Packaging, Materials & Interconnects: RF Center Probe Test Socket Suits 1- To 10-GHz Packages

A molded RF center probe test socket for devices from 1 to 10 GHz accepts devices from 25 to 55 mm² wide. It's ideal for manually testing devices with pitches down to 0.50 mm and in packages like CSPs, MicroBGAs, and LGAs, as well as SRAM, DRAM, and flash ICs. A signal path of only 1.95 mm achieves minimal signal socket loss. Estimated contact life is over 500,000 cycles. Contact self-inductance is 0.51 nH. Socket contact forces are 9 to 12 g per contact for 0.8-mm pitches and larger. The operating temperature ranges from ­55°C to 150°C. Price for a 2.4-GHz molded 415-lead socket starts at $1122, and lead time is six weeks.