Patent ID: 7790987
Filing Date: 2010-09-07
Classification: H01L,H01R,H05K

Abstract:
1. An apparatus, comprising: an integrated circuit having a ball grid array; a printed circuit board having a matrix of contact pads in registration with the ball grid array; and a plurality of springs each having a first end in electrical contact with a ball pad of the ball grid array and a second end in electrical contact with a corresponding one of the contact pads, wherein at least one of the springs is in the shape of a conical helix such that peripheral sides of adjacent turns thereof are in contact with and overlap one another; each of the springs has a longitudinal axis; each of the adjacent turns has a cross-section in which a height thereof, in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, is greater than a width thereof, in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; and a degree of the overlap of the peripheral sides along the heights thereof is a function of a compressive force such that the turns thereof tend to coaxially align when the compressive force is applied.