Contactor pulling tool

Abstract

The invention relates to a contactor pulling tool. A tool (100) for pulling out a contactor assembly (700) is provided. The tool (100) includes a pusher (102) attached to a downward force assembly (106). The tool (100) includes a contactor holder (110) shaped to provide a stable base to intermittently hold a socket frame (702) in which a contactor assembly (700) is mounted such that a region of the contactor assembly (700) is exposed to the pusher (102) through an aperture (706) of the socket frame (702).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This specification relates to a tool for extracting a contactor assembly from a socket frame. Background Art

[0002] Semiconductor devices such as ICs are typically tested using test equipment. Testing presents many technical challenges to fully verify the operation of the device under test (DUT) and minimize false readings due to test conditions. For example, if the contactor assembly of the test equipment is damaged, the semiconductor device may malfunction during testing, resulting in false readings, even though the semiconductor device is operable. False readings cause serviceable devices to be rejected, increasing costs. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A first example relates to a tool for extracting a contactor assembly. The tool includes a pusher attached to a downward force assembly. The tool includes a contactor holder shaped to provide a stable base to intermittently hold a socket frame in which a contactor assembly is mounted such that an area of the contactor assembly is exposed to the pusher through a hole in the socket frame.

[0004] A second example relates to a method for extracting a contactor assembly. The method includes positioning a socket frame in which a contactor assembly is mounted on a contactor holder of a contactor extractor tool such that an area of the contactor assembly is exposed to a pusher of a downward force assembly attached to the contactor extractor tool through a hole in the socket frame. The method further includes applying a downward force on the area of the contactor assembly exposed through the hole by the pusher to force the contactor assembly out of the socket frame. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] Figure 1 Illustrate an example of a tool for extracting a contactor assembly.

[0006] Figure 2 Illustrate an example of a downward force assembly with a linear rail.

[0007] Figure 3 Illustrate an example of a linear bearing slidably mounted to a linear rail.

[0008] Figure 4 Illustrate an example of a contactor holder shaped to provide a stable base to intermittently hold a socket frame.

[0009] Figure 5 Illustrate an example of a pusher block configured to apply a downward force on a contactor assembly.

[0010] Figure 6 Describe an example socket frame.

[0011] Figure 7 Describe an example of a socket frame having a contact assembly and a tool for extracting the contact assembly from the socket frame.

[0012] Figure 8 Describe an example of the first stage of a method for extracting a contact assembly, where the socket frame is positioned on a contact holder.

[0013] Figure 9 Describe an example of the second stage of the method, where a pusher block is aligned with the area of the contact assembly as described in Figure 7 the socket.

[0014] Figure 10 Describe an example of the third stage of the method, where a downward force is applied to the area of the contact assembly as described in Figure 9 the socket.

[0015] Figure 11 Describe an example of the fourth stage of the method, where the Figure 9 pusher block as described in the socket is pushed through a hole in the socket to force the contact assembly out of the socket frame.

[0016] Figure 12 Describe an example of the fifth stage of the method, where the Figure 9 pusher block as described in the socket is retracted through a hole in the socket.

[0017] Figure 13 Describe an example of the sixth stage of the method, where the Figure 7 contact assembly as described in the socket is received by the contact holder.

[0018] Figure 14 Describe an example of the seventh stage of the method, where the Figure 7 contact assembly as described in the socket is removed from the contact holder.

[0019] Figure 15A Describe an example of misalignment of a pin block and a base plate.

[0020] Figure 15B Describe an example alignment of a pin block and a base plate.

[0021] Figure 16 Describe a flowchart of an example method for extracting a contact assembly. Detailed Description

[0022] The operation of a device under test (DUT) is tested using a tester that has mechanical and circuit interfaces for connecting an automatic test equipment (ATE) to the DUT. As an interface between the ATE and the DUT, the ATE typically has components such as a socket frame and a contactor assembly to prepare the DUT for testing and to route test and response signals to and from the DUT. For example, the DUT is placed in the socket frame, which positions the DUT in a predetermined alignment with the contactor assembly. The contactor assembly has a pin block disposed above a base plate. The pin block has a plurality of pins that provide electrical signals to input leads of the DUT. The contactor assembly then monitors the resulting electrical signals provided by the DUT on its output leads.

