Using burn-in and test sockets to address issues in product assessment,
electrical properties, and reliability testing of various devices.

BGA socket

package

The BGA socket for burn-in is to contact the BGA ball to Pin, and enable electrical connection. There are mainly two types of contact that pinch the side of ball, and sticking probe contact from the bottom of the ball.
We do provide the open top solutions that use latching mechanism to prevent the Package drop from the socket. We can also provide that Heatsink solution for both open top / clam shell sockets for heat dissipation.

Points

For burn-in sockets, it is important to select based on the usage and environment.
We introduce the key points to determine the specifications of the BGA socket for burn-in usage.

Point#1

Select either open top or clamshell based on method of setting the device.

Auto loading machine → Open top
Manual operation → Clam Shell

Point#2

Select the mounting method on the board by either focusing on contact reliability or focusing on maintainability.

Select the solder mounting method if you want to emphasize the contact reliability between the socket and the board, and select the surface mount method if you want to emphasize maintainability.

Solder mounting method / Emphasis on contact reliability
Using 2 points pinch type pin with above 0.65mm pitch. BGA sockets are relatively inexpensive because they are mainly made with molded method.

Surface mount method / Emphasis on maintainability
Using bottom contact probe with vertical movement and more effective for Package warpage. Machined pin options available that enable to support the fine / multi pitch.

Point#3

Consider the method for heat dissipation and high current solutions.

We provide the most applicable heatsink style after running heat simulation. For high current solution, we are able to suggest bypass pin options as necessary.

Issues

Since the BGA socket for burn-in require to have stable performance even in a harsh environment, it is necessary to incorporate measures to avoid troubles in advance by utilizing simulation technology. Here are some common problems you may have when using BGA sockets for burn-in and solutions to them.

Issues #1

Thermal runaway due to PKG's self-heating

Devices with high self-heating of PKG may cause thermal runaway during burn-in tests in high temperature environments. If this happens, you will not be able to perform a burn-in test.

Solutions

Utilize thermal analysis simulation and avoid it by installing the optimum heat sink!

Issues #2

The Pad and pin do not make good contact

Even though sockets and devices are elaborately designed, if the PKG warps during the burn-in test, the position of Pads will change, which causes poor contact. If it is the case, Burn-in test will not work, so it is necessary to ensure stable contact regardless of the PKG warpage.

Solutions

Select the most suitable one from 3 types of contact pin tip shapes!

Issues #3

Repeated burn-in testing reduces yield

For Au-plated contact pins, the base material of the contact pin may be exposed as the burn-in process is repeated. If this happens, the tin plating on the PKG Pad will be peeled off and transferred, and the contact between the socket (contact pin) and the device will become poor. As a result, the burn-in test will be NG and the yield with the device will decrease.

Solutions

Achieves a long life with contact pins that use ES plating!

Examples of Solutions for
BGA socket

Solutions

Lineup

MAX Grid MAX PKG O.D Socket External shape

SocketSpecificationSpecification~100pin500pin1,000pin2,000pin3,000pin5,000pin7,500pin10,000pin
Clam ShellC Socket (XXXL-LCF)0.6mm~1.27mmPK SIZE □100mm#bg#
C Socket (XXL-LCF)0.6mm~1.27mmPKG SIZE □80mm#bg#
AM Socket (L-LCF etc)0.3mm~1.27mmPKG SIZE □55mm#bg#
PS Socket0.15mm~0.65mmPKG SIZE □55mm#bg#
VC Socket1.0mm~2,601 Pin PKG SIZE □52.5mm#bg#
0.8mm~1,849 Pin PKG SIZE □35mm#bg#
Open TopAM Socket0.3mm~1.27mmPKG SIZE □33mm#bg#
AM / PS Socket0.3mm~1.27mmPKG SIZE □23mm#bg#
Pinch Contact1.0mm~1,681Pin PKG □SIZE 42.5mm#bg#
0.8mm~1,369Pin PKG □SIZE 31mm#bg#
0.65mm~1,764Pin PKG □SIZE 29mm#bg#
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bga_test

BGA Test sockets have electrical connection with PKG through contact pin and BGA balls. The contact pins used for BGA Test socket are probe pin (stamped probe) manufactured by Enplas’ original method and Capsule pin which gives stable measurement result regardless of high frequency. Because the contact pin holding part (contact unit) is removable, all contact pins are replacible by just replacing the units, or replacing a specific pin. In addition, the unit uses FR4 material, which has a cost advantage, and the target PKG size (pitch, number of pins, pin arrangement, etc.) can be changed by replacing the unit, so it can be used economically. It is possible to have it.

POINTS

For BGA Test socket, it is necessary to select the optimum specifications depending on the usage, environment, and the function of device. Here are important points in determining the specifications of BGA Test socket.

Point1

Select the most suitable probe pin according to the requirements of electrical characteristics

If high frequency characteristics are important, select capsule content pin or coaxial contact pin

Point2

Select the pin tip shape and stroke amount for a stable contact

As for the crown shaped contact pin, the more protrusions the pin tip has, the more advantageous for contact stabiliby. Therefore, 4-point protrusion is applied, which is cost-efficient too. For even more stable contact, select conical 1-point contact. Also, select a pin stroke amount according to the testing machine.

Point3

Select the material of the contact pin tip depending on the required durability

In order to improve durability or to prevent Sn from adhering to the contact pin, there are some options for the contact pin tip, carbon coating, palladium alloy or SK material. These lead to improved life and contact stability

Issues

Since BGA Test sockets need to keep stable performance even in harsh environments, it is necessary to incorporate measures to avoid troubles in advance by utilizing simulation technology. Here are common problems and solutions when using sockets for BGA Test sockets

Issues #1

Requirement for High frequency band

BGA Test sockets are often required to support high speed signal measurements. However, since the characteristics of normal contact pins do not correspond to the high frequency band, it is necessary to adopt contact pins that meet the required specifications.

Solutions

Use Capsule contact pin, which has short total length!
Use Coaxial contact pins, which is impedance-matched!

Issues #2

Requirement for durability

Durability is important because BGA Test socket is used repeatedly. Since the standard contact pin is made of Au plated beryllium copper, the plating on the pin tip is subject to wear out and Sn adhesion when used repeatedly, resulting in poor contact.

Solutions

Avoid pin wear by using palladium plating and SK material!
Avoid Sn adhesion by using carbon coating!

Examples of Solutions for
BGA socket

Solutions

Lineup

SocketPitchPin lengthOperation TemperatureLifetimeLoadLoad
Press Probe0.8mm3.4mm-55℃ ~ +120℃200,000回30gf>20GHz at -1dB / >20GHz at -10dB
4.2mm-55℃ ~ +120℃200,000回22gf17.4GHz at -1dB / 14.5GHz at -10dB
0.5mm3.45mm-55℃ ~ +125℃200,000回25gf>20GHz at -1dB / >20GHz at -10dB
Capsule Pin0.8mm1.5mm-55℃ ~ +125℃250,000回25gf>20GHz at -1dB / >20GHz at -10dB
Probe Pin0.8mm3.3mm-55℃ ~ +125℃200,000回25gf>20GHz at -1dB / >20GHz at -10dB
0.5mm3.45mm-55℃ ~ +125℃200,000回25gf>20GHz at -1dB / >20GHz at -10dB
0.4mm3.75mm-55℃ ~ +125℃1,000,000回25gf>20GHz at -1dB / >20GHz at -10dB
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