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Consistent, Reliable Contacting Under Any Test Condition

Power Management

Power Management

Test sockets for power management ICs (PMICs) play a crucial role in ensuring reliable electrical contact during testing while accommodating the thermal and power-handling requirements of these ICs.

Important Specifications

  1. Current and Voltage Rating
    • PMICs often handle high current (>10A), so sockets must have low resistance contacts to minimize power loss and heating.
    • Voltage ratings should match or exceed the IC’s operating voltage.
  2. Contact Resistance
    • Low resistance (<50 mΩ) ensures minimal voltage drop and power loss.
    • Consistency over repeated insertions is critical.
  3. Thermal Performance
    • The socket material and design should support heat dissipation to prevent thermal damage.
    • Some high-power applications require sockets with integrated cooling solutions.
  4. Pin Count and Pitch
    • Must match the IC’s footprint (e.g., BGA, QFN, LGA, or custom packages).
    • Fine-pitch designs (<0.5mm) require precision engineering to avoid signal integrity issues.
  5. Signal Integrity
    • For high-frequency PMICs, the socket should have minimal parasitic inductance and capacitance.
    • RF shielding may be necessary for noise-sensitive applications.
  6. Durability and Insertion Cycles
    • Should withstand thousands to millions of cycles, depending on usage (engineering validation vs. mass production test).
  7. Material and Contact Technology
    • Spring pins (pogo pins), elastomeric connectors, or micro-coaxial structures can be used.
    • Materials like beryllium copper or gold-plated contacts improve conductivity and longevity.

reliable electrical contact during testing

reliable electrical contact during testing

Power Management Johnstech Links

Why Johnstech for PMIC Test Sockets?

    1. High Current & Thermal Handling
      • Johnstech’s sockets are designed to handle high current loads, making them well-suited for PMIC testing.
      • They integrate advanced materials for heat dissipation, which is critical for power management ICs.
    2. Low Contact Resistance
      • Their contact technology ensures minimal resistance (~10-50mΩ), reducing voltage drop and power loss.
      • Gold-plated and beryllium copper contacts improve durability and electrical performance.
    3. Precision & Reliability
      • Designed for high-cycle applications, handling thousands to millions of insertions without degradation.
      • Provides solutions for fine-pitch packages like QFN, BGA, and LGA, commonly used in PMICs.
    4. Signal Integrity & RF Performance
      • Some PMICs operate at high frequencies, requiring minimal parasitic effects. Johnstech’s sockets minimize inductance and capacitance, ensuring signal integrity.
    5. Custom Solutions & Engineering Support
      • They offer customized test sockets to match specific package footprints and testing conditions.
      • Strong technical support helps optimize test setups for production and validation environments.

  • If you need a high-performance, durable, and thermally optimized test socket for PMICs, Johnstech is an excellent choice.

    The Johnstech HERØHC™, Test Socket is a solid choice for high-reliability, precision, and durability in PMIC production testing.Example of a HEROHC contactor with the spring pin enlarged to show detail.