Socketing expensive IC's or holding the firmware during the debugging phase of a new design is not only advisable but for most applications mandatory. And it needs to be done at a reasonable cost!

Connector manufacturer GTK has launched what is claimed to be one of the lowest cost IC socket solutions on the market today.

The sockets offer increased reliability over the conventional stamped & formed pin sockets due to its robust contact construction. Available in 6 to 64 way ways, the sockets utilise a high quality 4 finger gold plated contact in the pin, which greatly reduces contact resistance (10mO max). Insulators are UL94V-0 with a temperature range from 55°C to +125°C with an insulation resistance rating of 10'000M O min. Profile height is 4.2mm above the PCB and they also feature an anti-wicking construction designed to reduce solder failures. All sizes between 6 to 40 way are held in stock and supplied tube packed for added protection.

These sockets are usually installed on the target PCB and allow the user to remove the package only when necessary. They can also provide an interface between the PCB and a test instrument.