Freakin IC pin spacing

[zpyder]

Can anyone tell me why IC's come with their pins spread beyond standard spacing??  I'm sure there's a reason for this, but I'm curious to know what it is.

zpyder

[Barcode80]

a naive (and probably worng guess) would be that with the pins spaced like that, they will push out against the perf hole swhen set, so that soldering is easier. but i'm probably wrong.

[Ge_Whiz]

Automatic IC insertion equipment for populating PCs. Jig gets a grip on IC pins, compresses them to the correct spacing, inserts them in the PC holes, and releases them. They then grip the PCB slightly and are less likely to fall out before soldering.

You can buy a little manual tool that does the same thing for helping you to insert the IC in a socket without bending the pins over.

[The Tone God]

You can buy a little manual tool that does the same thing for helping you to insert the IC in a socket without bending the pins over.

Or you can grab a pair of your needle nose pliers, hold the body of the IC with the pliers, and press the pins against a flat surface like the bench top till the pins bend to a better angle.

Andrew

[Ge_Whiz]

True, but not recommended for CMOS parts. Use an earthed metal plate (I use a piece of earthed PCB). Also, take care - one slip and you'll have IC legs pointing in all directions.