General & Ordering Information
What is the process for custom socket design?
The process involves sharing requirements with Globetek, who then work with Ironwood to provide a quote that includes a non-recurring engineering (NRE) fee, socket cost, and lead time. After a purchase order is processed, the design is completed in 1-2 weeks for approval, and manufacturing and shipping take 4-6 weeks from the time of design approval.
What is the delivery timeline?
Standard sockets have a delivery timeline of 3-4 weeks, while custom sockets take 6-8 weeks.
Can we speak with the Ironwood team to validate, etc?
The process is handled by Globetek in consultation with Ironwood to provide a quote and a completed design. The STEP file of the socket design is provided to the customer for final approval, and if any changes are needed, we set up a call with the Ironwood design team and the customer.
Can I return and redesign the sockets in case things don’t work out?
We provide after-sales support. However, a formal design approval process is in place for custom orders.
Do you do socket repair?
Yes. We send the socket back to Ironwood to do a failure analysis. Based on feasibility and other factors, they will either repair the socket or replace it.
Technical Specifications & Product Features
Can we get some sockets sized for the customer board design?
Yes, once you share your mechanical specifications and application requirements, we will provide a quote and lead time.
Can we use the Ironwood socket base along with an ATE tester? Can Ironwood design ATE sockets?
Yes, you can. However, a custom design may be required for specific ATE testers.
Do you have sockets for SSOP20 and TSSOP28 packages? Do you have adapters to bring the signals out?
Yes to both.
Do you have emulator bases?
Yes, we provide sockets for a variety of applications, including prototyping and system debugging, which are common uses for emulator bases.
What is the maximum ball count for Gryppers?
Typically, anything up to 600 balls is easily doable. Anything above this will involve a discussion with the Ironwood team.
If not Gryppers, what's an alternate or near-zero footprint socket available?
If not Gryppers, you can go for Epoxy mount sockets.
What should I choose if I need low mutual inductance?
Elastomer sockets are the best in terms of low mutual inductance. However, the number of cycles will be much lower than the spring pin sockets.
We want low bandwidth and also low self-inductance. What are some of the sockets for that?
It comes down to prioritization. You can choose a higher bandwidth elastomer socket, which will also give you low self-inductance, but it won’t last you as long as spring pin sockets would last. But replacement elastomers are available to use the sockets for longer.
What are epoxy mount sockets - where do they stand in comparison to other sockets?
Users can socket their BGA devices without performance loss or little board space, no mounting holes, no solder. This has an epoxy band around the perimeter. The socket is placed into position with a precision alignment tool and epoxied in place. There are special grooves on the socket wall for additional retaining strength. The contactor can be easily replaced after hundreds of cycles.
Do the Gryppers support the upcoming LPDDR6?
Ironwood Electronics is involved in the R&D of extending socket solutions to support LPDDR6. Please contact us for the latest details.
Durability & Reliability
How do we extend the durability of the sockets in general?
To significantly extend the lifespan of your sockets, focus on these key operational practices:
- Adhere to Torque Specifications: Always follow the manufacturer's recommended torque settings. Applying the correct force prevents mechanical stress on the socket, which is the leading cause of early wear.
- Maintain Pristine Cleanliness: For elastomer sockets, ensure the elastomer remains free of debris and contaminants. For Grypper sockets, stick to a strict cleaning protocol to prevent residue buildup on the contacts. Regular, proper cleaning is critical for maintaining contact integrity.
- Respect Temperature Limitations: Be mindful of the temperature cycling limitations for each type of socket technology.
What’s the protocol for extending the reliability and durability of elastomers?
Elastomer Socket Cleaning is crucial to improve the longevity of the elastomers.
Frequency:
- Light cleaning: every 25–50 cycles
- Thorough cleaning: every 100 cycles (adjust as needed)
Tools:
- Transparent tape (e.g., Scotch™ Magic™)
- For deep cleaning: stiff nylon brush, DI water + isopropyl alcohol (50/50), clean dry shop air
Light Cleaning (Tape Method):
- Remove the socket from the board.
- Wrap tape (adhesive side out) loosely around the fingertip.
- Roll over the elastomer surface – tape lifts debris without sticking to the elastomer.
- Clean both sides (remove the elastomer guide for the second side).
Thorough Cleaning:
- Remove the elastomer from the guide.
- Wet stiff nylon brush with DI water + IPA mix.
- Scrub elastomer surfaces gently.
- Blow dry with clean air and allow it to fully dry.
- Finish with a tape method to remove dust/lint.
Cautions:
- Do not submerge the elastomer or apply liquids directly—absorbs fluid and deforms.
- Ensure correct orientation when reassembling into a guide.
What’s the maintenance protocol for stamped spring pin sockets?
There are two ways you can choose from: dry and wet cleaning.
Dry Cleaning
Tools: Nylon brush, vacuum, screwdrivers, hex wrenches, gloves.
Procedure:
- Remove the socket, brush/vacuum the solder pads and probe tips.
- Rotate the socket, repeat brushing/vacuuming.
- Clean guides and reassemble.
- Always clean before storage; store in dust-free enclosures.
Cautions:
- Avoid >30 psi compressed air, solder, or heat.
- Repeated mechanical cleaning damages the plating.
- Heavy cleaning (brass brush + minimal alcohol) should be rare.
Wet Cleaning
Tools: Same as dry + ultrasonic bath, 99.5% IPA, baking oven.
Procedure:
- Disassemble the socket, place the contacts in an IPA-filled beaker.
- Ultrasonic clean (40 kHz, 22 °C, 45–60 min).
- Dry with ≤30 psi air, then bake at 65 °C for 30 min.
- Reassemble guides, springs, and contacts in correct orientation.
How do I improve the number of insertion cycles for Gryppers?
The solder balls from the ICs can leave a slight trace inside the Grypper after each use. By cleaning the Grypper after approximately every 20-25 insertions, you can prevent this buildup from affecting its performance, ensuring a longer and more reliable operational lifespan.
If we want to do extreme thermal cycling, how do we choose the right elastomer socket?
Please contact us for more information. We would request you to present all your test scenarios to us. This will enable us to help you weigh the pros and cons and help you select the optimal option.