Centipede Systems has developed an optical socket suitable for testing the current and next-generation wave of chips used in wafer-level camera modules. The initial optical socket entry, part of Centipede’s Centurion product line, is offered in a clamshell configuration for an individual integrated circuit. Currently, Centipede’s optical sockets with a grid pitch as small as 0.4mm are available.

Testing camera chips requires that the surface of the device be held accurately in the optical plane without deviation or deflection caused by contactor forces. To ensure accuracy, Centipede’s optical sockets align a datum plane on the chip’s surface to the lens or optical system with minimal stress on the chip. Initial optical sockets are for testing single camera chips, sockets for testing arrays of camera chips are under development. Centipede Systems, San Jose, CA.www.centipedesystems.com