Test sockets and connectors are used in electrical circuits and interconnecting them so that they can function. They are used in many series of different electrical equipments to attach important devices for communication and other capabilities. By joining different circuits and wires to each other, connectors and sockets assure that the system as a whole works.

Sockets are attached to printed circuit boards for the purpose of attaching other components. They are receiving points for connectors. There are many different types of sockets, including ones as simple as jacks (made for plugging wires into) to those which can hold a microprocessor, which acts as a central processing unit for the board. Examples of sockets can be seen in everyday life, but in the semiconductor industry, the point of test sockets is to make sure that the device works overall by relating to the outside world what is going on within the circuit.

Connectors are made to plug into sockets. In electronic terms, connectors are the male component and sockets are the female component.  They can also be classified as hermaphroditic, meaning they plug in as well as accept an input. These devices are inserted into the socket to transmit the information from the circuit to be read by a computer or some other device to determine functionality, at least in terms of test connectors. Other more common connectors would include wires, USB drives, power cords, and other similar equipment pieces.

Sockets and connectors work in codependency with each other. They are able to test the capabilities of a circuit and make sure it runs smoothly with no defects. The connector plugs into the socket and relays the material to another source, whether a computer or some other electronic device that is capable of testing whether or not the circuit is able to connect correctly. Sockets and connectors in general are also able to connect a variety of different circuits, including computers. Though test sockets and connectors can get very specified, in general, they do a great job of allowing communication and transferal of information from one electronic device to another.