Provided is a carrier assembly for an integrated circuit. The assembly includes a printed circuit board (PCB), and a carrier fast with the PCB. The carrier has a matrix of island contacts interconnected by respective serpentine members to allow resilient deflection of such contacts relative to each other, the matrix surrounding a passage defined through the carrier. Also included is a retainer for operatively locating the integrated circuit within said passage so that the integrated circuit is electrically connected to the carrier.