[0023] In some instances, the contactor assembly is periodically unplugged from the socket frame, for example, if multiple DUTs are considered faulty, an error is generated by the ATE, or as part of routine maintenance. For example, multiple DUTs being considered faulty can indicate damage to the pins of the contactor assembly. To evaluate the contactor assembly, the contactor assembly is removed from the socket frame. However, unplugging the contactor assembly from the socket frame can damage the contactor assembly and result in cracking, scratching, and / or chipping along the pin block. For example, using a lever to pry the contactor assembly out of the socket frame applies a lateral force to the contactor assembly, which in some instances misaligns the pin block and the base plate, thereby damaging the contactor assembly. Thus, attempts to evaluate the contactor assembly introduce problems and / or exacerbate existing problems in such instances.

[0024] To reduce the probability of misalignment, a tool for unplugging the contactor assembly is provided that reduces the lateral force applied to the contactor assembly. Alternatively, the tool includes: a pusher attached to a downward force assembly; and a contactor holder that provides a stable base for the socket frame for holding the contactor assembly such that an area of the contactor assembly is exposed to the pusher through a hole in the socket frame. The pusher applies a downward force on the contactor assembly exposed through the hole to unplug the contactor assembly without causing the contactor assembly to abut against the socket frame.

[0025] Figure 1An example of a tool 100 for extracting a contact assembly from a socket frame is described, which is alternatively referred to as a contact extractor (conex) tool. The tool includes a pusher 102 having a pusher block 104. The pusher 102 is slidably attached to a downward force assembly 106. The downward force assembly 106 is attached to a surface of a base structure 108. The surface of the base structure 108 extends in an XY plane. The tool 100 further includes a contact holder 110. The contact holder 110 is attached to the surface of the base structure 108 relative to the downward force assembly 106, so that the contact holder 110 receives the pusher block 104 of the pusher 102 in response to the pusher 102 being in the lowest position of the downward force assembly 106 in the z-axis.

[0026] The contact holder 110 provides a stable base to intermittently hold the socket frame in which the contact assembly is installed. The pusher 102 moves through the hole in the socket frame to apply a downward force to the area of the contact assembly exposed to the pusher 102. In response to the downward force at the top center area of the pusher 102, the contact assembly drops through the socket frame to the contact holder 110. Therefore, the contact holder 110 supports the socket frame and receives the contact assembly.

[0027] Figure 2 An example of the downward force assembly 106 in a disassembled state is illustrated having a linear rail 200 , a base portion 202 , and an overhang 204 . Figure 2 and 3 Description of the parts in different states of disassembly Figure 1 Tool 100. For simplification purposes, Figures 1 to 3 The same reference numerals are used to represent the same structures. The base portion 202 extends continuously from the base structure 108 into the overhang 204, such that the base portion 202 and the overhang 204 form a continuous first edge 206 extending in the z-direction. The base portion 202 extends from the first edge 206 to the second edge 208 in the xy plane.

[0028] The overhang 204 extends in the xy plane from the first edge 206 beyond the second edge 208 to a third edge that is offset in the xy plane from the second edge 208. The third edge includes a linear rail 200. The linear rail 200 extends in the z-axis from a low end 210 proximate the base structure 108 to a high end 212 further away from the base structure 108. The linear rail 200 includes a protrusion that extends in a linear direction along the z-direction to form a channel.

[0029] Figure 3 An example of a linear bearing 300 slidably mounted to the linear rail 200 between the lower end 210 and the upper end 212 is illustrated. Figure 1The pusher 102) is mounted to the linear bearing 300. For example, the linear bearing 300 includes an arm 302 that holds the pusher such that the pusher is removable from the downward force assembly 106. In some instances, the arm 302 may be adapted to receive different pushers, such as a first pusher and a second pusher, such that the pushers are interchangeable.

