DCI Announces Two New Surface Mount Test Sockets.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- Sockets target high speed (10Gb per second) and high frequency (beyond 30GHz) applications

Dimensions Consulting, Inc. (DCI) today announced a new surface mount BGA test socket for use with high speed SERDES applications beyond 10Gb/s and another test socket for CSP and QFN devices.

The socket for use with high speed SERDES applications is based on a unique pogo design to optimize the force/deflection with dual independent plungers. In 1mm pitch applications the pin has a rise time of less than 40ps and an insertion loss of 2dB at 40GHz with an inductance of 0.6nH. The pins have a radius interface to printed circuit boards to extend board life and a self cleaning DUT plunger to minimize solder contamination. A version is also available for lead (Pb) free packages.

"A double-ended plunger running beyond 40GHz is new to the market," said Nick Langston, CTO of DCI. "In contrast to what's currently available, our proprietary design means that these sockets maintain their mechanical integrity in production testing."

The new surface mount hand test socket for CSP and QFN devices can be used for frequencies beyond 30GHz and in pitches from 0.4mm to 0.65mm. It uses injection- molded lids and frames which are configurable per package and 3mm pogo pin style contacts between the board and the DUT.

"We have designed this hybrid socket with a machined bottom and molded lid, giving it a tremendous price advantage. For example, this approach could allow a $1,600 socket and lid to be sold for $600," concluded Langston.

Pricing and Availability

Available within two to three weeks from the order date, the new sockets are priced based on the number of pins required. Prices per socket are approximately $550 plus $6 per pin (U.S. pricing).

For more information about the new surface mount test sockets, contact DCI at 408-988-6800 or by email at [e-mail].

About Dimensions Consulting, Inc. (DCI)

Dimensions Consulting, Inc. (DCI) offers comprehensive interface solutions for the semiconductor test and development market. The company provides its customers with complete solutions -- from definition and design all the way through assembly and test. DCI's products and services range from high-performance ATE board design, fabrication and assembly, to test sockets, contactors, and interconnect systems. The company was formed in 1989 and acquired Liberty Research, a high performance test contactor company, in 2000. Privately held, DCI is headquartered in Santa Clara, California. For more information, please visit the company's website at http://www.dci-us.com or contact the company directly in the U.S. at 408-988-6800.