Ironwood Electronics has introduced a new high performance low profile elastomer socket for 0.5 mm pitch quad-flat no-leads (QFN) package. The SG25-QFN-2017 socket is designed for a 4 mm x 4 mm package size and operates at bandwidths up to 52 GHz with less than 1 dB of insertion loss in a ground-signal-signal-ground (GSSG) configuration.
The contact resistance is typically 20 milliohms per pin. Network analyzer reflection measurements for the G-S-S-G case were taken with all except the pins under consideration terminated into 50 Ohms. The socket is 
Source: Ironwood Electronicsmounted using supplied hardware on the target PCB with no soldering, and features an optimized footprint and clamshell lid with integrated spring loaded compression plate that applies required force for connecting the IC to the system PCB.
The socket also incorporates open top with 150 degree view for the optical chip. Overall socket thickness is less than 6 mm from PCB which is necessary for optical lens fixture to come close for activating the chip, and it has a cutout for placement of thermistor to monitor temperature of the QFN device.
The SG25-QFN-2017 sockets are constructed with high performance and low inductance elastomer contactor. The temperature range is -35° C to +125° C. The pin self inductance is 0.06 nanohenry and mutual inductance of 0.019 nanohenry. Capacitance to ground is 0.129 pF and mutual capacitance is 0.017 pF. Current capacity is 2 amps per pin.
