Semiconductor chip carrier affording a high-density external interface

Claim 2

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, the semiconductor die carrier being housed within a cable device.

Claim 3

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein the contact sections of the second array are arranged in a configuration providing a density of at least 600 contacts per square inch on the surface of the second support element.

Claim 4

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein the contact sections of the second array are arranged in a configuration providing a density of at least 600 contacts per square inch on the surface of the second support element.

Claim 5

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact Sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, When each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein the contact sections of the second array are arranged in a configuration providing a density of at least 1,000 contacts per square inch on the surface of the second support element.

Claim 6

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact Sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, When each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein the contact sections of the second array are arranged in a configuration providing a density of at least 1,000 contacts per square inch on the surface of the second support element.

Claim 7

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein each of the groups of contact sections of the second array forms an electrical interconnect component and wherein each of the electrical interconnect components is a projection-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of contact sections of conductive posts formed around an insulative buttress, each buttress having a 0.5 mm×0.5 mm square cross-section.

Claim 8

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein each of the groups of contact sections of the second array forms an electrical interconnect component and wherein each of the electrical interconnect components is a projection-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of contact sections of conductive posts formed around an insulative buttress, each buttress having a 0.5 mm×0.5 mm square cross-section.

Claim 9

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein each of the groups of contact sections of the second array forms an electrical interconnect component and wherein each of the electrical interconnect components is a projection-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of contact sections of conductive posts formed around an insulative buttress, each buttress having a 0.9 mm×0.9 mm square cross-section.

Claim 10

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein each of the groups of contact sections of the second array forms an electrical interconnect component and wherein each of the electrical interconnect components is a projection-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of contact sections of conductive posts formed around an insulative buttress, each buttress having a 0.9 mm×0.9 mm square cross-section.

Claim 11

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein each of the groups of contact sections of the second array forms an electrical interconnect component and wherein each of the electrical interconnect components is a projection-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of contact sections of conductive posts formed around an insulative buttress, each buttress having a cross-shaped cross-section.

Claim 12

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein each of the groups of contact sections of the second array forms an electrical interconnect component and wherein each of the electrical interconnect components is a projection-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of contact sections of conductive posts formed around an insulative buttress, each buttress having a cross-shaped cross-section.

Claim 13

A semiconductor die carrier according to claim 6, wherein opposing arms of the cross are equal in length, and adjacent arms of the cross are different in length.

Claim 14

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein each of the groups of contact sections Of the second array forms an electrical interconnect component and wherein each of the electrical interconnect components is a projection-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of contact sections of conductive posts formed around an insulative buttress, each buttress having an H-shaped cross-section.

Claim 15

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein each of the groups of contact sections Of the second array forms an electrical interconnect component and wherein each of the electrical interconnect components is a projection-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of contact sections of conductive posts formed around an insulative buttress, each buttress having an H-shaped cross-section.

Claim 16

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array;. a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein each of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier comprises a concave well for holding at least one ball of solder used to form a C4 interconnection.

Claim 17

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array;. a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein each of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier comprises a concave well for holding at least one ball of solder used to form a C4 interconnection.

Claim 18

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact section from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, each of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier having a foot portion configured for SMT-mounting to a substrate, wherein each of the foot portions is L-shaped.

Claim 19

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact section from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, each of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier having a foot portion configured for SMT-mounting to a substrate, wherein each of the foot portions is L-shaped.

Claim 20

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein each of the groups of contact sections of the second array forms an electrical interconnect component and wherein the electrical interconnect components are arranged in clusters of at least four interconnect components, each of the clusters being separated from the other clusters by a distance greater than a distance between the electrical interconnect components within each cluster and wherein routing channels separate the clusters from one another.

Claim 21

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein each of the groups of contact sections of the second array forms an electrical interconnect component and wherein the electrical interconnect components are arranged in clusters of at least four interconnect components, each of the clusters being separated from the other clusters by a distance greater than a distance between the electrical interconnect components within each cluster and wherein routing channels separate the clusters from one another.

Claim 22

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, When each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein each of the groups of contact sections of the second array forms an electrical interconnect component and wherein each of the electrical interconnect components is a projection-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of contact sections of conductive posts formed around an insulative buttress, and wherein the insulative buttresses from different ones of the electrical interconnect components have different heights.

Claim 23

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, When each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein each of the groups of contact sections of the second array forms an electrical interconnect component and wherein each of the electrical interconnect components is a projection-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of contact sections of conductive posts formed around an insulative buttress, and wherein the insulative buttresses from different ones of the electrical interconnect components have different heights.

