PL Contactor Operation

• Precise DUT alignment is critical for high first-pass continuity yields and overall
  test yields.
• DUT alignment is achieved in two stages; a coarse, lead-in alignment which
  guides the device into the contactor DUT pocket, and a fine alignment in which
  the DUT is directly aligned to the contactor.
• DUT fine alignment is achieved by directly aligning to the corner leads of the device in
  the dambar region. Using the dambar region of the DUT allows for accurate alignment
  without bending leads. This type of alignment is referred to as direct alignment.
• Precise alignment of the DUT to the contactor body ensures that the device lead
  accurately engages the contactor lead.

  As the DUT enters the contactor, the contactor’s corner features align it by touching the DUT corner leads in the dambar region.

• In its final position, the sharp edge of the contacting lead scrubs the DUT lead,
  penetrating oxides and contacting the clean solder underneath.
• Coarse alignment with the handler nest (lead-backer, or work-press) can be
  achieved by using several methods, but the most common is to use coarse
  alignment pins which align to dedicated bushings built into the contactor.
  ECT contactor technology.
• The nest lead-backers engage dedicated alignment surfaces in the contactor body to provide precise nest-to-contactor alignment.

  The DUT is inserted into the contactor, and the DUT lead makes initial and final contact with one of the contactor’s leads. Precise alignment ensures that the DUT lead accurately engages the contactor lead. In its final position the tip of the contactor lead scrubs the DUT lead, penetrating oxides and contacting the clean solder underneath. The resiliency of the contactor lead’s cantilevered micro-beam design provides the compliance and contact force to ensure consistent electrical contact.

• An overdrive protection feature is included with this contactor style. In the event that a DUT becomes jammed in the contactor, this feature will protect the contactor leads if a second DUT is inserted on top of the first.