Interconnection pin/socket components for electrically connecting two circuit boards and method for mounting said components in a circuit board

The present invention relates generally to a method, and to the pin and socket interconnection components required, for mounting and electrically connecting a module to a surface mount technology circuit board. A method for providing a mechanical/electrical interconnection between two circuit boards, and the interconnection components required therefore, include a pin and socket each having a tail portion, a shoulder portion and a head portion. The tail portion of the pin is sized so as to fit into a plated through hole of the first board, the head portion is sized so as to allow an automated device to capture the head portion and to rest on top of the plated through hole when inserted therein, and the shoulder portion is sized in relation to the plated through hole so as to rest inside the plated through hole and to allow a predetermined amount of solder to flow under the head portion and down into the plated through hole, but not as far down as the tail portion, thereby assisting in centering the pin in the through hole. Upon heating to a solder reflow temperature, a ring of solder, around the periphery of the head portion of the pin and the shoulder portion of the socket, flows under the head of the pin and the shoulder of the socket, thereby forming a soldered electrical connection between the pin and the first board, and the socket and the second board. By aligning the pin with the socket and inserting the tail portion of the pin into the cavity of the socket, a separable reliable mechanical and electrical interconnection is formed between the first board and the second board.