[sdiy] When NOT to use sockets for chips ?

[Scott Gravenhorst]

I do it this way too, for the same reasons.

Also, I have equipment that I built years ago with IC sockets that has
developed intermittent problems.  The problems abate by reseating the ICs in
their sockets.  I've since removed the sockets on the worst boards and
resolved those problems.

Most integrated circuits, like simple logic and opamps will last literally
for hundreds if not thousands of years as long as power and signal limits are
obeyed.  There is no need to socket them unless you plan to abuse them.  The
odd IC that might fail (_extremely_ rare except for specific devices with
known issues) can be replaced an resoldered.

Note that commercial equipment applies these rules as well, and for the same
reasons that Jim lists.  CPUs, RAM, and programmable option ICs are the only
ones that are socketed.

James Patchell <patchell at cox.net> wrote:
>I do the reverse myself.  I rarely ever use sockets.  The first reason, 
>they add to the cost, the second, they reduce the reliability.  I use 
>sockets generally when a part must often be removed, like in the case of an 
>EPROM or other programmable chip that needs to be put into a 
>programmer.  The other case is when I feel I won't be using a particular 
>board for very long, and there are some expensive chips going into it..like 
>say CEM chips, or now, CA3280s.  In the past, I used to put everything in 
>sockets...
>
>At 01:53 AM 10/15/2005 -0500, megaohm wrote:
>>   I normally use sockets for chips on the stuff I build. Are there any 
>> cases/circuits where using sockets would NOT be a good idea. If so, 
>> please enlighten me.
>>
>>
>>Thanks,
>>peng
>
>         -Jim
>***************************************************************
>http://www.oldcrows.net/~patchell
>
>***************************************************************
>
>

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