Maintenance & Inspection - Johnstech

Verticon100 BGA 

Maintenance 

& Inspection 

Guide 

Verticon100 BGA Series 

PRODUCTION TEST CONTACTORS 

Your Contact For Higher Performance 

www.johnstech.com 

©2010 Johnstech International Corporation 

All rights reserved. 

1


About Johnstech 

Since 1992, Johnstech International Corporation, 

headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, has been a 

leading provider of interconnect solutions for 

semiconductor manufacturers who want higher 

first-pass yields and lower overall cost of test. 

Johnstech’s high performance Test Contactors are 

available in Ball, Pad, Leaded and Edge packages 

and are based on patented technology that 

provides superior electrical and mechanical performance. 

Johnstech also partners with Handler, 

Tester and Load Board manufacturers to ensure 

appropriate interfaces. With offices in the United 

States and Singapore; Field Service offices in 

California, Singapore; and representation in the 

U.S., China, Israel, Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia 

(Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand), 

Taiwan, India, and Europe. Johnstech is proud to 

provide worldwide service and support. 

(Please refer to the back cover for addresses and 

phone numbers or go to our website at www. 

johnstech.com.) 




2

Table of Contents 


Standard Product Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 

Contactor Component Information . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 

Contactor Identification Information ...........6 

Contactor Verification Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 

Recommended Tools. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 

Cleaning and Maintenance Frequency . . . . . . . . . 9 

Pre-Maintenance Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . .10-11 

Load Board & Contactor Inspection . . . . . . . . . . .12 

Load Board Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 

Contactor Inspection. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 

Housing, Cartridge & Contact Inspection ......13 

Housing Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 

Cartridge Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 

Contact Inspection ................................... 13 

Oxide Buildup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 

Contactor Removal & Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . .14 

Cartridge Removal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 

Cartridge Install ...........................16-17 

Contactor Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 

For questions about anything contained in 

this Maintenance & Inspection Guide, 

contact your local Johnstech representative. 

If you are experiencing a technical problem 

or issue, fill out the online Tech Help Form at: 

www.johnstech.com/support 

(All forms will be responded to within two business days.) 

OR contact the nearest Field Service Office. 

(Turn to the back cover for addresses/phone numbers.) 




3


Standard Product Information 

Electrical Specifications 

(Measured using configuration for SAC 305 packages) 

Electrical Length:. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.95 mm 

Inductance: ................................................Self: 0.32 nH 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mutual: 0.068 nH 

Capacitance: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ...Ground: 0.059 pF 

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Mutual: 0.012 pF 

S21 Insertion Loss (G-S-G): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -1 dB @ 33.7 GHz 

S11 Return Loss (G-S-G): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -20 dB @ 25.1 GHz 

S41 Crosstalk (G-S-S-G): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -20 dB @ 33.5 GHz 

Average Contact DC Resistance:. . . . . . . . . . .....2,000,000 

Mechanical Compliance: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .........0.37 mm 

Electrical Compliance (operating range).

Contactor Components 


Methodology 

Contactor Components 

Device 

Under Test 

Upper 

Contact 

Elastomeric 

Laminate 

Lower 

Contact 

Load 

Board 

Methodology 

The Johnstech Verticon 

Contactor is designed to be 

fully compressed by pushing 

the device under test to a 

force (nominally 35 grams per 

ball). If the handler cannot 

push to a force, then the 

Contactor should be compressed 

to 0.95 mm. As the 

device is pushed against the 

Contactor, the device ball 

is wiped to break through 

debris that might be present 

on the ball. This results in 

better electrical measurements 

and longer intervals 

before cleaning is required. 

Electrical signals are carried 

by the Contactor contacts 

from the device under test to 

the load board. 

The Johnstech Verticon 

Contactor has three field 

replaceable components that 

comprise the Contactor assembly: 

Fully-Assembled Contactor 

(top view) 

Housing with no 

Cartridge (bottom view) 

• 

• 

• 

Housing 

Alignment Plate 

Cartridge (contacts + 

elastomeric laminate) 

A manual actuator is available 

for short run testing and 

characterization. 

