Abstract: A female terminal is provided with a tubular connecting tube portion, a male terminal being connected to the connecting tube portion from front, a resilient contact piece configured to resiliently contact the male terminal inserted into the connecting tube portion from a first direction, receiving portions configured to sandwich the male terminal between the resilient contact piece and the receiving portions inside the connecting tube portion, a vibration suppressing portion configured to resiliently contact the male terminal from a second direction intersecting the first direction, and a contact portion configured to sandwich the male terminal between the vibration suppressing portion and the contact portion inside the connecting tube portion. The vibration suppressing portion is provided on a wall portion constituting the connecting tube portion and includes a plurality of deflecting portions deflectable in the second direction.

Abstract: It is aimed to provide a female terminal capable of suppressing the rattling of a tab. A female terminal (10) of the present disclosure is fit to a male terminal (20) and includes a bottom wall (26), a resilient contact piece (14) and rattling suppressing portions (18). The resilient contact piece (14) is cantilevered from the bottom wall (26) and resiliently contacts the male terminal 20 by being displaced toward the bottom wall (26). The rattling suppressing portions (18) can contact the male terminal (20) when the male terminal (20) is displaced toward the bottom wall (26).

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods associated with connector design for mating with integrated circuit packages are disclosed herein. In embodiments, a connector for mating with an integrated circuit (IC) package may include a housing with a recess to receive a portion of the IC package and a contact coupled to the housing and that extends into the recess. The contact may include a main body that extends from the housing into the recess and a curved portion that extends from an end of the main body, wherein the curved portion loops back and contacts the main body. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for engaging a mounting panel of a computer device includes a bracket, as well as a lever and slider mechanism connected to the bracket. The lever and slider mechanism includes a base, a wedge slider, a lever, a geared bar, and a biasing element. The base is connected to the bracket. The wedge slider is connected to the bracket and disposed immediately below the base. Rotating the lever from a first position to a second position causes a gear to engage the geared bar, causing the geared bar to move vertically. The rotating allows movement along the contact between an angled end of the geared bar and a wedged end protrusion of the wedge slider such that the biasing element pushes the wedge slider away from the bracket and allows the wedge slider to engage an opening in a mounting panel.

Abstract: The test socket includes: a pressing body for pressing an IC package housed in a device housing portion in a direction toward a board; a lid-part main body holding the pressing body while allowing reciprocating movement in the direction toward and from the board, and to be connected to a housing-part main body; a stopper attached at an intermediate point to the lid-part main body so that the stopper is swingable, the stopper having an engaging portion 5a coming into engagement with the housing-part main body, and a proximal end portion approaching and separating from a side surface of the lid-part main body; and an insertion portion to be inserted into a gap between the proximal end portion and the side surface of the lid-part main body according to an action of the pressing body pressing the IC package in the direction toward the board.

Abstract: An electrical connector for testing an electronic package, includes an insulative housing, an insulative sliding plate mounted upon the housing and moveable horizontally along a transverse direction, and a cover up-and-down movable relative to the housing in a vertical direction. The cover forms the actuating parts to contact the rollers of the sliding plate when the cover is downwardly pressed so as to not only urge the sliding plate to move horizontally in the transverse direction but also smoothly move downwardly to a lower position where the electronic package may be loaded upon the sliding plate in a zero insertion force condition with regard to the contacts.

Abstract: A surface mount wire receptacle or connector includes an elongate flat base for surface mounting on a PCB. A cylindrical enclosure has spaced side wall portions at the upstream end of the base. A pair of resilient spring fingers extend from the side wall portions inwardly towards the axis. An actuating tab is provided on each spring finger to form cantilevers extending across the axis and beyond a cooperating spring finger and having a free end accessible to a user for application of generally opposing inwardly directed forces towards the axis to separate the free ends of the spring fingers when the actuating tabs are squeezed inwardly to release any captured wire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for securing an electrical connection formed by a mating structure including prongs of a male assembly and receptacles of a female assembly are provided. In certain embodiments, the electrical connection can be secured by frictional engagement between the plug and receptacle housings. This can be accomplished by forcing a wedge into an interface between the housings or expanding a locking element, such as an elastomeric ring, into the interface. Such locking and releasing of the secure connection can be actuated using a locking nut.

