Patent ID: 7800391

Claim:
An apparatus for testing an integrated circuit, comprising: a) a socket comprising a plurality of electrical conductors electrically connected to a first circuit board, a seat configured to hold and align said integrated circuit, a base comprising a mechanical support for said seat, and an upper cap configured to expose said seat and secure said integrated circuit in said seat, wherein said socket is configured to receive said integrated circuit and electrically connect at least one electrical contact of said integrated circuit and at least one of said plurality of electrical conductors; b) a modified commercial electronic product comprising said first circuit board, wherein said first circuit board is substantially identical to a second circuit board from an unmodified commercial electronic product that includes said integrated circuit, and said first circuit board in said modified commercial electronic product does not include said integrated circuit; c) a stage for mechanically attaching said socket and said modified commercial electronic product; and d) a circuit configured to detect whether said integrated circuit is properly aligned in said seat.