Housing and Cartridge 

(bottom view) 

Z Axis Manual Actuator (ZMA) 

Bolt-down style for ball counts 

81-2704 

DL-VCMA 

Clamp-on style for 

ball counts of 0-100 




5


Identification 

Each Johnstech Contactor 

will have as much information 

as space allows. The 

identification system is designed 

to provide you with 

the technical information 

you need to identify the 

Contactor and its Design 

Data Sheet (example shown 

on the facing page). 

Contactor Identification 

Sample Contactor, Load Board Side Up 

9. Device Body 1. Manufacturer 6. Assembly 7. Device 8. Device 

Size (mm) Type Count Type 

5. Design Number 

10. Pitch (mm) 

3. Manufacturing 

Date Code 

Here is how to read the 

different data fields on the 

Contactors: 

1. JTI identifies Johnstech 

International as 

the manufacturer 

2. Serial Number 

3. Manufacturing Date 

Code (see tables at right) 

4. Perimeter Contact Width 

(in inches) 

5. Design Number 

For Custom Orders: 

1234-YYZZ 

YY = Contactor 

Technology Code 

02 = ROL200 

K2 = Kelvin 

ZZ = Configuration 

(or design iteration) 

Number 

For SelecTest® Order: 

6XXX-8XXXXX 

6XXX = Design Number 

8XXXXX = Configuration 

Number 

6. Assembly Type 

TS: Test Socket 

MA: Manual Actuator 

7. Device Perimeter Pad 

Count 

8. Device Type 

9. Device Body Size (mm) 

10. Device Ball Pitch (mm) 

11. Part Number (will appear 

only if Contactor is 

a SelecTest® order) 




6 

Date Code Reference 

Week 

Week 

Letter Number Letter Number 

A 1 AA 27 

B 2 AB 28 

C 3 AC 29 

D 4 AD 30 

E 5 AE 31 

F 6 AF 32 

G 7 AG 33 

H 8 AH 34 

I 9 AI 35 

J 10 AJ 36 

K 11 AK 37 

L 12 AL 38 

M 13 AM 39 

N 14 AN 40 

O 15 AO 41 

P 16 AP 42 

Q 17 AQ 43 

R 18 AR 44 

S 19 AS 45 

T 20 AT 46 

U 21 AU 47 

V 22 AV 48 

W 23 AW 49 

X 24 AX 50 

Y 25 AY 51 

Z 26 AZ 52 

Date Code Examples: 

SN123456BK B = Week 2 K = 2001 

SN654321AAN AA = Week 27 N = 2004 

11. Part Number 

2. Serial Number 

4. Perimeter 

Contact Width 

Letter 

Year 

A 1991 

B 1992 

C 1993 

D 1994 

E 1995 

F 1996 

G 1997 

H 1998 

I 1999 

J 2000 

K 2001 

L 2002 

M 2003 

N 2004 

O 2005 

P 2006 

Q 2007 

R 2008 

S 2009 

T 2010 

U 2011 

V 2012

Contactor Configuration Verification 


Verify the Alignment Plate 

Part #: xxxxxx 

Check the part number (in red box) against Design Data 

Sheet (below) to ensure it is correct. 

Example of Design Data Sheet 

Design Data Sheet 

The Design Data Sheet 

contains Contactor 

specifications on load board 

layout, contact compressed 

height, alignment plate 

opening size, and other 

information necessary for 

setup and troubleshooting. 

Refer to it to verify you are 

using the correct: 

· Alignment plate 

· Load board layout 

Alignment Plate 

Verification 

Refer to the Design Data 

Sheet to ensure the proper 

alignment plate is being 

used. Different package 

vendors and handlers 

require different alignment 

plates. The Design Data 

Sheet will specify the 

correct alignment plate for 

specific applications, as well 

as any special engraving to 

assist with identification. 

The Design Data Sheet may be a multiple-page document. 

Make sure the Part Numbers (in the red boxes) match up. 




7


Recommended Tools 

Screwdriver with Allen-Head Bits— for fastening the 

Contactor to the load board 

30X+ Eye Loupe— for magnified inspection of Contactor and 

contacts 

Elastomer Tool— for use in other Johnstech Contactors as 

well as prying alignment plate from Contactor. Used in installing 

cartridge in BGA product. 

