20 pin ZIF Socket

Specifications

• Socket Type: ZIF (Zero Insertion Force)
• Pin Count: 20 Pins (Compatible with 8, 14, 16, 18, and 20-pin DIP ICs)
• Spacing (Pitch): Standard 2.54mm (0.1") pitch
• Contact Material: Gold-plated copper alloy for low resistance
• Actuation Mechanism: Metal lever locking system
• Body Material: Durable, high-temperature resistant plastic
• Breadboard Compatible: Yes (standard DIP footprint)
• Mounting Style: Through-hole (PCB mountable)

Applications

• Microcontroller Programming: Essential for building custom AVR (ATtiny) or PIC programmers.
• Component Testing Rigs: Rapidly test batches of 555 timers, op-amps, or logic gates without soldering.
• EEPROM Flashing: Securely hold BIOS or memory chips during read/write cycles.
• Prototyping: Upgrade your breadboard with a dedicated, wear-free IC slot.

Unlock New Capabilities

• The Foundation: If you've been pushing standard ICs directly into a breadboard or cheap socket, you know the anxiety of prying them out with a screwdriver.
• The Upgrade: Integrating this 20-Pin ZIF socket unlocks rapid-fire programming. You can now design a custom Arduino shield or standalone PCB programmer where swapping out a programmed ATtiny takes literally two seconds.
• The Effort: Beginner Friendly. No complex wiring required. Simply treat the ZIF socket as a direct extension of the IC pins. If you can solder a standard header, you can mount this socket. We stock this specific high-durability variant consistently, making it Probots LifeCycle Ready  for your institutional training kits or production testing jigs.

Virtual Technician & Wiring Guidelines

• Pin Mapping: The pins on the bottom of the ZIF socket correspond exactly 1:1 with the IC placed inside it. Pin 1 of the socket is Pin 1 of your IC.
• Safety Warning: Always ensure the lever is fully in the UP position before inserting or removing an IC. Forcing a chip while the clamp is engaged will permanently damage both the IC and the socket.
• Alignment: Always align the notch/dot on your IC with the lever end (or designated top mark) of the ZIF socket to prevent reversed polarity damage during programming.

Package Includes:

• 1 x 20 pin ZIF Socket

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What does ZIF stand for?
  ZIF stands for Zero Insertion Force. It means no downward pressure is required to insert the chip into the socket.
• How do I lock the IC into the ZIF socket?
  Simply drop the IC into the socket with the lever in the vertical (up) position, then push the lever down horizontally to lock the pins in place.
• Can I use an 8-pin IC in this 20-pin socket?
  Yes. You can use any standard DIP IC with 20 pins or fewer. Just ensure you align the IC correctly according to your programmer's instructions (usually top-justified near the lever).
• Is this socket compatible with standard breadboards?
  Yes, the pin spacing is the standard 2.54mm (0.1") pitch, meaning it fits perfectly into standard breadboards and perfboards.
• Why are the contacts gold-plated?
  Gold plating prevents oxidation and rust, ensuring excellent conductivity and extremely low contact resistance, which is critical for accurate data transfer during programming.
• Will this fit a standard Arduino UNO IC (ATmega328P)?
  No. The ATmega328P is a 28-pin IC. You will need a 28-pin or 40-pin ZIF socket for that specific microcontroller.
• Can I solder this socket directly to a PCB?
  Yes, it is designed with standard through-hole pins meant for soldering onto custom PCBs or testing rigs.
• What is the maximum voltage this socket can handle?
  The socket itself is just a mechanical connector. It can easily handle standard logic voltages (3.3V, 5V, 12V) and typical IC current levels.
• Can I remove the lever if it gets in the way?
  The lever is an integral part of the clamping mechanism. Removing it will break the socket's functionality.
• Do I need to force the chip in?
  Absolutely not. If you feel resistance, ensure the lever is completely up. The chip should drop in via gravity alone.
• Is this socket suitable for surface mount (SMD) chips?
  No, this specific socket is designed exclusively for Through-Hole (DIP/DIL) package types.
• How long will this socket last?
  Our high-quality sockets are rated for thousands of insertion and actuation cycles under normal use.
• Can I use this for testing operational amplifiers (Op-Amps)?
  Yes, it is perfect for quickly testing dual or quad op-amps (like the LM358 or LM324) without wearing out your breadboard.
• What happens if I insert the IC backward?
  The socket will grip it fine, but powering up a backward IC will likely destroy the chip. Always check your orientation!