF shielding.
Accordingly, a need exists for an improved mechanism and method for providing electrical connection with a device under test while positioned on a nest plate.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An adjustable electrical connector consistent with the present invention may be used to provide electrical connection to a device under test. It includes a base for placement against a nest plate having a plurality of nest apertures, and the base defines an elongated aperture for use in adjustably securing the base to the nest plate using a fastener positioned in the elongated aperture and connected to one of the nest apertures. The adjustable electrical connector also includes a probe portion having first and second ends, the first end of the probe portion being connected to the base and the second end of the probe portion extending away from the nest plate when the base is secured to the one nest aperture. The probe portion includes a conductive element having a first end at the second end of the probe portion for electrical connection with the device under test and having a second end connected to a cable extending from the second end of the probe portion for transferring an electrical signal.
A test fixture assembly consistent with the present invention may be used to provide electrical connection to a device under test while held on a nest plate. The test fixture assembly includes a nest plate having a plurality of nest apertures and further includes a plurality of nest elements for selective connection to the plurality of nest apertures for holding a device under test on the nest plate. An adjustable electrical connector provides electrical to the device under test while held on the nest plate. The adjustable electrical connector includes a base for placement against a nest plate having a plurality of nest apertures, and the base defines an elongated aperture for use in adjustably securing the base to the nest plate using a fastener positioned in the elongated aperture and connected to one of the nest apertures. The adjustable electrical connector also includes a probe portion having first and second ends, the first end of the probe portion being connected to the base and the second end of the probe portion extending away from the nest plate when the base is secured to the one nest aperture. The probe portion includes a conductive element having a first end at the second end of the probe portion for electrical connection with the device under test and having a second end connected to a cable extending from the second end of the probe portion for transferring an electrical signal.
A method consistent with the present invention may be used to provide electrical connection to a device under test on a nest plate. Under the method, a nest plate is provided having nest elements for use in nesting a device under test having an electrical connector for transferring an electrical signal. An adjustable electrical connector, having a conductive element and a cable connected with the conductive element, is positioned so that the conductive element contacts the electrical connector when the device under test is nested on the nest plate, and the adjustable electrical connector is secured to the nest plate using a fastener.


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