Recommended tools 

(in order at right) 

Fine-Tip Non-Metallic Tweezers— for handling contacts, 

elastomers, and cartridges. 

Craft Knife 

Micro Scissors 

Probe Tool 

Fiberglass Brush and Replacement Tips— recommended 

for cleaning the contacts (If fiberglass brushes are not allowed 

on the test floor, although not optimum, nylon brushes can be 

substituted.) 

EXTRAS: 

Finger Cots— recommended to prevent contaminating Contactor 

components with skin oils. 

Protective Eyewear— recommended to protect technicians 

from test floor/Contactor components, compressed air and 

other chemicals. 

Johnstech Maintenance & Inspection Kit 

CAUTION: Avoid touching 

the device- and load 

board-interface surfaces 

of the contacts with 

metal tools. Scratches 

on these areas may 

degrade performance. 

Johnstech Maintenance & Inspection Kit contains many of the 

tools needed for maintenance and inspection and are designed 

especially for Johnstech high performance Contactors. Contact 

your Johnstech representative for more information. 




8 

Maintenance Kit Part Numbers — 

with torque screwdriver: 706449 

without torque screwdriver: 706448

Cleaning & Maintenance Frequency 


Determining Frequency 

Due to a wide range of variables (like those listed below), 

each test floor must determine their optimal cleaning and 

maintenance intervals through effective use of statistical 

process control. By carefully monitoring and recording 

yield rates and following good test floor troubleshooting 

procedures, you will be able to clearly differentiate between 

interface vs. maintenance problems and an effective 

maintenance cleaning cycle can be established to match 

the needs of each test floor. Contact your Johnstech 

representative or field service staff for further information or 

help. 

Handler Design and Setup 

Handlers have a variety of test plane configurations, 

device transportation methods, plunge mechanisms, and 

accessories. Each handler has its own unique attributes. 

Handler set-ups that are not optimized can increase 

the required maintenance frequency by contributing to 

premature Contactor wear and debris build-up on the 

contacts. By working with Johnstech and your handler 

supplier, you can optimize handler performance to minimize 

downtime. 

Correct Contact Compressed Height 

Johnstech Verticon 100 BGA Contactors are designed to be 

compressed to a nominal height of 0.95 mm above the top 

plane of the load board. To accommodate variation in package 

thickness, the handler should be programmed to push to a 

force of 35 grams per ball (at ambient temperature) or use a 

compliant chuck. 

Package and Device Plating Variations 

Variations in packages can affect your maintenance schedule. 

Different package vendors, or even different device lots, may 

have varying amounts of mold flash that can increase wear 

on the Contactor and alter device placement. Also, the device 

plating can vary the rate of debris build-up, and therefore vary 

the maintenance interval. 

Contaminants 

Accumulation of contaminants on the contactor and/or load 

board (such as debris and mold flash) may contribute to 

continuity and/or parametric failures during the test process. 

General Test Floor Maintenance Activities 

The frequency of handler maintenance procedures also affects 

Contactor cleaning. For example, how often the handler and 

handler test areas are blown free and/or vacuumed of debris 

impacts the effectiveness of the Contactor. Contactors 

exposed to increased levels of foreign debris are likely to 

require more frequent maintenance and cleaning. 




9


Pre-Maintenance Troubleshooting 

If experiencing 

problems in automated 

test, first answer these 

2 questions: 

1) Does the test 

Contactor work when 

manually testing with 

the manual actuator? 

2) Do the witness 

marks from the manual 

actuator test look the 

same as those from the 

automated test? 

If the answer to both 

questions is YES, then 

your test problem is 

probably caused by 

some variable other 

than your Johnstech 

Contactor. 

If the answer to either 

question is NO, then 

read through the 

checklists on these 

2 pages, under the 

problem (in red) that 

you are experiencing. 

If this application has 

run well previously 

but is now failing, 

the troubleshooting 

must determine what 

has changed. If this 

is a new application, 

troubleshooting must 

examine the original 

design. 

