Understanding the Different Types of Quad Flat Packages

Quad Flat Packages offers flexible, cost-efficient solutions to indoor and outdoor applications. A quad flat pack is a tri-fold surface-mounted interconnectable circuit package with “gull wing” aluminum leads folding on each of the four edges. Since the leads are foldable, installation is easy. However, insertion and removal of these products are difficult and contact-free soldering is required. Quad packages range from 32 to 303 pins with a standard pitch between them.

Pin sizes range from one-inch to nine-inch, depending on the pin count. Common chip sizes in a quad flat pack include Pins: 0.5 inch; I columns: nine inches; Throws: five inches; and J rows: one quarter inch. The thickness of a package at the edge is called “short edge”. Package thickness at the center is called “long edge”. Some manufacturers do provide extra insulation to cover the inside of the package to keep heat in during installation. It is possible to buy insulated quads with different thicknesses and with different package thicknesses.

Before buying, it is important to know about the available package types. The most popular among them is the kit – a relatively simple set of four parts that is generally easy to install. Quad Flat Packages with pre-installed electronic components is also available. Other popular part selection includes:

If a customer decides to build a system with several units, he may need to select different configurations for each individual device. As an example, a fine pitch device with two channels could support up to six discrete outputs. Quad Flat Packages with a fine pitch, integrated circuit packages could support up to twelve channels.

As for installation, there are two main methods – surface mount and flex fuel. The flex fuel installation uses a small amount of hydraulic pressure to induce charge into the surface mount package. The surface mount method is often more difficult than the flex fuel because surface mounts must be perfectly aligned with the quad source unit. Installation of a quad package requires skill, patience, and a steady hand.

There are many companies that sell Quad Flat Packages. In addition, there are several online stores dealing with quad flat packs. The prices of these quads vary depending on the size, type, and make of the device. The best way to save on these devices is to buy them from a company that sells and installs QFP (Quinfoil Free Part Selection) devices.