[0030] Figure 4 Describes an example of a contact holder 400 (e.g., Figure 1 the contact holder 110) of the contact holder is shaped to provide a stable base to intermittently hold the socket frame. For example, the contact holder 400 has a first sidewall 402 and a second sidewall 404 separated by a bottom plate 406 having a base width. A socket frame (not shown) is positioned to rest on top of the first sidewall 402 and the second sidewall 404 such that the socket frame is generally parallel to the bottom plate 406. Specifically, the socket frame is positioned on top of the sidewalls 402, 404 such that the contact assembly mounted in the socket frame covers the bottom plate 406. The bottom plate 406 is configured such that the base width is at least greater than the width of the contact assembly such that the contact assembly can vertically descend between the first sidewall 402 and the second sidewall 404 to the bottom plate 406. Thus, the contact holder 400 supports the socket frame and receives the removed contact assembly.

[0031] In some instances, the first sidewall 402 has a first protrusion 408 extending toward the second sidewall 404 at the bottom plate 406, and the second sidewall 404 has a second protrusion 410 extending toward the first sidewall 402 at the bottom plate 406. The first protrusion 408 and the second protrusion 410 have a protrusion side surface and a protrusion top surface. For example, the first protrusion 408 has a first protrusion side surface 412 and a first protrusion top surface 414. The first protrusion side surface 412 extends a vertical distance from the bottom plate 406 to the top surface 414 parallel to the bottom plate 406. The contact assembly received by the contact holder 400 rests on the protrusion top surfaces of the first protrusion 408 and the second protrusion 410 at the vertical distance above the bottom plate 406. In some embodiments, the contact holder is a clamp.

[0032] Figure 5 Describes an example of a pusher block 500 (e.g., Figure 1 the pusher block 104) which is configured to apply a downward force on the contact assembly via a pusher (e.g., Figure 1 the pusher 102). The pusher block 500 includes a notch 502 on the bottom side of the pusher block 500 formed by a plurality of peripheral sidewalls 504. In some instances, the width of the peripheral sidewalls 504 corresponds to the contact holder (e.g., Figure 1 the contact holder 110,Figure 4 the width of the protruding top surface of the contactor holder 400) (e.g., Figure 4 the width of the first protruding top surface 414). For example, the width of the protruding top surface of the contactor holder is approximately equal to the width of the peripheral sidewall 504 of the pusher block 500.

[0033] In some instances, different pusher blocks having different sizes (e.g., total width, height, width, etc. of the peripheral sidewall 504) correspond to different contactor assemblies. For example, a first pusher block having a first size corresponding to the first width of the peripheral sidewall 504 is used for a first contactor assembly, and a second pusher block having a second size corresponding to a different width is used for a second contactor assembly. Thus, in such a case, the pusher block 500 is replaced with a different pusher block to adapt the tool to the contactor assembly to be removed.

[0034] The downward force on the top center region of the pusher is transferred through the pusher block 500 to apply the downward force on the periphery of the contactor assembly via the peripheral sidewall 504. The notch 502 reduces the surface area of contact between the contactor assembly and the pusher block 500. Thus, the downward force from the pusher block 500 is distributed at the periphery of the contactor assembly.

[0035] Figure 6 An exemplary socket frame 600 is illustrated. The socket frame 600 is shaped to hold a plurality of contactor assemblies, the plurality of contactor assemblies including a first contactor assembly 602, a second contactor assembly 604, and a third contactor assembly 606. The socket frame 600 has a top side 608 and a bottom side 610.

[0036] The contactor assemblies 602, 604, and 606 include pin blocks covering the bottom plates such that the pin blocks are close to the top side 608 of the socket frame 600 and the bottom plates are close to the bottom side 610 of the socket frame 600. In some instances, the pin blocks are made of an insulating material, such as hardened plastic, having a plurality of through holes. The bottom plates are filled with a plurality of conductive pins for testing. The conductive pins extend from the bottom plates through the pin blocks toward the top side 608. Since the pins extend through the pin blocks from the bottom plates, the pin blocks and the bottom plates are vertically aligned in the direction from the top side 608 to the bottom side 610.

[0037] The contactor assembly 700 (e.g., Figure 6 the first contactor assembly 602, the second contactor assembly 604, and the third contactor assembly 606) is mounted in a socket frame 702 (e.g., Figure 6 the socket frame 600). The contactor assembly 700 is removed from the socket frame 702 by a tool 704 (e.g., Figure 1The tool 100) extracts. The hole 706 in the socket frame 702 exposes the area of the contactor assembly to the pusher through the hole in the socket frame 702.

