Hand Test Clamp Overview

Tecknit test sockets are ideal for testing semiconductor packages in both production and laboratory environments. We offer several hand test clamp styles, tailored to individual customer testing needs. Generally speaking, the same hand test clamp styles are available for either production test sockets or laboratory test sockets. Hand test clamps designs are available for IDS failure analysis testing (e-beam probing), device characterization, system simulation, and for hand set-up of QC production test. There are two basic hand test clamp attachment styles, the Clam Shell style which is spring loaded and clamps around the perimeter of the socket base, and the Top mount style which is attached by screws to the top of the socket base. The Clam Shell style hand clamp is very user friendly and is quickly attachable and detachable to the socket base. It also requires more free area around the perimeter of the socket base because of the way it attaches. The main testing criteria for determination of the most suitable hand test socket designs are: Hand Testing Type The type of testing to be performed is instrumental for determination of the ideal test socket design. IDS testing requires a minimized socket footprint and thickness to fit within the IDS test chamber, while other testing types may require critical elements other than limited space. Testing Rate The number of devices tested per minute, hour, or day is a driving factor for the type of hand test socket to be specified. The ease of socket use during test is a key factor. Slide-Lock and Cam-Lock Hand Test Socket Styles are recommended to reduce the chance of operator fatigue, when a high number of hand insertions are undertaken. Price Generally speaking, the price of the socket base would be about the same for all sockets, assuming the same number of leads. However, the socket lid (hand clamping mechanism) price varies widely dependent upon the selected Hand Test Socket Style. The least expensive hand test clamping mechanism is a flat plate pressure pad that is mounted using four screws, each time a device is tested. The more expensive sockets, slide-lock and cam lock styles, are much more user friendly and are adjustable to varying device thickness.

Hand Test Clamp Styles

There are several versions of hand test clamps available.
Flat Plate Pressure Pad Style As stated above, the most inexspensive clamp mechanism is a flat plate pressure pad that is typically mounted using four screws, each time a device is tested. This style can be provided for both hand test only sockets, as well as production sockets. View Drawing

Slide Lock Style Available for manual hand test sockets only, the Slide-Lock style is particularly useful for device characterization and system simulation test sockets. These sockets feature a slotted pressure pad mechanism that fits over four posts in the socket and has a keyed locking slide plate. These type of sockets feature an adjustable height pressure screw, and should be used in applications where the device is only changed sporadically. View Drawing

Cam-Lock Style Our most ergonomic hand test clamp design, featuring minimum hand motions. This design is available for both hand test only sockets, as well as production sockets (top-mount), and is recommended for I/O counts up to 1000, and for high volume hand test applications. View Drawing

Standard Spring Style Our original hand test clamp design for production test sockets, allows for easy spring loaded attachment around the perimeter of the socket. Specifically designed for devices with less than 200 I/O's, this clamp uses a standard leaf spring with pressure pad for an inexspensive alternative to the high pressure version. This style can be provided for both hand test only sockets (top-mount), as well as production sockets. View Drawing

High Pressure/Clam Shell Style Our most popular hand clamp for production test sockets, allows for easy spring loaded attachment around the perimeter of the socket. Specifically designed for devices having 200 or more I/O's, this clamp is durable and offers extremely high clamping force. This style can be provided for both hand test only sockets (top-mount), as well as production sockets. View Drawing

Pivot Arm Style This top-mount only style hand clamp is designed for small packages less than .500" square. This style features a pivoting arm with latch and spring loaded pressure pad, for thin delicate devices. This style can be provided for both hand test only sockets, as well as production sockets. View Drawing