Abstract: An electrical connector system includes a receptacle connector having a housing, a contact assembly held in the housing and an insert movably received in the housing and supporting the contact assembly. The housing has a cavity and a mating end including a slot receiving a circuit card. The contact assembly is received in the cavity and includes contacts. Each contact has a base fixed in the cavity and a mating end movable relative to the base between an undeflected position and a deflected position. The insert is received in the cavity and is movable in the cavity between a forward position and a retracted position. The insert holds the mating ends of the contacts in the undeflected positions when in the forward position. The insert engages the contacts and forces the contacts to the deflected positions when in the retracted position.

Abstract: A socket assembly for a microelectronic device can include a body and a plurality of arm. The body can include a central socket configured to receive a microelectronic device therein. The plurality of arms can each be adjacent to the central socket, where each of the plurality of arms can be rotatably coupled to the body and each of the plurality of arms can be translatable relative to the body to move between an open position and a closed position. The arms can retain a microelectronic device within the central socket when the arms are in the closed position.

Abstract: A turret handler is provided. The turret handler is adapted to test an electronic element. The electronic element includes an element body and a plurality of leads. The turret handler includes a nozzle, a stage, a test block, and an abutting unit. The nozzle is adapted to hold the element body to move the electronic element. The test block is disposed on the stage. The nozzle moves the electronic element to the test block. The test block includes a coupling unit and an initiative portion. The coupling unit includes a coupling portion, a pressing portion, and an elastic structure. The elastic structure is connected to the pressing portion. The initiative portion is connected to the elastic structure.

Abstract: An IC test device includes a test circuit board and a test fixture. The fixture includes an interposer, a test socket, and a fastener. A protrusion is formed at a bottom face of the interposer, and a space is formed besides the protrusion. A plurality of first contacts is formed at the bottom of the protrusion for soldering with corresponding pads of the test circuit board. A plurality of second contacts is formed on a top face of the interposer and electrically connected to the first contacts. The socket defines a guide groove for receiving an IC. A plurality of conductors are arranged corresponding to the guide groove and extend through the test socket. Each conductor has a bottom end electrically connected to one corresponding second contact and a top end for contacting a pin of the IC. The fastener is mounted on the test socket to press the IC.

Abstract: In one example, a system for a press-fit pin converter includes a first housing coupled to a second housing to enclose a portion of a press-fit contact pin between the first housing and the second housing, where a side of the first housing provides a ball grid array (BGA) connection and a side of the second housing provides a press-fit pin connection.

Abstract: An electrical receptacle connector includes a metallic shell and one or more insertion modules. The metallic shell includes two first walls, two second walls, and several protrusions. The walls form an insertion space. The protrusions are extending toward the insertion space from the first walls, and the protrusions are integrally formed on the first walls seamlessly. The insertion module includes an insulated housing, first receptacle terminals, second receptacle terminals, and a grounding plate between the first receptacle terminals and the second receptacle terminals. When the electrical receptacle connector is mated with an electrical plug connector, the protrusions are in contact with a metallic shell of the electrical plug connector. Because the walls of the metallic shell are seamless, the connector assembly of the plug and receptacle can be waterproof.

Abstract: An electrical connector and the buckle assembly thereof. The buckle assembly includes a stiffener for receiving a socket, a load plate for pressing the chip module, and a guide frame pivoted to the stiffener. A rear end of the load plate is pivoted to the stiffener. The guide frame has an opening for receiving the chip module, and two side arms located on two opposite sides of the opening and a rear arm connected to the two side arms. Each of the side arms is provided with a sliding rail for carrying a side plate of a clamping member. The side plate is slidable along the sliding rail. The clamping member is used for fixing the chip module. A protruding portion is formed by protruding upward from the sliding rail, making the protruding portion higher than the sliding rail.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a housing formed of a fixed housing and a movable housing movable relative to the fixed housing. The connector further includes a terminal. The terminal includes a connecting portion to be connected to the electrical circuit board and a contact portion to be contacted with the mating connecting member. The terminal further includes a fixed side held portion, a movable side held portion, and an elastic portion. The connecting structure further includes a regulating portion for regulating the elastic portion from elastically deforming within a specific elastic deformation range. The elastic portion is configured to have a specific elastic deformation range. When the electrical connector is connected to the mating connecting member, the spring force is smaller than a holding force between the contact portion of the terminal and the mating connecting member in a direction that the electrical connector is pulled out.

