breadboardintegrated-circuitpcbsocketsoldering
I have recently purchased several Atmel's touch sensor IC's AT42QT1010 which are extremely tiny (1.6mm x 2.9mm) and I would like to be able to mount them on a breadboard. I have tried soldering them to a PCB but I just can't solder that precisely so I always end up soldering the pins to each other.
Is there any IC socket (or anything else) that would increase its size or at least the space between the pins?
I like to start with a piece of graph paper with a 100mil grid. You can set the components out and draw connections and start with a good layout plan.
To make wiring and changes easy I like to use a lot of micro-clips (Vector T42-1) and pins (Vector K24A). I run short jumpers to the clips and pins. I then solder the components to the clips and pins. I use bus wire and teflon sleeving (where necessary).
I put together some hints, a supply list and example pics. See breadboard hints
There are DIP adapters for several SMD packages. Your specific one looks like a SOT-25 and an adapter like the following could be used
You can either make these adapter boards yourself (if you produce your own homemade board) or buy then from an online store.
This image is just an example of the variety of SMD to DIP boards
Best Answer
I presume you got the SOT23-6. Could be worse, they do make chips in even smaller leaded packages, and extremely small leadless packages. They don't make sockets for chips this small, possibly aside from expensive and very bulky ZIF sockets. These chips are just meant to be soldered down onto a board. I would recommend getting a breakout board that will convert this chip to a DIP form factor for breadboarding. Just search on ebay for sot23 adapter and you'll find a bunch of breakout boards, make sure you get one with the correct pin pitch. You'll have to solder the chip to the breakout board yourself, but once it's on there you should be good to go.