4 PIN DIP SOCKET

[Lenp]

Hi all,

Here I am again looking for pure unobtainum! This time it's 4 pin DIP sockets for optoisolators.
They have the same spacing as the standard 6,8,16,18... sockets but have only a dual row of 2 pins.
Sometimes I'll use another socket and cut it down, or stack multiple opto's into a larger socket, but circuit layout can become a jumble.
I have also used cut up SIP sockets but a 4 pin socket would be best.
No luck so far at the big parts houses, unless I'm missing them.
Any leads?

Len

[dacflyer]

never seen-um 4-pin sockets. smallest i ever saw was 6-pin
good luck finding them..


i always cut up the higher quality type sockets.

see image -----> http://www.aliexpress.com/item/10-pcs-2 ... 31936.html

[Lenp]

You would think that someone would have them in view of the popularity of the 4 pin isolators!
I'll just keep looking and improvising!
Thanks
Len

[Janitor Tzap]

Here you go Lenp,
http://www.pcb-3d.com/models/th-standar ... cket-4-300


Signed: Janitor Tzap

[Lenp]

Yes, Janitor Tzap, I've seen those MillMax sockets.
Digi-Key lists them as, no stock, 102 piece min factory order at $9.00 ea. yes..that's NINE DOLLARS.
They also list a socket from TE Connectivity, at 340 piece factory order and $2 ea.
Allied, Future, Active, Mouser...all list nada!

The 6 pin version sells way less than that and other manufacturer's sockets can be had for pennies at other parts houses.

Guess it's a supply/demand issue!
I really can make a presentable 4 pin socket from an inexpensive 8 pin socket with a lot less than $9 in labor!

Len

[Janitor Tzap]

Lenp,

What are these optoisolators being used in?

Is it some kind of line buffer?

Or is it part of a complex Power Supply?

I've worked on VCR's, DVD Player/Burner's, TV's that use the 4 pin DIP optoisolator,
and everyone of them were soldered down.

I have also worked on some Print Buffers that used optoisolators {6 pin DIP},
{8 pin DIP}, and in larger packages {ISQ-74 16 DIP multiple optoisolators}.

If your project uses multiple optoisolators of the same spec's.
How about switching out the individual optoisolators for maybe a multiple optoisolators DIP?



Signed: Janitor Tzap

[Lenp]

Hi J.T.

The isolators are NEC2505-1 and they are used to isolate the I/O of a Mpu from foreign voltages. Sometimes they get zapped and it would be easier to pluck them then resolder them. These are boards that are in use so it is a maintenance issue to replace the bad, soldered in isolator, with a socketed one. The original board design had them spread around the board, and not all in one place. I am considering a board redesign, for other issues as well, and if that happens I could use a multple isolator unit, or a larger DIP socket for several of the single units.
Thanks,

Len

[Janitor Tzap]

Cool,

After thinking about it.
You may want too still use the individual isolators; NEC2505-1.
Since they are prone to electrical failures.
And having to replace a Multi-isolator Chip DIP that only has one bad section in it,
could get get costly in the long run.

In the next board design, use a modified DIP Socket or Sockets for the individual isolators.

Here is a modified 16-Pin Colet Socket that will easily accommodate 3 of the NEC2505-1.
Pins 3, 6, 11, 14 are removed for spacing, and easier access to the isolators.


Signed: Janitor Tzap

[dacflyer]

i have done something like that before also..the pins pop out rather easily..
those type sockets, since i discovered them, i have not used the cheapos since then..
very good quality, especially if you happen to come across gold plated ones.
i found a bag full of assorted sockets at flea market. easily over 100.00 worth..got em for a dollar

[Lenp]

Hi,
Sure that will work in a redesign. Even the cheap socket can have their pins cut or the terminals pushed out.

I might also consider putting a drop of black nail polish in the unused holes to show it was a space intended rather than an active pin. For DIP relays, since they skip some pins in their footprint, I remove the unused socket pins to make the board layout less cluttered.

Who would have thought that something as minor as this little socket could be such an issue. Even the overseas importers seem not to offer them...!

Many thought provoking ideas for the next revision of the board.
Thanks all!

Len

[Dean Huster]

Do they still make Molex Soldercons? You can make custom sockets with those. Unless you're in a manufacturing mode, cutting down an 8-pin socket seems most prudent to me. And it would be perfect if you needed to socket 2 isolators. Or you can start using isolators in larger packages so that you have to use an 8-pin socket!

[Lenp]

Hi Dean,
I haven't seen those for years so I guess they went by the wayside. I found that a SIP socket, the ones that have turret terminals can be broken apart to make either 2-2 pin or 4-1 pin sockets for the isolators. These are also useful for jumper and test point sockets since they will accept a small wire. I tried them on a board but you really need a junk IC to hold the pins in alignment since there is not much tolerence for error.
Len

[Dean Huster]

And then you risk a tinned IC pin getting just hot enough to adhere to the socket pin. Use an IC with gold plated pins -- tough to find these days.