Zero Insertion Force


Zero Insertion Force

(hardware)(ZIF) A kind of socket for integrated circuits.A ZIF socket can be opened and closed by means of a lever orscrew. When open, there the chip may be placed in the socketwithout any pressure at all, the socket is then closed,causing its contacts to grip the pins of the chip. Suchsockets are used where chips must be inserted and removedfrequently, such as in test equipment. They are moreexpensive and usually take up more space than conventional ICsockets.