Claim 24

A semiconductor die carrier comprising: an insulative substrate; an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts wherein the groups are arranged in rows and columns on a surface of the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, a portion of each group overlaps into at least one of an adjacent row and an adjacent column of the groups of the array, and each of the groups of electrically conductive contacts forms at least a portion of a projection-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of electrically conductive posts positioned around an electrically insulative buttress having a 0.5 mm×0.5 mm square cross-section; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical interconnection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts.

Claim 25

A semiconductor die carrier comprising: an insulative substrate; an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts wherein the groups are arranged in rows and columns on a surface of the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, a portion of each group overlaps into at least one of an adjacent row and an adjacent column of the groups of the array, and each of the groups of electrically conductive contacts forms at least a portion of a projection-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of electrically conductive posts positioned around an electrically insulative buttress having a 0.5 mm×0.5 mm square cross-section; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical interconnection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts.

Claim 26

A semiconductor die carrier comprising: an insulative substrate; an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts wherein the groups are arranged in rows and columns on a surface of the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, a portion of each group overlaps into at least one of an adjacent row and an adjacent column of the groups of the array, and each of the groups of electrically conductive contacts forms at least a portion of a projection-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of electrically conductive posts positioned around an electrically insulative buttress having a 0.9 mm×0.9 mm square cross-section; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical interconnection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts.

Claim 27

A semiconductor die carrier comprising: an insulative substrate; an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts wherein the groups are arranged in rows and columns on a surface of the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, a portion of each group overlaps into at least one of an adjacent row and an adjacent column of the groups of the array, and each of the groups of electrically conductive contacts forms at least a portion of a projection-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of electrically conductive posts positioned around an electrically insulative buttress having a 0.9 mm×0.9 mm square cross-section; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical interconnection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts.

Claim 28

A semiconductor die carrier comprising: an insulative substrate; an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts wherein the groups are arranged in rows and columns on a surface of the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, a portion of each group overlaps into at least one of an adjacent row and an adjacent column of the groups of the array, and each of the groups of electrically conductive contacts forms at least a portion of a projection-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of electrically conductive posts positioned around an electrically insulative buttress having a cross-shaped cross-section; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical interconnection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts.

Claim 29

A semiconductor die carrier comprising: an insulative substrate; an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts wherein the groups are arranged in rows and columns on a surface of the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, a portion of each group overlaps into at least one of an adjacent row and an adjacent column of the groups of the array, and each of the groups of electrically conductive contacts forms at least a portion of a projection-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of electrically conductive posts positioned around an electrically insulative buttress having a cross-shaped cross-section; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical interconnection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts.

Claim 30

A semiconductor die carrier according to claim 15, wherein the opposing arms of the cross are equal in length, and adjacent arms of the cross are different in length.

Claim 31

A semiconductor die carrier comprising: an insulative substrate; an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts wherein the groups are arranged in rows and columns on a surface of the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, a portion of each group overlaps into at least one of an adjacent row and an adjacent column of the groups of the array, and each of the groups of electrically conductive contacts forms at least a portion of a projection-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of electrically conductive posts positioned around an electrically insulative buttress having an H-shaped cross-section; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical interconnection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts.

Claim 32

A semiconductor die carrier comprising: an insulative substrate; an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts wherein the groups are arranged in rows and columns on a surface of the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, a portion of each group overlaps into at least one of an adjacent row and an adjacent column of the groups of the array, and each of the groups of electrically conductive contacts forms at least a portion of a projection-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of electrically conductive posts positioned around an electrically insulative buttress having an H-shaped cross-section; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical interconnection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts.

Claim 33

A semiconductor die carrier comprising: an insulative substrate; an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts wherein the groups are arranged in rows and columns on a surface of the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, a portion of each group overlaps into at least one of an adjacent row and an adjacent column of the groups of the array, and each of the electrically conductive contacts comprises a concave well for holding at least one ball of solder used to form a C4 interconnection; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical interconnection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts.

Claim 34

A semiconductor die carrier comprising: an insulative substrate; an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts wherein the groups are arranged in rows and columns on a surface of the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, a portion of each group overlaps into at least one of an adjacent row and an adjacent column of the groups of the array, and each of the electrically conductive contacts comprises a concave well for holding at least one ball of solder used to form a C4 interconnection; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical interconnection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts.

