Patent ID: 6186812
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: G01R,H01R

Abstract:
A socket for ball grid array integrated circuit packages, said balls defining an equator for each ball wherein all the equators lie substantially in one plane parallel with the bottom surface of the integrated circuit package, and wherein each of said balls define meridians that perpendicularly intersect the equators, said socket comprising:a housing with a top structure,a slidable plate constructed as a part of the top structure and forming a top surface of the housing with through holes arranged to receive the ball leads of the ball grid array integrated circuit, the ball leads arranged to enter the holes at the top surface,a plurality of electrical contacts fixed to said socket with a first end arranged to mate with said ball leads, and where the first ends extend into said holes in the top plate from a direction opposite the direction that the ball leads enter the holes, and wherein the space between the first ends and the edges of the through holes define openings, the openings suitable for accepting the ball leads.a cam with a camming surface that is in intimate contact with the slidable plate and an actuator arm connected to the cam, said cam defining two positions, wherein when said cam is moved into the first position said camming surface drives the slidable plate in a first direction to enlarge the opening for accepting the ball leads, and when said cam is moved into the second position said camming surface drives the slidable plate in a second direction to reduce said openings, wherein said ball leads that have entered the holes are driven into said first ends with a wiping action thereby making electrical connections there between, and wherein the ball leads are retained between said first ends and the opposing surfaces of said holes.