2PCS 20 PIN IC SOCKET HOLDER

🔹 2PCS 20-Pin IC Socket – Low-Profile DIP Socket

A pack of two low-profile, 20-pin dual in-line (DIP) IC sockets. These sockets allow integrated circuits (ICs) to be inserted and removed easily without soldering, protecting expensive or sensitive chips from heat damage during soldering and enabling quick testing and replacement in prototyping and production.

✅ Specifications:

• Pins: 20 Pins (2 rows of 10)

• Pitch: 2.54mm (Standard 0.1″ spacing)

• Type: Low-Profile (Standard height, ~7-8mm above PCB)

• Contact Material: Phosphor Bronze or Beryllium Copper (for good spring retention)

• Plating: Gold-flashed or Tin-plated contacts (for reliable connection and corrosion resistance)

• Body Material: Black Thermoplastic (High-temperature resistant, typically PBT or Nylon)

• Mounting: Through-Hole (THT) – Pins designed for soldering directly into a PCB.

• IC Compatibility: Fits all standard 0.3″ (7.62mm) wide 20-pin DIP ICs (e.g., EPROMs, EEPROMs, some microcontrollers, logic ICs).

• Orientation Notch: One end has a semi-circular notch indicating Pin 1 orientation.

• Quantity: 2 pieces

⚙️ Key Features:

• Chip Protection: Prevents direct heat exposure of the IC during PCB soldering, reducing risk of thermal damage.

• Easy Replacement: Allows quick IC swapping for testing, upgrading, or repair without desoldering.

• Reliable Contact: Spring-loaded contacts ensure a firm grip on the IC’s leads for a stable electrical connection.

• Low Profile: Standard height fits most project enclosures and doesn’t interfere with adjacent components.

• Durable & Reusable: Withstands multiple insertion/removal cycles when handled properly.

📦 Typical Applications:

• Prototyping & Development: Essential on breadboard-compatible PCBs and prototype boards for testing different ICs.

• Retro Computing & Repairs: Used in vintage computer and arcade board repairs to hold ROMs, RAMs, and logic chips.

• DIY Electronics Projects: For any custom PCB using a DIP-format microcontroller (e.g., ATmega328P) or logic chip where future removal might be needed.

• Educational Kits: Allows students to safely experiment with different ICs on a permanent PCB.

• Production Use: In some commercial products where field upgrades or repairs are anticipated.

🔧 Usage & Mounting Guide:

1. PCB Footprint: Design your PCB with a standard 20-pin DIP footprint (two rows of 10 holes, 2.54mm pitch, row spacing 7.62mm/0.3″).

2. Orientation: Match the notch on the socket with the notch on the PCB silkscreen (indicating Pin 1). This ensures the IC will be inserted correctly later.

3. Soldering: Insert the socket into the PCB and solder all 20 pins. Use a sufficient amount of solder for a strong mechanical bond.

4. Inserting the IC: Align the IC so that its Pin 1 (marked by a dot, notch, or beveled end) matches the notched end of the socket. Gently but firmly press the IC into place until it seats fully.

⚠️ Important Notes & Best Practices:

• IC Insertion: Never force an IC into the socket. Ensure all pins are aligned with the socket holes. Bent pins can damage the socket contacts.

• Removal Tool: Use a proper IC extractor tool or gently pry from both ends with a flathead screwdriver to avoid bending pins or damaging the socket.

• Socket Quality: Lower-quality sockets may have poor contact tension over time. These are suitable for most hobbyist applications.

• Not for High-Speed Signals: For very high-frequency digital or analog circuits, the added inductance/capacitance of a socket can degrade performance. In such cases, solder the IC directly.

• Cleaning: If flux contaminates the socket contacts, clean with electronics-grade contact cleaner after soldering and before inserting the IC.