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This section provides an overview for integrated circuit sockets as well as their applications and principles. Also, please take a look at the list of 21 integrated circuit socket manufacturers and their company rankings. Here are the top-ranked integrated circuit socket companies as of December, 2024: 1.TE Connectivity, 2.Robson Technologies, Inc., 3.Altronics.
Table of Contents
An IC Socket is a socket component in which the leads of an IC package are connected on the board without soldering and can be plugged and unplugged.
IC Sockets are available in a variety of shapes to suit a wide range of IC leadframes and are designed to be directly inserted and removed.
An IC is an ultra-miniaturized semiconductor element, such as a transistor, capacitor, resistor, etc., integrated into a small silicon chip. Generally, silicon chips made as ICs are connected to conductive lead frames with wires and covered with a resin mold.
IC Sockets are used to connect the leads corresponding to each terminal of IC components in resin mold packaging to the motherboard without soldering and are mainly used on boards for prototyping electronic devices.
Since the IC socket itself is soldered to the board and used as a receptacle socket for inserting and removing IC components, it is often used when there is a possibility of IC modification, such as during circuit prototyping, or when the IC is not to be soldered directly to the board. There are many examples.
For example, when a manufacturer writes data to a memory and has it delivered, and another manufacturer mounts the memory, the IC socket can be used to write the data to the memory without directly soldering the elements to the board.
IC Sockets are also often used when only the ICs need to be changed frequently and the evaluation board or system board does not need to be changed, thus reducing the working hours required for IC soldering.
The principle of IC Socket is to maintain electrical and physical contact between IC leads and contacts inside the socket without soldering. There are several methods of making contact with the IC leadframe.
In the plate spring type, the leads of IC package components are sandwiched between two plates from both sides.
The round pin method uses internal contacts to make contact with the leads of IC package components. While the leaf spring type makes contact with the IC lead with a surface, the round pin type makes contact with the IC lead at several points, which provides better retention and is advantageous against vibration and shock. However, the cost of the round pin IC Socket itself is slightly higher than that of the plate spring type.
The zero-pressure IC socket is designed to allow easy insertion and removal of ICs. The IC socket is equipped with a lever and a switch for insertion/removal, and the operation of this lever fixes or frees the IC leadframe.
Compared to the spring type or round pin type, the zero-pressure type sockets can be inserted and removed more frequently, and are often used for applications that require frequent insertion and removal, such as IC testing and ROM writers.
When soldering a zero-pressure IC Socket, the contacts are soldered in the open state. Soldering with the contacts closed may cause contact failure.
In addition to lead frame type IC packages, there are also multi-pin packages called LGA (land grid array). This type of IC package does not have leaded terminal connections, but has terminals arranged in a grid pattern on the backside of the package, and has pads in a grid pattern not only on the edges of the IC package but also on the inside surfaces.
LGA is inherently superior in its ability to handle high pin counts, and because there are no leads, it is free from the effects of parasitic inductors, making it suitable for high-frequency signals.
When backside pins are connected with sockets, the heat dissipation design is extremely important for packaged products with ICs mounted on both sides on the backside, and for power ICs that handle high currents. It is also very important to pay attention to thermal design, such as the use of a built-in heat sink for heat dissipation, etc. For high current pins, the maximum rated current must also be carefully considered to prevent the pins from melting and breaking.
*Including some distributors, etc.
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Robson Technologies, Inc. is an American manufacturer of custom test interfaces that was established in Morgan Hill, California in 1989. The company primarily produces test interfaces for the semiconductor industry, including test presses, sockets, and fixtures, as well as burn-in sockets and boards using stainless steel pogo pins. It also offers device-under-test (DUT) boards for ensuring consistency between performance and specification requirements, and curve tracing systems for DC parametric testing. The company’s products are mainly used in the semiconductor, consumer electronics, defense, and aerospace industries.
3M Company was founded in 1902 and is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota. 3M provides diversified technology services globally. 3M operates through four segments: Safety and Industrial, Transportation and Electronics, Health Care, and Consumer. The Safety and Industrial segment offerings include industrial abrasives, masking, and natural and color-coated mineral granules for shingles. The Transportation and Electronics segment offerings include ceramic solutions, light management films, and electronics assembly solutions. The Healthcare segment offerings include wound care, dentistry and orthodontia solutions, and filtration and purification systems. The Consumer segment offerings include consumer bandages, picture hanging, and stationery products.
