IC Sockets & Adapters

We offer a comprehensive range of DIL, SIL, DIMM and SIMM sockets from leading brands to suit most multiple electrical applications. including TE Connectivity, Winslow, Preci-Dip, Amphenol and 3M.

What are IC Sockets?

Most of our everyday electrical devices contain integrated circuits (ICs) or chips which are installed on the printed circuit board (PCB). Most chips are soldered directly onto the board but sometimes they need to be interchangeable, or removed, and this is when an IC socket is used.

The IC socket fits onto the board and holds the chip, protecting it from heat damage which could be caused by soldering. Programmable chips are a great example where IC sockets are used, allowing removal for testing, programming or replacement due to failure.

Types of IC Sockets

DIL – Dual in-line. These have two parallel rows of pins, available in various numbers to match the relevant IC and are normally very cost effective. A larger socket can be created by placing two smaller ones together, end-to-end, e.g. two 8-pins become 16-pin. There's a choice from leading brands including 3M, Amphenol, ASSMANN WSW, E-TEC, Harwin, TE Connectivity, Preci-Dip, Winslow and Mill-Max.
SIL – Single in-line. This socket has a single line of pins and are frequently used in smaller applications like resistor arrays or boards with short lead pins, such as a desktop computer. There are many different sizes and attributes available from brands such as 3M, Harwin, Preci-Dip and TE Connectivity.
DIMM – Dual In-line Memory Module. Random Access Memory (RAM) can be easily installed in computers or laptops using DIMM sockets. These are important components that help to ensure reliable connectivity. They have two separate rows of electrical contacts or pins on either side. It's a general rule that the more pins the higher the RAM it supports. There are various pin sizes available from brands such as TE Connectivity, Molex and Amphenol FCI.
SIMM – Single In-line Memory Module. These have a single row of pins which connect memory modules to circuit boards. They are space saving and can be installed at predetermined angles with positive polarisation to prevent memory modules from being inserted incorrectly. They are used mainly in older computers dating from the 1980s to late 1990s. Available in various sizes and number of pins from leading brands Amphenol FCI, TE Connectivity and Winslow.

Along with IC Sockets we also stock IC Socket Combination Inserters, Oscillator Sockets, Extractors, PLCC Sockets, Prototyping Sockets and other accessories from leading brands.