Some small adapter boards to help with prototyping SMT packages on a breadboard.
I used KiCad to draw these.
Usually you would start with a schematic and a symbol and then lay out the PCB.
In this case I just opened the PCBNew application and ad-hoc added the footprints and then drew traces to wire them up.
- SOIC
- 8
- 14
- 16
- SOT-23
- 3
- 5
- DPAK / TO-252
- D2PAK / TO-263
- Discrete 0406 / 0603 / 0806 / 1204 packages in a DIP carrier footprint
- x4
- x7
I will add more footprints as I need them.
I Used OSHPark to have these made. Mostly because I don't have a setup to make my own boards.
For convenience, I shared the uploaded board projects:
| Part | Link |
|---|---|
| SOIC-8 | https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/7HKL5QIy |
| SOIC-14 | https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/QcCbjX4y |
| SOIC-16 | https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/uA6pM7Gf |
| SOT-23 | https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/ge0wqWtr |
| SOT23-5 | https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/e4J13SY4 |
| SMD-6 | https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/h2nZ3u9U |
| TO-252 (DPAK) | https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/cjtZqxyG |
| TO-263 (D2PAK) | https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/tPH46DG8 |
| 0406/0603/0806/1204 x4 | https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/MdGxr2ob |
| 0406/0603/0806/1204 x7 | https://oshpark.com/shared_projects/SLZF8xvz |
I am not affiliated by or sponsored by OSHPark. I just am really happy with the kind of service they provide.
These steps assume you have
- A fine point soldering iron
- Fine electronic solder - I have 22 gauge
- Solder flux.
Start by soldering the SMT device to the PCB
- Use as fine of a tip of a soldering iron as you can
I have a hot air solder station. I use a fine point solder iron here, as this is more likely what most people would have.
- Use a bit of solder flux across all the pads.
- Orient the package over the pads
I like to use a pair of tweezers
- Tack one of the pins with a bit of solder loosely.
- Make sure the package is still lined up. If it is not. Reheat the pad we tacked it with, use tweezers to nudge the package until it is aligned.
This is the hard part and takes practise.
- Drag a bit of solder across the pins
This part is fun. The solder mask prevents the solder from sticking between the pads. The flux helps the solder to flow evenly over each pin. We want to use as little solder as possible here.
- Clean the extra solder flux off with a bit of rubbing alcohol and a q-tip or small sponge.
If your device is static sensitive, work on a grounded or ESD safe surface.
-
(Optional) : Where applicable, if you would like a decoupling capacitor, solder the 0603 package capacitor to the back
-
Cut stock pin headers as needed.
- Dry fit place the headers into the holes. Test alignment with a proto board or breadboard.
But do not solder with a lot of heat on the breadboard, it migh melt the breadboard socket guides.
- Solder the pins all the way.
And then the final result:
It is the similar idea for the other packages, just with more or different pins really.