Ironwood Electronics
Ironwood Electronics has been the go-to source for advanced adapters, sockets, and modules. Our adapters convert package and pitch between devices, our modules offer complete fully tested assemblies for component replacement and upgrade, and our sockets allow for complete component and assembly testing - from new silicone characterization and validation, all the way thru burn-in and high volume automated testing – always with the highest performance and lowest possible footprint in the industry. Ironwood brings a combined knowledge of hundreds of years of engineering and manufacturing expertise, all under one roof in our state of the art 25,000 sq. foot facility just outside Minneapolis, Minnesota. Combined with our recent acquisition of the Grypper socket line, our continuous new product development demonstrates our on-going commitment to both our customers and the industry we serve.
- 800-404-0204
952-229-8200 - 952-229-8201
- info@ironwoodelectronics.com
- 1335 Eagandale Court
Eagan, MN 55121
United States of America
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Chip Obsolescence Solutions
Solve component obsolescence problems with an Ironwood adapter and an alternate device. Adapters convert the pinout of an alternate device to maintain compatibility with an existing footprint – no need to redesign a new circuit board. Very often, these adapters (called Package Converters) are a simple 1:1 pin mapping from the new package to the old. Here are a few examples of package converters and how they can solve chip obsolescence issues.
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GHz Elastomer Sockets
Ironwood’s GHz BGA & QFN/MLF sockets are ideal for prototyping and testing almost any BGA or QFN device application. These ZIF sockets provide excellent signal integrity yet remain cost effective. Innovative elastomer interconnect technology that delivers low signal loss up to >40GHz and supports BGA or QFN/MLF pitches down to 0.3mm was utilized in these sockets. GHz BGA sockets are mechanically mounted over a target system’s BGA lands using mounting and alignment holes at proper locations (page 2 of the individual socket drawing shows recommended PCB layout information). These low-profile sockets are only 2.5 mm per side larger than actual IC packages (industry’s smallest footprint). They support IC devices with body sizes ranging from 55mm down to 1mm. Larger body sizes may require a backing plate. If the backside of the target PCB contains capacitors and resistors, a custom insulation plate with cavities cut for those components can be designed. This insulation plate sandwiches between the backing plate and target PCB.
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Smart Sockets
Ironwood Electronics extended its high performance socket product line with smart features. Sockets are typically rated for 2K to 500K cycles. How do we know if the sockets are used for 100K or 200K insertions? Solution is electronic chip insertion counter. Our sockets can be integrated with electronics counter into the compression mechanism of the socket lid. A push button is exposed on the compression plate. Every time a chip is compressed, push button is actuated which in turn activates the electronic circuitry inside the lid. These activations are counted by the counter IC and displayed in LCD. Let’s say a contact element is rated for 2K insertions. After 2K insertions, this contact element will be replaced by new contact element. Now, the counter has to start the counting from the beginning. To achieve this function, a reset option is included in the electronics circuitry. When reset is actuated, LCD display will go to “0”.
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Surface Mount Package Emulation
SMT Adapters
Ironwood’s SMT package emulation adapters are often called “surface mount feet” or “emulator bases”. These adapters provide access and interconnections to surface mount lands. Typically, the adapters are soldered to the target board in place of the IC device and provide a pluggable array of pins interface for sockets, probing adapters, package converters, and even board-to-board connections. These adapters are often utilized as a base for many of our probing adapter products. We constantly innovate to provide the most reliable, cost effective interfaces available. For example, many of our PLCC, QFP and SOIC emulation bases use our proprietary shaped solder techniques, replacing expensive, and often fragile, J-lead and Gull Wing leads. Shaped solder parts are easily fluxed and reflowed onto the target system. Our emulator bases can present either a male or female interface at 1.27mm or 1mm or 0.8mm pitch gold plated array pins for pluggable connection.
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Grypper
Grypper
*Package-size PCB footprint: Since the PCB footprint of Grypper is identical to or smaller than the IC package, only one PCB design is required, enabling a seamless transition from test and validation through production and reducing overall cost of test*No lid required: The package snaps directly without a lid, enabling easy probing, scoping and troubleshooting the topside of the device*Excellent signal performance: A short signal path achieves low inductance and low insertion loss, providing a nearly invisible electrical connection
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Socket Accessories (SMT Options)
The SMT adapter consists of standard high temperature FR4 with plugged via technology, eutectic SN63PB37 solder balls or SAC lead free solder balls and threaded inserts for mounting the socket. The top side of adapter has SMT pads to receive socket interconnect and the bottom side has appropriate solder balls for corresponding pitch. This FR4 adapter with balls can be soldered to the SMT pads in the target board. Then socket can be mounted to the threaded insert on the FR4 adapter.
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Custom Engineering Services
Ironwood Electronics has the largest, most experienced engineering staff in our industry. Quick turn custom solutions are our specialty, with some custom solutions available as fast as 1 week. Our engineers utilize advanced tools to design precision and quality into each product. We are dedicated to providing high quality services that meet or exceed customer requirements.
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Near Zero Footprint SMT Spring Pin Sockets
Ironwood Electronics socket is a device size or near device size footprint test socket incorporating industry standard high performance spring pins. Ironwood can design a socket to work with any type IC packages- BGA, LGA, QFN, DFN and even leaded devices where you need to fit a socket in place of your device to allow fast, easy testing and development.
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eMMC
These sockets are specifically designed for standard 153 & 169 Ball eMMC devices. Custom probing sockets also available.
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Sockets
Ironwood Electronics Sockets – Embedded gold plated wire elastomer (SG) – Stamped & Etched spring pins (SBT) – Embedded silver ball elastomer matrix (SM/SMP)– Compressible silver button in polyimide (GT/GTP)– Surface mount adapters for sockets (SF)
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Turn-key Capabilities
RoHS Compliant
Complete turn-key solution involves design service, component procurement service, component manufacturing, final assembly, X-ray/AOI service, functional/parametric testing and customized packaging.
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Grypper G35 / G40
*Package-size PCB footprint: Since the PCB footprint of Grypper is identical to the package, only one PCB design is required, enabling a seamless transition from test and validation through production and reducing overall cost of test*Low insertion force: Unique contact design reduces the insertion force required to insert and retain higher-ball-count packages safely and securely within the test socket*Oxide cutting wipe action: The contact design wipes the side of the solder ball during insertion, breaking through solder oxides ensuring a good electrical connection between contact and solder ball*Signal integrity: A short signal path achieves low inductance and low insertion loss, providing a nearly invisible electrical connection*Test socket has solder balls attached: The G40 contacts have solder balls reflowed onto the contacts to ensure reliable solder volume at the PCB to test socket solder interface.
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PLCC Clips & Socket Plugs
Ironwood’s family of clips and plugs for PLCC packages can be used for connecting PCBs together or for gaining access to signals for testing.
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DDR
These sockets are designed for standard DDR & GDDR type devices, including the newer configurations.