Mill-Max Mfg. Corp., founded in 1971, and headquartered in Oyster Bay,New York, is a manufacturer of precision-machined interconnect components. The company produces both standard and application-specific interconnects. Its product range includes precision-machined contact and PCB pins, spring-loaded connectors, solder terminals, IC sockets, and board-to-board interconnects, available in SMT and through-hole configurations. The company operates under stringent quality systems like MIL-I-45208, QS9000, ISO-9001, and AS9000, ensuring adherence to industry manufacturing standards and quality.
GlobalSpec, based in NY, United States, is an online destination for engineers, delivering the single source for critical engineering content, information, insight, and community for engineers and technical professionals across multiple industries and disciplines. The company's website offers information comprised of news and analysis, products and suppliers, standards directory, and reference library – a gateway to more than 95 million engineering documents, including technical articles, reports, patents, and e-books, and more. They connect industrial marketers with their target audience of engineering and technical, professionals – generating awareness, demand and engagement opportunities at all stages of the buy cycle.
HIROSE ELECTRIC CO., LTD. (HRS) is a Japanese manufacturer specializing in electronic and electrical connectors. Founded in Tokyo in 1937, the company now has eight factories located in Japan, China, Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia, with several sales and service locations throughout the US, Europe, and Singapore. The company carries a selection of over 50,000 products, including fiber optic connectors, sealed connectors, and card edge connectors. HRS also offers advanced engineering services to cater to specific customer demands, and after-sales support to clients in the consumer electronics, automotive, and telecommunications industries.
Yamaichi Electronics Co., Ltd was founded in 1956 and is a manufacturer of test solution and connector solution products based in Ota, Tokyo, Japan. The company manufactures various products such as open top burn-in sockets, cantilever test sockets, camera module connectore, high speed transmission wiring board, and card edge sockets. The products are used in various applications such as automobiles, production sites, communications infrastructure, smartphones, and servers. The company has certified with ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards certifications.
Enplas Corporation, established in 1962 and headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is a manufacturer of Plastic Processing, Optical and Electronic, and Life Science. The company offers a wide range of products, including custom injection molded plastic, in-vitro diagnostics, thermoplastic elastomer fluid seals, bioprocessing, and PCR. It also offers microfluidic chips and flowcells, cleanroom consumables, and NGS. Its product offers complex channels with dense nanowell structures, high aspect ratios, and more. The company is ISO 14001 and IATF 16949:2016 certified. It serves various industries such as manufacturing, medical and life sciences, automotive, communication, and more.
TE Connectivity Ltd., started in 2007 and headquartered in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, is a designer and manufacturer of sensor and connectivity solutions for harsh conditions. It operates three primary segments, namely transport, industrial, and communication solutions, and its product portfolio includes automotive connectors, fiber optic connectors, analog power meters, RTD sensors, and circuit breakers. It serves customers in approximately 140 countries and several industries, including aerospace, automotive, rail, IoT connectivity, and E-mobility. The company manufactures 192 billion products annually and has invested over 610 million USD in research development and engineering.
Adafruit Industries, established in 2005, is an American manufacturer based in New York, specializing in electronics and do-it-yourself (DIY) electronics kits. The company offers a diverse array of products, including breakout and development boards, circuit playgrounds, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), robotics, computer numerical control (CNC) components, and various electronics project accessories. Adafruit also supports open-source hardware and software, hosting all of its code and hardware on GitHub, a website service for managing code and files. Adafruit also provides a range of tutorials, guides, and project ideas aimed at inspiring and educating electronics enthusiasts, makers, and hobbyists in creating interactive electronic projects.
Altronics, established in 1976 and based in Perth, Australia, is a manufacturer and supplier of electronic components & public address equipment. The company provides around 10,000 audio & electronics products in stores and online. Its product range includes electronic components and equipment, CCTV products, audio visual products, alternative energy products, and electronic project kitsets. It is also a local manufacturer of professional commercial public address and fire/evac equipment. The company provides products to consumers, government, OEMs, trade distributors, retail chains, installers and engineers with distribution centres in Perth, Sydney and Melbourne.
Seiken Co. Limited is a manufacturer based in Tokyo, Japan and produces electronic component testing devices. Seiken mainly manufactures two types of contact probes. The first is the Standard type contact probes and it's used for testing printed circuit boards and electronic components. Secondly they produce Double Plunger contact probes which is used in semiconductor testing. In the field of test fixtures they develop Flat Panel lighting inspection units. Flat Panel Display is an electronic viewing technology used in smartphones, cameras and car navigation. In addition their product range also includes semiconductor inspection devices, electronic component inspection gadgets.
