Exatron's Particle Interconnect technology (PI) provides the finest available test sites for SMDs. PI is unsurpassed for high speed or high frequency test requirements, and offers true controlled impedance, tested up to 18 GHz. For a detailed description of PI design rules, click here

PI technology begins with individually metallized diamond crystals screened at 15 microns. These diamond particles are selectively electroplated onto the substrate traces using standard photoresist process.

PI creates a "micro bed-of-nails" that makes electrical contact through penetration of oxides, rather than the traditional wiping action of standard contactors. The DUT is pressed onto the PI "bed-of-nails" which pierces the surface oxidation on the device lead and forms a gas tight seal. Typical particle penetration is approximately 5 to 10 microns. The PI interconnect has the electrical integrity of a solder joint as demonstrated with TDR data or side-by-side comparison. Contact resistance is extremely low, approximately 3 milliohms.

For ultra-high performance digital and analog test/programming the 5000 Systems feature direct dock, plunge to board interfaces for programmers and testers. Test fixtures can be built with virtually no interconnect, altogether eliminating traditional SMD test sockets, daughter boards, flex circuits and all types of adapter hardware.

There are numerous benefits to using Exatron's exclusive PI technology. Lead coplanarity is maintained with successful contact at approximately 10-12 grams/lead. In addition to signal and lead planarity integrity, PI offers an extremely long lived test environment. When properly implemented and conforming to the PI mechanical design rules, contacts last over 4 million insertions.

Exatron offers free Particle Interconnect samples to qualified parties. These sample boards are plated with 25 micron particles and are finished in gold plate. The trace lines on the board double as a gauge for determining lead pitch/width. Contact Bob Garcia at 1-800-EXATRON for more information.

Particle Interconnect is a trademark of Nanopierce Technology, Inc. Exatron holds an exclusive license to use, manufacture and sell Particle Interconnect in the field of automated test and handling of integrated circuits and a non-exclusive license to use, manufacture and sell Particle Interconnect in any other electrically-conductive application.