Abstract: An electrical connector and the buckle assembly thereof. The buckle assembly includes a stiffener provided with a frame opening for receiving an insulating body of the electrical connector, and a load plate with a rear end pivoted to the stiffener. The stiffener has a reinforce rib in front of the frame opening. The reinforce rib has a raised portion protruding upward from an upper surface of the stiffener, and an extending portion is formed by horizontally extending from the raised portion. The load plate has a through hole for receiving the chip module, a receiving hole in front of the through hole, and two receiving holes behind the through hole. Each receiving hole allows a locking member to pass therethrough to fix the load plate onto the stiffener.

Abstract: An electrical connector and a clamping member thereof. The electrical connector includes an insulating body, multiple terminals fixed to the insulating body, a stiffener surrounding a periphery of the insulating body, a load plate, and a clamping member located between the load plate and the stiffener. A grasping portion protrudes forward from the clamping member. The grasping portion has two first sections provided at each of two opposite sides thereof, two second sections formed by respectively turning and extending forward from the two first sections to be close to each other, two third sections formed by respectively turning and extending forward from the two second sections, and a head formed by extending from the third sections. A distance between the two first sections is greater than a distance between the two third sections, and a width of the head is greater than the distance between the two third sections.

Abstract: A connector comprises a housing, a plurality of contacts, a slide plate, and a moving plate. The contacts are configured to make contact with a plurality of contact pads of a mating connector. The slide plate has a cam face composed of a pattern of projections and recesses and expanding in a direction intersecting with the mating direction. The moving plate expands in an overlapping manner with the slide plate and receives an action of the cam face caused by the sliding of the slide plate. The moving plate moves toward the mating connector and pushes the contacts onto the contact pads of the mating connector.

Abstract: Provided is a handler apparatus that conveys a device under test to a test socket, including: an actuator that, prior to fitting of a device holder to the test socket, fits the device holder, and adjusts a position of the device under test on the device holder; and a conveyer that conveys the device holder in which a position of the device under test has been adjusted, to fit the test socket, where the device holder includes: an inner unit to mount the device under test; an outer unit to retain the inner unit to be movable; and a release button to release a lock of movement of the inner unit, in response to being pressed from a side to which the device under test is mounted, and the actuator sets the inner unit to be movable by pressing the release button and adjusts a position of the inner unit.

Abstract: A retaining structure for a terminal fitting includes: a terminal fitting which has a cylindrical electric contact portion at a front end side and an electric wire connecting portion at a rear end side; a housing with which a cylindrical portion is integrally formed; a terminal accommodating chamber which is provided inwards of the cylindrical portion and which accommodates the terminal fitting with a moving gap left; and locking lances which are formed on a cylindrical wall portion of the cylindrical portion so as not to project from an outer circumferential surface thereof and which lock a lance locking portion of the terminal fitting which is inserted into the terminal accommodating chamber so as to retain the terminal fitting in such a way as to enable a radial movement of the terminal fitting while restricting a rearward withdrawal of the terminal fitting.

Abstract: A fixture unit assuredly fits a fixed unit including a gap portion including a first wall surface and a second wall surface opposing each other. Provided are a fixture unit and a fixture apparatus including a fitting pin fitting a gap portion of a fixed unit, the gap portion including a first wall surface and a second wall surface opposing each other, where the fitting pin includes: a fixed pin inserted to the gap portion to contact the first wall surface; a moving pin inserted to the gap portion to be pressed on the second wall surface; and a base to which the fixed pin is fixed, and the moving pin includes a bottom portion in an arc form with a center being a central axis of movement, and the bottom portion fitting slidably with respect to a concave portion provided for the base.

Abstract: Terminals (2, 502) of a device under test (DUT) are connected to corresponding contact pads or leads by a series of electrically conductive contacts. Each terminal testing connects with both a “force” contact and a “sense” contact. In one embodiment, the sense contact (770) partially or completely laterally surrounds the force contact (700). In order to increase the contact surface, the force contact, in a spring pin (700) configuration contacts the device under test terminal at that portion of the lead which is curved or angled, rather than orthogonal to the pin.

