Questions tagged [packages]

In electronics packages refer to the physical encapsulation of a device. Most package names are standardized, so for example a TO-92 package will have similar dimensions and pin spacing between manufacturers so the same PCB footprint may be used. Be aware however many packages have subtle variations, for example TO-206AA, TO-206AB and TO-206AC.

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Why do some diodes have a glass package?

Put simply, why do some diodes such as most Zeners and Schottky diodes have a glass package as opposed to the more traditional plastic package? Is it ease of manufacturing, thermal properties, or some other electrical phenomenon?
Hugoagogo
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Is there a difference between SOIC and SOP?

I'm looking at two integrated circuit packages: SOIC and SOP. They seem (almost) identical (pitch, overall size, etc...) SOP SOIC Is there any important differences between these two packages that I am overlooking?
Ryan Jensen
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ICs ("chips") are typically packaged in what material?

ICs are typically packaged (encapsulated) in a black "plastic". What is this packaging material made of? (source)
Sparkler
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Why do radiation hardened IC packages often have long leads?

What purpose do long leads serve?
Dojo
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What is the difference between SOT 23 and SOT 23-3 package types?

I am faced with two types of packaging: SOT 23 SOT 23-3 Is there some difference between them? Based an article in Wikipedia it seems like there are no differences.
KMM
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What's the main differences between a TSSOP and a SOIC and when would you use one over the other?

I was recently looking at some SPI SRAM chips at Mouser and noticed that a particular IC came in both a SOIC-8 and TSSOP-8 package. The specs seem identical but the price is different (not by much, but different). Visually, it looks like you could…
cbmeeks
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What well-known ICs have essentially no packaging?

As a kid I once found a calculator whose IC was protected only by a loose plastic cover. With the cover removed, and with appropriate lighting, I could make out distinct features of the IC– including company logos– with a simple classroom…
rezmason
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Why is there copper on the side of this package?

I'm searching around digi-key when I noticed one of the MEMS oscillators has these copper pieces on the edge of the package: I'm not talking about the pads, I'm just talking about those little copper pieces on the side of the package. I've seen…
Funkyguy
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Why do many old ceramic packages have a gold line?

I noticed a lot (but not all) of ceramic packages seem to have a gold line. What is the function of this line? (I'm not talking about the soldered cap that the die will be placed under, but the gold line going towards the bottom-left of the package…
Joren Vaes
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Using decapped ICs in production

We were looking for a very specific type of ADC in a small package for one of our projects, and found something suitable in a TSSOP. We wanted to save more space, so looked into getting bare dies; the manufacturer confirmed the dies are 2mm square,…
Jack B
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What is the impact of package on SMD capacitor

Most of electronic component exist in different package for different reason, it can either be power rating, reachable value, power dissipation... As far as I understood, the size of resistor principally impact the power rating. So, a 1kΩ resistor…
M.Ferru
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What is the difference between VQFP, HVQFP, TQFP & PQFP?

VSC7145XRU-31/C - this IC uses PQFP package the replacement component for that TLK2201 uses HVQFP package also TLK2541 uses TQFP that's why i wanted to know whats the clear difference between them
K S K Chaitanya
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What is a good methodology to identify small SMD components?

Having been in the position of trying to identify a strip of mystery 0603 components I found on my floor, I thought a good general question to pose to this community might be what a recommended set of steps could be to identify similar unknown…
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What is µMAX IC package?

While ordering free samples from Maxim I have often seen components packaged as µMAX. What is µMAX? When googling for it all I get are some Maxim components. If I look at google images I get an assortment of SMD and DIP package pictures that bear…
Majenko
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‘One for all’ standardized land pattern v.s. specified land pattern in datasheet

I’ve designed lot of ‘simple’ PCBs for hobby and proof-of-concept purposes, but never for (mass)manufacturing. In order to do so in the future, and further expanding my design skills and knowledge, I’m exploring the different package outline…
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