IC Component Sockets: Applications and Challenges

An IC component socket is an electromechanical system that provides a separable connection between an electronic component and a Printed Circuit Board. IC component sockets provide many advantages in IC design, selection, assembly, test, upgrade, and maintenance, and they have found extensive application in the microelectronics industry. However, some challenges exist for their applications. Sockets introduce extra contact interfaces, degradation of which raises reliability concerns. Sockets also add extra electrical signal path and occupy additional spaces. The trends towards higher I/O and finer pitch of electronic devices put more stringent requirements on the design and application of sockets. This paper presents an overview of the application and benefits of IC component sockets as well as the challenges facing their application and future development.