Flat "DIP IC" pins for PCB-based IC? - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / projects

author: visrealm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2024, 12:19:45 am
content: Hi all,I'm wondering if there is anywhere you can purchase DIP-IC-like pins for a PCB-based project which is designed to replace a retro IC?I build these replacement RP2040-based TMS9918 VDPs:...and currently I'm using turned pin headers which work fine, but would be great if you could buy flat IC pins instead.I've searched to no avail. Any ideas?CheersTroy

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2024, 12:59:32 am
content: Yes, you absolutely can, that question pops up regularly, I have them on my desk, and every. single. time. I forget what they're called.Except tonight, I guess.http://www.dasarodesigns.com/product/batten-and-allen-ba3760-dill-leadframe-dip-pcb-edge-clip-pins/(DIL, not dill, although that sounds delicious)Just google "lead frame dil edge pins" and take it from there.

author: PCB.Wiz
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2024, 01:59:43 am
content: Quote from: visrealm on October 10, 2024, 12:19:45 amFor this problem in the past, we've used 'sacrificial' standard DIP sockets as 'converters' from headers to flat pins, that can go into standard IC sockets.They also help protect the fragile turned pin headers.

author: visrealm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2024, 02:41:07 am
content: Thanks Alex and PCB.Wiz.I found some similar atDigikey. It seems "Leadframe" is keyword.I like the socket idea too, but it increases the stack height a bit which might be a problem for some.

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2024, 03:40:09 am
content: Quote from: visrealm on October 10, 2024, 02:41:07 amCareful, that's aSIL, like how SIPP memory modules were.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SIPP_memoryMight be useful if you're trying to make a Commodore 1541 hybrid module.

author: visrealm
author_rank: Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2024, 05:08:46 am
content: Quote from: Alex Eisenhut on October 10, 2024, 03:40:09 amRight you are. I could see it working, but it would be a bit... weird. Thanks.

author: jonpaul
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2024, 05:51:43 am
content: Samtechhttps://www.samtec.com/flex-stacking/j

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2024, 06:57:37 am
content: Quote from: jonpaul on October 10, 2024, 05:51:43 amThose all seem to be big fat square pins which will widen/damage IC sockets when inserted?

author: ebastler
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2024, 07:03:42 am
content: Quote from: Alex Eisenhut on October 10, 2024, 12:59:32 amThose pins which sit on the edge of the PCB are the "industrial" solution, I guess. But they won't allow you to sneak a trace or two inbetween the pins and the board edge -- neither on the top or bottom of the PCB. The design the OP shows does seem to use such traces in its routing. (On the other hand they should work nicely for multilayer PCBs, not blocking any real estate on the inner layers.)There used to be a neat solution called "Flip Pins" -- individual flat pins stamped from sheet metal, held in plastic strips for easy assembly. I have used them in a few projects, but believe the guy who made them has discontinued this product. Not sure whether they are still available somewhere; this page has a description and a few links as starting points:http://oshchip.org/products/Flip-Pins_Product

author: Alex Eisenhut
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2024, 10:23:52 pm
content: Quote from: visrealm on October 10, 2024, 05:08:46 amNot at all, people don't realize SMT came before DIP packages... You can make these:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flatpack_(electronics)#BTW I don't really know what you're building but I commend you on taking the time to look into this solution. It's neater, and "correct", and obviously meant to work with DIP sockets. I see too many DIP-pluggable things with .100 header strips and it hurts my little nerd heart every time I see that.The only annoying thing is, and it's a big one, is you need to trim these pins somehow. I don't think there are any ready-made DIP lead slicers out there that could fit on a kitchen counter either.Quote from: ebastler on October 10, 2024, 07:03:42 amVery interesting.

author: Benta
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: October 10, 2024, 11:06:22 pm
content: I think these are what you're looking for:https://www.te.com/en/plp/leadframes/Y30nn.html?n=42057&d=544927They need to be cut after mounting.

author: dorkshoei
author_rank: Frequent Contributor
timestamp: December 10, 2024, 05:51:28 pm
content: Quote from: Alex Eisenhut on October 10, 2024, 12:59:32 amThe issue with the the BA leadframes is the huge MOQ. There doesn't seem to be a distributor who will sell off the reel.This discussionon Parallax Forum has been posted here before and is informative. The poster went on to design the "flip pins".A standard IC leg protrudes about 4mm below the base of the device but the BA3760 (which fit a standard pcb thickness) are about 13.7mm so they need accurate hand trimming. A pcb using them will probably also sit slightly higher in a socket than a true IC because the 2mm standoff of the leadframe extends below the pcb.Quote from: Benta on October 10, 2024, 11:06:22 pmI don't think these are an option. The only ones that supports a standard pc board thickness (1.57mm) are a horizontal attachment. The Dual In Line only supports 0.63mm and 1mm pcb thicknesses.AFAIK the BA3760 (there are several threads here on them if you search) is about the best option assuming you can find some at a decent price.

author: grantb5
author_rank: Regular Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2025, 01:00:36 am
content: Flip pins:https://shop.evilmadscientist.com/productsmenu/854

author: amyk
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 07, 2025, 02:06:06 am
content: https://au.rs-online.com/web/c/connectors/ic-sockets-adapters/lead-frames/?