OT: got chips from TI today...

[lightningfingers]

They're tiny :shock:

And I know it's probably my fault for ordering the wrong kind etc. but I can still use the litle ones right? Is there sockets availible for them or are they more heat resistant or something? coz I don't want to waste them....

[RDV]

SOIC is a no-no.

PDIP is good!

RDV

[travissk]

What type of iron do you have? It is possible to solder surface mount components... it looks a bit daunting (and it really is a headache IMO) but with a steady hand it's not too bad. Good luck!  

Edit: I skated around the adapter issue originally, but they -do- exist (for example, the latest [May-July 04] mouser catalog, pg 823). My bet is it would just be cheaper to order new ICs in the PDIP package, considering it would be cheaper than $6 to $20 adapters. Before throwing them out however, you could always try to hand-solder, but depending on your layout that may require some messy jumper wires.

Truth be told I've only soldered surface mount components onto a board they were designed for, so I'll shut up and let anyone who's done something similar to this share experience.

[lightningfingers]

Its just a 25W Maplin Iron, I got a real fine tip tho (about 0.1 inch). I think I can solder the legs, but won't it damage the chip?

[travissk]

Hey, looks like you're still on the site - I think you read my post without the edit, so check that.

As far as I know, the same rules apply to soldering the two different types of packages, considering the stuff on the inside is going to be the same. You do lose some metal on the legs of course, so the inside will heat up a little faster, but that works for you as well in that it doesn't take so long to heat up the legs.

I prefer to socket ICs when possible, to avoid heat damage, but if you move quickly and normally solder your PDIPs I'd say go for it

[lightningfingers]

cool :mrgreen:

and they're REALLY small so if does work they'll make great on-board effects  

[smoguzbenjamin]

I got some SOP ICs from TI, they were OPT101 so they'd only let me order 5 DIPs, and I had a 'slot' over so I decided 'what the heck' and ordered 5 SOP aswell. They were just DIPs with the legs bent over  :roll:  so I got out the ole pliers and bent the legs straight again. I couldn't tell the difference after that