28 pin Universal ZIF Socket – 2.54 mm IC Locking Seat

Description

The 28 pin Universal ZIF Socket – 2.54 mm IC Locking Seat is an essential tool for anyone who frequently programs, tests, or swaps out Integrated Circuits (ICs). Standard IC sockets require you to push the chip in and pry it out, which often leads to bent or broken pins. This Zero Insertion Force (ZIF) socket solves that problem entirely using a simple mechanical lever.

Available at Tomson Electronics, this socket is specifically engineered with a universal 2.54 mm IC locking seat to accommodate DIP (Dual In-line Package) chips. Simply pull the metal lever up to open the internal contacts, drop your 28-pin (or smaller) DIP IC into the socket with literally zero force, and push the lever down to securely clamp the pins in place. It is perfect for custom Arduino-compatible boards (fitting chips like the ATmega328P), EEPROM programmers, and universal chip testing rigs.

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Specifications

• Socket Type: Universal ZIF (Zero Insertion Force)
• Pin Count: 28 Pins
• Pin Pitch: 2.54 mm (0.1 inch)
• Seat Type: Mechanical IC Locking Seat
• Compatible Component: Integrated Circuits (ICs)
• Compatible IC Packages: DIP (Dual In-line Package) up to 28 pins
• Contact Material: Copper alloy
• Color: Typically Green

Applications

• IC Programming: The primary component used in building custom universal programmers for flashing EEPROMs, flash memory, and DIP microcontrollers.
• Prototyping: Ideal for test jigs and breadboard environments where multiple different DIP chips need to be tested sequentially without wear and tear.
• Arduino DIY: Perfect for flashing bootloaders onto bare DIP ATmega328P chips before transferring them to permanent PCBs.
• Quality Control: Used in industrial settings to quickly test batches of DIP integrated circuits securely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I put a DIP IC with fewer than 28 pins into this locking seat?
A: Yes! You can safely insert smaller DIP ICs (such as 8-pin, 14-pin, or 16-pin chips) into this socket. You just need to ensure you align the chip at the correct end of the socket (usually aligned to the bottom, but refer to your specific programmer's software for exact placement instructions).

Q: Will this fit surface-mount (SMD) ICs?
A: No. This specific locking seat is designed strictly for through-hole DIP (Dual In-line Package) chips. To program SMD chips, you would need a specialized SMD-to-DIP adapter socket.

Q: How does the IC locking seat actually work to hold the chip?
A: When the lever is up, the internal metal contacts slide open, allowing the straight pins of your DIP IC to drop freely into the holes. When you push the lever down, a cam mechanism slides the contacts sideways, firmly gripping the sides of the IC pins to create a solid, vibration-resistant electrical connection.

Package Includes

• 1 × 28 pin Universal ZIF Socket – 2.54 mm IC Locking Seat