[0038] Figures 8 to 14 Describe the stages of a method for extracting a contactor assembly from a socket frame. For simplicity purposes, Figures 8 to 14 The same reference numerals are used to denote the same structures.

[0039] Figure 8 Describe the first stage of a method for extracting a contactor assembly 800 from a socket frame 802 (e.g., Figure 6 the socket frame 600, Figure 7 the socket frame 702) of the contactor assembly 800 (e.g., Figure 6 the first contactor assembly 602, the second contactor assembly 604, and the third contactor assembly 606, and Figure 7 the contactor assembly 700). The operator positions the socket frame 802 in which the contactor assembly 800 is mounted on the contactor holder 804 of the tool 806 (e.g., Figure 1 the tool 100) of the contactor holder 804 (e.g., Figure 1 the contactor holder 110, Figure 4 the contactor holder 400). The socket frame 802 is positioned such that the area of the contactor assembly 800 is exposed to the pusher 808 of the downward force assembly 810 (e.g., Figure 1 the downward force assembly 106) attached to the tool 806 through the hole in the socket frame 802. Figure 1 the pusher 102). Figure 8 Contains a bounding box 9 that characterizes Figures 9 to 14 the extended area in

[0040] Figure 9 Describe the second stage of the method for extracting the contactor assembly 800. A downward force is applied to the central top area of the pusher 808 to press the pusher 808 in the z - direction and bring the pusher block 900 (e.g., Figure 1 the pusher block 104) closer to the socket frame 802. Pressing the pusher 808 causes the pusher 808 mounted on a linear bearing (e.g., Figure 3 the linear bearing 300) to move from the high end (e.g., Figure 2 the high end 212) of the linear rail (e.g., Figure 2 the linear rail 200) towards the low end (e.g., Figure 2 the low end 210) of the linear rail.

[0041] Figure 10Describes the third stage of the method for extracting the contactor assembly 800. In the third stage, the downward force on the central region of the top side of the pusher 808 causes the pusher 808 to apply the downward force on the contactor assembly 800 exposed through the hole (e.g., Figure 7 hole 706) in the socket frame 802. The pusher block 900 is shaped to pass through the hole in the socket frame 802 to contact the contactor assembly 800.

[0042] The downward force applied to the pusher 808 is transferred to the contactor assembly 800 through the pusher block 900. In some instances, the pusher block 900 applies the downward force on the periphery of the contactor assembly 800 located in the hole via the peripheral sidewall (e.g., Figure 5 peripheral sidewall 504). The socket frame 802 has a top side (e.g., Figure 6 top side 608) and a bottom side (e.g., Figure 6 bottom side 610). The pusher block 900 extends through the top side into the hole. The pin block of the contactor assembly 800 is adjacent to the top side of the socket frame 802. The pin block covers the bottom plate adjacent to the bottom side of the socket frame 802. Compared with the traditional method, by applying the downward force on the periphery of the contactor assembly 800, the force transferred to the pin block of the contactor assembly 800 by the pusher block 900 is distributed in a controlled manner rather than being distributed to a single point or area.

[0043] Figure 11 Describes the fourth stage of the method for extracting the contactor assembly 800. The application of the downward force causes the contactor assembly 800 to be removed from the socket frame 802. For example, the contactor assembly 800 is pushed through the bottom side of the socket frame 802 and received by the contactor holder 804.

[0044] Figure 12 Describes the fifth stage of the method for extracting the contactor assembly 800. The pusher 808 retracts in the z direction to move the pusher block 900 away from the socket frame 802. Retracting the pusher 808 causes the pusher 808 mounted on the linear bearing to move from the low end of the linear rail towards the high end of the linear rail. Thus, the pusher block 900 exits the hole through the top side of the socket frame 802.

[0045] The downward force causes the contactor assembly 800 to descend through the socket frame 802 and into the contactor holder 804. For example, the contactor assembly descends to rest on the bottom plate (e.g., Figure 4 bottom plate 406) or to rest at a vertical distance above the bottom plate on the protrusion top surface of the first protrusion (e.g., Figure 4 first protrusion 408) and the second protrusion (e.g., Figure 4On the top surface of the protrusion of the second protrusion 410). By resting on the top surface of the first protrusion and the top surface of the protrusion of the second protrusion, the contact with the bottom plate of the contactor assembly 800 is reduced.

