Table of Contents
DIP Package: A Comprehensive Guide to the Dual In-line Package
In the early stages of circuit systems, an integrated circuit (IC chip) was commonly encased in diverse proprietary packages, resulting in challenges with component interchangeability and impeding large-scale production. Recognizing this issue, Fairchild Semiconductor took a significant step in 1964 by introducing the concept of the DIP Package. This standardized packaging solution for IC was initially developed as a 14-pin package, catering to the requirements of small-form-factor integrated (SSI) devices. FS Technology aims to provide a comprehensive explanation of this packaging form to assist you with your PCBA project.
DIP Package Overview
The Evolution of DIP Packaging
The DIP evolved as the next innovation after the “TO” packages and the more unreliable “flat packs.” The development of the DIP should go down through the credits of Fairchild Semiconductor and Bryant “Buck” Rogers of the United States of America in the year 1964. The DIP offered an ease of automation of assembly and testing that marked a major breakthrough. Before the advent of surface-mount technology (SMT), the DIP remained the leading technology of IC packaging throughout the 1970s and the early 1980s that powered the first wave of the home computers and various industrial machines. Though its supremacy may have diminished with the growth of SMT technology, its valuable application still prevails.
Naming Rules and International Standards
DIP packages are standardized by organizations across the world such as JEDEC (Joint Electron Device Engineering Council) and IPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries). The standard names of these packages take the form of “DIP-n,” with ‘n’ being the total pin numbers. A typical timer IC called the “555 timer” comes with an 8-pin layout called DIP-8. JEDEC specifications (ref. MS-001) contain the details of the precise dimensions of the packages.
What is a DIP (Dual Inline Package)?
DIP is the abbreviation of the dual inline package, also referred to as DIL (Dual In-Line), and is a standardized packaging format used for electronic component packaging, particularly for integrated circuits and other electronic devices. It consists of a rectangular shell with two rows of parallel electrical connection pins. In the PCBA industry, different countries may have varying technical terminology. In China, for example, the assembly method involving plug-ins is referred to as DIP assembly rather than THT assembly.
DIP IC packages find widespread usage in various electronic components within PCBA projects, including microcontrollers, memory chips, operational amplifiers, and digital logic ICs. They provide a convenient and reliable means of connecting IC chips to printed circuit boards.
What is DIP Assembly?
DIP assembly entails the mass production of solder connections by immersing a PCB with mounted components into a tin pot. The package’s pins are arranged in parallel, facing downward and protruding from the bottom plane of the package. Sufficient pin length is provided to enable insertion through holes in the PCB and subsequent soldering on the other side. This process typically follows SMT, thus DIP component soldering is also referred to as “DIP soldering” or “DIP post-soldering.”
This packaging method is commonly employed for small to medium-sized integrated circuits, typically with around 100 pins. CPU chips packaged in DIP format feature two rows of pins that need to be inserted into the DIP chip socket. Alternatively, they can be directly inserted into a circuit board with corresponding solder holes. Care must be taken when plugging and unplugging chips with DIP PCBA technology to avoid damaging the pins.
DIP Package Structure and Characteristics
Basic Components of DIP Package
A typical DIP package comprises the following:
- Body: The packaging material that insulates the silicon chip below consists of epoxy plastic (PDIP) or ceramic (CDIP).
- Leads/Pins: Two rows of parallel tin or gold-plated pins that offer both mechanical and electrical continuity.
- Keying Notch: A small notch or dot on one corner of the chip package that identifies the orientation of Pin 1.
Pin Arrangement and Common Specifications
Pin numbers are assigned sequentially in a counterclockwise manner, beginning with the pin next to the keying notch. Various pin numbers used are 8, 14, 16, 18, 20, 28, and 40; of these, the most common packages are DIP-8 and DIP-14.
Standard Dimensions
The determining dimension here is the pin pitch, the length of the centre-to-centre span between the pins. This dimension must remain at the standard of 0.1 inches (2.54 mm) on every standard DIP package. The row spacing, the length of the centre-to-centre span across the rows of pins, depends on the pin count, but again on an increment of multiples of 0.1 inches.
Thermal Characteristics
Packages of the DIP type tend to have higher thermal resistance than the more modern packages. Heat transfer occurs via the pins into the PCB and then through the rest of the package. Some may incorporate a heatsink if the application requires more power.
Electrical Performance Advantages
The relatively strong, lengthy pins of the DIP packaging type contribute significantly to the mechanical strength of the package and its resistance to temperature and mechanical stress. The DIP-type packaging also supports relatively low parasitic inductance levels that may compare favorably with tiny SMD packages.
