SOIC8/SOP8 test clip, 8 spring contacts, IDC 2x4 cable, DIP8 adapter

The SOIC8 / SOP8 test clip is an accessory for reading and programming serial memories without removing the chip from the board, by directly clipping the clamp over the 8-pin package. It is intended for EEPROM memories from the 93CXX and 25CXX series, including BIOS chips from common families such as Winbond, MXIC, EON, ST, SST, Atmel, GigaDevice and others, used on motherboards, routers, automotive modules and other equipment with SMD-mounted serial memory.

The clip has 8 spring-loaded metal contacts, with a 1.27 mm pitch, specific to SOIC8 / SOP8 packages, and fits both narrow 150 mil packages and wide 200 - 208 mil packages, thanks to its movable-arm construction. The contacts are connected by an 8-wire ribbon cable to a 2x4-pin IDC connector, and the differently colored wire in the cable marks the position of pin 1, which must exactly match pin 1 of the chip, marked by the dot or notch on the package. For memories in the 25CXX series, the pins have the standard functions CS, DO, WP, GND, DI, CLK, HOLD and VCC, while 93CXX memories use the Microwire protocol, with a different pin arrangement, so always check the chip datasheet before connecting.

Among the main features are the 8 spring contacts for solder-free attachment, the 8-wire ribbon cable terminated in a 2x4-pin IDC connector, and the included adapter board, with the same IDC connector on one side and 8 DIP8-format terminals on the other, made to be inserted into the ZIF socket of a programmer. The clip has no own power supply, and the chip clamped in the clip is powered through pin 8 (VCC), with voltage supplied by the programmer to which the assembly is connected.

Through the 2x4 IDC connector and the adapter board with DIP8 output, the clip is compatible with USB programmers for serial memories such as CH341A and with other programmers or DIP8 sockets that accept SOIC8 / SOP8 chips, being useful both for laboratory programming and for reading or writing chips directly on the board, without removal.

Specifications:

Type: SOIC8 / SOP8 test clip with 8 contacts

Pin pitch: 1.27 mm (50 mil)

Package compatibility: narrow SOP8 (150 mil) and wide SOP8 (200 - 208 mil)

Memory compatibility: EEPROM and serial flash memories from the 93CXX and 25CXX series, BIOS chips

Cable connector: 2x4-pin IDC

Mounting: Solder-free, by direct clamping onto the chip

Package contents: 1 x SOP8 test clip, 1 x adapter board

Pinout:

Use:

Identify pin 1 of the SOP8 chip, marked by a dot or notch on the package, usually in the top-left corner.

Clamp the clip over the chip, with the jaws positioned perpendicular to the package, so that the differently colored wire in the cable, which marks pin 1 of the clip, matches pin 1 of the chip.

Visually check that all 8 contacts touch the corresponding pins and that no contact is shifted by one position relative to the chip pins.

Insert the IDC connector of the cable into the header on the adapter board, then insert the DIP8 terminals of the adapter board into the programmer’s ZIF socket, with pin 1 facing the handle, following the marking on the programmer.

If you are using the clip in-circuit, on a board normally powered from its own supply, disconnect the board’s power supply and battery before attaching the clip, because the chip is powered during programming through the programmer, via the VCC pin.

Open the programmer software, let it automatically detect the chip or manually select the exact model from the list, then perform a read and save a backup before erasing or writing new data.

Do not confuse the pins of 93CXX memories with those of 25CXX memories, because the arrangement of the DO and GND signals differs between the two families, and an incorrect connection can lead to erroneous readings or chip damage.

For stable results, check the supply voltage supported by the chip being tested before connecting it to the programmer, because some memories operate at 1.8 V and require a separate voltage adapter, not included in this set.