[0046] Figure 13 Describe the sixth stage of the method of extracting the contactor assembly 800. In the sixth stage, the pusher 808 is moved to a position above the socket frame 802, such as the high end of the linear rail.

[0047] Figure 14 Describe the seventh stage of the method of extracting the contactor assembly 800. In the seventh stage, the operator removes the contactor assembly 800 from the contactor holder 804. Since the contactor assembly 800 is extracted from the socket frame 802 by applying a downward force at the contactor assembly 800, the components of the contactor assembly 800 remain vertically aligned.

[0048] Figure 15A Describe an example of misalignment of the pin block and the bottom plate. The pin block is mounted on the socket frame and has through holes aligned with the through holes of the bottom plate. The bottom plate includes a socket having pads for testing an IC (integrated circuit) package. The misaligned contactor assembly 1500 includes a misaligned pin block 1502 covering the misaligned bottom plate 1504. The misaligned pin block 1502 is laterally displaced laterally offset 1506 with respect to the misaligned bottom plate 1504, such that the side walls of the misaligned contactor assembly 1500 are discontinuous. In some examples, the lateral offset 1506 is caused by attempting to extract the misaligned contactor assembly 1500. For example, in some examples, the lateral offset 1506 is caused by applying a lever against the socket frame at the misaligned bottom plate 1504, such that a lateral force is applied to the misaligned bottom plate 1504 rather than the misaligned pin block 1502.

[0049] Pins including a first pin 1508, a second pin 1510, a third pin 1512, and a fourth pin 1514 are located in a misaligned base plate 1504 and extend through a first through hole 1516, a second through hole 1518, a third through hole 1520, and a fourth through hole 1522 in the misaligned pin block 1502, respectively. The pins 1508 to 1514 provide electrical connections to the pads of the misaligned base plate 1504 and a printed circuit board (PCB). Due to the lateral offset 1506, the pins 1508 to 1514 are forced out of alignment and bend at the interface between the misaligned pin block 1502 and the misaligned base plate 1504. In some instances, the bending in the pins 1508 to 1514 is greater at one side of the misaligned contact assembly 1500. For example, if the lateral offset 1506 is caused by applying a lever, the pins 1508 to 1514 close to the side wall where the lever is applied have greater bending than the pins away from the side wall where the lever is applied. For example, the fourth pin 1514 has greater bending than the first pin 1508. The greater the bending in the pins 1508 to 1514, the more likely the pins 1508 to 1514 are to suffer a discontinuous failure, such that the pins 1508 to 1514 cannot conduct electricity.

[0050] In addition, because the bending in the pins causes the pins to travel a lateral length, the vertical length of the pins is reduced by a distance corresponding to the lateral length. Therefore, the pins 1508 - 1514 may not have sufficient vertical length to extend through the through holes 1516 to 1522. For example, the first pin 1508 with less bending extends through the first through hole 1516, while the fourth pin 1514 cannot extend through the fourth through hole 1522. Pins that do not extend through the through holes cannot provide electrical connections to the pads of the misaligned base plate 1504 and the PCB.

[0051] Conversely, a contact extractor tool (e.g., Figure 1 tool 100 of Figure 8 , Figure 15B tool 806 of Figure 6 ) does not apply a lateral force to the contact assembly. For example, as shown in Figure 7 , the contact extractor tool extracts the aligned contact assembly 1550 (e.g., Figure 8 the first contact assembly 602, the second contact assembly 604, and the third contact assembly 606 of , Figure 6 the contact assembly 700 of Figure 7 , and Figure 8 the contact assembly 800 of ) by applying a downward force. Therefore, extraction does not cause the aligned contact assembly 1550 to become misaligned.

