Ironwood Electronics has recently introduced a new high performance elastomer socket for 0.5 mm pitch BGA package. The CG25-BGA-2002 socket is designed for a 6 x 6 mm package size and operates at bandwidths up to 40 GHz with less than 1 dB of insertion loss (GSSG configuration). The contact resistance is typically 20 milliohms per pin. Network analyzer reflection measurements for the G-S-S-G case were taken with all except the pins under consideration terminated into 50 Ohms. The socket is mounted using supplied hardware on the target PCB with no soldering, and uses smallest footprint in the industry. The smallest footprint allows inductors, resistors and decoupling capacitors to be placed very close to the device for impedance tuning. The socket also incorporates an integrated compression plate inside the clamshell socket lid along with torque indicating compression screw so that IC’s can be changed out quickly and applied proper torque for compression force.

The CG25-BGA-2002 sockets are constructed with high performance and low inductance elastomer contactor. The temperature range is -35°C to +125°C. The pin self-inductance is 0.06 nH and mutual inductance of 0.019 nH. Capacitance to ground is 0.129 pF and mutual capacitance is 0.017 pF. Current capacity is 2 amps per pin.

Pricing for the CG25-BGA-2002 is $530 at quantity of one; with reduced pricing available depending on quantity required.