US Patent 7728611 Compressive conductors for semiconductor testing

An interconnect assembly electrically connecting two circuit members, which include respective arrays of electrical contacts for engagement with the interconnect assembly. The interconnect assembly comprises a plurality of electrical conductors, the plurality of conductors arranged in a spaced arrangement, the spaced arrangement of the conductors substantially corresponding to a spaced arrangement for the respective arrays of electrical contacts to provide contact between the conductors and the contact arrays and a carrier, including a socket and a retainer. The socket includes a plurality of apertures each receiving an upper portion of one of the plurality of conductors and the retainer includes a plurality of apertures each receiving a lower portion of one of the plurality of conductors; and the respective apertures are aligned axially with each other.