[0052] The aligned contact assembly 1550 includes an aligned pin block 1552 covering the aligned base plate 1554. The aligned pin block 1552 is overlaid on the aligned base plate 1554 such that the side walls of the aligned contact assembly 1550 are continuous. Pins including a fifth pin 1556, a sixth pin 1558, a seventh pin 1560, and an eighth pin 1562 are located in the aligned base plate 1554 and extend through a fifth through hole 1564, a sixth through hole 1566, a seventh through hole 1568, and an eighth through hole 1570 in the aligned pin block 1552, respectively. Thus, the pins 1564 to 1570 provide electrical connections to the pads of the aligned base plate 1554 and the PCB.

[0053] Figure 16 An example method 1600 for extracting a contact assembly is described. At block 1602, a socket frame (e.g., Figure 6 the first contact assembly 602, the second contact assembly 604, and the third contact assembly 606 of Figure 7 the contact assembly 700 of Figure 8 the contact assembly 800 of Figure 7 the socket frame 702 of Figure 8 the socket frame 802 of Figure 1 the tool 100 of Figure 8 the tool 806 of Figure 1 the contact holder 110 of Figure 8 the contact holder 804 of Figure 7 in which the contact assembly is mounted) is located on a contact holder (e.g., Figure 1 the downward force assembly 106 of Figure 8 the downward force assembly 810 of Figure 1 the pusher 102 of Figure 8 the pusher 808 of Figure 8 attached to the contact extractor tool, as shown in the first stage of

[0054] At block 1604, a downward force is applied to the area of the contact assembly, as shown in the second stage of Figure 9 and the third stage of Figure 10 For example, a downward force on the central area of the top side of the pusher causes the pusher to apply the downward force to the contact assembly exposed through the hole.

[0055] At block 1606, the contact assembly is removed from the contact holder, as shown in Figure 11as shown in the fourth stage of. For example, the contactor assembly descends through the socket frame and into the contactor holder.

[0056] In some instances, the socket frame is shaped to hold multiple contactor assemblies. At block 1608, it is determined whether each of the multiple contactor assemblies has been withdrawn from the socket frame. For example, if the socket frame contains a first contactor assembly (e.g., Figure 6 the first contactor assembly 602 of), a second contactor assembly (e.g., Figure 6 the second contactor assembly 604 of), and a third contactor assembly (e.g., Figure 6 the third contactor assembly 606 of) and the first contactor assembly has been withdrawn, then the second and third contactor assemblies remain in the socket frame. Thus, if the determination at block 1608 is negative (e.g., no), it is indicated that not all contactor assemblies have been removed from the socket frame, and method 1600 returns to block 1602. Returning to block 1602, the socket frame is positioned such that the next contactor assembly, e.g., the second contactor assembly, is above the contactor holder, exposing the area of the second contactor assembly to the pusher.

[0057] Conversely, if at block 1608 the determination is positive (e.g., yes), it is indicated that all contactor assemblies have been removed from the socket frame, and method 1600 proceeds to block 1610. At block 1610, it is determined whether the pusher containing the pusher block (e.g., Figure 1 the pusher block 104 of, Figure 5 the pusher block 500 of, Figure 9 the pusher block 900 of) should be changed. If the determination at block 1610 is negative (e.g., no), then the pusher does not need to be changed, and method 1600 proceeds to block 1612.

[0058] At block 1612, it is determined whether an additional contactor assembly installed in an additional socket frame is withdrawn using a tool. If the determination at block 1612 is positive (e.g., yes), then there is an additional contactor assembly in the additional socket frame, and method 1600 returns to block 1602. Returning to block 1602, the additional socket frame is positioned such that the additional contactor assembly is above the contactor holder, exposing the area of the additional contactor assembly to the pusher. In this way, the positioning and application of the downward force are repeated for the additional contactor assembly of the additional socket frame. Conversely, if the determination at block 1612 is negative (e.g., no), it is indicated that there is no additional socket frame, and method 1600 proceeds to block 1614, where method 1600 ends.

[0059] Return to block 1610. If the determination at block 1610 is affirmative (e.g., yes), indicating that the pusher needs to be changed, method 1600 proceeds to block 1616. At block 1616, remove the pusher. For example, the pusher is a first pusher having a first size. Removing the first pusher includes removing the first pusher from an arm (e.g., Figure 3 the arm 302 of Figure 3 ), which is mounted on a linear bearing (e.g., Figure 3 the linear bearing 300 of

[0060] the downward force assembly 106). Additionally or alternatively, removing the first pusher includes removing a first pusher block from the first pusher.