Claim 35

A semiconductor die carrier comprising; an insulative substrate; an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts wherein the groups are arranged in rows and columns on a surface of the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, a portion of each group overlaps into at least one of an adjacent row and an adjacent column of the groups of the array, and each of the electrically conductive contacts has an L-shaped foot portion configured for SMT-mounting to a substrate; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical interconnection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts.

Claim 36

A semiconductor die carrier comprising; an insulative substrate; an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts wherein the groups are arranged in rows and columns on a surface of the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, a portion of each group overlaps into at least one of an adjacent row and an adjacent column of the groups of the array, and each of the electrically conductive contacts has an L-shaped foot portion configured for SMT-mounting to a substrate; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical interconnection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts.

Claim 37

A semiconductor die carrier comprising: an insulative substrate; an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts wherein the groups are arranged in rows and columns on a surface of the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, a portion of each group overlaps into at least one of an adjacent row and an adjacent column of the groups of the array, each of the groups of electrically conductive contacts forms at least a portion of an electrical interconnect component, the electrical interconnect components are arranged in clusters of at least four interconnect components per cluster, each of the clusters is separated from the other clusters by a distance greater than a distance between the electrical interconnect components within each cluster, and routing channels separate the clusters from one another; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical interconnection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts.

Claim 38

A semiconductor die carrier comprising: an insulative substrate; an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts wherein the groups are arranged in rows and columns on a surface of the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, a portion of each group overlaps into at least one of an adjacent row and an adjacent column of the groups of the array, each of the groups of electrically conductive contacts forms at least a portion of an electrical interconnect component, the electrical interconnect components are arranged in clusters of at least four interconnect components per cluster, each of the clusters is separated from the other clusters by a distance greater than a distance between the electrical interconnect components within each cluster, and routing channels separate the clusters from one another; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical interconnection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts.

Claim 39

A semiconductor die carrier comprising: an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts wherein the groups are arranged in rows and columns on a surface of the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, a portion of each group overlaps into at least one of an adjacent row and an adjacent column of the groups of the array, each of the groups of electrically conductive contacts forms at least a portion of a projection-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of electrically conductive posts positioned around an electrically insulative buttress, and the electrically insulative buttresses from different ones of the electrical interconnect components have different heights; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical interconnection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts.

Claim 40

A semiconductor die carrier comprising: an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts wherein the groups are arranged in rows and columns on a surface of the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, a portion of each group overlaps into at least one of an adjacent row and an adjacent column of the groups of the array, each of the groups of electrically conductive contacts forms at least a portion of a projection-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of electrically conductive posts positioned around an electrically insulative buttress, and the electrically insulative buttresses from different ones of the electrical interconnect components have different heights; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical interconnection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts.

Claim 41

A semiconductor die carrier comprising: an insulative substrate; an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts wherein the groups are arranged in rows and columns on a surface of the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, a portion of each group overlaps into at least one of an adjacent row and an adjacent column of the groups of the array, and each of the groups of electrically conductive contacts forms at least a portion of at least one of a very-low-insertion force and a zero-insertion-force receiving-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of electrically conductive beams, with each of the electrically conductive beams extending through at least first and second insulative substrates of the semiconductor die carrier; means for moving the first substrate to spread the beams prior to receipt of a corresponding projection-type electrical interconnect component therein; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical interconnection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts.

Claim 42

A semiconductor die carrier comprising: an insulative substrate; an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts wherein the groups are arranged in rows and columns on a surface of the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, a portion of each group overlaps into at least one of an adjacent row and an adjacent column of the groups of the array, and each of the groups of electrically conductive contacts forms at least a portion of at least one of a very-low-insertion force and a zero-insertion-force receiving-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of electrically conductive beams, with each of the electrically conductive beams extending through at least first and second insulative substrates of the semiconductor die carrier; means for moving the first substrate to spread the beams prior to receipt of a corresponding projection-type electrical interconnect component therein; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical interconnection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts.

Claim 43

A semiconductor die carrier comprising: an insulative substrate; an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts wherein the groups are arranged in rows and columns on a surface of the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, a portion of each group overlaps into at least one of an adjacent row and an adjacent column of the groups of the array, and each of the groups of electrically conductive contacts forms at least a portion of at least one of a very-low-insertion force and a zero-insertion-force receiving-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of electrically conductive beams, with each of the electrically conductive beams extending through at least first and second insulative substrates of the semiconductor die carrier; means for moving the second insulative substrate to spread the beams prior to receipt of a corresponding projection-type electrical interconnect component therein; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical interconnection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts.

