Prototype, First SIlicon Engineering & Hand Test Sockets
Silicon bring-up, new silicon new socket. Robust, accessible, and ready for the lab.
When you are debugging first silicon or performing failure analysis, you need a socket that works as hard as you do. Our custom engineering test sockets feature ergonomic clamshell lids, window-access for laser stimulation, and ruggedized mechanics designed for thousands of manual actuations. Whether you need a simple “Open Top” for probing or a complex thermal lid, we design for the benchtop. Our applications engineers have the know how to help you isolate and eliminate bring up issues that can be caused by the unforeseen issues introduced by new socket designs.
ENGINEERING & LAB DEBUG CONFIGURATIONS
Effective failure analysis requires more than just contact—it demands accessibility. Our engineering socket architectures feature ergonomic clamshell lids, windowed openings for optical inspection, and ruggedized mechanics designed for thousands of manual actuations. Browse our primary Hand Test configurations below to find the ideal match for your lab debug, characterization, or silicon bring-up needs.
| Lid Configuration | Cycle Life (Manual) | Access / Visibility | Min Pitch | Best For Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clamshell Lid | 100k+ Actuations | Full Enclosure | 0.30 mm | General Lab Debug, Characterization, Reliability |
| Open Top | 350k+ Actuations | Max Probe Access | 0.35 mm | Oscilloscope Probing, RF Tuning, manual placement |
| Window / FA Lid | Standard | Optical Access | Custom | Laser Stimulation, Emission Microscopy, EMMI |
| Thermal Head Lid | High Compression | Heatsink Interface | 0.30 mm | Tri-Temp Testing (-55°C to +155°C) |
Overview
KEY FEATURES OF OUR HAND TEST SOLUTIONS
- Ergonomic Clamshell Design: We engineer our latches and hinges for smooth manual operation, reducing operator fatigue during repetitive hand testing.
- 2D Probing. We offer specialized lids with Top Side Probing to allow for backside substrate and package component pathways for package debug without removing the device from the socket.
- Universal Footprints: We can design sockets to match your existing PCB footprint, allowing you to swap between a high-performance RF socket and a low-cost burn-in socket without spinning a new board.
- Probe Access: Our “Open Top” and “Notched Lid” designs provide physical clearance for oscilloscope probes and tweezers, making signal debugging significantly easier.
- Interchangeable Inserts: Save budget by reusing the socket body and lid; simply swap the inner plastic insert and probe field when you move to a new device revision.
VERIFIED PERFORMANCE & RAPID DELIVERY
Custom Mechanics
Fits your board, not ours.
Tight keep-out zone? Tall adjacent components? We machine custom socket bodies in Massachusetts to navigate complex PCB topographies.
Made in USA & Singapore
Global Engineering Support
With design and manufacturing in MA and a support hub in Singapore, we support both US design teams and Asian OSAT production floors.
Rapid Prototyping
Silicon is back. Now what?
Don’t let a missing socket delay your bring-up. Our local machine shop allows us to deliver custom engineering sockets in as little as 4-5 weeks.
GET A FAST & ACCURATE QUOTE
To speed up your mechanical design and quote process, please have the following ready:
- Device Package Drawing (POD): PDF or DXF format preferred.
- Lid Style Preference: Do you need a Clamshell, Open Top, or Window Lid for optical access?
- PCB Constraints: Do you have an existing footprint or component keep-out zones?
- Test Environment: Will this be used on a benchtop (Ambient) or inside a Thermal Chamber?
Can I use a hand test socket for volume production?
Hand test sockets are designed for manual insertion (low volume). For volume production (thousands of units), we recommend our HVM / Strip Test sockets which are optimized for automated handlers and millions of cycles.
Do you support thermal forcing units (stream)?
Yes. We can design the socket lid with a specific “keep-out” zone or a direct interface to accommodate thermal stream heads or conductive heating elements.
Can I replace the probes myself?
Yes. Our engineering sockets are designed to be user-serviceable. We can provide spare probe kits and cleaning instructions to extend the life of your socket in the lab.