This pre-maintenance troubleshooting section is 

designed to help you determine which part of your 

Johnstech Contactor may need to be inspected and/ 

or serviced to address a particular test problem. This 

section doesn’t cover test floor, handler, device, or any 

other variables that might need to be contributing to 

your test problem. If you still experience problems 

after following the maintenance instructions herein, 

contact your local Johnstech representative or fillout 

our online Contact Technical Support form at: 

www.johnstech.com/support 

Experiencing Yield Fall-Off? 

There are many reasons you may be experiencing yield falloff 

but it can frequently be attributed to either parametric or 

continuity failures. 

Parametric Failures are typically due to increased contact 

resistance which can be caused by: 

· Dirty Contacts (Page 13, Figure 5) 

Clean contacts per instructions on Page 18. 

· Worn or Damaged Cartridge (Page 13) 

Reinstall new cartridge per instructions on Page 16. 

· Excessive Load Board Wear (Page 12, Figure 1) 

Inspect the load board per instructions on Page 12. 

· Contamination on the Load Board (Page 12, Figure 1) 

Inspect the load board per instructions on Page 12. 

· Worn or Damaged Alignment Plate (Page 12, Figures 2 & 3) 

Inspect the alignment plate under Contactor inspection 

instructions on Page 12. 

· Device Ball-to-Contact Misalignment (Page 13, Figure 4) 

Inspect the Contactor per instructions on Page 13. 

· Worn or Damaged Leadbacker/Nest 

Inspect the leadbacker and nest. 

Continuity Failures are typically due to open/short failures 

which can be caused by: 

· Excessive Loose Debris 

Inspect Contactor per instructions on Page 12. 

· Contamination of the Load Board (Page 12, Figure 1) 

Inspect the Load Board per instructions on Page 12. 

· Worn or Damaged Alignment Plate (Page 12, Figures 2 & 3) 

Inspect the alignment plate opening under the Contactor. 

Inspection instructions on Page 12. 

· Worn or Damaged Contacts (Page 16, Figure 5) 

Replace cartridge per instructions on Page 16. 






10

Pre-Maintenance Troubleshooting 


Experiencing Device Damage or Jamming? 

There can be many reasons why you may experience device 

damage or jamming. For example, incorrectly designed 

or incompatible, worn or damaged handler/Contactor 

components may cause ball damage or device jamming. 

Device Ball Damage or Improper Wipe can happen when 

contacts are out of alignment or when the handler is pushing 

too high a force. Witness marks should be near the center of 

the device balls. If not, the problems can occur due to: 

· Worn or Damaged Alignment Plate Opening (Page 12, Figures 

2 & 3) Inspect the alignment plate under Contactor inspection 

instructions on Page 12. 



· Changes in Package Singulation 

Verify that the alignment plate and leadbacker are correct for the 

device by comparing device dimensions to the Design Data Sheet. 

· Improper Overtravel Control 

Verify that leadbacker/nest has proper overtravel control. Refer 

to the Contactor specifications on your Design Data Sheet for 

compressed, uncompressed, and overtravel stop dimensions. 

Device Ball Damage or Improper Wipe can also occur when 

devices experience over deflection, whereby large witness 

marks appear. This is can be attributed to: 




Verify that leadbacker/nest has proper overtravel control. Refer 

to the Contactor specifications on your Design Data Sheet for 

compressed, uncompressed and overtravel stop dimensions. 

Device Jams can occur due to: 

· Worn or Damaged Alignment Plate Opening (Page 12, Figures 

2 & 3) Inspect the alignment plate opening under Contactor 

inspection instructions on Page 12. 

· Device Ball-to-Contact Misalignment (Page 13, Figure 4) 

Inspect the Contactor per instructions on Page 13. 



· Changes in Package Singulation 

Verify that the alignment plate and leadbacker are correct for the 

device by comparing device dimensions to the Design Data Sheet. 


Verify that the leaderbacker/nest has proper overtravel or safety 

stop control. Refer to the Contactor specifications on your Design 

Data Sheet for compressed, uncompressed and overtravel or 

safety stop measurement. 




11


Load Board & Contactor Inspection 

Load Board Inspection 

Johnstech recommends performing a thorough inspection of 

the load board before initial installation of the Contactor, as 

well as when performing routine maintenance. First, however, 

verify your load board against the load board drawing that 

was sent to you either with your quote or your order. 

