Semiconductor socket and method of replacement of its probes

摘要

A semiconductor socket is provided which includes a stage used for positioning of a semiconductor device. The semiconductor device has a plurality of external input/output terminals mounted at a bottom thereof. The semiconductor socket also has a plurality of probes used to come into contact with the plurality of external input/output terminals when the semiconductor device has been positioned, by moving the stage towards the probes. The semiconductor socket has a socket base in which a major portion of each of the probes is housed, and from which a minor portion of each of the probes projects from an upper face thereof. The upper face of the socket base faces the stage. The probes are disposed in a manner so as to be inserted in or pulled out from the upper face. The semiconductor socket has a probe retaining cap removably mounted to the upper face of the socket base, for preventing the probes from being removed. A method of replacing the probes is also proposed.