Abstract: A socket can be readily programmed to adapt the pin out configuration of an integrated circuit for convenient plug-in use or substitution in an environment, such as a socket, ordinarily intended for a similar integrated circuit with a different pin-out configuration. The invention includes a support, a first plurality of electrical contacts mounted in a prescribed pattern on one side of the support, a second plurality of electrical contacts mounted in a similar prescribed pattern on the other side of the support, and a programmable device, such as an EPROM, to which all the contacts are connected that can be programmed to complete or to open electrical paths between contacts. Printed circuit traces and plated through holes couple respective first contacts on one side of the support and respective second contacts on the other side of the support to the programmable device.

Abstract: A socket can be programmed to adapt the pin out configuration of an integrated circuit for convenient plug-in use or substitution in an environment, such as a socket, ordinarily intended for a similar integrated circuit with a different pin-out configuration. The invention includes a support, a first plurality of electrical contacts mounted in a prescribed pattern on one side of the support, a second plurality of electrical contacts mounted in a similar prescribed pattern on the other side of the support, at least one of the first contacts and some of the second contacts being electrically isolated from each other on the same and opposite sides of the support, and printed circuit traces and plated through holes coupling respective first contacts on one side of the support to respective second contacts on the other side of the support.

Abstract: An electrical contact pair for use in a programmed socket, a programmed socket using the contact pair and a method of making such a socket are disclosed. The programmed socket includes a printed circuit board with tracings for transposing pin positions between the input and output sides of the socket. The tracings end in pairs of terminal pads located on opposite sides of the printed circuit board. Each contact pair includes a pair of bases to be soldered to respective terminal pads and a male contact extending from one base and a female contact from the other base. The two bases are at least temporarily interconnected by an arcuate resilient strip which causes the bases to grip the terminal pads. This facilitates assembly and soldering since the contact pair will remain in position without additional support. Further the strip serves to position the contact pair accurately with respect to the edge of the printed circuit board.