A new stamped-spring pin socket from Ironwood Electronics addresses high-performance requirements for testing BGA361 – CBT-BGA-7056 packages. The contactor is a stamped-spring pin with 31 gm actuation force per ball and a cycle life of 125,000 insertions. The self-inductance of the contactor is 0.88 nH, insertion loss is less than 1 dB at 15.7 GHz, and capacitance 0.097 pF. The current capacity of each contactor is 4 A at a 40°C temperature rise. Socket temperature range is -55 to +180°C.
The socket features a clamshell-lid design for ease of chip replacement in a production environment. It also has an integrated 
compression plate for vertical force actuation without distorting the device position. The specific configuration of the package to be tested in the CBT-BGA-7056 is a BGA, 13×13-mm, 0.5-mm-pitch 25×25 array with 361 balls. The socket is mounted using supplied hardware on the target PCB with no soldering and uses the smallest footprint in the industry. The smallest footprint allows inductors, resistors and decoupling capacitors to sit close to the device for impedance tuning.
To use, the operator places a BGA device into the socket and closes the lid by snapping it to the latch. Vertical force is applied by turning the compression screw. The socket features a central hole for a thermocouple to be placed close to the device top surface, and the socket has a side hole where the heater can be placed to heat the device to a specific temperature.
This socket can be used for quick device screening, device characterization at extreme temperatures, as well as for final production testing.
Pricing for the CBT-BGA-7056 is $923 at qty 1 with reduced pricing available depending on quantity required.