Abstract: A land-grid array die package socket is configured for low- or zero insertion-force assembly with a land-grid array die package. For zero insertion-force assembly, a motion plate applies a force on a land-grid array contact that causes a contact tip to move into protective cover while the die package is inserted into the socket. After zero insertion-force assembly, the motion plate applies a force on the land-grid array contact that causes the contact tip to deflect in a positive-Z direction until a useful contact is made at the contact tip with a land-grid array pad.

Abstract: This socket, intended primarily to be mounted at the end of a mooring cable for an anchoring system of a mobile massive element, comprises a socket body 12 having an internal cavity 14 comprising a guide chamber 34 for the mooring cable 22, an intermediate section 18 and a fastening receptacle 20 intended to receive and block the ends of the strands of the mooring cable 22, and means 30, 30? for coupling with the mobile massive element to be anchored, positioned on the socket body 12 so as to define a pivoting axis 32 of the socket body 12, which axis passes through the intermediate section 18. The use of the socket in anchoring systems, especially in the offshore environment, assures natural self-alignment thereof with the cable on which it is mounted, during the diverse movements by which the anchoring system is affected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a terminal (1), comprising at least one bus bar piece (5), at least one clamping spring (4), which is bent into a U shape and has a clamping section (6) that points at an angle in the direction of an associated bus bar piece section (5a) of the bus bar piece (5) and forms a clamping point for an electrical conductor to be connected with a free clamping end and with the bus bar piece section (5a) in order to form a spring force clamping connection (3), an insulating-material housing (2), which has at least one conductor insertion opening (7) that leads to an associated spring force clamping connection (3) and extends in a conductor insertion direction (L), and at least one operating lever (8) pivotably supported about a rotational axis (D), which operating lever interacts with at least one clamping spring (4) by means of an operating section (9) in order to open at least one clamping point of an associated spring force clamping connection (3) when the operating lever (8) is pivoted and

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a contact carrier receiving a plurality of contacts with solder balls, respectively. A socket frame has an opening formed by a number of sidewalls, the contact carrier is disposed in the opening and lower than the sidewalls. A bottom support has a thin board located below and supported the contact carrier and the socket frame, and an aperture is formed by the thin board to allow the solder balls passing through thereof. The thin board of the bottom support at least attaches with the socket frame.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for probe connector that is connected to a shaft of the probe connector, includes a door and a drive assembly for releasing or locking the probe connector by opening and closing of the door.

Abstract: A conduction check apparatus including an inspection part (4) having a main body (22) having a surface (23a), inspection pins (21) protruded from the surface (23a), a guide pin (8) provided on the surface (23a); and a protection board 6 sliding along the guide pin (8) from a first position to a second position and having a plurality of holes (28). At the first position, the protection board (6) covers a tip of each of the inspection pins (21) and, at the second position, each of the inspection pins (21) jut out from the respective one of the holes (28). The conduction check apparatus includes a connector setting part (3) relatively moving toward the inspection part (4). The protection board (6) moves between the first and the second position during the relative movement.

Abstract: One plug connecting element is mounted on its device part in a side wall of a recess. The other plug connecting element is mounted on a swivel holder. When the one device part is inserted into the other device part, the swivel initially pushes the other plug out of the way of the one device part as it is being inserted. Further insertion causes the swivel holder to move the other plug into the recess in a position to mate with the one plug.

Abstract: A connection mechanism includes a connection member including a coil spring part and made by a conductor, a holding member that is configured to hold the coil spring part in a compressed state, and a relay member that is electrically connectable to the connection member. Wherein, the relay member is sandwiched between adjacent winding wires of the coil spring part to establish electrical connection.

Abstract: An electric connection terminal includes a housing having at least one conductor insertion opening. A clamping spring is disposed in the housing. A metal part is disposed in the housing. An actuating element is disposed in the housing and has a handle configured to move the actuating element into an open position and a closed position so as to open and close the connection terminal. A labeling field identifying the connection terminal is disposed so as to be visible to a user at all times.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a connector body including a holder base and positioning members mounted in respective vertical insertion slots in the holder base, conducting terminals positioned in the holder base with respective mounting portions thereof fastened to the positioning members, press members respectively fastened to the positioning members and suspending above the conducting terminals for holding down a flexible printed circuit board on front contact portions of the conducting terminals, and a swivel cover coupled to the holder base and the press members and biasable relative to the holder base and the press member between a horizontal close position and a vertical open position.