Figure 1: 

Example of a load board pad 

pattern 

Next, check the contact load board pad pattern for signs 

of wear on the gold. See Figure 1. If nickel is showing, 

make sure that it is not excessive. It is acceptable to utilize 

the nickel surface during testing, however, in some RF 

applications, signal degradation will occur. Load boards with 

wear that extends deeper than the nickel surface (through to 

the copper) can cause damage to the contacts and should be 

replaced or repaired. 

NOTE: Excessive load board wear is typically caused by 

excessive force on the Contactor housing. 

Contactor Inspection 

CAUTION: Use special care during the inspection process. 

Excessive force can damage the cartridge. 

Figure 2: 

Example of worn (vs. not worn 

on right) alignment plate wall; 

needs to be replaced 

Figure 3: 

Example of backlit alignment 

plate wear test 

Before removing the Contactor from the load board, use a 

minimum of 30X+ magnification to inspect it for: 

· Damaged, missing, or excessively worn contacts 

· Debris and mold flash trapped in or around contacts 

· Cracks or chipping in the housing or alignment plate 

· Worn alignment plate (ALPL) walls — See Figure 2. 

NOTE: Remove Contactor from load board (per instructions on 

Pages 14) to test for ALPL wear. On a backlit surface, place 

device into the ALPL opening and then push it to one corner 

(See Figure 3). Use a feeler gauge stock of 0.10mm to check 

the gaps on the opposite sides. If feeler gauge stock slips in 

and out of gap easily, the ALPL is worn more than spec and 

should be replaced. 

· Worn handler alignment pin holes (contact your Johnstech 

representative for bushings to reduce Contactor wear.) 

If any of the above conditions are observed, Contactor 

maintenance and possibly contact/elastomer or ALPL 

replacement is required. 




12

Housing, Cartridge & Contact Inspection 


In order to inspect the housing, cartridge, and 

contacts, the Contactor must be removed from the 

load board and disassembled. Refer to instructions 

on Page 14. 

Housing Inspection 

Take the dismounted/disassembled Contactor and using a 

minimum of 30X+ magnification, inspect the housing and 

check the alignment plate walls for wear. If wear is observed, 

replace the alignment plate. 

Verticon100 BGA housings have a recommended lifespan of 2 

million insertions. 

Cartridge Inspection 

Using 30X+ magnification, inspect the cartridge for signs of 

cuts, tears, and stretched sections. 

Figure 4: 

Acceptable contact wipe on 

ball (on SAC) 

Upon inspection, if you see worn areas replace the cartridge 

to regain optimum performance. See Page 16 for replacement 

procedure. 

Contact Inspection 

Using 30X+ magnification, inspect the contacts for signs of: 

· Worn Contacts 

· Scratches or Markings 

· Debris Buildup (See Figure 5) 

· Compressed/Distorted Shape 

The self-cleaning wipe-action of the Verticon TM 100 BGA is 

designed to greatly reduce the amount of debris build up on 

contacts. However, some debris accumulation can occur. To 

clean the contacts, follow the cleaning procedure on Pages 

18-19. If any other conditions are observed, please contact 

a Johnstech service representative or order a replacement 

cartridge. 

Figure 5: 

Example of debris buildup 

on contact tip (photo is from 

a test on SAC) 

NOTE: If contacts have significant/excessive debris build-up, 

check all components in the test cell to ensure that device 

alignment and plunge depth are correct. 




13


Contactor Removal and Installation 

Contactor Removal & Installation Instructions 

It is recommended that you remove your Verticon100 

BGA Contactor from the load board before 

performing any component inspection, cleaning and/ 

or maintenance. 

Figure 6: 

Screw tightening pattern 

Step 1— Remove Contactor 

Start removal of the Contactor from the load board by 

removing the fasteners. Carefully lift the Contactor away from 

the load board to ensure that the contacts are not sliding 

against the load board pads. Once the Contactor is removed, 

inspect it for any loose or missing contacts. Mount the Contactor 

to the clear mounting plate, which the Contactor was mounted 

to when originally shipped, for storage. 