TME, established in 1989 and headquartered in Łódź, Poland, is a distributor specializing in electronic and electromechanical components, measurement and instrumentation equipment, tools, accessories, and development kits. Its product range encompasses resistors, capacitors, switches, multimeters, tools, and microcontroller development kits. TME serves diverse clientele, including electronics manufacturers, hobbyists, and educational institutions. The company offers support to an array of businesses and organizations in procuring essential components and equipment for electronic projects and manufacturing needs.
Conrad Electronic International GmbH & Co. KG, founded in 1923 and based in Hirschau, Germany, is a retailer of electronics and household technology. Conrad is an authorized seller of many global brands, such as Microsoft, Apple, Samsung, Philips, Makita, Bosch, Garmin, Nikon, SanDisk, Canon, LG, Abus, Osram, Logitech, and more. The company sells more than 450000 electronics and household appliances in its stores in Germany and Austria and delivers to businesses and customers in 210 regions across the globe.
Premier Farnell Limited, established in 1939 and based in Leeds, United Kingdom, is a distributor and supplier of products for electronic system design. The company's product range includes switches, relays, enclosures, sensors, transducers, and thermal management tools. These items are crucial for system design, maintenance, and repair processes in the electrical and electronic manufacturing sector. The company serves the appliances, electrical, and electronics manufacturing industries. The company also offers product distribution, 24/7 support, prototype assistance, and production services.
MYBOTIC, a Malaysian-based organization, founded in 2014, is a supplier of educational electronic learning kits, catering to STEM, IoT, and COVID-19-related student projects. Its product range, including the Durian UNO Series, MB-54 USB Multi-Sensor Kit, STEM Project Kits, Arduino-Compatible Main Boards, and Shields for Arduino, offers comprehensive learning resources. These kits, designed for primary to tertiary education, enable students to engage in hands-on projects and STEM learning. It specializes in providing affordable electronic components and project materials.
Jaycar Electronics, founded in 1981, is an electronic product supplier with dual headquarters in Sydney, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand. The company operates 90 stores across Australia and New Zealand, offering a diverse range of electronic products, including alarm systems, cables and connectors, components and electromechanical items, as well as power and batteries. It annually publishes the Jaycar Engineering Catalogue, a valuable resource for product information. These products are used across various industries, including 3D printing, automotive, computing, communication, and security.
Electrónica Embajadores, S.L., based in Madrid, Spain, is a distributor of computer and electronic products. The company has an electronics store in Europe, offering over 30,000 products and distributing multiple brands. Its product range includes USB-C cables, heat conductive silicone paste, smartphone holders, aerosols, and drill bits, catering to various electronic applications. Some of the brands represented are 3DJake, 3M, CDIL, and Bayer. It also distributes products of Cebek, Brother, Arduino, and Philips.
Ranking as of December 2024
Derivation Method| Rank | Company | Click Share |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | TE Connectivity |
12.0%
|
| 2 | Robson Technologies, Inc. |
11.0%
|
| 3 | Altronics |
8.0%
|
| 4 | Adafruit |
7.0%
|
| 5 | Protectron Electromech Pvt Ltd |
6.0%
|
| 6 | 3M |
6.0%
|
| 7 | HIROSE ELECTRIC CO., LTD. |
6.0%
|
| 8 | Mill-Max Mfg. Corp. |
5.0%
|
| 9 | Yamaichi Electronics Co., Ltd |
5.0%
|
| 10 | GlobalSpec (C) |
4.0%
|
Derivation Method
The ranking is calculated based on the click share within the integrated circuit socket page as of December 2024. Click share is defined as the total number of clicks for all companies during the period divided by the number of clicks for each company.Number of Employees
Newly Established Company
Company with a History
*Including some distributors, etc.
*Including some distributors, etc.
| Country | Number of Companies | Share (%) |
|---|---|---|
|
United States of America
|
4 | 25.0% |
|
Japan
|
3 | 18.8% |
|
Australia
|
3 | 18.8% |
|
Poland
|
1 | 6.3% |
India
|
1 | 6.3% |
Canada
|
1 | 6.3% |
|
Germany
|
1 | 6.3% |
|
Malaysia
|
1 | 6.3% |
|
Spain
|
1 | 6.3% |
