Patent ID: 6533589
Filing Date: 2003-03-18
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
An adapter apparatus for receiving a packaged device having a plurality of contact elements disposed on a surface thereof, the apparatus comprising:a perimeter wall member having a length along an adapter axis between a first end of the wall member and a second end of the wall member; a conductive element layer including a plurality of arranged conductive elements, the conductive element layer positioned at the first end of the perimeter wall member orthogonal to the adapter axis, wherein the perimeter wall member and the conductive element layer define a socket cavity to receive the packaged device with the plurality of contact elements thereof adjacent the conductive element layer, wherein the conductive element layer is a conductive elastomer layer; a cover member positioned at the second end of the perimeter wall member to close the socket cavity, wherein the cover member is movable to allow the packaged device to be removed from the socket cavity; a floating member movable in the socket cavity; an alignment structure positioned in the socket cavity adjacent the conductive element layer and adjacent the surface of the packaged device on which the plurality of contact elements are disposed to align the contact elements of the packaged device with contact pads on a target board when the adapter apparatus is mounted relative to the target board, wherein the alignment structure comprises: an alignment plate positioned ortbogonal to the adapter axis between the conductive element layer and the surface of the packaged device on which the plurality of contact elements are disposed, wherein the alignment plate comprises at least one opening defined therein to allow the contact elements of the packaged device to be in electrical contact with the arranged conductive elements of the conductive element layer; and a lip portion of the perimeter wall member extending inward towards the adapter axis at the first end of the perimeter wall member terminating in a surface used for positioning the conductive elastomer layer; and an actuator element operable to provide a force on the floating member such that a corresponding force is distributed to the packaged device when received in the socket cavity such that the plurality of contact elements are in electrical contact with the arranged conductive elements of the conductive element layer.