44-GHz bandwidth ATE Socket handles QFN48 packages

A new QFN socket design uses high-performance elastomer capable of 44 GHz, has low inductance, high endurance, and wide temperature applications. Developed by Ironwood Electronics, the SMP-QFN-8019 socket is designed for 9.1×14-mm packages and operates at bandwidths up to 44 GHz with less than 1 dB of insertion loss. The contact resistance is typically 15 mΩ/pin. The socket connects all pins with 44 GHz bandwidth on all connections. The socket is mounted on the target PCB with no soldering and uses mechanical hardware for mounting. The socket is constructed with Torlon material with a cutout to accommodate RF traces on the top side of the PCB.

The SMP-QFN-8019 socket is constructed with high performance and low inductance elastomer contactor. The temperature range is -55 to +150°C. The pin self-inductance is 0.10 nH and mutual inductance of 0.007 nH. Capacitance to ground is 0.069 pF. Current capacity is 4 A/pin. It comes with a protective plunger matrix (a gold plated copper cylinder) that sits on top of the conductive silver columns. This plunger matrix protects the conductive silver columns from contamination due to various solder ball interfaces. A quickly replaceable plunger matrix enables minimal downtime during final production test. Silver column with plunger matrix contact is rated for more than 500K cycles.

Pricing for the SMP-QFN-8019 is $2345 each at qty 5; with reduced pricing available depending on quantity required.