IC Sockets

IC sockets are connectors that are used to connect an integrated circuit (IC) to a circuit board or other electrical component. An IC socket consists of a series of metal contact pins arranged in the same pattern as the pins on the IC. The IC is inserted into the socket, and the contacts on the IC connect with the pins on the socket, allowing electrical signals to be transmitted between the IC and the rest of the circuit. IC sockets are commonly used to make it easier to replace an IC if it fails or needs to be upgraded, without having to solder the IC directly to the circuit board.