Connector for pin type integrated circuit packages

A low insertion force connector for receiving the interface pins of an integrated circuit package comprising:

• a plurality of electrical contacts, each contact comprising a longitudinal assembly of a pin-receiving cup, a spring member and a tail section, said pin-receiving cup being supported by said spring member at one extremity of the latter, and said tail section being disposed at the opposite extremity of said spring member,
• a connector body including a base having an inner and an outer planar surface, said inner surface of said base having a plurality of cavities for receiving respectively said plurality of electrical contacts, said outer surface of said base having a plurality of apertures leading into said cavities, said apertures permitting said tail section of said electrical contacts to penetrate said base and to be accessible for electrical interconnections external to said connector,
• a cover disposed on said inner surface of said base for retaining said electrical contacts in said cavities, said cover having a plurality of openings homologously arranged with respect to said cavities for permitting said interface pins to engage said pin-receiving cups, and
• means for applying a force to the outer surface of said integrated circuit package subsequent to the registration of said interface pins in said openings of said cover for causing said pins to compress the spring members of said contact elements, thereby seating said integrated circuit package in said connector and insuring adequate electrical continuity therebetween.