IC Adapters
Browse directional IC adapter conversions for programming, prototyping, testing, SMT, and production applications.
IC adapters let you use surface-mount and non-standard package ICs wherever a conventional through-hole DIP socket is expected — whether that’s a device programmer, a breadboard, a test fixture, or a PCB designed for a different footprint. Every adapter is named by package direction: the top package is the device side (what you plug in or clip to), and the bottom package is the target or programmer side (how the adapter connects to your equipment). So a SOIC-to-DIP adapter accepts a SOIC chip on top and presents DIP pins on the bottom.
Use the directory below to jump to the adapter family you need. If you don’t see your exact combination, contact us for a custom solution — we build custom IC adapters for production test, engineering samples, and legacy part support.
Adapter Families
| Package Family | Conversion Link | Description |
|---|---|---|
| MSOP | MSOP → DIP | Narrow MSOP package to DIP for programming and prototyping |
| QSOP | QSOP → DIP | Quarter-pitch SOP to DIP |
| SOIC | SOIC → DIP | Most common SMT-to-DIP conversion; covers flash, EEPROM, and logic ICs |
| SOT23 | SOT23 → DIP | 3–8 pin small-outline transistor package to DIP |
| SSOP | SSOP → DIP | Shrink SOP to DIP for programming and prototyping |
| TSOP | TSOP → DIP | Flash memory packages (NAND/NOR) to DIP |
| TSSOP | TSSOP → DIP | Thin SSOP to DIP |
| QFN | QFN → DIP | Leadless QFN/MLF packages to DIP |
| QFP | QFP → DIP | Quad flat pack (QFP/TQFP/LQFP) to DIP |
| PLCC | PLCC → DIP | J-leaded PLCC to DIP for programming |
| SOIC | SOIC → SOIC | SOIC socket to SOIC SMT footprint for in-circuit production test |
| QFN | QFN → QFN | QFN socket to QFN SMT footprint for production test |
| QFP | QFP → QFP | QFP socket to QFP SMT footprint for production test |
| PLCC | PLCC → PLCC | PLCC socket to PLCC plug for in-circuit test and emulation |
| DIP | DIP → PLCC | DIP IC in a PLCC board socket — emulation and BIOS replacement |
| DIP | DIP → SOIC | DIP IC into a SOIC board footprint — emulation and in-circuit replacement |
DIP Emulation Adapters
Some adapters work in the opposite direction: a DIP socket on top and an SMT plug on the bottom. These are used when your board has an SMT footprint (PLCC or SOIC) but you want to socket a DIP IC — common for BIOS replacement and legacy board repair. The naming reflects the physical direction:
- DIP to PLCC — DIP IC plugs into the top socket; the PLCC plug installs into your board’s PLCC socket
- DIP to SOIC — DIP IC on top; SOIC adapter board connects to your SOIC footprint
Common Applications
Device programming. Most IC programmers (Xeltek, Elnec, BPM, Data I/O) accept DIP-40 or ZIF socket modules. Our adapters let you program SOIC, TSOP, QFP, PLCC, and other SMT packages on those programmers without changing the base unit.
Prototyping and breadboarding. Adapters that break out SMT pins to 0.100″ DIP spacing let you use surface-mount ICs directly on solderless breadboards or through-hole prototype boards during development.
In-circuit replacement. PLCC and SOIC emulation adapters allow DIP ICs to be socketed into boards that have SMT footprints — useful for BIOS chip swaps, legacy board repair, and field replacement without hot-air rework.
Production test and ATE. Socket adapters for QFN, BGA, and LGA packages allow engineering samples and production parts to be socketed on test fixtures without soldering, enabling quick swap-in/swap-out during functional test.
Don’t See Your Package?
We stock hundreds of adapters for common package combinations, and we manufacture custom adapters for unique or high-volume requirements. If you need a package not listed here — or a non-standard pitch, body size, or pin count — contact our engineering team. Include your top and bottom package specs and we’ll recommend a stock solution or quote a custom build.