Step 2— Perform Maintenance & Cleaning 

Perform the maintenance and cleaning per the instructions 

contained on the following pages. 

Step 3— Clean Load Board 

Before remounting the Contactor to the load board, ensure 

that no debris is present in the interface areas. If necessary, 

use compressed air and/or isopropyl alcohol with a clean 

lint-free cloth to carefully wipe the surface of the load board. 

Recommended 

Torque Values 

in.-lb. Nm 

0-80 1.0 0.11 

2-56 2.0 0.23 

4-40 5.0 0.56 

M1.4 x 0.3 0.4 0.04 

M1.6 x 0.35 0.6 0.06 

M2 x 0.40 1.3 0.15 

M2.5 x 0.45 2.5 0.28 

M3 x 0.5 4.5 0.51 

M4 x 0.7 8.0 0.90 

Figure 7: 

Recommended Torque 

Values 

NOTE: NEVER use acetone or other solvents. 

Step 4— Install Contactor 

Inspect the load board pads’ size and shape. Orient the Contactor 

so that the contact feet have maximum footing area on the 

load board pads. Before fastening the Contactor to the load 

board, check for interference between the Contactor and the 

load board components and traces. Place the Contactor on 

the load board and check for gaps. Caution: Do not fasten the 

Contactor onto the load board if it cannot sit flat on the load 

board. Either remove obstacles and /or consult Johnstech if 

the Contactor does not sit flat on the load board. Attach the 

Contactor to the load board by fitting the fasteners through the 

Contactor and engaging several threads. If possible, inspect 

the contact tips under a microscope or with an eye loupe for 

symmetrical alignment of the contacts across the array. Evenly 

tighten the fasteners in a crisscross pattern. See Figure 6. To 

avoid damage to the Contactor, use the recommended torque 

values shown in Figure 7. 




14 

Step 5— Verify Test Set-up 

Verify the device-to-Contactor alignment and handler plunge 

depth, as well as the X-Y presentation.

Cartridge Removal Instructions 


NOTE: Never try to replace the individual contacts. The cartridge 

is not designed to have individual contacts taken out 

or replaced. However, you can clean the tips of the contacts 

if you experience low yields or other production issues. See 

Page 18 for the cleaning procedure. 

We recommend you use the following procedures to remove 

the cartridge and to install a new one. 

Removing Cartridge From Contactor (Housing/ 

Alignment Plate Assembly) 

Step 1— Positioning the Housing 

Remove the housing/alignment plate from the load board. 

See Page 14 for instructions. Then remove the alignment 

plate from the housing. To do so, use a rigid, flat tool (e.g. 

the craft knife or the blue elastomer tool found in the Johnstech 

Maintenance & Inspection Kit) to gently pry the two 

pieces apart, working in an even and incremental manner 

around the housing. See Figure 8. Position the housing of 

the Contactor with the top (device side) up. 

Step 2— Push Cartridge Out 

Firmly grasp the housing of the Contactor. With the flat end 

of the blue elastomer tool (provided in the Maintenance and 

Inspection Kit) begin to push out the cartridge from the top 

(device side) of housing. See Figure 9. 

Continue to gently push the cartridge along the perimeter 

of the housing opening until the cartridge is removed. See 

Figure 10. 

Figure 8: 

Remove the alignment 

plate from housing. 

Figure 9: 

Push the cartridge out of 

housing. 

Follow the instructions on the next page for installing a new 

cartridge. 

Figure 10: 

Cartridge separates from 

the housing. 




15


Cartridge Installation Instructions 

NOTE: Never try to replace the individual Verticon100 BGA contacts. 

The cartridge is not designed to have individual contacts 

taken out or replaced. 

Installing Cartridge Replacement into the 

Housing 

Figure 11: 

Bottom (load board side) of 

housing. 

Figure 12: 

Bottom (load board side) of 

contacts. 

Step 1— Before Installing 

When you are ready to install the cartridge, find the empty 

housing and position it with the bottom side (load board 

side) up. See Figure 11. Handle the new cartridge on the 

outside of the contact area with tweezers to avoid contamination. 

