Ironwood Electronics introduced a new high-performance elastomer socket for 0.5-mm-pitch ball-grid-array (BGA) packages. The CG15-BGA-1003 socket is designed for a 10- x 5.7-mm package size. It operates at bandwidths of up to 40 GHz with less than 1 dB of insertion loss (GSSG configuration).
The contact resistance is typically 20 mΩ per pin. Network analyzer reflection measurements for the GSSG case were taken with all except the pins terminated into 50 Ω. The socket, which is mounted using supplied hardware on the target printed circuit board (PCB) with no soldering, has the smallest footprint in the industry, claims the company.
The small footprint allows inductors, resistors, and decoupling capacitors to be placed very close to the device for impedance tuning. The socket also incorporates an integrated compression plate inside the clamshell socket lid so that ICs can be changed out quickly. The socket is constructed with a cam-actuated lever lid with central heat sink and fan for a 5.3-W power dissipation.
To use the socket, the device has to be placed inside it, the clamshell lid has to be closed by latching, and downward pressure must be applied by the turning lever. The socket can be used for hand test and temperature characterization as well as debugging applications in development platforms.
According to Ironwood, the CG15-BGA-1003 sockets are constructed with high-performance and low-inductance elastomer contactor. Operating temperature range is -35 to +125°C. The pin self-inductance is 0.06 nH and mutual inductance is 0.019 nH. Capacitance to ground is 0.129 pF and mutual capacitance is 0.017 pF. Current capacity is 2 A per pin.
Pricing for the CG15-BGA-1003 is US$995 per piece, with reduced pricing available depending on quantity required.