Common Types of DIP Packages
PDIP
PDIP, short for “Plastic Dual In-Line Package,” is a type of packaging utilized for electronic components. The primary material used in PDIP is plastic, offering excellent electrical insulation properties, as well as the benefits of lightweight construction and cost-effectiveness. These attributes contribute to enhancing the reliability of PCBA boards. Thermosetting plastics such as epoxy or phenolic resins are commonly employed as plastic materials in PDIP packaging.
SPDIP
The term “SPDIP” stands for “Shrink Small Outline Package,” also known as “Shrink Plastic Dual Inline Package.” It represents an advancement over the conventional DIP chip package, is a widely used packaging style for integrated circuits. The key distinction between DIP and SPDIP lies in their size. SPDIP packages have reduced physical dimensions, enabling greater component density on circuit boards and efficient space utilization. As a result, SPDIP offers improved miniaturization while maintaining the functionality and performance of the IC.
SDIP
SDIP, which stands for “Shrink Dual Inline Package,” is an IC package type that shares similarities with the SPDIP package but features a smaller physical size. SDIP packages possess a rectangular shape with two rows of pins or leads positioned along the longer sides, much like SPDIP packages. However, SDIP packages are specifically designed to be more compact, enabling higher component density and optimal utilization of board space. This reduction in size contributes to increased efficiency and miniaturization in electronic designs.
CerDIP
The CerDIP (Ceramic Dual Inline Package) represents a specialized variant of the DIP package integrated circuits format, distinguished by its utilization of ceramic material instead of plastic. The CerDIP package is particularly suitable for ICs that demand heightened reliability, exceptional thermal performance, or robust resistance to adverse environmental conditions.
Metal DIP
The term “Metal DIP” is not widely recognized in the electronics industry and does not represent a specific package type or standard. However, based on its name, it could allude to a DIP PCB package that incorporates metal components or features.
Traditional DIP packages typically consist of a plastic or ceramic body with metal leads or pins. These pins or leads are commonly crafted from metal alloys like copper or steel, providing electrical conductivity and mechanical stability. However, the primary body of the package is typically composed of plastic or ceramic materials.
It is important to note that there are variations of DIP that incorporate metal components or features for specific purposes, such as enhancing thermal performance or providing electromagnetic shielding. Here are a couple of examples:
- Metal-Clad DIP: In certain cases, a DIP PCB assembly may integrate a metal heat sink or a metal layer affixed to the top of the plastic or ceramic body. This metal layer aids in dissipating heat generated by the integrated circuit, thereby improving its thermal performance.
- Shielded DIP: Specific DIP may incorporate metal shielding, often in the form of a metal can or cover, to offer electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding. This shielding helps mitigate the transmission or reception of electromagnetic signals that could potentially interfere with the operation of the integrated circuit or surrounding components.
These variations should be understood as modifications to the conventional DIP design, designed to enhance specific characteristics or meet particular application requirements, rather than representing standard dual in-line packages.
Pros & Cons of DIP
Advantages:
- Prototyping & Breadboarding Friendly: The big pin pitch makes the IC ideal for breadboarding; thus, it’s the IC of preference when it comes to education and development projects.
- High Mechanical Strength: The through-hole mounting offers a very strong mechanical attachment to the board and thus suits applications that involve vibration and stress.
- Ease of Repurposing/Repairing: Chips can easily be removed and replaced with the help of human assembly skills. This makes debugging or small-scale production extremely easy.
- Proven Reliability: Its track record of deployment under harsh conditions proves its reliable nature.
Disadvantages:
- Larger Size & Weight: This is the major disadvantage. DIP packages have a much larger area requirement on the PCB as compared with their SMD packages.
- Limited Pin Count: Effectively restricted only up to 64 pins, so that it cannot accommodate complex ICs that have I/Os of several hundred.
- Performance Limitations: Parasitic capacitance and inductance are introduced because of the lengthy signal cables.
- Challenges of automation: Though this type of assembly can easily be automated using THT inserting machines, the assembly process is relatively slower and more costly than the HS SMD assembly process.
DIP Package Alternatives
In response to the growing trend of electronic miniaturization, various new technologies have emerged as alternatives to traditional DIP packages. These technologies offer advantages such as smaller size, increased pin count, enhanced electrical and thermal performance, and higher integration. Leveraging these technologies effectively can help address the requirements of smaller, faster, and more integrated electronic devices. Here are some notable examples:
- Chip Scale Package (CSP): An ultra-compact package that allows direct mounting of the chip onto the circuit board without the need for separate pins. This enables a significant reduction in size and enhanced integration.
- Ball Grid Array (BGA): BGA employs ball joints to establish robust solder connections between the PCB and the chip. This enables the chip to have a higher density of pins, resulting in improved electrical performance and increased functionality.
