CONTACT COLUMN ARRAY TEMPLATE AND METHOD OF USE

摘要

This invention generally relates to the handling of integrated circuit or electronic modules which comprise interconnecting elements. The invention relates to a holder or template and method to hold such modules during processing and to test the elements and the interconnection of a grid array of elements attached to the electron ic module. There is a requirement to be able to automatically align, hold and bring the columns of a column grid array module into contact with probe devices for testing of th e columns and the module. To achieve this, a self-aligning module holder or template h as been developed to ensure that the columns are properly aligned. The invention includes associated methods to automatically position and align the columns of the module in the holes of the template. A tester having a plurality of probes equal to th e number of columns can be mounted below the template so that each of the probes is capable of contacting a respective column when the module is properly inserted into the template or holder.