A protected electronic component.

摘要

An electronic component (2) having interconnection wires (4) attached to contacts on its surface is mounted on an apertured support sheet (12), with the wires extending through and protruding from the apertures (8). The component may be tested electrically while mounted on the support sheet. The end portions of the wires that protrude from the support sheet are preferably severed to produce straight wires of equal length. The wires may be severed by means of an apertured auxiliary sheet (14) in surface-to-surface contact with the support sheet. The protruding end portions of the wires are inserted into the apertures (10) in the auxiliary sheet, and the support and auxiliary sheets are moved laterally relative to one another to sever the wires.