First of all, I'd just like to say that I have posted this on the Fritzing forum, but that didn't seem terribly active.
Feel free to move this to a more appropriate section.
Anywho, my question is this: (cut and pasted)
If I wanted to create a PCB [in Fritzing] with an IC socket on
it, can I use an IC of the same size and simply
solder on an IC socket when the time comes?
E.g. if I wanted to use an IC socket for an
ATmega (such as on an Arduino), could I
symbolise this in fritzing by simply using an
ATmega [graphic]?
not really a fritzing answer but for DIP chips and sockets the pins will be in the same place for both, though the physical size of the socket may be slightly larger than the chip, which is something to keep in mind if your placing something right next to the socket
Ok thanks, so as long as I be careful with spacings, I should be ok?
Can this also work if I were to use the generic IC? Eg if I had an 8 pin ic, a ln 8pin socket would fit? Does the rule apply for all chips, or only ATMegas? (This is all one q, I just want to be clear) I get that impression from your answer, just making sure.
Something to keep in mind is that DIP ICs typically come in two widths: 0.300" and 0.600"; most DIP ICs (like most ATMega controllers) are of the former width (0.300"), but there are a few out there which are of the latter width. Fortunately, as Osgeld mentioned, you are unlikely to use any of them (with the possible exception of the ATMega644, which is a 40 pin 0.600" width package - used in things like the Sanguino, and Uzebox designs). There is a 28 pin device, whose function and name escapes me at the moment, that comes in a 0.600" width package (all I remember is that it is a particular device I like for some reason - I want to say it's some kind of bi-directional latch or such). There do exist even wider DIP ICs, but you are unlikely to ever use them or even purchase them (except surplus - for instance, the original DIP-version of the Motorola 68000 processor, such as found in the Amiga 1000, is a monster IC - 64 pins and a width of 0.900" IIRC - if you've never seen one in person, try to some day - it's fairly amazing to consider that it's a thru-hole part).
