Method and apparatus for non-contact cleaning of electronics

Abstract

A UV light source and a specially adapted vacuum fitting for visualizing and non-contact cleaning of dust contaminants from XZIF connections and test head electronics in a clean room environment is presented.

1 . A means for cleaning contaminants from electronic connectors comprising: 
 a UV light source for visualizing dust contaminants on the electronic connectors; and    a vacuum cleaner having a hose with a non-contact adapter fitting for bringing vacuum cleaner hose into non-contact close proximity with electronic connector components, the non-contact adapter fitting having a first side and a second side.    
     
     
         2 . The means for cleaning contaminants from electronic connectors according to  claim 1 , wherein the first side of the non-contact adapter fitting includes a stand-off feature with a fillet and bevels for alignment within a clamp of a testhead connector assembly.  
     
     
         3 . The means for cleaning contaminants from electronic connectors according to  claim 1 , wherein the first side of the non-contact adapter fitting includes a stand-off means with a window for alignment with a flex circuit spine of a testhead connector assembly.  
     
     
         4 . The means for cleaning contaminants from electronic connectors according to  claim 1 , wherein the second side of the non-contact adapter fitting includes a chamfered hole for mating with the vacuum cleaner hose.  
     
     
         5 . The means for cleaning contaminants from electronic connectors according to  claim 1 , wherein the non-contact adapter fitting comprises a static safe material.  
     
     
         6 . A method for cleaning contaminants from an electronic connector assembly comprising: 
 a) illuminating the electronic connector assembly with a UV light source;    b) positioning a non-contact adapter fitting of a vacuum hose onto a predetermined section of the electronic connector assembly; and    c) vacuuming contaminants from the predetermined section of the electronic connector assembly.