Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows additional contact pads to be added to a package to support debug and test operations is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a circuit board apparatus includes a semiconductor package and an interposer for receiving the semiconductor package. The semiconductor package preferably includes a substrate having a matrix of conductive contact pads on both the top and bottom surfaces of the substrate. The interposer preferably includes a body having a matrix of interposer contact bumps on both the inner and outer surfaces of the body. Each interposer contact bump preferably includes a metal coating and is shaped to abut a contact pad of the semiconductor package.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows additional contact pads to be added to a package to support debug and test operations is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a circuit board apparatus includes a semiconductor package and an interposer for receiving the semiconductor package. The semiconductor package preferably includes a substrate having a matrix of conductive contact pads on both the top and bottom surfaces of the substrate. The interposer preferably includes a body having a matrix of interposer contact bumps on both the inner and outer surfaces of the body. Each interposer contact bump preferably includes a metal coating and is shaped to abut a contact pad of the semiconductor package.

Abstract: A clip-on heat sink assembly includes a spring and electrically-insulating braces. The spring is shaped to fit over a heat sink and a chip carrier package and engage with the braces which support the chip carrier package. The spring holds the heat sink in place and forces the heat sink and the chip carrier package together in order to maintain good thermal contact. An alternative embodiment includes a spring with the braces attached to form one piece.