low-cost QFP proto-boards needed (1.0 mm pin pitch) 44, 64, Sony and Philips - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / beginners

author: ahem
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 19, 2023, 06:20:16 am
content: I need protos for various Sony and Philips QFP audio ICs from the 1990s.Pin pitch 1.0 mm. 44 or 64 total pins. As can be noted in the phtots, both Sony and Philips used this pin pitch. But I can't find protos that offer this. Most of the QFP proto-boards on Ali, ebay or Amazon are 0.8mm or 0.5 mm pin pitch. Very common and cheap. I have some of these (photos below). The pin pitch (0.8mm) is too narrow, of course, but these ICs arealsotoo big for the dimensions of these common proto boards (when the ICs are centered on these 0.8mm board; the pin legs extend beyond pad footprints).Suggest some resources. Schmartboard may be a solution. But fairly pricey. Anyone have Gerber files I can use? Maybe jlcpcb or similar is my ultimate solution.Thx!

author: negativ3
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 19, 2023, 08:00:06 pm
content: For the cost, you could spin up 5 each from your favorite pcb house, tailored to your exact requirements, for not much more than ready made.https://www.airwaveplus.com/product/TQFP84-1mmTQFP52-1mmtSIP13x2IDC28x2

author: ahem
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 19, 2023, 09:36:03 pm
content: Quote from: negativ3 on May 19, 2023, 08:00:06 pmThat airwaveplus resource might work. Hard to tell with the image and description.That company is in Thailand. I'm in the USA. Do they ship to USA?

author: DavidAlfa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 20, 2023, 04:49:04 am
content: It's no so hard! I'd just go with JLCPCB.Just made the QF44 version. Ready to upload and order!

author: ahem
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 20, 2023, 04:30:27 pm
content: Thx much, man! I’ve used JLCPCB before and they have always delivered a good 👍 product.I uploaded to JLCPCB and it looks good and ready to order.Alas, I don't know PCB software enough (yet) to get to what you were able to do so quickly.Hence:Can you also create a similar file for the Sony? It’s QFP 64, with 13 pins on short side and 19 pins on long. Pitch, as noted earlier are 1.0 mm (same as Sony QFP44).Thanks!

author: DavidAlfa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 20, 2023, 08:06:00 pm
content: Weeell... Happy Birthday in advance!

author: ahem
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 01:49:51 am
content: Quote from: DavidAlfa on May 20, 2023, 08:06:00 pmOutstanding!You put four (4) patterns on one common board.I'll need to separate them eventually.How do I get JLCPCB to score your PCBs so I can snap them apart ?Thx!!BTW:What software did you use create your patterns? I have a very old version onAbacom S-Plan, but never went beyond basics.

author: DavidAlfa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 03:19:25 am
content: The panels already have drilled tabs made to break easily, look closely or use the Gerber Viewer from jlcpcb.Just upload the Zip to jlcpcb and place the order, nothing else!They're made like that to get the most of their cheap 100x100m pcb service.It's 5 PCBs for $2, so you'll get 20 adapters!I made the pcb in Proteus, then used Gerber Panelizer:https://github.com/ThisIsNotRocketScience/GerberTools

author: ahem
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 07:01:25 am
content: DavidAlfa:Submitted both your Gerbers to JLCPCB for order.Got an email from JLCPCB, with an issue.Not sure why you went with a bottom layer; on the bottom, note that pin pad numbers don't match the pads or holes. They are okay for top. I just need one layer to work. The IC footprint pin pads on the bottom can be absent. The only thing on the bottom should be the thru-hole DIP via holes.In any case, just for top layer anyway, I don't think this is a problem, but have a look at what say, anyway:================Hi Sir or madam,Well got your order with many thanks~Sorry to bother you, but there is an issue that we want to confirm with you before proceeding.As shown below, top copper layer is same with bottom copper layer. is that normal?Your early reply will be highly appreciated!Thank you so much!Doris mo==============

author: DavidAlfa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 12:30:45 pm
content: It's just to have a 2nd option if the traces are damaged, simply flip the board and solder the chip again.Yeah, of course the pins are mirrored!This way you can also make some small mods, like soldering smd caps, make bridges, at the underside.(But take in account the pin numbers are mirrored).Who knows why they ask, but it's a good practice from them, check for anything strange before ordering.Just tell them it's fine!

author: ahem
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 04:32:54 pm
content: Thx for your reply DavidAlfa! And I will proceed with that order.Yes, your reasons for mirroring are good especially because I provided very little info about my IDEAL requirements for those protos.Those audio IC’s are for “audiophile” experiments. So, ideally, no mirror pads on bottom , because they can act like antennas. Or much of bottom layer can be a solid sheet of Cu connected to ground.The main (TOP layer) pads should be as closely connected to via DIP holes as possible with traces as thick as possible (deep thick, maybe using additional depth layers so trace thickness can extend into it). Essentially, an “aerospace “ or military-grade PCB.How good / easy is that free pcb software JLCPCB provides to its customers?

author: ahem
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 05:01:34 pm
content: BTW:QuoteYes, indeed. However, the cheapest option for shipping a $6.00USD total order to my USA address is $19. The default was over $30 for s/h and I had to manually deselect that!I think these pcb FAB houses are “economized” for large orders. But that’s not what some proto hobbyists require. It would be good to see AliExpress pricing, here 😉

author: DavidAlfa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 05:08:32 pm
content: Ah, the audiophile hype again.I guess you didn't see the internals of vintage equipment, now considered "Audiophile-grade++" and sold for $$$.Long wires flying everywhere! - LOL.These traces are very short, with a capacitance of few picos at most.It would be a problem for HUNDREDS of MHz, but for audio frequencies... not at all!Same with trace length and thickness - It's 3-4mm long, 15mil thickness, the resistance will be negligible."Global Standard Direct Line" is ~$4, so it will $6 for 20 adapters.I very much doubt you'd find those so cheap at aliexpress, they're quite large.I've spent quite a long time with these adapters, and I'm not a free online worker.So, that will be all from my part, if needing different stuff, you'll have to make your own, sorry

author: langwadt
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 05:09:00 pm
content: Quote from: ahem on May 21, 2023, 05:01:34 pmthe cheap shipping it probably a lot slower most of the time

author: DavidAlfa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 05:13:19 pm
content: 10-15days normally.Want it fast? Pay for it or source locally, but that stuff is not cheap coming from local providers either.Fast, cheap and perfect won't go in the same line - you cant get everything!I guess we can also complain about how we can't buy a Tesla at the price of a small 50hp Kia.

author: ahem
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 06:05:02 pm
content: Quote from: langwadt on May 21, 2023, 05:09:00 pmAnyone know of a GOOD pcb fab house in USA that I can submit those same Gerber files to -- all with the same quick-n-easy process of JLCPCB -- and their base fab prices? Not too $$ to stuff those thin, light PCBs in a $1.00 US postage envelope.

author: ahem
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 06:10:31 pm
content: Quote from: DavidAlfa on May 21, 2023, 05:13:19 pmRight! This is a veryweirdsituation ... where we can't get these pcb'slocallyfor cheap. Our field crops are picked by undocumented aliens, so at least our cabbage and broccoli are cheap

author: DavidAlfa
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 07:18:20 pm
content: Decisions... Jlcpcb + DHL is no longer so expensive!Edit: checkhttps://www.basicpcb.com/

author: 240RS
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: May 21, 2023, 07:54:11 pm
content: Great you helped ahem out!!