Use a microscope to identity the bottom (load board 

side) of the new cartridge. See Figure 12. Position the new 

cartridge , bottom side up over the housing. Align the square 

corner of the cartidge with the recessed corner of the housing. 

See Figure 13. 

Step 2— Insert Cartridge Under Retention Lip 

Center the cartridge over the bottom (load board side), 

aligning the rows of holes in the cartridge with the alignment 

marks on the perimeter of the housing. See Figure 14. Gently 

push around the perimeter of the cartridge with the flat 

end of the blue elastomer tool to tuck the edge of the cartridge 

under the retention lip. See Figure 15. Work around all 

four sides of the cartridge until the cartridge surface is flush 

with the housing. The cartridge should be smooth across. 

Bottom Side of Contactor 

Alignment Marks 

Figure 13: 

Recessed corner of Housing 

Square Corner of cartridge 

Retention Lip 

Alignment Post 

Inner Wall 

Top side of Contactor/housing 

Figure 14: 

Tuck in the edge of the 

cartridge. 

Helpful Hints 

• Line up posts under microscope 

• Push evenly around perimeter 




16

Cartridge Installation Instructions 


Step 3— Confirm that the Cartridge is Properly 

Installed 

Turn the housing with the cartridge installed over to the top 

side (device side) of the housing. Tilt the housing vertically 

to view the intersection of the housing opening and the cartridge. 

If the cartridge is not properly installed, small posts 

in the housing will be visible. See Figure 16. If the cartridge 

is properly installed, the posts will not be visible. If the 

cartridge is not properly installed, remove the cartridge, following 

the instructions on Page 15. Repeat the installation 

following the instructions on Pages 16-17. When you have 

confirmed that the cartridge is properly installed, reassemble 

the alignment plate on the housing. 

Figure 15: 

Align holes in cartridge 

with alignment marks 

(shown in blue). 

Figure 16: 

If the cartridge is not 

properly installed, small 

posts will be visible. 




17


Contactor Cleaning 

If debris buildup is observed upon inspection of 

the Contactor or you experience a drop in yields or 

an increase in contact resistance, follow the Light 

Cleaning Procedure on this page. 

NOTE: Never use cleaning solvents to clean the contacts. Solvents 

can be absorbed by the elastomer which will result in poor 

performance. 

Figure 17: 

Clean contact tips with 

an ultra fine tip fiberglass 

Light Cleaning Procedure 

Step 1— Remove the Contactor from load board 

Refer to instructions on Page 14 Step 1. 

Step 2— Remove Alignment Plate 

Refer to instructions on Page 15, Step 1. 

Figure 18: 

The correct direction to clean 

contacts 

Step 3— Brush the Device Side of Contactor 

A. Mount the Contactor to the clear mounting plate, which 

the Contactor was mounted to when originally shipped. 

This will support the cartridge as you clean. 

B. Use an ultra fine tip fiberglass brush to clean the 

contact tips as shown in Figure 17. 

C. Brush the contacts gently as show in Figure 18, 

brushing the top contact tips back and forth along 

the diagonal contact rows until debris is removed. 

Figure 18 shows correct direction to clean. Figure 

19 shows the incorrect cleaning direction. 

NOTE: The correct cleaning direction is along the diagonal rows, 

not across the rows. Brush only the contacts. Avoid the 

surface of the cartridge to minimize scratches. 

NOTE: Use an ultra fine tip fiberglass brush like the one below to 

clean the Verticon 100 BGA Contactor and contacts. If fiberglass 

is not permitted in your facility, a nylon brush can be used as a 

substitute. 

Ultra Fine Tip Fiberglass Brush - Johnstech Part No 160592-1 

Ultra Fine Tip Fiberglass Refills - Johnstech Part No 160593-1 

Figure 19: 

The incorrect direction to 

clean contacts 

NOTE: Never try to replace the individual BGA contacts. The BGA 

cartridge is not designed to have individual contacts taken out or 

replaced. 




18

Contactor Cleaning 


Step 4— Brush the Load Board Side of the Contactor 

A. After the top contacts have been cleaned, turn over 

the Contactor so that the load board side is up. 

B. Using compressed air or canned air, blow loose debris 

from the bottom contacts. 

