(shuffleboard optional). ICs typically contain a number of transistors, resis-
tors, and capacitors connected on a silicon chip to make a functional circuit
in one small package.ICs, as well as some other electrical components, can be susceptible to elec-
trostatic discharge (in other words, zapping). For that reason, be sure to also
get yourself an anti-static wrist strap (as we discuss in Chapter 2) for your
electronics workshop.ICs come in many packages
Manufacturers make ICs in many types of packages or containers. (A whole
valley in California is dedicated to this type of thing.) The type of package
that you use either in a breadboard or a circuit board is a dual inline package
(DIP). A DIP is made up of plastic that encapsulates a silicon chip, with a row
of metal leads running on either side of the plastic. You insert these leads
into the contact holes in a breadboard and connect components on the
breadboard with the circuitry on the silicon chip. (See the later section,
“Breadboard Basics,” for more about this process.)DIP ICs are identified by the number of leads they have, such as 8-pin DIP,
14-pin DIP, 16-pin DIP, 18-pin DIP, and so on. Figure 3-6 shows a few common
DIP ICs.Figure 3-6:
An assort-
ment of DIP
ICs (8-pin,
14-pin, and
28-pin).
Chapter 3: Assembling Your Electronics Arsenal 43