- Quad Flat No-leads (QFN): This package features pins on the bottom surface that connect to the PCB through pads. QFN packages offer a lower profile height, superior heat dissipation performance, and are well-suited for applications with space constraints and thermal management requirements.
- Small Outline Integrated Circuit (SOIC): Widely recognized as a common replacement for DIP packages, SOIC packages strike a balance between cost and performance, making them a popular choice in various PCB applications.
- System-in-Package (SiP): SiP technology integrates multiple components, such as chips, capacitors, and resistors, into a single package, forming a complete functional module. SiP packages are ideal for highly integrated projects requiring seamless coordination among different functionalities.
- 3D Packaging: This technique involves stacking multiple packaging layers together to enhance space efficiency and integration. By utilizing the vertical dimension, 3D packaging enables higher component density while conserving board space.
| Feature | DIP (THT) | SOP/SOIC (SMD) | QFP (SMD) | QFN (SMD) | BGA (SMD) |
| Mounting Technology | Through-Hole | Surface Mount | Surface Mount | Surface Mount | Surface Mount |
| Pin Pitch | 2.54 mm | 1.27 mm & smaller | 0.8mm, 0.5mm & smaller | Leadless | Solder Balls |
| PCB Area | Very Large | Medium | Medium to Large | Small | Very Small |
| Profile Height | High | Low | Low | Very Low | Low |
| Pin Count Range | Low (≤ 64) | Low to Medium | Medium to High | Low to Medium | Very High |
| Thermal Performance | Fair | Good | Good | Excellent | Excellent |
| Rework Difficulty | Easy | Moderate | Moderate | Difficult | Very Difficult |
| Primary Application | Prototyping, High-Rel | General Purpose | Microcontrollers, ASICs | Power Management, RF | CPUs, FPGAs, GPUs |
Relationship between DIP and THT
DIP packages cannot exist independently of the Through-Hole Technology (THT) process:
- Component Insertion: The DIP pins are inserted into the holes on the PCB that are pre-drilled. This used to happen with the help of automated machines.
- Wave Soldering: Wave soldering involves passing the board over a wave of molten tin amalgam that flows up into the plated holes on the board side, thus guaranteeing a smooth interface between the board and the various components.
- Selective Soldering: On boards containing a mix of SMD and THT circuits, a solder fountain robot can effectively place the THT only after the SMD component reflowing step is finished.
Design Considerations & Soldering Requests for DIP in PCB
PCB Pad & Drill Design:
- Drill Hole Size: Usually a few mils more than the pin diameter so that the pins can be readily inserted into the holes. On average, the size of the holes should usually be 4-6 mils.
- PCB Pad diameter: should at least be 1.5 times the diameter of the holes drilled. This will make the annular ring stronger.
- Pin Spacing: Exactly designed for a grid of 0.1″ (2.54 mm).
Layout & Routing Tips:
- Ensure proper pin clearance so that there are no short circuits.
- Use wider PCB traces on power pins.
- Special analog circuits may benefit greatly if shielded with a grounding plane.
Common Soldering Defects:
- Solder Bridges: Between the soldered connections of nearby pins.
- Cold Solder Joint: A dull-looking cracked area due to lack of sufficient heat.
- Insufficient wetting: This occurs when the solder doesn’t wet the pad or pin properly because of contamination.
DIP Socket Selection Guide
DIP sockets play a crucial role in establishing a detachable connection between DIP components and printed circuit boards. They enable effortless insertion and removal of components without the need for soldering, making them highly valuable in applications that require frequent component replacement or testing. Here are some notable types of DIP sockets available:
Standard Sockets
These sockets are the most commonly used and come in various sizes and pin configurations to accommodate different DIP package sizes, such as 8, 14, 16, 20, 24, 28, 40, and more. They consist of a plastic body with spring contacts or metal clips that securely hold the DIP leads.
ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) Sockets
Are specifically designed to minimize stress on DIP components during insertion and removal. They feature a lever or actuator that opens and closes the socket’s contacts, allowing components to be effortlessly inserted or removed. ZIF sockets are particularly beneficial when dealing with sensitive or delicate DIP.
Low Profile Sockets
These sockets have a smaller form factor, making them ideal for space-constrained applications. While they maintain the same pin configuration as standard DIP package sockets, their shorter height allows for efficient space utilization on the PCB.
High-Reliability Sockets
Designed to meet the stringent requirements of applications demanding robust electrical connections and long-term reliability, these sockets incorporate enhanced contact materials or designs. They ensure a stable electrical connection, withstand higher insertion and removal cycles, and exhibit superior tolerance to environmental factors.
Anti-Aging Sockets
Also known as burn-in sockets, these sockets are specially designed for the aging test of DIP. They can endure high-temperature environments and provide a reliable electrical connection during the testing process.
