Pin grid array zero insertion force connectors configurable for supporting large pin counts

A pin grid array sub-socket adapted for use in combination with at least a second pin grid array sub-socket to form a larger pin grid array socket, the pin grid array sub-socket comprising:

• a plurality of apertures configured to receive corresponding pins of an integrated circuit (IC);
• a plurality of contact members, each of the contact members corresponding to, but not extending into, a respective one of the apertures, the contact members being configured to movably engage with corresponding pins of the IC upon respective movement of the plurality of apertures so as to provide electrical and mechanical contact between the contact members and corresponding pins of the IC;
• and
• a cam mechanism adapted to movably engage the plurality of contact members with corresponding pins of the IC, a first side of the sub-socket comprising a mechanical lever and a second side of the sub-socket comprising a mechanical linkage adapted to mechanically engage a corresponding cam mechanism in the second pin grid array sub-socket, whereby a rotational motion of the mechanical lever for actuating the cam mechanism in the sub-socket is transferred to the cam mechanism in the second sub-socket such that the plurality of contact members in the sub-socket and in the second sub-socket move in the same direction relative to one another and electrically connect to corresponding pins of the IC substantially simultaneously.

An apparatus including at least one zero-insertion force pin grid array socket, the pin grid array socket comprised of a plurality of individually manufactured sub-socket components used in combination, each of the plurality of sub-socket components comprising:

• a plurality of apertures configured to receive corresponding pins of an integrated circuit (IC);
• and
• a plurality of contact members, each of the contact members corresponding to, but not extending into, a respective one of the apertures, the contact members being configured to movably engage with corresponding pins of the IC upon respective movement of the plurality of apertures so as to provide electrical and mechanical contact between the contact members and corresponding pins of the IC;
• wherein each of the sub-socket components in the pin grid array socket is configured to mechanically engage at least one of the other sub-socket components such that the plurality of contact members in each of the sub-socket components are capable of electrically connecting to corresponding pins of the IC substantially simultaneously.