Ironwood's 40-GHz device sockets 16×16-mm BGAs

Direct-mount solderless socket can be modified to dissipate up to 100 W.

-- Test & Measurement World, 2/9/2012 7:00:00 AM

The SM-BGA-9006 socket from Ironwood Electronics is constructed with an elastomer contactor that not only offers high speed, low inductance, and high endurance, but also allows operation over a temperature range of −55°C to +150°C. Designed for 16×16-mm BGAs with a pitch of 0.8 mm, the socket operates at bandwidths of up to 40 GHz with less than 1 dB of insertion loss.

Able to dissipate a few watts with a heat-sink compression screw, the socket can be customized to dissipate up to 100 W using a modified fin design and adding an axial flow fan. Contact resistance is typically 15 mΩ/pin. Other specifications include pin self-inductance of 0.10 nH, mutual inductance of 0.007 nH, and current capacity of 4 A/pin. Capacitance to ground is 0.069 pF.

The socket mounts on the target PCB without soldering and occupies a small footprint, extending just 2.5 mm on each side of the targeted device. A shoulder screw and swivel lid allows quick insertion of ICs.

Price: $1727.

Ironwood Electronics, www.ironwoodelectronics.com/catalog/Content/Drawings/SM-BGA-9006Dwg.pdf