R & M of Socketed ICs

This study shows that sockets can be reliable enough in a relatively benign environment for the short-term. Criteria for failure-free performance include 1) operation in a controlled, non-vibration environment, 2) gold-plated, machined sockets, 3) either gold or tin-plated IC leads. Accelerated testing is required to estimate long-term reliability. Numerous federal and commercial systems use socketed integrated circuits (ICs) satisfactorily. Maintainability of circuit boards, ease of equipment upgrading, and simplifying transition from development to production are some of the advantages of sockets.