are DIP circuits obsolete?

[fernando_g]

Simple question;
are DIP (dual in line plastic) integrated circuits dead/obsolete?
A simple net browsing of any major semi vendor seems to indicate that all of their new product introductions are offered in SMT packages exclusively.

What do you think? Are DIPs going the way of metal-case transistors?

[analog_sa]

Other than supporting existing designs i see little reason for DIP. And good riddance

[timpert]

In many cases, yes, but not always:

LME49720

[gtforme00]

For hobbyist level work DIP chips are useful but lets face it, it isn't profitable to make parts for hobbyists. We simply eat the table scraps of what are presently the popular form factors / design specifications. As such we must adapt when the industry changes, which is fine because adapt is what we do best! Just as long as I can still get leaded solder I'm ok with SMT parts. They actually make most PCBs easier to make yourself, because there aren't nearly as many holes to drill.

[AndrewT]

Originally posted by gtforme00
..............with SMT parts. They actually make most PCBs easier to make yourself, because there aren't nearly as many holes to drill.

obvious, after you pointed that out.
Does leaded solder really make that much difference?

[gtforme00]

Lead free solder was/is a terrible idea IMO and is the source of endless frustration on our production floor.

It takes higher temperatures to melt, doesn't wet part leads nearly as well causing dry solder joints, and over time will grow tin whiskers that can short out fine pitch parts, even through conformal coating.

It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me. We are going to worry about the miniscule amount of lead that is enclosed inside a housing on a circuit board on a piece of equipment that will likely last many years and could easily be recycled, but then allow lead sinkers to be used for fishing gear that are completely exposed to the user and environment and frequently lost into fishing waters?

Yes I like leaded solder, if it ever gets legislated out of production in the States, I will buy a lifetime supply.

-David

Andrew, are you saying you've not used leaded solder or that you've never had the unpleasant experience of being required to used the lead free variety? Is leaded solder readily available in the EU?

[timpert]

It doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.

My thoughts exactly. ROHS solder is a pain to solder compared to leaded solder.

When I buy water plants for my pond, they have little lead slabs attached to them, so they don't float to the surface in the vendor's tank. At home they should be taken off, because it is bad for the fish (the vendor even says so) and yet this is still allowed?!?

[fernando_g]

Originally posted by gtforme00
Lead free solder was/is a terrible idea IMO and is the source of endless frustration on our production floor.

It takes higher temperatures to melt, doesn't wet part leads nearly as well causing dry solder joints, and over time will grow tin whiskers that can short out fine pitch parts, even through conformal coating.

My point exactly, soldering SMT with RoHS solder makes it doubly challenging.
Additionally, RoHS solders may have long term reliability issues. Dendrites are one common occurrence...

[poynton]

Originally posted by gtforme00
.................... I will buy a lifetime supply.................

I already have !!!

4kg in 2 different sizes



Andy

[Juergen Knoop]

Is leaded solder readily available in the EU?

yes of course, it is legal to buy, sell, possess and use leaded solder.
However if you produce commercial stuff, you have to obey several rules.
RoHS allows exemptions for telecommunication, military, medical equipment and measurement/control.
If a device is pre RoHS it is legal to use leaded solder for repair.
RoHS doesn't apply at all to transportation devices like avionics, automobiles, trains and whatever.
There may be specific rules for these, but I'm not aware of any.

What you do with leaded solder at home, is as always your own issue.
There is no 'solder police'.
regards