Ironwood Electronics has recently introduced a new high performance elastomer socket for 0.5mm pitch BGA package. The CG15-BGA-1003 socket is designed for a 10mmx5.7mm package size and operates at bandwidths up to 40 GHz with less than 1dB of insertion loss (GSSG configuration). The contact resistance is typically 20 milliohms per pin. Network analyzer reflection measurements for the G-S-S-G case were taken with all except the pins under consideration terminated into 50 Ohms. The socket is mounted using supplied hardware on the target PCB with no soldering, and uses smallest footprint in the industry. The smallest 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 IC’s can be changed out quickly. The socket is constructed with cam actuated lever lid with central heatsink and fan for 5.3 watt power dissipation. To use, place the device inside the socket, close the clamshell lid by latching and apply downward pressure by turning lever. This socket can be used for hand test and temperature characterization as well as debugging application in development platform.

The CG15-BGA-1003 sockets are constructed with high performance and low inductance elastomer contactor.
The temperature range is -35C to +125 C. The pin self inductance is 0.06 nH and mutual inductance of 0.019 nH. Capacitance to ground is 0.129 pF and mutual capacitance is 0.017pF. Current capacity is 2 amps per pin.