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Another common use of a SIOC-to-DIP adapter is upgrading or modifying
existing equipment.
At one time, this was a way to update the BIOS on a PC motherboard,
though more recently DIP-8 EPROMS have been less prevalent, and
surface-mount memories are more commonplace, which are usually
reprogrammable without being removed from the motherboard.
Chip substitution is also a common practice among hi-fi and pro audio
enthusiasts, sometimes called chip rolling or POOGE-ing (Progressive
Optimization Of Generic Equipment). Many of these devices are filled with
single or dual operational amplifiers in DIP-8 packages. It can be an easy,
inexpensive upgrade for an older device to put in newer opamps, which
feature lower distortion, less intrinsic noise, and lower DC-offset.
Sometimes these newer amplifiers are only available in surface-mount
packages, such as the Texas Instruments OPA1641/1642.
When doing modifications of this sort, there are a couple of things to be
aware of.
• First, note whether the original equipment has the IC in a socket. If
so, it should be easy to remove the old chip, and install the adapter.
• If there is no socket, and the old IC is soldered directly to the board,
take care in removing the old IC, to prevent damaging the PCB. It
might be easier to cut the legs off the old IC, and desolder them one-
by-one.
• If there wasn’t a socket, you might consider installing one as part of
the upgrade.
• Finally, note the orientation of the IC before you begin, so you can be
certain to get the replacement in properly.
Resources and Going Further
Resources
This board is a redesign of the now retired 8-Pin SOIC-DIP adapter.
If you’re debugging SOIC-8 based designs, you might find the SOIC-8 test
clip to be useful.
We also offer a number of other surface mount to through-hole conversion
boards:
• 20-Pin SOIC to DIP Adapter
• 28-Pin SOIC to DIP Adapter
• SOT23 to DIP Adapter
• 8-Pin SSOP to DIP Adapter
• 16-Pin SSOP to DIP Adapter
• 20-Pin SSOP to DIP Adapter
• 28-Pin SSOP to DIP Adapter
Going Further
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