C. If some debris remains, gently clean the contacts 

using the ultra fine tip fiberglass brush. Clean the 

load board side contacts as show in Figure 19 and 

Figure 20. 

Step 5— Clear Debris 

Remove any loose debris from the Contactor using one or 

both of these methods: 

· Dry, clean compressed air (20psi or less) See Figure 21 

· A small vacuum 

· Canned air See Figure 22 

Once the Contactor is thoroughly clear of debris, it is ready 

to be reassembled and reinstalled. 

Step 6— Clean the Handler 

Clean the handler per manufacturer’s recommendation. 

Step 7— Clean the Load Board 

Before remounting the Contactor to the load board, ensure 

that no debris is present in the interface areas. If necessary, 

use compressed air and/or ispropyal alcohol with a clean 

lint-free cloth to carefully wipe the load board clean. 

Figure 19: 

Cleaning the load board side 

of the contacts 

Figure 20: 

Only occasional light 

cleaning should be 

required for the bottom 

NOTE: Never use acetone or other solvents. 

Step 8— Reinstall the Contactor 

If no loose debris remains on the Contactor, remount it to 

the load board per the instructions on Page 14. 

NOTE: If these cleaning procedures do not help your overall 

performance, remove the cartridge per instructions on page 

15 and install a new cartridge. 

Figure 21: 

Compressed air cleaning 

If the recommended cleaning tool/brush is not allowed 

in your facility, a nylon brush can be used as a substitute. 

Contact your Johnstech Representative if you have additional 

questions. 

Figure 22: 

Compressed air cleaning 




19


All statements, technical 

information and recommendations 

related to the Seller’s products 

are based on information believed 

to be reliable, but the accuracy 

or completeness thereof is not 

guaranteed. Before utilizing the 

product, the user shall determine 

the suitability of the product 

for its intended use. The user 

assumes all risks and liability 

whatsoever in connection with 

such use. Any statements or 

recommendations of the Seller 

which are not contained in the 

Seller’s current publications shall 

have no force or effect unless 

contained in an agreement signed 

by an authorized officer of the 

Seller. The statements contained 

herein are made in lieu of all 

warranties expressed or implied, 

including but not limited to the 

implied merchantability and 

fitness for a particular purpose 

which warranties are hereby 

expressly disclaimed. Seller shall 

not be liable to the user or any 

other person under any legal 

theory, including but not limited 

to negligence or strict liability, 

for any injury or for any direct or 

consequential damages sustained 

or incurred by reason of the use 

of any of Seller’s products or 

services that were defective. 

Worldwide Headquarters 

1210 New Brighton Boulevard 

Minneapolis, MN 55413-1641 USA 

Tel: 612.378.2020 

Fax: 612.378.2030 

E-mail: info@johnstech.com 


Regional/Field Service Office — California, USA 

2450 Scott Boulevard 

Santa Clara, CA 95050-2504 

Tel: 408.448.2020 

Fax: 408.448.2030 

www.johnstechhelp.com 

Regional/Field Service Office — Singapore 

14 Robinson Road #13-00 

Far East Finance Building 

Singapore 048545 

Tel: 65.6385.2389 

Fax: 65.6323.1839 

© Copyright 2010 Johnstech International 

Corporation Specifications subject to change. 

Specifications subject to change without notice. 

No part of this document may be reproduced 

in any form or by any means, electronic 

or mechanical, including photocopying, 

recording or by any information storage or 

retrieval system, without expressed written 

permission from Johnstech. Johnstech and 

Johnstech logo are registered trademark s 

in the USA and other countries. Johnstech 

products and components are covered by 

patents and copyrights in the USA and other 

countries. 

For questions about anything contained in this 

Maintenance & Inspection Guide, contact your local 

Johnstech representative. 

If you are experiencing a technical problem or issue, 

fill out the online Contact Technical Support Form at: 

www.johnstech.com/support or contact the nearest field 

service office. 

China & 

EU RoHS 

Compliant 

LIT 1465-0311 

Printed in the USA on 100% Post-Consumer Recycled Paper made utilizing Wind Power. 




20 

Your Contact For Higher Performance

Maintenance & Inspection - Johnstech

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