Exatron provides an exciting technology for making electrical contact to semiconductor devices. Diamond "Particle Interconnect" (PI) contactor sockets are ideally suited for interconnect between surface mount devices and load boards, testers, programmers and other repeat-insertion applications. With a total interconnect between DUT lead and test circuit trace of less than 0.001", PI is the only contactor method with effectively ZERO INDUCTANCE, CAPACITANCE and RESISTANCE and a lifetime of up to and over one million insertions.

Ultra High Frequency Application

A common problem encountered in high-frequency test fixtures is the impedance mis-match between the device under test and the test circuitry. This mis-match is typically caused by the use of a conventional test socket or contactor assembly. A conventional test socket has built-in resistance. Due to its physical characteristics, it forces the test circuitry to be placed a minimum distance from the device under test. All of these factors contribute to increased resistance (R), capacitance (C), and inductance (L). However, due to the superior physical characteristics of diamond Particle Interconnect (PI), and because PI contacts exhibit the same electrical characteristics as a solder connection, use of PI can effectively eliminate the impedance mis-match experienced in using conventional contactor assemblies. The typical resistance of a conventional test socket begins at approximately 30 milliohms. PI technology begins with approximately 3 milliohms of contact resistance. As a conventional test socket begins to wear out, the contact resistance begins to increase and contact resistances of over several hundred milliohms are common. By the time a conventional test socket receives 10,000 insertions, it can begin to fail in exacting test applications. The PI contact resistance is still 3 milliohms after 1,000,000 insertions on a rigid board and 100,000 insertions on a flex board.

The Exatron Particlization Line produces printed circuit boards with Diamond Particle Interconnect plated test sites. Each PCB is fabricated from Gerber data to conform to you application or we can design to your specifications. Select from a wide variety of rigid or flex substrates, from etched BeCu to exotic specialty dielectrics. Accelerated deliveries for time critical applications are available.

Diamond Particle Interconnect (PI) Replacement Contacts Exatron offers drop in replacement contacts by the sheet, up to as many as 288 interposers. Using the combination of our custom designed sockets and PI interposers, you are sure to get a reliable test. Our sockets have been tested up to 18 GHz with contact resistance of under 3 milliohms.

More Information on Contacts

Exatron PI Design Rules

Exatron holds an exclusive license to make use and sell Particle Interconnect for use in the automated handling and testing of integrated circuits. In addition, Exatron has a non-exclusive license for the use of Particle Interconnect in any other electrically-conductive application. Exatron can be the one-stop-shop for any Particle Interconnect application from prototype to production quantities.