Prototyping Sockets

Prototyping sockets are electromechanical devices that act as removable interfaces between IC (Integrated Circuit) packages and system circuit boards. The PCB sockets are used on temporary circuit boards to test the performance of electronic circuits. Prototyping sockets are either mounted onto circuit boards or attached via pins, called through-hole mounting.

What are prototyping sockets used for?

Prototyping sockets are components used during the design, testing and production phases of circuit board development. These sockets are also useful for silicon validation, thermal characterisation and burn-in application processes.

Types of prototyping sockets

The main types of prototyping sockets are:

• PGA (Pin Grid Array) and LGA (Land Grid Array) sockets, where the CPU is inserted into the socket and then closed off by a latch (handle)
• BGA (Ball Grid Array) sockets are used without soldering the IC to the PCB and have low insertion force for easy replacement or repair
• QFP (Quad Flat Package) sockets are designed to fit most semiconductor models, allowing for permanent placement on PCBs without removing the sockets after the test phase.
• DIP (Dual In-line Package) sockets are used in integrated circuits to test more than one PCB simultaneously.