Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Pin grid array
The pin grid array or PGA is a type of packaging used for integrated circuits, particularly microprocessors. The integrated circuit (IC) is mounted in a ceramic slab of which one face is covered, or partially covered, in a square array of metal pins. The pins can then be inserted into the holes in a printed circuit board and soldered in place. They are almost always spaced a tenth of an inch (2.54mm) apart. For a given number of pins, this type of package occupies less space than older types such as the dual in-line package (DIL or DIP).
The plastic pin grid array (PPGA) and later flip-chip pin grid array (FCPGA) versions were both created by Intel Corporation for their Pentium processors, and are often used on motherboards with ZIF (Zero Insertion Force) sockets to protect the delicate pins.
The contents of this article is licensed from www.wikipedia.org under the GNU Free Documentation License. Click here to see the transparent copy and copyright details