[0060] At block 1618, attach the next pusher. For example, the next pusher is a second pusher having a second size different from the first size. The second pusher is attached to the tool. For example, a pusher block is attached to the pusher and / or the pusher is attached to an arm mounted on a linear bearing. Method 1600 proceeds from block 1618 to block 1612.

[0061] In this way, the tool extracts the contact assembly mounted in the socket frame by applying a downward force to the contact assembly with the pusher. The contact assembly is exposed to the pusher through a hole in the socket frame. The pusher applies a downward force on the contact assembly exposed through the hole to extract the contact assembly without pressing the contact assembly against the socket frame.

[0062] In this specification, unless otherwise specified, "about", "substantially", or "generally" before a parameter means within + / - 10% of the stated parameter. Within the scope of the claims, modifications to the described examples are possible and other embodiments are possible.

Claims

1. A tool for extracting a contactor assembly, comprising: A pusher attached to a downward force assembly; And A contactor holder shaped to provide a stable base for intermittently holding a socket frame in which the contactor assembly is mounted, such that an area of the contactor assembly is exposed to the pusher through a hole in the socket frame.

2. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the pusher is shaped to pass through the hole in the socket frame.

3. The tool according to claim 2, wherein a downward force on a central region of the top side of the pusher causes the pusher to apply a downward force on the contactor assembly exposed through the hole.

4. The tool according to claim 3, wherein the pusher includes a notch on the bottom side, and the downward force on the central region of the top side of the pusher causes the pusher to apply the downward force on the periphery of the contactor assembly located in the hole.

5. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the downward force assembly includes: A linear rail having a protrusion extending in a linear direction; A linear bearing having a channel for the protrusion of the linear rail; And An arm holding the pusher, wherein the arm is mounted on the linear bearing.

6. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the contactor assembly includes: A bottom plate including a socket having pads for testing an integrated circuit IC package, the bottom plate having through holes; And A pin block mounted on the socket frame, wherein the pin block has through holes aligned with the through holes of the bottom plate.

7. The tool according to claim 6, wherein the pin block of the contactor assembly includes pins for providing electrical connections to the pads of the bottom plate and a printed circuit board PCB.

8. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the socket frame is shaped to hold a plurality of contactor assemblies.

9. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the contactor holder is a clamp.

10. The tool according to claim 1, wherein the pusher is detachable from the downward force assembly.

11. A method for extracting a contactor assembly, the method comprising: Positioning a socket frame in which the contactor assembly is mounted on a contactor holder of a contactor extractor tool such that an area of the contactor assembly is exposed to a pusher of a downward force assembly attached to the contactor extractor tool through a hole in the socket frame; And Applying a downward force by the pusher on the area of the contactor assembly exposed through the hole to force the contactor assembly out of the socket frame.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the pusher is shaped to pass through the hole.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising applying a downward force on a top central region of the pusher to cause the pusher to apply the downward force on the contactor assembly exposed through the hole.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the pusher includes a notch on the bottom side, and the downward force on the top center region of the pusher causes the pusher to apply the downward force on the periphery of the contactor assembly located in the hole.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the downward force assembly includes: a linear rail having a protrusion extending in a linear direction; a linear bearing having a channel for the protrusion of the linear rail; and an arm that holds the pusher, wherein the arm is mounted on the linear bearing.

16. The method according to claim 11, wherein the contactor assembly includes: a bottom plate including a socket having pads for testing an integrated circuit IC package, the bottom plate having a through hole; and a pin block mounted on the socket frame, wherein the pin block has a through hole aligned with the through hole of the bottom plate.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the pin block of the contactor assembly includes pins for providing electrical connections to the pads of the bottom plate and a printed circuit board PCB.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein the socket frame is shaped to hold a plurality of contactor assemblies, and the positioning and application are repeated for the plurality of contactor assemblies.

19. The method according to claim 11, wherein the pusher is a first pusher having a first size, and the method further includes: removing the first pusher from the downward force assembly; and attaching a second pusher having a second size different from the first size to the downward force assembly.

20. The method according to claim 11, wherein the contactor holder is a clamp.

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