A new stamped-spring pin socket addressing high performance requirements for testing BGA780 packages is called the CBT-BGA-7054. The contactor is a stamped-spring pin with 31-gm actuation force per ball and cycle life of 125,000 insertions. The self-inductance of the contactor is 0.88 nH, insertion loss < 1 dB at 15.7 GHz, and capacitance 0.097 pF.
The current capacity of each contactor is 4 A at 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 along with precise ball-to-pin alignment via a floating pin guide. The socket also has an integrated compression plate for vertical force actuation without distorting device position.
The specific configuration of the package to be tested in the CBT-BGA-7054 is a BGA, 19×19-mm, 0.65-mm-pitch 28×28 array with 780 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, an operator places a BGA device in the socket and closes the lid by snapping to the latch. Vertical force is applied by turning the lever that actuates a cam which, in turn, compresses a spring-loaded plate onto the BGA device. The socket features a central opening for thermocouple to be placed close to the device top surface or thermal stream to be flown 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 test.
Pricing for the CBT-BGA-7054 is $1,373 at qty 1 with reduced pricing available depending on quantity required.
Ironwood Electronics, 1335 Eagandale Ct., Eagan, MN 55121, 952-229-8200 or (800) 404-0204, www.ironwoodelectronics.com