Claim 44

A semiconductor die carrier comprising: an insulative substrate; an array of groups of multiple electrically conductive contacts wherein the groups are arranged in rows and columns on a surface of the insulative substrate, wherein the groups from adjacent rows are staggered as are the groups from adjacent columns, a portion of each group overlaps into at least one of an adjacent row and an adjacent column of the groups of the array, and each of the groups of electrically conductive contacts forms at least a portion of at least one of a very-low-insertion force and a zero-insertion-force receiving-type electrical interconnect component comprising a plurality of electrically conductive beams, with each of the electrically conductive beams extending through at least first and second insulative substrates of the semiconductor die carrier; means for moving the second insulative substrate to spread the beams prior to receipt of a corresponding projection-type electrical interconnect component therein; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical interconnection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts.

Claim 45

A semiconductor die carrier comprising: a top surface; a bottom surface; a plurality of side surfaces coupling the top surface and the bottom surface; a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface; and a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to at least one of the side surfaces, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from the at least one side surface.

Claim 46

A semiconductor die carrier comprising: a top surface; a bottom surface; a plurality of side surfaces coupling the top surface and the bottom surface; a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from at least one of the top surface and the bottom surface; and a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to at least one of the side surfaces, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from the at least one side surface.

Claim 47

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein each of their groups of contact sections of the second array forms of an electrical interconnect component, and each electrical interconnect component is a very-low-insertion force or zero-insertion-force receiving-type electrical interconnect component, and wherein each very-low-insertion-force or zero-insertion-force electrical interconnect component comprises a plurality of contact sections of conductive beams with each of the beams extending through at least first and second insulative substrates and further comprising means for moving the first substrate to spread the contact sections of the beams prior to receipt of a corresponding projection-type electrical interconnect component therein.

Claim 48

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein each of their groups of contact sections of the second array forms of an electrical interconnect component, and each electrical interconnect component is a very-low-insertion force or zero-insertion-force receiving-type electrical interconnect component, and wherein each very-low-insertion-force or zero-insertion-force electrical interconnect component comprises a plurality of contact sections of conductive beams with each of the beams extending through at least first and second insulative substrates and further comprising means for moving the first substrate to spread the contact sections of the beams prior to receipt of a corresponding projection-type electrical interconnect component therein.

Claim 49

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein each of the groups of contact sections of the second array forms of an electrical interconnect component, and each electrical interconnect component is a very-low-insertion-force or zero-insertion-force receiving-type electrical interconnect component, and wherein each very-low-insertion-force or zero-insertion-force electrical interconnect component comprises a plurality of contact sections of conductive beams with each of the beams extending through at least first and second insulative substrates, and further comprising means for moving the second insulative substrate to spread the contact sections of the beams prior to receipt of a corresponding projection-type electrical interconnect component therein.

Claim 50

A semiconductor die carrier configured to be pluggably connected to a first plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to a first support element, each of the contacts of the first plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the first support element, and the contact sections of the first plurality of contacts being arranged in a first array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the first support element, the semiconductor die carrier comprising: a second support element; a second plurality of electrically conductive contacts secured to the second support element, each of the contacts of the second plurality of contacts having a contact section extending from a surface of the second support element, the contact sections of the second plurality of contacts being arranged in a second array of groups of multiple contact sections positioned on the surface of the second support element, and each group of contact sections from the second array being configured to be pluggably connected to a corresponding single one of the groups of contact sections from the first array such that, when each group of contact sections from the second array is pluggably connected to a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array, each group of contact sections from the second array pluggably receives or is pluggably received within a corresponding one of the groups of contact sections from the first array and each contact section of the second array contacts a corresponding one of the contact sections of the first array; a semiconductor die; and electrically conductive material providing electrical connection between the semiconductor die and at least one of the electrically conductive contacts of the semiconductor die carrier, wherein each of the groups of contact sections of the second array forms of an electrical interconnect component, and each electrical interconnect component is a very-low-insertion-force or zero-insertion-force receiving-type electrical interconnect component, and wherein each very-low-insertion-force or zero-insertion-force electrical interconnect component comprises a plurality of contact sections of conductive beams with each of the beams extending through at least first and second insulative substrates, and further comprising means for moving the second insulative substrate to spread the contact sections of the beams prior to receipt of a corresponding projection-type electrical interconnect component therein.