Electrical Engineering Stack Exchange
Electrical Engineering Stack Exchange

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.

284 questions
15
votes
3 answers

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
  • 12,502
  • 35
  • 64
13
votes
3 answers

What's the difference between WLP and BGA (IC packages)?

I read the following sentence in this Maxim appnote. (WLP = Wafer Level Packaging, CSP = Chip-Scale Package) WLP technology differs from other ball grid array, leaded, and laminate-based CSPs because no bond wires or interposer connections are…
stevenvh
  • 145,832
  • 21
  • 457
  • 668
10
votes
1 answer

What's with TO-252 package middle lead?

This is the TO-252 package. It's got a tab, and two leads. There is, however, a "stub" of a lead, usually connected to the tab. What function does this serve? Is it a vestigial pin that mutated and was kept by selection bias? I am aware of a few…
0xDBFB7
  • 923
  • 7
  • 26
7
votes
1 answer

What happened to the TO-3 package?

TO-3 used to be a common package for power transistors, but you don't see them much anymore. It can't be just because of SMT, TO-220 is still much in use. TO-3 has a much lower thermal resistance than TO-220, so why isn't it used anymore?
radagast
  • 1,794
  • 3
  • 17
  • 28
7
votes
4 answers

Why no octagonal IC packages?

I wonder why octagonal IC packages in the LQFP times have never been a thing. In my opinion they would allow easier pcb routing, they take less space and weight for the same die size, shorter leads to the die compared to square packages as…
Nils Pipenbrinck
  • 5,137
  • 1
  • 21
  • 30
6
votes
2 answers

What kind of package is this?

I came across this package Never saw anything like this before. Does anyone know what it is and how it's supposed to be mounted?
Federico Russo
  • 9,688
  • 17
  • 69
  • 119
4
votes
3 answers

SM8 package orientation

I've received chips PCA9306DCTR (from Texas Instruments) but they don't have any dot or notch to define it's orientation (i.e. where is the pin 1). In the datasheet there is a picture of this chip (in SM8 package) and it has a notch. However chips…
ovk
  • 165
  • 3
4
votes
4 answers

What is the difference between Commercial and Industrial temperature range IC physical parts?

If I buy the Industrial and Commercial variants of the same IC, besides the markings what differences are there in the actual parts? Seems like they must use the same die, so is it different formations in the packaging material? Different types of…
bigjosh
  • 10,088
  • 32
  • 52
3
votes
2 answers

To-scale images useful for comparing sizes of small (SOT23 and smaller) packages typical for discrete transistors or diodes?

Is there a to-scale image available somewhere that shows SOT23, SOT323, SOT523, etc. packages used typically for discrete transistors or diodes, so that someone without access to a PCB layout program could compare them? All I could find is…
Jason S
  • 14,038
  • 3
  • 42
  • 70
3
votes
2 answers

What is USON package? Is it the same with UTDFN

What is USON package? Is it the same as UTDFN (ultra thin dual flat no lead)? What is the typical pin formation for 8-pin component? 4 pin on 2 side? 2 pin on 4 side? What's the different with QFN?
Daniel
  • 499
  • 3
  • 7
  • 11
3
votes
1 answer

Were single-in-line packages (SIP) ever popular in the West? Or even used much?

My impression is (and I could be wrong) that single-in-line packages (SIP) were never popular in the West (relative to DIPs anyway), while they saw more adoption in Japan and in Asia in general. I'm saying this based on how I see the current state…
the gods from engineering
  • 14,475
  • 2
  • 45
  • 98
2
votes
1 answer

Where do I get custom packaging for my complete .NET Gadgeteer project?

I'm considering using a GHI system-on-module (and related accessories) for a .NET Micro project. I want to have a high quality, waterproof case for my design, but I'm unsure where to go on my next phase. How do circuit designers generally approach…
makerofthings7
  • 523
  • 1
  • 5
  • 11
1
vote
3 answers

Space-grade flat package SMT

I wonder about space-grade ICs in flat packages. Space-grade flat package ICs have very long leads compared to the commercial versions. If I use a flat package IC on my CubeSAT board, can I modify the lead length by cutting or bending?
mark-r6
  • 15
  • 2
1
vote
2 answers

What is this cylindrical electronic component with six pins?

I bought a bunch of electronics in a purchase, so I wound up with lots of components I didn't expect. I could identify all of them except these 4. I have 4 little cylinders. Two are stamped "12" and two are stamped "13". Judging from the…
Eric Urban
  • 1,249
  • 13
  • 29
1
vote
2 answers

Pin numbering of FPC1020AP chip

I have a single FPC1020AP chip as shown in the picture below. The datasheet for FPC1020 says there are 19 pins, of which 15 are used. However, I cannot find the datasheet for this exact chip, which says which pad on the chip maps to which pin in the…
timos
  • 111
  • 2
1
2