Abstract: A chip carrying socket includes a base and at least one and preferably two cam shafts journaled or supported within the base in a spaced relationship for rotational movement relative to the base. A plate is supported upon the base and extends between the cam shafts. The plate has a plurality of openings formed therein which receive the leads of an IC. In a BGA type IC, these leads are semi-spherical balls which depend from the lower face of the IC. Conductors or pins adapted for connection to testing or operative circuitry are carried by the base and extend into proximity with the leads of the IC as it is supported upon the plate. Each cam shaft engages the plate so as to shift the plate relative to the base causing the conductors carried by the base to forcibly engage the leads of the IC when in one shifted position and causing the conductors to be released from such forcible engagement with the leads of the IC when in a second shifted position.

Abstract: An integrated circuit test socket is provided with contact holders which support torsion spring contacts in the socket. Each contact includes a length of wire which includes a wound portion with a pair of arms extending from opposite ends of the wound portion. One of the arms terminates in a portion engaging a corresponding terminal on an integrated circuit undergoing test, and the other arm includes a portion extending through a corresponding aperture in the socket to make electrical contact with a conductor of a circuit board.

Abstract: A socket for positioning and installing an integrated circuit chip having terminals on one side thereof on a conductive elastomer includes a base which positions the chip over the elastomer. A camming member is moveable relative to the base between an open position disengaged from the chip and allowing the chip to be installed in the socket to a closed position in which the actuating member engages a side of the chip and exerts a force on the chip to embed the terminals in the elastomer to thereby provide an electrical connection between the terminals and the elastomer.

Abstract: A socket for establishing a releasable connection between terminals of electronic modules and a circuit board includes a base having a module support surface for supporting the module in test position. A contact holder cooperates with the base for supporting contact elements for each terminal of the module. Each of the contact modules include a projecting portion projecting from the socket and before engagement with the circuit board, a support section which is supported on the contact holder in grooves defined between ribs and oriented with respect thereto by tabs on the contact elements engaging gaps in the grooves, and a deflecting section which extends over slots in the contact holder. When a module to be tested, the module is placed on the test surface and a lid pivotally mounted on the socket is closed to thereby push the terminals into engagement with the contact elements and thereafter downward force being accommodated by deflection of the deflectable portion of the contact elements into the grooves.