Programmable Sockets
Often referred to as “universal” or “configurable” sockets, these sockets are designed to support different pin configurations, facilitating easy programming or reprogramming of DIP components. They find extensive use in development and prototyping environments.
The selection criteria of DIP socket type match the pin count and pitch. Consider the socket’s material (high-temperature for wave soldering), profile height, and contact plating (gold for better conductivity and corrosion resistance).
Industry Applications of DIP
- Legacy systems: Main component of older computers (like the Intel 8088 or the Z80), game systems, and early arcades.
- Education & DIY: The standard set used with Arduino shields, breadboard projects, and electronics kits.
- Industrial Control Systems: Most industrial microcontrollers and interface chips remain available with a DIP packaging method due to their ability to offer a reliable lifecycle with ease of maintenance.
- Current Equipment: Used in power supply units, relay cards, automobiles, and other applications if the IC needs low pin count packaging and the benefits of the THT assembly technology are of particular value.
Why FS Technology Electronic DIP Assembly
FS Technology has been serving the electronic industry for many years and has a wealth of knowledge in DIP processing. As the best turnkey PCB assembly service company in China, we have served many projects in the welding machine and energy industry as well as the power control industry. The common theme of these projects is that the proportion of DIP processing on PCBA is relatively large. If you have specific demands for your printed circuit boards, our process engineers are available to discuss DIP electronic assembly technology in-depth. We guarantee on-time deliveries and, most importantly, the best possible customer service. DIP plug-in is an important part of the PCB assembly and determines the quality of the PCBA processing. Next, let us show you our capabilities:
DIP Assembly Line Scale
- Full facilities from through-hole fabrication to DIP PCB assembly;
- Comprehensive circuit board component procurement including SMD components, DIP components, integrated circuits, etc.
- 7 fully automatic DIP PCBA lines (including plug-ins, repairs, hand soldering wires and lead-free solder pots, etc.) that can mass produce 25,000 pieces of DIP ordinary products per month (minimum);
- In addition to quality control, FS Technology also pays attention to staff training, and currently has 300+ professional production staff;
- Coexistence of manual assembly and automatic assembly;
- Ceramic Dual In-line Package (CERDIP or CDIP)
- Plastic Dual In-line Package (PDIP)
- Shrink Plastic Dual In-line Package (SPDIP)
- Kinny Dual In-line Package (SDIP or SPDIP)
- And More
Quality Assurance
- Strictly control the DIP pass-through rate;
- Workers with strict training, to control Productivity and quality;
- Strict IPQC and QA LOT sampling standards to ensure the reliability of DIP processing;
- Before the plug-in, checks are done on the surface cleanliness of electronic components to detect oil stains, paint and other problems;
- During the plug-in, it is ensured that the electronic components are closed on the PCBA to avoid unevenness and to uncover soldering pads well;
- If there is a direct indication on the surface of electronic components, we make sure that it is plugged in the correct direction;
- Attention is paid to the power strength of the plug-in components and to the PCB to avoid any damage due to excessive strength;
- Electronic components are not beyond the edge of any PCB board/frame, and we pay attention to the height and spacing between electronic components.
- Multiple PCB testing guarantee services: manual testing, AOI testing, X-RAY testing, aging testing, flying probe testing, etc.
Conclusion
Dual inline packaging has a rich legacy in the PCBA industry and continues to be utilized today. Despite the manual-intensive nature of DIP insertion, which demands substantial labor and may result in higher failure rates due to fatigue and other factors, the electronics processing industry still heavily relies on DIP technology. Presently, SMD adoption accounts for approximately 70% of the market. However, achieving automatic insertion for projects involving large-scale components, such as industrial control boards, remains challenging. Consequently, DIP processing technology is continuously advancing, with notable developments in automated DIP assembly equipment enabling mass production, as exemplified by companies like FS Technology.
FAQs about DIP Package
Not at all. While it’s no longer the first choice for mass-produced, miniaturized consumer electronics, it remains highly relevant and widely used for prototyping, education, and in industries that value reliability and ease of maintenance over small size.
While 64-pin DIPs exist, they are rare and mechanically unwieldy. The practical upper limit is around 40 pins. For higher pin counts, SMD packages like QFP or BGA are necessary.
Absolutely. DIP packages are one of the easiest IC packages to hand-solder using a soldering iron, and they are equally easy to desolder with a solder sucker. This is a key reason for their enduring popularity.
The primary difference is the mounting technology. DIP is a through-hole package, while SOP (Small Outline Package) is its surface-mount counterpart. SOP is much smaller and has a lower profile but is harder to hand-solder and lacks the mechanical strength of a through-hole connection.
The window is made of transparent quartz and allows UV light to pass through to erase the data on an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory) chip, making it reusable.
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