Proven Best Cost of Test: Multitest’s ECON Contactor Exceeds 4.5 mio Insertions

The customer was able to run a high-volume application with more than 100 k throughput per day at an octal-site set-p for more than 1.5 years without contactor wear-related test cell downtime. Additionally, the excellent contactor performance resulted in a 99 percent stable test yield.

The ECON® socket was launched for high-power applications of small size and small pitch devices (QFN). It also is available for SO, QFP and QFN packages with a lead pitches down to 0.25 mm.

Multitest’s proprietary coatings ensure long life spans and high first pass yields. The high first pass yields result from precise contact spring geometry and the use of a new type of plastic material that avoids thermal expansion. A high contact force of 0.45 N per spring ensures repeatable electrical behavior. Additionally, the ECON® socket is load board compatible with existing RFC sockets and third-party socket types. It also supports plunge-to-board applications in the full ambient hot-cold temperature range.

In this actual test cell setup, the overall performance also benefitted from the Multitest Plug & Yield® program. The customer used the ECON® together with the Multitest MT9928 test handler. Plug & Yield® represents the optimum harmonization of all test cell elements. Multitest now is in a unique position because the company owns, designs, and fabricates contactors, boards and test handlers.