Can a smaller IC be fitted into a larger IC socket

[SniffTheGlove]

Hi,

Building a little board for testing some circuits on a breadboard and would like to install a 20pin DIP IC socket so I can plug various DIP IC's (8 pin, 14pin or 18pin) into the socket when testing designs etc so I don't have to keep changing the IC sockets

So, can an 8pin DIP IC fit into a 20pin IC Socket etc?

[UKHeliBob]

If you are using a breadboard then why do you need to fit an IC socket of any size ? Breadboards are designed to accept DIP IC's of any reasonable size

[SniffTheGlove]

Because once I have my original design working on the breadboard then I shall get it made on a PCB, so I will have an IC socket on the PCB that I shall be able to hopefully plug other IC's into hopefully 8pin, 12pin 18pin IC's.

So I just need to know if I can fit smaller IC's into a larger IC socket.

[dougp]

Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) Sockets IC & Component Sockets – Mouser

[6v6gt]

from Atmel USB Programmer Circuit ZIF Socket Usbasp ATmega8 – Electronics Projects Circuits

[DVDdoug]

@SniffTheGlove

So I just need to know if I can fit smaller IC's into a larger IC socket.

Yes, as long as they have the same width.

The ZIF sockets will accept wide and narrow chips (as 6v6gt shows above) but they are expensive and bulky so they are normally only found on chip-programmers.

[Deva_Rishi]

It just seems to me that if you are going to put different size IC's in one big socket, the first thing that comes to mind is that the VCC & GND pins are always going to be in different places, in that case you may as well put different size sockets on the PCB. Also IC-sockets can be used as adapters, but... they do wear out quicker than a breadboard. The cheaper sockets are usually better for re-using than the expensive ones which make it more difficult to remove the IC without damaging the legs.

[Paul_B]

@DVDdoug

but they are expensive and bulky so they are normally only found on chip-programmers.

But not that expensive, especially the "TFXTDOL" copies (genuine brand "TEXTOOL") from China. For what SniffTheGlove describes, a ZIF socket would be exactly what they need.

[MarkT]

@SniffTheGlove

So, can an 8pin DIP IC fit into a 20pin IC Socket etc?

Yes, these are all 0.3" wide packages. Once you get to 24pin you
move to 0.6", but all the DIPs below that are 0.3", ignoring a few
rare chips that are 22 pin 0.4" or something odd like that.

But I don't see how this can work as a PCB since power pins are often
opposite-corner, so you'd be unable to use different size packages
if the power is hard wired.

[SniffTheGlove]

Thanks for the replies.

I have just recieved my IC sockets, so I went with 20pin and they have arrived with my IC orders as well.

Don't worry about the pin outs on my PCB, the PCB is just a test bed with the pins from the socket going to jumpers for individual configuration. Think the PCB as a glorified breadboard.