Flatpack (electronics)
Encyclopedia
Flatpack is a US military standardized Printed-circuit-board
surface-mount-component
package. The military standard MIL-STD-1835C defines:
The standard further defines different types with varying parameters which includes package body material, terminal
location, package outline, lead
form and terminal count.
to achieve improved heat sinking
. The first devices measured 1/4 inch by 1/8 inch (3.2mm x 6.4mm) and had 10 leads.
Printed circuit board
A printed circuit board, or PCB, is used to mechanically support and electrically connect electronic components using conductive pathways, tracks or signal traces etched from copper sheets laminated onto a non-conductive substrate. It is also referred to as printed wiring board or etched wiring...
surface-mount-component
Surface-mount technology
Surface mount technology is a method for constructing electronic circuits in which the components are mounted directly onto the surface of printed circuit boards . An electronic device so made is called a surface mount device...
package. The military standard MIL-STD-1835C defines:
Flat package (FP). A rectangular or square package with leads parallel to base plane attached on two opposing sides of the package periphery.
The standard further defines different types with varying parameters which includes package body material, terminal
Terminal (electronics)
A terminal is the point at which a conductor from an electrical component, device or network comes to an end and provides a point of connection to external circuits. A terminal may simply be the end of a wire or it may be fitted with a connector or fastener...
location, package outline, lead
Lead (electronics)
In electronics, a lead is an electrical connection consisting of a length of wire or soldering pad that comes from a device. Leads are used for physical support, to transfer power, to probe circuits , and to transmit information...
form and terminal count.
History
The original Flatpack was invented by Y. Tao in 1962 (predating the Dual Inline Package by two years) while working for Texas InstrumentsTexas Instruments
Texas Instruments Inc. , widely known as TI, is an American company based in Dallas, Texas, United States, which develops and commercializes semiconductor and computer technology...
to achieve improved heat sinking
Heat sink
A heat sink is a term for a component or assembly that transfers heat generated within a solid material to a fluid medium, such as air or a liquid. Examples of heat sinks are the heat exchangers used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems and the radiator in a car...
. The first devices measured 1/4 inch by 1/8 inch (3.2mm x 6.4mm) and had 10 leads.