Patent ID: 6475011
Filing Date: 2002-11-05
Classification: H01R,H05K

Abstract:
An apparatus for applying force to a multi-chip module having a substrate, a printed wiring board having a first side and an opposite second side and an interposer, that facilitates electrical contact between the substrate and the printed wiring board through the interposer, the multi-chip module and the interposer being disposed on the first side of the printed wiring board, the apparatus comprising:a. a plurality of elongated spaced-apart load posts, each load post affixed to the multi-chip module, that pass through a plurality of post holes defined by the printed wiring board from the first side to the second side, each load post having a proximal end affixed to the multi-chip module and an opposite distal end that defines an engagement surface; b. a load transfer plate, disposed opposite the multi-chip module and spaced apart from the second side of the printed wiring board, the load transfer plate defining a plurality of openings through which the distal ends of each of the plurality of load posts pass, each of the plurality of openings shaped so as to be able to engage the engagement surface of the distal end of a corresponding load post, the load transfer plate having a first stiffness; c. a spring member disposed adjacent the load transfer plate between the load transfer plate and the printed wiring board, the spring member having a second stiffness that is less than the first stiffness; d. a backside stiffener plate disposed between the spring member and the printed wiring board, the backside stiffener plate having a third stiffness that is greater than the second stiffness; and e. a spring actuator, engageable with the spring member so that the spring actuator applies force to the backside stiffener plate, thereby causing the substrate, the interposer and the printed wiring board to be held in contact.