Abstract: A socket connector for electrically connecting a PGA package comprises a base having at least one passageway therein, at least one contact received in the at least one passageway and a cover rotatably mounted on the base and having at least one through hole corresponding to the passageway. The socket connector has a simple structure.

Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure involve an internal pulse generator for administering electrotherapy via an implantable medical lead having a lead connector end on a proximal end of the lead. In addition, implementations involve testing of the medical lead at the proximal lead connector end to ensure proper placement of the lead, and an interface device for facilitating the connection of the proximal lead connector end to a testing device. The interface device may provide for one or more electrical connection points disposed on a connector sleeve. The connection points provide electrical communication between the lead connector end of the lead and one or more leads of a testing device in such a manner as to minimize potential damage to the lead connector end.

Abstract: A hand tool module having an interconnection device, which has an interface. The interconnection device has, in addition to the interface, at least one auxiliary interface, which is provided to bidirectionally exchange at least power at least with one additional hand tool module and/or a hand tool.

Abstract: An automobile entertainment system includes a video system mounted within an automobile headrest. The headrest includes a headrest body and a first downwardly extending extension arm including a passage therethrough. The video system includes a cable extending therefrom and the one cable passes through the first extension arm, wherein the cable includes a cylindrical connector shroud at a distal end thereof. The connector shroud is shaped and dimensioned to pass through the first extension arm.

Abstract: A connector includes a first terminal housing for housing a plurality of aligned first connecting terminals, a second terminal housing for housing a plurality of aligned second connecting terminals, and a connecting member for collectively fixing and electrically connecting the plurality of first connecting terminals and the plurality of second connecting terminals. The insulator includes a first insulating member that is one of two divided insulators formed by dividing the insulator, and a second insulating member that is another of the divided insulators. The two divided insulators overlap when the first terminal housing is fitted to the second terminal housing, thereby forming the insulator having a predetermined thickness. A fitting groove is formed on a facing surface of one of the first and second insulating members, and a convex portion fitting to the fitting groove is formed on a facing surface of the other.

Abstract: A multi-pole connector has a first movable or plug-in connector member (30) with a plurality of electric contacts (131) supported by a terminal strip (31). The electric contacts are arranged in a pattern. The movable member (30) is designed to be mechanically and electrically coupled to a framework (1) which includes a second stationary, spring-biased connector member (5) which has at least one terminal strip (4, 4?) with a plurality of electric contact terminals (104, 104?) thereon, in the form of islands of material arranged in the same pattern. The movable member (30) is to be inserted into a fixed slide guide (103) and the connector member (5) is urged by springs (7) to bring terminal strips (4, 4?) into an electrical connection position with movable member (30) and a rotatable shaft (106) with cam (306) is used to move the stationary member (5) away from such position, to thereby permit release of the movable member (30).

Abstract: A socket connector for receiving an IC package includes a base with a plurality of contacts received therein, an adapter mounted on the base for carrying the IC package and having a plurality of through holes, a lid mounted above the adapter and movable along a vertical direction relative to the base, and a rotatable latch driven by the lid and capable of pressing the IC package. The contacts are able to pass through the through holes and contact the IC package, respectively. A stopping member is located under the latch and capable of preventing overturn of the latch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a securing device for securing a card to a socket within a computer is provided where the card and the socket are coupled. The device includes a unitary base member comprising a foundation portion dimensioned to receive a stationary socket and an arm portion orthogonally positioned relative to the foundation. A first engaging means is formed on at least one side of the arm member. The device also includes a clasp assembly that includes an opening for slideably receiving the arm portion of the unitary base member, a recess for receiving a non-connecting end of a card, and a second engaging means for securely engaging the first engaging means. The clasp assembly secures the card to the socket with the socket received in the foundation portion and edge of the card is received in the recess.

Abstract: An electrical connector (100) electrically connects a chip of a first width. The electrical connector includes an insulative housing (2), a number of contacts (3), a connecting member (4), and an actuator (5) mounted on the insulative housing. The connecting member has a connecting region electrically connectable with the chip. The connecting region has a second width not less than the first width. The actuator is formed with a pair of first side walls (51) and a pair of restricting portions (514) respectively protruding inwardly from the pair of first side walls. The pair of restricting portions are spaced a distance substantially equal to the second width to guidingly restrict the chip in the connecting region.

