Beginner IC question

[cacibi]

Just a quick question about IC's and sockets.  Obviously the socket seems the way to go for projects like overdrives where there are a lot of op amps to try and choose from - but are there any concerns about soldering the IC directly to the board in other projects?  Will the heat damage the IC at all?

[Mark Hammer]

If you have decent soldering technique, no.  Moreover, soldering the pin directly can often provide substantially more reliable contact compared to budget sockets, as well as provide a lower profile board that fits behind pots and switches more readily.

Make sure the pins of the chip are clean and the solder pads on the board are clean too (pre-tinning the board before stuffing it helps).  I often find that IC pins can look a little tarnished, even when recently purchased, so I may scrape the outside of the pins a little with a utility knife blade to "bring back the shine".  If you plan on building stuff for the next few years, it is a worthwhile investment to spring $6 or $8 for a small bottle of liquid flux.  Dab a small bit on the solder pad and/or outside of the IC pins with a Q-tip and you'll get beautiful solder joints in a jiffy.

Since IC pins are somewhat thinner than resistor or capacitor leads, it's a good idea to drill the holes for the pins a little smaller in diameter so that you aren't having to bridge the expanse between the pin and pad with gobs of solder, and spending too much time applying heat to the chip in doing so.

Keep in mind that the chip doesn't have to fight the heat demon alone.  You can always use heat sinking, and that heat sinking can be as primitive as a folded-up square of toilet paper with cold water dabbed on it.  Essentially anything that can reduce the heat build-up or at least dissipate heat quickly.

[Sir H C]

If you go to the specs sheet for op-amps and other ICs there is usually a number in the Absolute Maximums that say how long and hot a soldering iron on the pins can go and not damage the part.

Usually that is a very conservative estimate as they don't want to possibly get returns for soldering.

[cacibi]

Thank You