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About Integrated Circuits (IC's)

Integrated Circuits (aka IC's) Profile Picture Mehile "Mo" Orloff:
Mehile Orloff is one of the founding members of VCI, and has been an integral part of our growth from the beginning.

The term Integrated Circuit encompasses a broad array of component types. Since we have to start somehwere, we will attempt to cover the most common types first, then add to those as we go along. Profile Picture Mehile "Mo" Orloff:
Mehile Orloff is one of the founding members of VCI, and has been an integral part of our growth from the beginning.

  • Programable Logic - A PLD (Programmable Logic Device) is a combination of a logic device and a memory device. These chips can be programmed to perform all manner of tasks, from very simple comparator operations to complex software-like functions, all in hardware!... more Profile Picture David Hazel:
    David Hazel has been a key player for VCI since April of 2008. Not only is he a blast to have around the shop, but as our inhouse engineer, his knowledge and skill-sets have proven invaluable time and time again.
  • Microcontrollers - In layman's terms, microcontrollers contain programming, the means to execute that programming, and the capability to issue commands to external devices ... all in one chip, like a mini computer. ... more Profile Picture David Hazel:
    David Hazel has been a key player for VCI since April of 2008. Not only is he a blast to have around the shop, but as our inhouse engineer, his knowledge and skill-sets have proven invaluable time and time again.
  • Memory - there are two main categories for memory: Profile Picture Mehile "Mo" Orloff:
    Mehile Orloff is one of the founding members of VCI, and has been an integral part of our growth from the beginning.
    • Volatile Memory - Volatile memory is memory that loses its data when unplugged. Computer RAM is one common example ... more 
    • Non-Volatile Memory - Non-volatile memory is memory that can be unplugged and still retain its data. Computer hard drives and camera memory cards are both examples of non-volatile memory ... more 

General Notes:

IC Body Styles:

  • This list is by no means complete, but includes many of the most common package types ... plus a few obscure ones.
  • When these acronyms use the word “lead” it is a synonym for “pin,” not the periodic table element!
  • These acronyms are only loosely standardised
    • Manufacturers use varying acronyms to refer to some of the same types of chip packages
  • Ceramic chips are easy to identify by their sandwich, or “Oreo cookie” look.
CLDCC
Ceramic LeadeD Chip Carrier
CQJB
Ceramic Quad J-Bend
BGA
Ball Grid Array
DIP
Dual In-Line Package
Dual In-Line Pin
DO
Diode Outline package
LCC (same as CLCC)
Leadless Chip Carrier
CLCC (same as LCC)
Ceramic Leadless Chip Carrier
LGA
Land Grid Array
MLP
Micro Lead frame Package
PGA
Pin Grid Array
PLCC
Plastic Leaded Chip Carrier
PQFP
Plastic Quad Flat Package
PSOP
Plastic Small Outline Package
QFP
Quad Flat Package
SIP
Single In-line Package
Single In-line Pin
SOIC
Small Outline Integrated Circuit
Notes:
  • These may conform to either the JEDEC or the EIAJ standard
  • EIAJ SOIC body
    • Thicker and slightly longer than JEDEC
    • Approximately 5.3mm (0.209") wide
  • JEDEC SOIC body
    • Approximately 3.8mm (0.150") wide
SOT
Small Outline Transistor
  • Note: These do not have to be transistors.
SSOP
Shrunk Small Outline Package
TO
Transistor Outline package
TQFP
Thin Quad Flat Pack
TSOP
Thin Small Outline Package
TSSOP
Thin Shrunk Small Outline Package
UTSOP
Ultra Thin Small Outline Package
WSON
Very Very thin Small Outline Non-leaded Package
ZIP
Zig-zag In-line Package