Abstract: A socket adapted for electrically connecting a semiconductor package to a printed circuit board, includes a main body defining a number of contact passageways and a plurality of contacts received in the contact passageways of the main body. Each contact has a base portion, a first contacting portion and a second contacting portion upwardly extending from the base portion, and a spring arm bent from a bottom edge of the base portion. The spring arm extends substantially in a horizontal direction and is bent downwardly at a free end thereof to form a tail. The spring arm can deform to provide an elastic force for the tail to press against the printed circuit board.

Abstract: An electrical connector (100) for electrically connecting a Central Processing Unit (CPU) with a Printed Circuit Board (PCB), includes a base (2), a plurality of insulative layers (34), a plurality of contacts (4) and a plurality of cams (33). The base defines a cavity (21) and the insulative layers are stacked and received in the cavity. The insulative layers define a plurality of passageways therein. The contacts are received in the passageways of the insulative layers. The cams are rotatable around to push different insulative layers to have different degrees of movement in a predetermined direction.

Abstract: An electric connection terminal includes a housing having at least one conductor insertion opening. A clamping spring is disposed in the housing. A metal part is disposed in the housing. An actuating element is disposed in the housing and has a handle configured to move the actuating element into an open position and a closed position so as to open and close the connection terminal. A labeling field identifying the connection terminal is disposed so as to be visible to a user at all times.

Abstract: A lamp socket is disclosed for connecting an electric bulb, having a base, base contact, and bottom contact, to an electrical grid. The socket comprises (a) a clamp including a spring-loaded embracing section with a first contact, capable of passing the base through in an open position and gripping it in a closed position, and a spring-loaded dielectric retainer, having a second contact, capable of retaining the section in the open position and releasing it into the closed position upon being depressed by the base, and (b) a spring-loaded clasp, capable of expanding the section in to the open position. While the clamp is being in the closed postion, the first contact is depressed by the base contact, and the second contact is depressed by the bottom contact. The section and retainer can be made as a single whole, and spring-loaded by one spring. The socket increases safety of operation.

Abstract: A lamp assembly includes a light source, a contact base, a center contact and an outer contact. The contact base extends from a lower end to an upper end along a center axis. The upper end is interconnected with the light source and the lower end is configured to be received in a socket to mate the contact base with the socket. The center contact is disposed proximate the lower end of the contact base and is electronically coupled with the light source. The outer contact includes a ring body and an elongated contact tine. The ring body encircles the center contact proximate the lower end of the contact base. The center contact and the outer contact are mechanically and electrically coupled with the socket and electrically join the light source with an electric ground reference.

Abstract: There is disclosed a power connection apparatus which can secure connection between a power socket and a power plug and which can simplify the connecting operation properties thereof. A handle rotatably attached to the power plug having terminals includes engaging claw disengageably engaged with engagement portion of the power socket having an electrode portion, an abutment portion which abuts on the power socket, and a grip portion. The rotation of the grip portion in such a direction as to come away from the power socket is limited by the angle of the rotation of the handle in a direction in which the grip portion comes close to the power socket.

Abstract: A semiconductor package socket (1, 101) has a socket base (10, 110) including a package rest (11, 111) on which a semiconductor package (50) having gull-wing leads (52) is put, a cover member (20, 120) movably attached on the socket base, and a plurality of contacts (30, 130) each including a first contact piece (31, 131) capable of making contact, from above, with a horizontal shoulder portion of the lead, a second contact piece (32, 132) capable of making contact, laterally, with a vertical leg portion of the lead and a fixed portion, and formed to advance onto or retract from the package rest due to vertical movement of the cover member. The package rest is formed with a dam wall that allows the leads to be lied thereover, wherein the first and the second contact pieces each have an elastic deforming portion to determine a contact pressure.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a temporary electrical connection with a microelectronic component and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the apparatus can include a base, a plurality of electrical contacts coupled to the base, and a nest attached to the base. The nest includes a plurality of contact compartments aligned with peripheral leads of the microelectronic component and at least partially covering the contacts. Individual contact compartments are masked to prevent a corresponding contact from electrically contacting the peripheral leads of the microelectronic component. In one embodiment, the masked contact compartments are used as a guide zone to guide individual peripheral leads when the microelectronic component is seated at or unseated from the support surface. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the masked contact compartments are used to selectively isolate contacts, for example, from supply or ground electrical potentials.