Signal sensing device and circuit boards

摘要

Apparatus are provided for use in testing circuit boards. A signal sensing device includes one or more probes. Each probe includes a length of rigid coaxial conductor configured to define a sensing pin at one end. A circuit board defines a number of through vias lined in metal and configured to receive the sensing pin of a corresponding probe. The signal sensing device also includes a ground pin. Electrical pathways extending away from adjacent pairs of the through vias can be tested for electrical impedance and other signal propagating characteristics by way of the signal sensing device.

主权项

1. An apparatus, comprising:
a first probe and a second probe, each of the first and second probes including a length of rigid coaxial conductor characterized by a metallic outer sheath; the first probe coupled to a mateable connector at one end and configured to define a signal sensing pin at the other end; and a sheath-less ground pin electrically and mechanically bonded to the metallic outer sheathes of the first probe and the second probe, wherein the ground pin is located proximal to the other end of the first probe and the signal sensing pin, and extends a sub-portion of the length of the rigid coaxial conductor, wherein the sheath-less ground pin is directly bonded to the first probe with a first mechanical bond and directly bonded to the second probe with a second mechanical bond.